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I
A General and True
HISTORY
O F T H E
LIVES and ACTIONS
Of the moft Famous
Highwaymen, Murderers, Street -Robbers, &c.
To which is added,
A Genuine Account of the FOrJGESand PLUNDERS,
ofUe moft Noted PIRATES.
Interfperfed with feveral Remarkable
T R Y A L S
Of the moft
Notorious MAL E FACT O R S,
...AT THE..-
SeffionS'Houfe in the OldBaily, London.
Adorn'd with the Effigies, and other material Tranfaftions of the moft
. remarkable Offenders, engraved on Copper-Plates.
By Capt. CHARLES JOHNSON.
Little Villains off fuhnit to Fate,
That Great Ones may e7^oy the World in State.
Garth.
BIRMINGHAM'
Printed by R. W a l k e r, at the Sign of the P r i n t i n g -P r e s s, over-
againft the Swan-Tavern in the High-Street.
MDCCXLIL
/
THE
INTRODUCTIO
WERE nve to gi-ve our Readers an uninjer-
fal Hijiory of Robbers, of all Ranis and
Degrees, from the Beginning 'of the
World to this Time, our Scheme --would he
almoj) o.s exteiiji-je, as if ive propofed to
•write the Hijhry of all Nations : We Jhould be obliged
to look back as far as the moji antient Records ivould
guide us, and the greatefl Names of Antiquity luould
claim a Place in our Memoirs. What luas Nimrod
but a fuccefsful Free-hooter ? and ivhat --Mere all the
Founders of Monarchies, but Encraachers on the Pro-
perties of their Brethren and Neighbours ? Alexan-
der luas a Plunderer of the firft Magnitude ; and
all his extraordinary Exploits, ivith 'which 'we ha've
been fo long amufed, and 'which ive ha've been taught to
fpeak of 'with fo much Admiration , 'were only Robberies
committed upon Men every Way better than himfelf.
Csefar, that other prodigious Name, 'was a Plunderer
of bis nati've Country, or (as the great Cowley has
•warmly and nobly exprefs d it) a Ravifher of his own
Mother. What better can 'we call any of his Succef-
fors luho ha've facrific^d the Li'ves and Liberties of
Thoufands of their Felloiv-Creatures to an extro.'va-
gant PaJJion ? Wlyether ive name it Tyranny, Ambi-
tion, or only Greatnefs of Soul, ''tis much the fame,
' 'while the EffeBs of it are fo 'very terrible. Happy are
•we that 'we can produce, at leaji, no modern Injlances
of Robbers of this Kind from our oivn Hijlories !
But even in Great-Britain, inhere Property is better
ft cur d than any 'where elfe in the Univerfe, and I'jhere
the Hands of the Prince (luere he inclind to make a
Prey of the People) are rejiraind ; even here, I fay,
it is impojjible to prevent Men of the loiver Clafs from
plundering their Fellovj-Subjeds. ^T'will be little to
our Purpofe to enquire hoivfar this rapacious Difpojition
may fpread itfelf; I mean, to name all the Degrees of
Men that have been, or may be infected vjith it : 'Tis
fuff.cient to obfenie, that little Villains are ofteneft
cotruilied, a W obliged ( as G-^xxh. fays) to fubmit to
Fate ; tho'' a Story in tbis Collection 'will inform us,
that it is not unprecedented for a very great Knight to
be a 'very great Robber. The poorer Sort of People,
to befure, vjere dijiurb'' d to fee fuch a Manas Fal-
ftafF do 'what thef might have fame Excufe for : But
•what did FalllafF care, fo long as he could laugh and
he fat ?
We ivould hi no Means have our Readers expeSl an
Account of all the Plunderers that have been dignified,
nnlefs they are ivilling to buy 500 Sheets, injiead of
en hundred, the Number 'we propofe. If the Reafon of
this vaji Difproportionjhouldhe demanded, ive anfwer,
A great Villain may commit more Depredations in a
fhort Time, than a hundred little ones can in a long
Courfs of Years, and confcqucntly the Memoirs of fuch
a Man muft f'wcll to a very large Bulk. Even Fal-
IbfF himfelf had been omitted, had not his Crimes been of
a publick Nature ; hut as Sir John condefcended to be
an humble Highivayman, rather than a State Offen-
der, he "very ivell merits a Place among his Brother
Collectors.
As vje fliall not, in this Colle£iion, •venture to med-
dle ivith thofe that are above us, fo neither fh all ive
trouble cur Heads ixith thofe that are ivithout us. Our
oi':n Countrymen have taken great Care that Juftice
fiould never be idle, and that Biographers of the infe-
rior Sort fhould never ivant Materials. We are daily
fenjible of the Improvements they make, and Tyburn
once in fix Weeks is obliged to groan under the Bur-
den of their Iniquities.
Lives of particular Perfons have been commonly
efieem'd the mofi ufeful Pieces of Hifiory ; they difplay
human Nature more familiarly than general Hiftories,
and the Imprefpons they leave are fironger. General
Hifiory feems not fo much the Concern of a private
Man, ivho has nothing to govern but his o'wn Pajfions,
nor can he receive any extraordinary Advantage to
himfelf from the great efi Acquaintance ivith it, unlefs
he is Philofopher enough to apply the Convulfions and
Revolutions of State to his oivn Appetites and Inclina-
tions, and even then ''tis like going to Briftol by the
Way of York, ivken he might othenvife accomplijh his
Journey in a fourth part of the Time.
We fijall not pretend to determine ivhether Examples
of virtuous Men labouring vcith Diffculties, or of vi-
cious Perfons ivho are at lafi brought to fufiice, maybe
of mofi tJ/e in this Age, (tho'' ive mufi confefs, if the
Advantage be given to the latter, ^tis a great Sign of
our Degeneracy ; ) ''tis certain both may be of confide-
rable Service, and'' t is as certain that Terror may have
fome EffeSl upon a Mind that is pafi all Senfe of Hon-
our and Virtue. The unhappy Wretches, indeed, nxhofe
Lives 'we are to give the Publick, have generally fpent
their Days in Rioting and Debauchery, which contain
all the Ideas that their abandon' d Minds could form of
Pleafure : But alas ! what are thefe, 'when compared
uvith the Pleafures of a good Confidence, •which every
honcfi Man enjoys ! Add to this, thai •whatever they
may pretend, and endeavour to appear, no reafionable
Man can think that a Perfion under perpetual Appre-
kenfiov.s ofjufiice, (as all 'wbo are conficious of the mofi
fiagrant Crimes mufi be,) can enjoy a Moments delight
even in the Way that theyj'eek it, unlefs he may be (aid
to enjoy himfelf when alibis Senfcs are entirely dro'vin^'d
in Liquor.
But it is not our Bufinefis to preficribe to our Readers,
or if it 'were, they ivould attend to us jufi as much as
they pleafcd : We fi?all take Care that every one 'who
reads our ColleSiion may he diverted, and that as many
as ivillmay be infiruded ; 'which is all ive can promije,
and, 'we believe, all that can be e.xpeiled.
The Reader may depend upon having the mofi authen-
tic Accounts of every Highv.-ayman, &;c. that can b»
A I
anji
The INTRODUCTION.
any ivhere procured, and of halving thofe Accounts in
a more agreeable Manner than they ha-ve e'ver yet
appeared in. Our ReJleSlions, 'when ive 7nake any,
/hall be juft, and naturally arifing from the Story, ivhe-
ther they are calculated to raife a Smile or a ferious
Thought ; for Occafions of both Kinds nx^ill frequently
offer themfelves in a Work of this 'Nature. We ha-ve
nothing more to fay to our Male Readers in this Place,
and therefore beg Leave to conclude ivith a fVord
or two to the Females ; ivhich is, that bejldes the Plea-
fur e 'which they may find by perifing this Book in com-
mon ivith the Men, they may expeSi to feel the fame
Pity frequently re'vi'-jd in their Breafts, ivhich they,
or fome of their fair Predeceffors, ivere formerly
touched ivith, ivhen fciieral of our celebrated Heroes
made their Exit.
Hauing premis'' d fo much, ive Jhall t/onu lay before
the Reader a feiv of the mofi material Perfons, luhofe
Liues and Dying Speeches mill be inferted in this
Work.
THE Life of Sir Heniy Morgan, a Pyrate, ivho
took Panama from the Spaniards.
The Life of Sir John Fallhff.
7he Life of Capt. Avery, a Pirate ; ivith a parti-
cular Account of his taking one of the Great Mogul'j
Ships.
The Exploits of John Cottington alias Mull Sack ;
ivith the Particulars of his robbing the Oxford Wag-
gon, ivherein he found four thoufand Pounds in ready
Cajh.
The Adventures of Thomas Waters, ivith the plea-
fant Story of his robbing fome Gipfies.
The Lives of Nan Holland and Triftram Savage ;
and the Manner of their robbing Dr. Trotter.
. The Life of Jonathan Wilde, the noted Thief-taker.
The Hijlory of Jack Shephard.
The Life of Capt. George Lowther ; with his Ad-
fuenture at Mayo in the Gulph of Matique.
The Lives of Capt. Bartholomew Roberts, Capt.
Edward England, and Capt. Edward Low, three fa-
mous Pirates.
The Life of Whitney the Butcher j ivith the Par-
ticulars of his robbing an old Ufurer, and tying his
Hands behind him, ivith his Face to the Eorfe" s Tail.
The Life of the German Princtfs.
The Life of Thomas Savage.
The Life of Sawney Beane.
Some Account of Sav/ney Cunningham, and lis Ad-
venture ivith the Ajirologer.
The Life of the Golden Farmer, and his merry Rob-
bery of the Tinker.
The Hiftory of Col. Jrxk alias Jacque.
The Life of Capt. Hind, a Highwayman.
The Hijlory of Capt. Tesch, a Pirate, commonly
caWd Bkck Beard.
The Life of the famous Claude Du Vail, a High-
ivayman.
The Life of Sarali Malcokn, executed in Fleet-
Street, for the Murder of Mrs. Duncomb, and tiva
others.
The Lives of Edward Burnworth alias Frazier,
William Blewit, Thomas Berry, Emanuel Dickenfon,
Peter Levee «WJoiin Higgs, who were executed for
the Murder of Thomas Ball in the Mint.
The Life of Lewis Howlart, a French Barber,
executed in Spittlefields, for the i7'.human Murder of
his Wife.
The Life of Jofeph Bkke alias Blueilcin, a Houfe-
breaker.
The Hiftory of the Waltham Blacks, and their
Tranfnaions, to the Death of Richard Parvin, Ed-
ward Elliot, Robert Kingflial, Henry Marfhal, John
and Edward Pine, and James Anlell alias Phillips,
at Tyburn, whofe Lives are alfo included.
The Lives of Hawkins and 5ympfon, famous for
robbing the Briftol Mail.
The Lives of John Trippuck, the Golden Tinman,
Robert Cane, Thomas Charnock and Richard Shep-
hard.
The Life of James Filewood.
The Life of Gilder-Roy.
An Account of the Murder of the Reverend Mr.
John Talbot.
The Lives of Capt. Uratz, and his Accomplices,
Highivaymcn, and Murderers o/" Thomas Thynn, Efq;
in PaU-MaU.
The Hiftory of Moll Cutpurfe, a Pick-pocket and
Highway-nvoman.
The Tryals of upivards of fixty Pirates, taken bj
his Majefty^s Ship the Swallow.
The Life of Capt. John Phillips, a Pirate.
The Life of Capt. Jolm Jaen, txecutedfor the Mur*
der of hisCabbin Boy.
THE
.»--?--
IT
6<^ /Hen,Morg-an'i<^/»Panama^A'/^i/^ /ic /otrA'^n d^ *Aa^m.arrli
(1 )
A General and True
H I S T O R Y
O F T H E
LIVES and ACTIONS
Of the moft Famous
Highwaymen, Murderers, Street-Robbers, ^c.
E begin this History with
the Life of Sir Henry Mirgan ;
who perhaps, diftinguiihed him-
felf in the Free-booting Way
as much as any Man that ever
engaged in it, and had as large
a Share of perfonal Courage and
Bravery.
This Gentleman was born in Wales, and defcended
of a very good Family there, as indeed are almoft all
of that Name. His Father was a rich Yeoman or
Fir-mer ; but yoan^ Morgan had no Inclinations to
follow thatEmployment, and therefore left his Coun-
try, and went to feek. his Fortune on the Seas, which
he imagin'd would better fuit his Temper. He was
entertainM in a certain Port where feveral Ships lay
at Anchor, that were bound for the Ide oi Barba-
dats. With thefe Ships he refolved to go into the
Service of one, who, according to what is commonly
praflifed in thofe Parts by the Englijh and other Na-
tions, fold him as foon as he came on Shore. He
ferved his Time at Barhadoes; and when he had ob-
tain'd his Liberty, thence transferr'd himfelf unto
the Ifland of Jamaica, there to feek new Fortunes.
Here he found two VeflelsofPyrates that were ready
to go to Sea. Being deftitute of Employ, he put
himfelf in one of thefe Ships, with Intent to follow
the Excrcifes of that Sort of People. He learn'd in
a little while their manner of Living ; and fo e.xaft-
]y, that, having perform'd three or four Voyages
with fome Profit and good Succefs, he agreed with
fome of his Comrades, who had gotten by the fame
Voyage a fmall Parcel of Money, to join Stocks and
buy a Ship. The Veffel being bought, they unani-
tnoufly chofc him to be the Captain and Commander
thereof.
With this Ship, foon after, he fet forth from Ja-
maica to cruife upon the Coafts oiCampeche ; in which
Voyage he had the Fortune to take feveral Ships,
with which he return'd triumphant to the fame
Ifland. Here he found at the fimeTime an old Py-
rate, nam'd Manfiielt, who was then bufied in equip-
ping a confiderable Fleet of Ships, with Defign to
land upon the Continent, and pillage whatever came
in his Way. Manfvelt feeing Captain Morgan return
with fo many Prizes, judg'd him from his Aftions,
to be of undaunted Courage ; and hereupon was mo-
ved to chufe him for his Vice Admiral in that Expe-
dition. Thus having fitted out fifteen Ships, between
great and fmall, they fet Sail from Jamaica with five
huijdred Men, both Walloons and French. With
this Fleet they arriv'd not long after at the Ifle of
St. Catherine, fituated nigh unto the Continent of
Cofta Rica, in twelve Degrees and a half. Northern
Latitude, and diftant thirty five Leagues from the
River of Chagre, between North and South. Here
they made their firft Defcent, landing moll of their
Men prefently after.
Being now come to try their Arms and Fortune,
they in a fhort Time forced the Garrifon that kept
the Ifland to furrender, and deliver into their Hands
all the Forts and Caftles belonging thereunto. All
thefe they inftantly demoliflied, reierving only one ;
wherein they placed an hundred Men of their own
Party, and all the Slaves they had taken from the
Spaniards. With the reft of their Men they march'd
unto another fmall Ifland, adjoining fo near unto
that of St. Catherine, that with a Bridge they could
get over. In a few Days they made a Bridge, and
pafled thither, conveying alfo over it all the Pieces of
Ordinance which they had taken upon the great Ifland.
Having ruin'd and dellroy'd, with Fire and Sword,
both the Iflands, leaving what Orders were neceflTary
at the Callle above-mention'd, they put forth to
Sea again, with the S'/ai/aru'; they had taken Prifo-
ners. Yet thefe they fet on Shore, not long after,
npon the firm Land, nigh unto a Place call'd Puerto
Vslo. After this they began to cruife upon the
Coafts of Cofta Rica, till finally they came to
the River of Colla, dcfigning to rob and pillage
all the Towns they could find in thofe Parts, and
afterwards to pafs unto the Village of Nata, to do
the fame.
The Prefident or Governor of Panama having had
Advice of the Arrival of thefe Pyrates, and the Ho-
llilities they committed every where, thought it his
Duty to fet forth to their Encounter with a Body of
Men. His coming caufed the Pyrates to retire fud-
B denly.
A General History of
denly, with all Speed and Care : Efpecially feeing
ihe'whole Country alarm'd at their Arrival, and that
their DeCgns were known, and confequently could be
of no great Efffft at that prefent. Hereupon they
turned to the Ifle of St. Catherine, to vifrt the hun-
dred Men they left in Garrifon there. The Gover-
nor of thefe Men was a certain Frenchman, named
ieSieurSimoii j who behaved himfelf very well in that
Charge, while Manfaelt was abfent : Infomuch that ha
had put the great Ifland in a very good Pofture of De-
fence ;. and the little one he had caufed to be culti-
vated with many fertile Plantations, which were fuf-
ficient to reviftual the whole Fleet With Provifions
and Fruits, not only for prefent Refreftiment, but
alfo in cafe of a new Voyage. Manfvclt's Inclinations
were very much bent to keep thefe two Iflands in per-
petual PoflefFion, as being very commodious, and
profitably fituated for the Ufe of the Pyrates. Chiefly
becaufe they were fo near the 5'/ia«j/^ Dominions, and
eaiiiy to be defended againft them.
Hereupon Manfvelt determin'd to return to Ja-
maica, with Defign to fend fome Recruits to the Ifle
of St. Catherine, that in cafe of any Invafion of the
Spaniards, the Pyrates might be provided for a De-
fence. As foon as he arrived, he propounded his
Mind and Intentions unto the Governor of that Ifland ;
but' he likM not the Propofitions oi Manfveh, fear-
ing lell, by granting fach Things, he (hould difpleafe
his Mailer the King of England. Befides that, by giv-
ing him the Men he defired, and other Neceffaries for
that Purpofe, he muft of Neceflity diminifh and wea-
ken the Forces of that Ifland, whereof he was Gover-
nor. Maufiiek feeing the Unwillingnefs of the Go-
vernor o{ Jamaica, and that of his own Accord he
could not compafs what he defired, with the fame In-
tent and Defigns went unto the Ifland o^Tortuga.
But there, before he could accomplidi his Defires,
or put in E.xecution what was intended. Death fud-
denly furpriz'd him, and put a Period to his wicked
Life ; all Things hereby remaining in Sufpence, till
jheOccafion we ftiall hereafter relate, put them again
into Motion.
Le Sieur Simon,, who remained at the Ifle of St.
Catherine, in quality of Governor thereof, receiving
no News from Manfvelt his Admiral, was greatly
impatient and defirous to know what might be the
Caufe thereof. In the mean while, Don John Perez
de Guz-nan, being newly come to the Government
of Co/la Rica, thought it no ways convenient for the
Intereft of the King of Spain, that that Ifland fhould
remain in the Hands of the Pyrates. And hereupon
he equipp'd a confiderable Fleet, which he fent to the
faid Ifland to retake it. But before he came to ufe
any great Violence, he writ a Letter to le Sieur Si-
mon, wherein he gave him to underfland, that if he
would furrender the Ifland unto his Catholick Ma-
jelly, he fhould be very well rewarded ; but in cafe
of Refufal, feverely punifli'd when he had forced him
to do it. Le Sieur Simon feeing no Appearance or
Probability of being able to defend it alone, nor any
Emolument that by fo doing could accrue either to
him or his People; after fome fmall Rerifl:ance, deli-
ver'd up the Ifland into the Hands of its true Lord
and Mailer, under the fame Articles they liadobtain'd
it from the .Spaniards. Few Days after the Surrender
of the Ifland, there arriv'd from Jamaica an Englijh
Ship, which the Governor of thefaid Ifland had fent
under-hand, wherein was a good Supply of People,
both Men and Women. The Spaniards from the
Ciflle having fpy'd this Ship, put forth Englilh Co-
lours, and perfwaded le Sieur Simon to go on board,
and condudt the faid Ship into a Port they afTign'd
him. This he perform'd immediately with DifTimu-
lation, whereby they were all made Prifoners. A
certain Spanijh Engineer hath publifhed an exafl
Account of the retaking of the Ifle of St. Catherine
by x^e Spaniards ■; which printed Paper, we have
thought fit to infert in this Place.
^ true and particular jie/dtitiri of the FiBorf oltain'i
by the Arms of his Catholick Majefty, againfl the F.n-
glifli Pyr^to, by the Diretlion and Fa lour of Don
John Perez de Guzman, Knight of the Order of St.
James, Governor and Captain General of Tierra
Firme, and the Province of Veraguas.
TH E Kingdom of Tterra Firme, which of itfelf
is fufficiently flrong to repulfe and extirpate
great Fleets, but more efpecially the Pyrates of Ja-
7naica, had feveral Ways notice, under feveral
Hands imparted to the Governor thereof, that four-
teen Englljh VefTels had cruized upon the Coafts be-
longing to his Catholick Majefty. The News came to
Panama, that the Englilh Pyrates of the faid Fleet
were arrived at Puerto de Naos, and had forced the
Spanilh Garrifon of the Ifle of St. Catherine, whofe
Governor was Don Efte-van del Campo ; and that they
had poffeffed themfelvesof the faid Ifland, taking the
InhabitantsPrifoners,and dtflroying all that ever they
met. Moreover, about the fame Time Hon John
Perez 'de Guzman received particular In/ormatian of
thefe Robberies frpm^ the Relation of fome Spaniards
who efcaped out of the Ifland, and whom he order'd
to be conveyed unto Puerto Velo, who more diftinftly
told him, that the aforementioned Pyrates came into
the Ifland the 2d Day of May, by Night, without
being perceived by any body : And that the next Day,
after fome DifputeS by Arms, they had taken the For-
trefTes, and made Prifoners of all the Inhabitants and
Soldiers, not one excepted, uvilefs thofe that by good
Fortune had efcaped their Hands. This being heard
by Don John, he called a Council of War, wherein
he declar'd the great Progrefs the faid Pyrates had
made in the Dominions of his Catholick Ma-
jefty.
Here likewife he propounded. That it 'was ahfo-
lutvlf neceffary to fend Jome Forces to the Ifle of St. Ca-
tharine, fufficient to retake it from the Pyrates ; the
Honour and Inter efl of his Majejly 0/" Spain being 'very
narroivly cencerned herein. Othernvije the Pyrates, by
fuch Conquefts, might eafily, in Courfe of lime, poffefs
themfehves of all the Countries thereabouts. Unto thefe
Reafons fome were found, who mde Anfwer, That
the gyrates, as not being able to fubffi in the faid Ifland,
■would of Necef/itf confume and ixafte themfelues, and be
fore A to quit it, wuithout any Necejjity of retaking it,
that confequently it 'was not 'worth 'while to engage in f>
manf Expences and Troubles, as it might be forefeen this
ivouUl cofl.
Notwithftanding thefe Reafons to the contrary,
Don John, as one who was an expert and valiant
Soldier, gave Orders that a Qu:intity of Provifion
fhould be convey'd to Puerto Velo, for the Ufe and
Service of the Militia And neither to be idle or
negligent in his Matter's Affairs, he tranfportcd him-
felf thither, with no fmall Danger of his Life. Here
he arriv'd the 7th Day oAjuly, with moft Things ne-
ceflary to the Expedition in Hand ; where he found
in the Port a good Ship, called St Vincent, that be-
longed to t\ie Company of Negroes. This Ship being
of itfelf a ftrong VeflTel, and well mounted with Guns,.
he mann'd and viftuall'd very well, and f-nt unto the
Ifle of St. Catharine, conilituting Captain Jofepfr
Sanchez Xirttenez, Major of the City of Puerto Velo,
Commander thereof. The People he carried with-
him were two hundred, threefcore, and ten Soldiers,
and thirty feven Prifoners of the fime Ifland : Befide?
thirty four Spaniards belonging to the Garrifon of
Puerto Velo, and twenty nine Mullatoes of Panama^
twelve Indians very dextrous at fhooting with Bows
I and
PjrateSy High'waymeny Murderers^ &c.
2nd Arrows, -fevcn e^peTt and able Gunners, two
Lieutenanif, two Pilots, one Surgeon, and one Reli-
gious Man of the Order of St. Trancis for their
Chaplain.
Don John foon after gave his Orders unto every
lone of the Officers, inltrufting them how they ought
to behave themfelves ; telling them withal, that the
Governor of Cartagena would alRll them with more
Men, Boats, and all fhings elfs they Ihould find ne-
ceffary for thit Enterprize ; to which Eff.ft he Jiad
already written to the f^.id Governor. Having pro-
^ ceeded thus far, Don John commanded the Ship to
weigh Anchw, and fail out of the Port. Then fee-
ing a fair Wind to blow, he call'd before him all the
People defign'd for that Expedition, and made them
a Speech, encouraging them to fight againft the Ene-
mies of their Country and Religion ; but more efpe-
cially againft thofe inhuman Pyrates, who had hereto-
fore committed fo many horrid and cruel Actions a-
gainft the Subjeftsof hisCatholick Majelly : Withal
promifing unto ivtvj one of them molt liberal Re-
wards ; but efpecially unto fuch as (hould behave
themfelves as they ought in the Service of their King
and Country. Thus Don ^ofo; bid them farewel ;
and immediately the Ship weigh'd Anchor, and fet
fail under a favourable Gale of Wind. They foon
arriv'd at Cartagena, and prefented a Letter to the
Governor of the faid City from the noble and valiant
Don Johni who received it with Tellimonies of great
AfFcftion to the Perfon of Don John, and his Maje-
fly's Service. And feeing their refolute Courage to
be conformable to his Defires and Expeftations, he
promifed them his Aifillance, which fhould be
one Frigate, one Galeon, one Boat, and 126 Men,
the one half but of his own Garrifon, and the
other half Mulattoes. Thus all of them being well
provided with Neceflaries, they fet out from the
Port of Cartagena, and in eight Days they arriv'd
within Sight of the He of St. Catharine, cowards the
weftern Point thereof. And altho' the Wind wis
contrary, yet they reached the Port, and came to an
Anchor within it ; having loft one of their Boats by
foul Weather, at the Rock call'd ihiita Signos.
Toe Pyrates feeing ihtSpaniJh Ships come to an
Anchor, gave them prefently three Guns with Bul-
lets ; the which were foon anfwered in the fame Man-
ner. Hereupon the Major Jofeph Sanchez Ximeiux
fent on Shore, unto the Pyrates, one of his Officers,
to require them, in the Name of the Catholick King
his Mafter, to furiender the Illand, feeing they had
taken it in the midil of Peace betsveen the two
Crowns of Spain and England ; and that in cafe they
would be obllinate, he would certainly put them all
to the Sword. The Pyrates made anfwer. That IJland
had once before belonged to the Government and Domi-
nion! of the King «/■ England ; and that infiead of fur'
rendring it, they preferred to lofe their Lives.
Some Days after this, three Negroes from the Py-
rates came fwimming aboard tlie Spanilh Admiral.
Thefe brought Intelligence, that all the Pyrates that
were upon the Ifland were only threefcore and twelve
in Number; and that they were under a great Con-
fternation, feeing fuch confiderableForces come againft
them. With this Intelligence the Spaniards refolv'd
to land, and advance towards the Fortreffes, which
ceafed not to fire as many great Guns agamft them,
as ihey poffibly could ; and which were ftill imfwer'd
in the fame Manner on the other Side, till dark Night.
Two Days after this, the Weather being very calm
and ciearj the Spaniards began to advance in the fol-
lowing Manner. The Ship named St. Vincent, which
rid Admiral, difcharg'd two whole Broadfides upon
the Battery call'd the Conception. The Ship call'd Sr.
Peter, that was Vice Admiral, difcharg'd likewife
her Guns againft the other Battery nam'd St. James.
In the mean while, the Spaniards were landed in fmall
Boats, direfting their Courfe towards the Point of the
Battery laft mentioned, and from thence they march-
ed cowards the Gate call'd Cortadura. TheLieutenant,
Francis de Cazeres, being defirous to view the Strength
of the Enemy, with only fifteen Men, was compelled
to retreat in all Halle, by Reafon of the great Guns
which play'd fo furioufly upon the Place where they
flood. They Ihootirg not only Pieces of Iron and
fmall Bullets, but alio the Organs of the Church ; dif-
charging in every Shot, threefcore Pipes at a
Time.
Nonvithftanding this Heat of the Enemy, Captain
Don Jofeph Ramirez de Leyva, with threefcore Men,
made a llrong Attack, wherein they fought on both.
Sides very defperately, till that at laft he overcame,
and forced the Pyrates to furrender the Fort he had
taken in Hand.
On the other Side, Captain John GaUno, with
fourfcore and ten Men, pafied over the Hills, to ad-
vance that Way towards the Caftle of St. Terefa. Iri
the mean while, the Major Don Jofeph Sanchez Xi-
menez, as Commander in chief, with the reft of his
Men, fet forth from the Battery of St. James, paf-
ling the Port with four Boats, and landing in Defpit'e
of the Enemy. About this fame Time, Captain
John Galcno began to advance with the Men he led
to the afore-mcntion'd Fortrefs. So that the Spaniards
made three Attacks on the Pyrates on three feveral
Sides, at one and the fame Time, with great Cou-
rage and Valour. The Pyrates upon this, feeing
many of their Men already kill'd, and that they
could in no manner fubfift any longer, retreated to-
wards Cortadura, where they furrender'd themfelves,
and likewife the whole Ifland, into the Spaniards
Hands ; who poflefled themfelves of all, and fet up
the 5^a«/2i Colours, as foon as they had render''d
Thanks to Almighty God for the fignal Viftory they
had obtained. 1'he Number of dead were fix Men
of the Pyrates, with many wounded, and threefcore
and ten Prifoners. On the other Side was found only
one Man kill'd, and four wounded.
There was found upon the Ifland eight hujodred
Pound of Powder, two hundred and fifty Pound of
fmall Bullets, with many other military Provifions.
Among the Prifoners were taken alfo ivio Spaniards,'
who had borne Arms under the Englip againft his
Catholick Majefty. Thefe were order'd to be fhot
to Death the next Day, by the Command of the
Major. In lefs than a Month after this, there ar-
riv'd at the Ifle an EngHJh VelTel, which'being feen
at a great Diftance by the Major, he gave Orders
to k Sieur Simon, who was a Frenhman, to go and
vifit the faid Ship, and tell them that were on board,
that the Ifland belong'd ftill to the Englljh. He
perform'd the Commands, and found in the faid
Ship only fourteen Men, one Woman, and her Daugh-
ter ; who were all inftantly made Prifoners.
The Engltjh Pyrates were all tranfported to Puerto
Feb; e.'icepting only three, who by Order of the
Governor were carried to Panama, there to work in
the Caftle of St. Jerom. This Fortification is an ex-
cellent Piece of Workmanfhip, and very ftrong ;
being raifed in the Middle of the Port, of a quadran-
gular Form, and of very hard Stone. Its Elevation
or Height is of eighty eight geometrical Feet;
the Walls being of fourteen, and the Courtines of fe-
venty five Fee: Diameter. It was built at the E.^-
pence of feveral private Perfons, the Governor of
the City furniftiing the greateft Part of the Money j
fo that it did not coft his Catholick Majefty any Sum
at all.
Captain Morgan, feeing his Predeceftbr and Ad-
miral, Manjhielt, was dead, endeavoured, by all the
Means that were poflible, to preferve and keep io
perpetual
.a Gc Her ill History cf
popeeulPflCdBoB, dwifleof Sc C«<aerar, feued
«^ —a tint of Tifa. His {siodpd Intent was to
riftnirf ir i i Frfh'r inrt 'iTnfhiijtnThrTYriTr-
ofAofePuts: pectii^ it in a faSdeu OMditioB of
hasg X Recepocle or Store-hoiA of their Preys and
Robbenes. Unco tkis Efeft ke left no Scone mt-
BMiv*d wterebr co eompafe kis DefigiE, writii^ for
the £uBe Parpofe to fercnl Meickaats tint lir'd ia
^sjaac and Kea: Ea^kal, red. perfiading tlicm to
fend kimPreviSoas ud odier necdaiy Things, to-
wards panii^ tlK &id UaBd Icco fock a Fofne of
Defence, as it m^R neither ksi aaj fiiciial Dan-
geis, nor be moved at saj SoilpQans of Lna£aa
fi«n» aar Side, that sight attempt to diiqaet it. At
lat. alf his Tko^his and Cares proved inrfiefinal,
br the Si;«acBrri& letaki^ the fi^Iiland. Yetnot-
withiandiBg, Captain MmgwL. letain'd his anoest
Qam*gs, which iafianttf pot him on new De%K.
Thm he e^ippM at fiift a Ship, with Imeatian to
gather an endre Fleet, both s& great and as ina^ as
he coold compafs. Br D^rees he pot die whole
Matter is ^ecodoa, and gave Ordeis to ererv Mem-
ber of his Fleet, that they flioidd meet at a cerain
Rrt of Ca^ Here he determinM to call a Cooocii,
and deiibetaee uieiniug «Aat was beft to favdoee,
andwhaiPbce faft they ftoddfcH cpon. Learing
iIkTc new &^paiacions in this CumlitioB, we {hall
here give onr Readers fane Accoant of the afetemea-
tion'd lie of Cdv, in whole Pbns this Expeditioo
was hatched.
J Detr^fim ^ At ySamd rf CuBA.
TH £ Kand of C^ lieth fem Eaft to Wefi, in
the Sicaatian of twenty lo three and twenty
D^jrees, Northern latitnde; beii^ in Lei^;th one
hwlredand £fty GfrwccLeagDes, and aboot forty
in Bkeadih. Its Fcitility is eqoal ta that of the Ifland
of ffjfMwfc Befides which, it afixdeih many
Things F**'!*' ^ Tradi^ and Conunexce, fach as
Hides of fevoal Beafls, poiticnlarlj thofe that in
Emwft are calTd lUe ^ JSboom. On aU Sides
it is finomded with a grest Namber of (inall Ifland;,
which go altogether imder the Name of Co^. Of
thele.litde lilaJnds the Pyratesmake as great Ufe, as
or neiravta proper inotts of Refine. neremoKCom*
manly Aey make their Meeto^ and hold their
Camnk,kowtDaCmltmareafily^^^MBcri&. It
is thonaghlT wato'd on all Sides wid the Streams of
plentifiil and pleafint Rivers, who& Entries farm both
fecnre and fpaciom Ports. Befides many other Har-
boms fat 9upa^ which along the calm Shores and
Goals adora many Pants of this rich and beaatifiil
ISaad. An which cnotiibaie very mnch to its Hip-
pine^ by Volitating the Ezercife of Trade : where-
iniB they inriie both Natives and Pute^neis.
The chiefeft of thefe Pons are, St. Jmp,
Bajmmf, Sm^m M^ia, Ejfirata Sattt, friwiitii,
Xmi m, Ctin de CtrrieMo, and others; all whicn
are lek-xA ca the Sooth -fide of die Ifland. Oa the
NartiMin-fide hereof are found tbefs following: Lm
jIviWK. Pmert* tUnmrn, SaxiM CrwB, Mata Rkm,
and Barrtam.
This Ifland hath two princqial Odes, bf which the
vh(^ Coontry is govem'd, and to which all the
TbwnsandViIbge: thereof are is Obedience. The
ij%. of thefe M v&sd'A Sc Ja^, or Sc Ja^^ \>aag
■teased on the Socih-£de, aadhartag onder iojiirif-
diftionooe half f>f the lil^iii. Tiie chief M^i£rates
keteof are a Bihopand aGovemor, who cnnmand
of the Commerce driven 2: ihz aforeniect'ca'd Cltr
ofSt.7^<5», Cometh ficn Lie Ci^jrr Iilinij, whither
ihev tianlport great Q^--u-Jes of Tcbscco, Sjgsr,
and Hides, whica Sorts ci'Merdund-is ^re cr;\»-n to
the head Chy fiom the fobordinate Too. n? arc Mila-
ges. In former Times the City of Sc. 7-:;: v; 2$ mi-
idtably fack'd by die Prrate* of Jama^:]: a^i T.-^r^r-:.
notwithfianding that ii is ceftatced by a contacerable
Cafek.
The City and Port at m firtMM, lieth between
theNotthandWeft Side of the Ifland. This is one
of the meft renowc'd and ftreageft Places of all the
ffV h£e. Its Jcnfdifiion ^'f'-ilfth i^cr the other
Halfoftfaelflana; the chiefeft Maces onder it beii^
Saata Cnee, on the Norttem Side, acd U TriaUa^
on die Sooth. FnMnhecce is trasfponed hageQoan-
eties of Tobacco^ which is fent in great Plenty to
KttoSfaim and Ctta Ska, even as £u- as the Smtb
Sea: Befides many Ships, bden with this Cmunodity,
dkat are cont'd into Sfaia, and other Farts cf Ea-
rwft, not ocly in the Leaf, but alfo in Rowls. Ti:is
CitT is defeiid«i by three Ctftlfs, ver)- great and
fatmg ; tvro of whica lie towards the Port, and tie
other is feated i^n a Hill, that asmmandedi the
Town. 'Tis eftimarad to contain ten *it<nf*fi Fa-
milies mme or lefi ; amoif which Namber of Peo-
ple the Merchants of du£ Place trade in Xrw-Sfair,
Ctwfnhr. Bmdarm, and FUHJa, All the Ships
that come fiom the Farts aforemoition'd, as a)fe
fnm Caracal, Carttgtaa, and CgfSc Rica, are necef-
fiated to take their Pnmfions in at Baoaxa, where-
with to make their Voyzge fx 5^< ; this being the
necefiiry and fireigfat CocrTe thev o jgbc to fleer for
the Sooth ^ Emnfe, and otier Parts. The Plate-
Fleet of Sfaix, which the Sfaaiardi call Fhta, htiag
Homeward-beoad, toocheth here yearly, &> take in
^ reft of their fiiil Cargo ; as Hides, Tobacco, and
Ca^ecAr Wood.
Cqitain kfmjaa had been no longer than two
Months in the abovemenuoo'd Ports of the Sooth of
CJm, when he had got together a Fleet of twelve
Sail, between Ships and great Boats; wherein he
had feven hundred fighting Men, Part of which were
Eig/^ and Part Frtaci. They call'd a Cooncil,
andfomewee of Opinion 'twere convenient to af-
iknlt the City of Hroaaa, nnder the Ccrert of the
Night ; whica Encerprize, they ikid, might eafily
be peifmm'd. efpecially if they cooM bat takeaiy
few of the Ecclefia£icks, and make them Prifooers :
Yea, thit the City niigbt be fack'd, before tee Ca-
ftles coold pat theratelres in a Pollere of De'ence.
Oiheis jffopoanced, according to their fr»-eral Opi-
nioos, other .Actfmpcs. N'otwithffanding, the for-
mer ftopofal was nje&id, becanie many of the Py-
rates had been Priibcsers at other Times in the faid
City ; acd thefe afirm'd, nothing of Confeqaence
cooid be done, nnle^ »ich £iteen honored Men.
Moreaver, that with all thi; Namber cf People they
ooght firft to go to the Ifi^nd dt in Pimt, and laaid
them in fmall Boits abcac itatamaat, foarteen
Le^nes difiant from the aforeiaid City, whereby a
aroTwip^ifti, by thefe Means, and order their De-
figns.
FiisUy, they (aw no Poffi>ilicy of gathering fa
great a Fleet ; and beret^xm with what they had,
tney coocioced to attempt fome other Place. Amoff
the reft, was foond, at h.&, coe v^ho piopoocdcd,
that they {hcald go and afiaalt the Tot, n of eiPmeru
dtlPracife. Th;s Propofiticn he endeavovr'd to per-
fnade, bj frying, he knew diit Place very we!! ; and
the VilhgTT and Towns bdon^ing to the hal^ that being at a DLdasce from the Sea, it cerer was
..-- - - -.-.. p jiatss :
The chiefeft of thefe are, 00 the
SoaAen-fide. E/^init &««r, PaerU del Priwafe,
and A^nae. Ob the Nonh-fides it huh Barracta,
and the Toi» cail'd dt is Caps. The grcaiefi Pan
Vck'd by £ny Pyiarss : Whereby the Inhabltacts
were rich, as exercifing their Trace for ready Mocey,
with thofe oi ILrvaa:, who kept he-e an euabl:da;d
CoBmeice. which confined chie£y is Hide;. Tcis
P;opofaJ
Pyratcs, Htgh-juaji'neii, Murderers, Sec.
5
Propo&l was prefendy aximitied by Csptnin Mirgas,
and tl-^ cidefol of his Companions ; arJ, hereuprai,
tiiey g^ve Orden to exery vJaptsin to weigh ^Tucnor,
and let Sail, ueering tiieir Coarie towards that Coa£:
that liedi neareli to El Piurtoiul Principe. Herea-
boots is to be feen a Bay, nam'd, by the Spaxiar^,
El Puerts dt Zazta }iLzria. B.ing arriT'd ar this
BiV, a certain Spaniard, wto was Prifoncr on bo::rd
the fleet, fwam a-ihore by NigLt, and came to the
Tov»-a of El PuiTto d^l Prijuipi, grsing Account to
the Lihabicaits of the DeSgn the PjTEtes lad agaiuli
t::e:n. This he affirm'd to have cn-er-heard in their
Ducourfe, tl-.e^- thinkir.g, at the iaine Time, he did
nit .iriaeniiiid the ExgliJbToa^x.. The Spar.-ari:,
as foon as tiiey received mis fbrrunaie Advice, Degin
miantly to hide their Riche, and carry aw-ay wnat
iSIoTCiiks the>- coald. Tie Govemo-, alio, imme-
dijtely rais'd ail the People of the Town, both Free-
men and SLnei, and, with part of them, took a
Poi, by which, of Necefiity, the Pjiars were to
pais. He commzjsded, iieuite, many Trees to be
cat down, and laid amidll the Ways, to hinder their
Paflags. la like manner, he pLic"d feveral .imbof-
cades, which were irecgthen'd w:th fome Piece of
Cannon, to plav upon tbem on their March. He ga-
ther'd, in ail, aboiit eignt hondred Men, of «ii;ch
he diiirlbuted feveral into the aibremendon'd Ana-
bd'rdes, and ^ith ti= re:l he begirt die T^rfra ; dif-
pla>"ing them upcKi the Plain of a fpacioas Field, from
wivence tiiej' could lee the coining of the Pj.Tates at
Lengtii.
Captrii JtlzTvaT:, »ith his Men, beirg now npon
the \iarcii, focnd the Avenues and Pajiiges to the
Town impenetrable. Hereupon, thcv- took their
Way through the Wood, traverfing it vnth great Dii-
ficnlr.", wiierKjy they elcap'd divers .Amhcfcades.
Thus, at lait,triev came into tfie Phin aforemennoc'd,
which, from its figure, is cill'd by the Spaxiards, la
Saia-za, or Tc£ Sheet. The Governor feeing tiiem
come, made a Detacament of a Troop of Horie ;
which he lent to charge them in die Front, rhml^mg
to difpene tiiem, and by potting tbem to Fligiit, pcr-
fae tbem widi hL' mam Body. Bat this D^gn fac-
ceeded not as it was intended ; for ti»e Pyrates march'd
in very good Rank and File, at the ^c•aI.■d of their
Drams, and with Sving Colours. When they came
nigh to the Hone, they drew into the Form of a
Semicirde, and thus advanc'd towards the SpoMiards,
who charg'd them like valiant and couragious ScJdiers,
for a wiiile : Bat feeing that the Pyrates were very
cexteroizs at their Arms, and their Governor, with
many of tiieir Companiocs, kill"d, they began to re-
treat to\;^-ards the Wood. Here they deiign'd to
Cive themielves »-idi more Advantage ; bat before
they cou'd reach it, the greateft Part of them were
nnfortttnaKly killed by the Hands of the Pyrates,
Thus they left the Aidory to tbefe new-come Ene-
mies, who had no con&krable Lois of Men in this
Battle, and bot very few woonded. However, the
SkirmrlTi contina'd for tiie Space of foor Hoars. They
enter'd the Town, though no: withou: great Re-
tiiance of fuch as were within, who defended ti^m.-
feives as long as poiSble ; thinking, by their Defence,
to hinder tne Pillage. Hereupon, manv feeing the
Enemy within the 1 own, ihut themfelves up in their
own Ho3les, and torn tCence made feveral Shot a-
gainft the P%-rites ; who percerving the Mhciiief of
tnis Diihdvsntage, prelendy be^n to threaten them;
faying. If yta d:x t JicrrcBder •othatarilj, jca. Ji^
ncx fit the Trajt ze a Flame, mmd jvmr Whxs emd
QxUrem tarm-a. Pieces be f m ttitr faces. With thefe
Menaces, ^ Sfencaris lubmitted entirely to the Dtf-
cretion of the Pjrate;, believing thev could cot
continue there long, and would foon be tbrc'd to dif-
-As fooQ as lie Pyrates had poiici'i d.eni-'HTes di
the To»-n, they endos'd all the Spamards, both
Men, Women, Caljdien, and Slave;, in fc-eral
Cnarches, and gatiser-d all the Goods the%- cociM
£nd by way of piUage. Aiter*-ards the;.- ieardi'd
the whok Country- ro^ad abunt the Tcrsii, bringing
in, Ifey by Day, many Goods and Prifonert, sita
much Provifion. With this, they fell to baaqaetting
among themielves, and mplriTig great Chear afier
their cifiomary Way, withKit remembering die poor
Prilbnen, whom they permitted to Sarve in the
Churches for Hanger. In the mean Time, they
ceas'd not to torment them daZy after an •"■nJ-.r^Tmn
Manner, thereby to make them coc^ ^iere they
had iud tiieir Goods, Monies, and other Thing? ;
though litt-e or norhtng vi-as left them. To this Ef-
feS tney punifh'd aHb the Wwnen and b'tde QlU-
dien, giving tLem nothing to eat ; whereby tiis
greateft part perith'd.
Whea xksY codd £nd no more to rob, and th^r
Provifions began to grow fcarce, tkey diOugiit k cnn-
venient to depart, and feek new FoTtnnei in other
Places. Hence ^Msy inrmrirprl to die Friteexs, Tia^
they fiivdi fad Mamies f raxJitB tbaajekxs, elji
theyjhxdd be ell treujpartid t» Jamaka. Which be-
Mj- dtme, if the} £d *at pay a feemd RmMiim fyr the
Ta^jnt, they -jjsmU txrm e^ery Hsxf: ixta JJhcj. The '
Spaxiards hearing tbefe tevere MeiQCes, nominalsd a-
mo€ig themicives foor Fellow-pdibaeis to go and feek
for lz£ aboTooeaticKL'd CocirilxitioES. But tiie Py-
rates, to the Intent they tfaould return ipeedily with
the Ranfoxos pretaib'd, tormenred feveral in rfvir
Prefenoe, befise tiejt d^erted, witk all the Rigour
ims^inabie. After a few Days, tie Spi^xie'^ds re-
turn'd from the Fatigue of thjeir tmrsafonable Com-
miffion, rriling Captam hLrgan, Tkit they had not
icp axd drJSTt, and fear ched all the tuighharing W:iis
and PLices they mefi faJpeScd, and jct had xet ben s-
hle ti jiitd any ofth-eir >-j.n Pzrty, xsr csn'ijxettlj exy
Tmzt ef their E^ui^. Bx: if (iajd they) ism ere
fleajid ts horse a little l^^ir Paiierce 'xitb as, ^zce
fi>aU. cerlainlf cenfe ell that yet irairtd tt be paid
■Leithin the Space §f ffieen Days. C^icdn Ma^ex
v^-as contented, as it ihoald feem, to gnmi tbem this
PeddoD ; but, oof kx^ after, there caae bud the
Town leven or eight Pyrates, who hzd been rang-
ing in the Woods and Fidds, aad got dteieabosts
fcHne c(8ifideiafa]e Booty : Tbefe broi^^ amoog o-
tber Prifoners, a ceiLiiu Negroe, wiiom they had ta-
ken with Letters abcwit him. Captain ilsTgea bsr-
iag percE'd tbem, foond they were from the Gorer-
nor of St. jFegs ; beiiig written to fome of the fti-
fcHseis. WLeicin be t^ tbem. They frmedmnt melt
til mxch Hefie ta pmy ewf RtM^Jtr tiar Tinrs «r
Perftzs, sr exy itier Pretext ; l^, at the contrary,
tbey Jbali fict tf the Pyretes as ^joell es tier calx
'xitb Excxfes emd Del^s ; exptBing ts be reEfv'dbr
him •zathtM e J^trt Time, 'wbe* be 'osnld ctrt^xij
came tt their j£d. This InteI%eBCe being heard hy
Captain Mtrgan, he immediately gave Orders that
all they bad robb'd ihodki be earned on beard u^
Ships ; and, witkil, he wtimaTrd to tie Sp^ixiitrd;,
that the very next Dty they fijculd pey tteir Ran-
foms : Forafmuch as he would cot wait one Moment
longer, bet reduce the whcJe Town to Aihe=, in csfe
they feil'd to perform ±e Sum he rr—.-^cf^.
\Vith riii' Indmation, Captain X'-tc- ir?i.^f no
mention to die Spaxzenls o: the Letters he had s;-
terrtyed Wheroqxtt, tbey made ^^ anfwer,
72w/ it 'wes ttellf impsj^ls fsr thes tc gi^ce/szh e
Sum of Msmey in fi ^trt a Sfece tf Time ; feeing
their FelUu! Trsn^eex 'were vtt ta be fond is: ell the
Ctasetry th-ereehcmts. Captain Margeca knew faS
wd their InisitioBs. and, withal, thfmg^ k cot
cwivenient to raaaia there any loBger Tiaie. Hen-ce
C te
A General History of
he demanded of them only five hundred Oxen, or
Cows, together with fufficient Salt wherewith to fait
them.
Hereunto he added only tiiis Condition, that they
fhould carry tliem on board his Ships ) which they
promifed to do. Thus he departed with all his Men,
taking with him only fix of the principal Prifoners,
as Pledges of what he intended. The next Day the
Spaniards brought the Cattle and Salt unto the Ships,
and required the Prifoners. But Captain Morgan rc-
fufed to deliver them, till fuch Time as they had help-
ed his Men to kill and fait the Beeves. This was
likewife performed in great Halle, he not caring to'
Jlay there any longer, leil he fhould be furprized by
the Forces that were gathering againft him. Having
received all on board his \ ellt-ls, he fet at Liberty
the Prifoners he had kept at Holtages of his De-
mands. While thefe Things were in Agitation,
there happen'd to arife fome Diflentions between the
Englijhmen and French. The Occafion of their Dif-
cord was, as followeth : A certain Frenchman being
employed in killing and faking one of the Beeves,
an Englijh I'yrate came to him, and took away the
Marrow-bones he h.^d taken out of the Ox; which
fort of Meat thefe People efteem very much. Here-
upon they challenged one another. Being come to
the Place of Duel, the Englijhman drew his Sword
treacheroufly againft the Frenchman, wounding him
in the Back, before he had put himfelf in a jult Pof-
ture of Defence ; whereby he fuddenly fell dead upon
the Place. The other Frenchmen defirous to revenge
this bafe Aftion, made an Infurredlion againft the
EngUJh. But Captain Morgan foon extinguiftied this
Flame, by commanding the Criminal to be bound in
Chains, and thus carry'd to "Jatnaica ; promifnig to
them all, he would fee Juftice done upon him. For
although it were permitted unto him to challenge his
Adverfiiry, yet was it not lawful to kill him treache-
roufly, as he did.
As foon as all Things were in a readinefs, and on
board the Ships, and likewife the Prifoners fet at Li-
berty, they failed from thence, direfting their Courfe
to a certain Ifland, where Captain Morgan intended
to make a Dividend of what they had purchased in
that Voyage. Being arrived at the Place afligned,
they found nigh the value of fifty Thoufand Pieces
of Eight, both in Money and Goods. The Sum be-
ing known, it caufed a general Refentment und Grief,
to fee fuch a fmall Purchafe ; which was not fufiici-
ent to pay their Debts at y«OTa/Va. Hereupon, Cap-
tain Morgan propounded to them, that they fhould
think upon fome other Enterprize and Pillage, before
they returned Home. But the Frenchmen not being
able to agree with the EngUJh, feparated from their
Company, leaving Captain Morgan alone with thofe
of his own Nation ; notwithftanding all the Perfwa-
fions he ufed to reduce them to continue in his Com-
pany. Thus they parted with all external figns of
Friendfliip ; Captain Morgan reiterating his Promifes
to them, that he would fee Juftice done upon the
Criminal before mentioned, 'i'his he performed ; for
being arrived at Jamaica, he caufed him to be hang-
ed J which was the Satisfaftion the French Pyrates
could expeft.
Some, perhaps, may think, that the French ha-
ving deferted Captain Morgan, the EngUJh alone
could not have been fufficient to perform fuch great
Aftions as before their Divifion. But Captain Mor-
gan, who always communicated Vigour with his
Words, infufed fuch Spirits into his Men, as were a-
ble to put every one of them inftantly upon new De-
figns J They being all perfwaded by his Reafons,
that the fole Execution of his Orders would be a
certain Means of obtaining great Riches. Tiiis Per-
fvvafion had fuch Influence upon their Minds, that
with inimitable Courage, they all refolved to follow
him. The fame likewile did acertaiu Pyrate of Cam -
pcche ; who, on this Occafion. joined with Captain
Morgan , to leek new Fortunes under his Conduft,
and greater Advant.igc-; than he had found before.
Thus Sir Henry, in a tevv Da}-s, gather'd a Fleet of
Nine Sail, between Ships and great Boats; wherein
he had four hundred and threcfcore military Men.
After that all 'r'li'nj,s were in a good Pofture of
Readinefs, they put lorth to Sea, L.'apt.iin Morgan
imparting the Defign he h;d in his Mind, to no Body
for that Fielent. He only told them on fcveraJ Oc-
cafions, that he held it as indubitable, that he fhould
make a good Fortune by that Voyage, if ilrange Oc-
currences alter'd not the Courfe of his Defigns.
They directed their Courfe towards the Continent;
where they arrived in a few Days upon the Coaft of
Cojia Rica, with all their Fleet entire. No fooner
had tliey difcovered Land, but the Commodore de-
clared his Intentions to the Captains, and prefently
after unto all the reft of the Company. He told
them, he intended in that Expedition to Plunder Pu-
erto Veto, and that he would perform it by Night,
being refolved to put the whole City to the Sack,
not the leaft Corner efcaping his Diligence. More-
over, to encourage them, he added, that this Enter-
prize could not fell to fucceed well, feeing he had
kept it fecret in his Mind, without revealing it to
any Body, fo that they could not have Notice of his
coming. Unto this Propofition fome made Anfwer,
by alledging, they had not a fufficient Number of
Men wherewith to aflault fo ftrong and great a City.
But Captain Morgan replied. If our Number is fmall,
our Hearts are great. And the fenuer Pcrfons ive
are the more Union and better Shares ive Jhall ha've
in the Spoil. Hereupon, being ftimulated with the
Ambition of thofe vail Riches they promifed them-
felves from their good Succefs, they unanimoufly con-
cluded to venture upon that Defign. But now, to
the Intent our Reader may better comprehend the
incomparable Boldnefs of this Exploit, it may be ne-
ceflary to fay fomething before-hand of the City of
Puerto Velo.
The City which beareth this Name in America,
is feated in the Province of CoJia Rica, under the
Altitutlc of ten Degrees northern Latitude, at the
dillance of fourteen Leagues from the Gulf of Dari-
en, and eight weftwards, from the Port called Nombrf
de Dios. It is judged to be the ftrongeft Place that
the King of Spain poflefiTeth in all the Weji-Indies,
excepting two, that is to fay, Ha'vana and Cartagena.
Here are two Caflles, almoft inexpugnable, that de-
fend the City, they being fituated at the Entry of the
Port , fo that no Ship nor Boat can pafs without per-
miflion. The Garrifon confifteth of three hundred
Soldiers, and the Town is conftantly inhabited by
four hundred Families, more or lefs. The Merchants
dwell not here, but only refide for a while, when
the Galeons come or go from Spain, by Rcafon of the
Unhealthincfsof the Air, occafioned by certain Va-
pours that exhale from the Mountains. Notwith-
ilanding this, their chief Warehoufes are at Puerto
Vela, tho' their Habitations are all the Year long nt
Panama. From whence they bring the Plate upon
Mules, at fuch Times as the Fair beginneth ; and
when the Ships, belonging to the Company of Ne-
groes, arrive here to iell Slaves.
Captain Morgan, who knew very well all the A-
vcnues of this City, as alfo all the neighbouring Coafts,
arrived in the Dulk of the Evening, at the Place call'd
Puerto de Naos, diflant ten Leagues towards the Weft
oi Puerto Velo. Being come to this Place, they mount-
ed the River in their Ships, as far as another Har-
bour, call'd Puerto Pontin ; where they came to an
Anchor. Here they put themfelves immediately into
Boats
Pjrates, Highi^ajmcn, Alurdercrs, Sec.
Boats and Canoes, leavingin the Ships only a few Men
to keep them, and condud them the next Day unto tlie
Port. About Midnight they came to a certain Place
cj.]VdEjhra loiiga Lemos, where they all went on Shore,
and marched by Land to the firll Watch of die City,
Tiiey had in tiieir Company a certain Englijhma^i,
who iiad been formerly a Pril'oner in thofe Parts, and
who now ferv'ed them for a Guide. Unto him and
three or four more, they gave Commiflion to take the
Centinel, if poflible, or kill him upon the Place. Ac-
cordingly, they laid Hands on him, and apprehended
him with iuch Cunning, that he had no Time to give
Warning with his Muiket, or make any other Nolle.
Thus they brought him, with his Hands bound, to
Captain Morgan, who afked him, Hoiv Things n.i:ent
in the City, and ivhat Forces they had ; with many
Other Circumftanccs, which he was defirous to know.
After every Queftion, they made him a thoufand
Menaces to kill him, in Cafe he declared not the
Truth. Thus they began to advance towards the
City, carrying alwavs the fame Centinel bound, before
them. Having marched about one Quarter of a
League, they came to the Callle that is nigh to the
City ; which prefently they clofely furrounded, fo
tLit no perfon could get either in or out of the faid
Fortrefs.
Being thus polled under the Walls of the C.iftle,
Captain Morgan commanded the Centinel, whom
they had taken prifoner, to fpeak to thole that were
within, and charge them to furrender, and deliver
themfelves up to his Difcretion ; threatning that
otherwife they fhould be all cut in pieces, without
giving Quarter to any one. But they would hearken
to none of thefe Threats, beginning inftantly to fire ;
which gave Notice to the City, and fuddcnly alarmed
the Garrifon. Yet notvvithllanding the Governor and
Soldiers of the faid Callle made as great Rcfillance as
could be performed, they were conltrained to furren-
der to the Pyratcs. Thefe no fooner had taken pof-
feffionofthe Callle, but they refolved to be as good
Ste their Word, in putting the Spaniards to the Sword,
thereby to llrike a Terror to the reft of the Cit)'.
Hereupon, having fhut up all the Soldiers and Offi-
cers, as prifoners, into one Room, they inllantly fet
JRre to the powder (whereof they found a great Quan-
tity) and blew up the whole Callle into the Air, with
all the Spaniards that were within. This being done,
they purfued tlie Courfe of their Viftory, falling
upon the City, which, as yet, was liot in Order to
receive them. Many of the ^Inhabitants call their
Jewels and Monies, and other valuable Things, into
Wells and Ciftems, or hid them in other places under
Ground, to prevent, as much as were poflible, their
being totally robb'd. One party of the Pyrates, be-
ing alTigned to this purpofe, ran immediately to the
Cl6)"fters, and took as many religious Men and Wo-
men as they could find. The Governor of the City,
not being able to rally the Citizens, through the huge
Conflifion of the Town, retir'd to one of the Caftles
remaining, and from thence began to fire inceflantly
at the Pyrates. But thefe were not in the leaft negli-
gent, either to alTault him or defend themfelves with
all the Courage imaginable. Thus it was obfervable,
that amidft the Horror of the Aflault, they made very
few fhot in vain. For aiming, with great Dexterity
at the Mouth? of the Guns, the Spa7iiards were cer-
tiin to lofe one or two Men every time they charged
each Gun a-new.
The Aflault of this Caftle where the Governor
was, continu'd very furious on both Sides, from
Break of Day till Noon ; and even then the Cafe
was very dubious which party fhould conquer, or be
conquer'd. At lall, the Pyrates, perceiving they
had loll many Men, and, as yet, advanc'd but little
towards the gaining either this or the other Caftles
remaining, thought to make ufe of Fire-balls, which
they threw with their Hands ; defigning, if poflible,
to burn the Doors of the Callle. But going about
to put this in E.xccution, the Spaniards, from the
Walls, let fall a great Quantity of Stones, and car-
then Pots full of Powder, and other conibullible Mat-
ter, which forc'd them to defifl from that Attempt.
Captain Morgan, feeing this generous Defence made
by the Spaniards, began to defpair of the whole Suc-
cefs of the Enterprize. Hereupon, many faint and
calm Meditations came into his Mind ; neither could
he determine which Way to turn himfelf in that Dif-
trefs of Aff"airs. Being involv'd in tlicfe Thoughts,
he was fuddenly animated to continue the Aflault, by
feeing the EngUJh Colours put forth at one of the lef-
fer Caftles, which was jull then enter'd by his Men.
A Troop of thefe immediately cime to meet him,
proclaiming Viftory with loud Shouts of Joy. This
inftantly put him upon new Refolutions, of making
frelh Eflbrts to take the reft of the Caftles that ftood
out againrt him : Efpecially feeing the chiefcil Citizens
were fled to them, and had convey'd triither great
part of tlieir Riches, with all the Plate belonging to
the Churches, and other Things dedicated to divine
Service.
To bring about this, therefore, he order'd ten or
twelve Ladders to be made in all poffible Hafte, fo
broad, that three or four Men at once might afcend
by them. Thefe being finilhed, he commanded all
the religious Men and Women, whom he had taken
Prifoners, to fix them againft the Walls of the CaiUe.
Thus much he had before-hand threaten'd the Gover-
nor to perform, in cafe he delivered not the Caftle.
But the Anfwer of that gallant Commander was,
That he ivoud ne-ver furrender him/elf ali-ve. Ths
Captain's Knowledge of the Superftition of thefe
People, furnifhed him with this fine Stratagem ; for
he was perfuaded himfelf that the Governor would
not employ his utmoft Forces, feeing religious Wo-
men, and Ecdefiarticil Perfons, expofed in the Front
of the Soldiers to the greateft Dangers. Thus the
Ladders, as we have faid, were put into the Hands
of religious Perfons of both Sexes i and thefe were
forced, at the Head of the Companies, to raife and
apply them to the Walls, However, Captain Mor-
gan was fully deceiv'd in his Judgment of this Defign ;
For the Governor, who ailed hke a brave and cou-
ragious Soldier, and who had little of the religious
Temper of his Country, refufed not, in Performance
of his Duty, to ufe Jiis utmoft Endeavours to deftroy
whofoever came near the Walls. The rehgious Men
and Women ceas'd not to cry to him, and beg of
him, by all the Saints of Heaven, that he would de-
liver the Caftle, and thereby fpare both his and their
own Lives. But nothing could prevail with the Re-
folution and Fiercenefs that had poflTefs'd the Gover-
nor's Mind. Thus many of the religious Men and
Nuns were kHl'd before they could fix the I>adders j
which, at laft, being done, though with great Lofs
of the faid Brethren and Sifters, the Pyrates mounted
them in great Numbers, and with no lefs Valour ;
having Fire-baUs in their Hands, and earthen Pott
full of Powder : All which Things, being now at the
Top of the Walls, they kindled, and caft in among
the Spaniards.
This Effort of the Pyrates was very bold and fuc-
cefsful ; infomuch, as the Spaniards could no longer
refift nor defend the Caflle, which was now enter'd :
Whereupon, they all threw down their Arms, and
craved Quarter for their Lives ; only the Governor
of the City would neither admit nor crave Mercy, but
continued to kill many of the Pyrates with his own
Hands, and not a few of his own Soldiers, becaufs
they did not ftand to their Arms. And though the
Pyrates afecd him if he would have Quarter, yet he
conflantly
8
A General History of
conftantly anfwer'd, By no Means : I had rather die
£ts a 'valiant Soldier, than be hangd as a Coivard.
They endeavour'd, as much as they cou'd, to take
him Prifoner : But he defended himielf fo obftinately,
that they were forced to kill him, notwithiianding
all the Cries and Tears of his own Wife and Daugh-
ter, who begg'd of him, upon their Knees, to de-
mand Quarter, and fave his Life. When the Pyrates
had poflefs'd themfelves of the Caftle, which was a-
bout Night, they enclos'd therein all the Prifoners
they had taken, placing the Women and Men by
themfelves, with fome Guards upon them. All the
wounded were put into a certain Apartment by itfelf,
to the Intent their own Complaints might be the
Cure of their Difeafes ; for no other was afforded
them.
This being done, they fell to eating and drinking,
after their ufual Manner ; that is to lay, committing
in both thefe Things all manner of Debauchery and
Excefs. Thefe two Vices were immediately foUow'd
by many infolent AftionsofRape and Adultery, com-
mitted upon abundance of very honeft Women, as
well married as Virgins ; who being threaten'd with
the Sword, were conllrain'd to fubmit their Bodies to
the Violence of thofe lewd and wicked Men. After
fuch a Maimer they deliver'd themfelves up to all
Sorts of Debauchery of this Kind, that if there had
been found only fifteen couragious Men, they might
eafily have retaken the City, and kill'd all the Pyrates.
The next Day, having plunder'd all they could find,
they began to examine fome of the Prifoners, who
had been perfuaded by their Companions to ixy they
were the richeft of the Town ; charging them fe-
verely, to difcover where they had hidden their
Riches and Goods. But not being able to extort any
Thing out of them, as they were not the right Ptr-
fons that poffefs'd any Wealth, they at lail refolv'd
to torture them. This they perform'd with fuch
Cruelty, that many of them died upon the Rack, or
prefently afterwards. Soon after this, the Prefident
of Panama had News brought him of the Pillage and
Ruin of Puerto Vela. This Intelligence caus'd him
to employ all his Care and Induftry to raife Forces,
with Defign to purfue and call out the Pyrates from
thence. But thefe car'd little for what extraordinary
Means the Prefident us'd, as having their Ship nigh
at Hand, and being determined to fet fire to the City,
and retreat. They had now been at Puerto Velo fif-
teen Days, in which Space of Time they had loft
many of their Men, both by the Unhealthinefs of the
Country, and the extravagant Debaucheries they had
committed.
Hereupon, they prepar'd for a Departure, carrying
on board their Ships all the Pillage they had gotten.
But, above all, they provided the Fleet with fufficient
Vidluals for the Voyage. While thefe Things were
getting ready. Captain Morgan fent an Injuntlion to
the Prifoners that they fhould pay him a Ranfom for
the City, or elfe he would by Fire confume it to
Afhes, and blow up all the Caftles into the Air :
Withal, he commanded them to fend fpeedily two
Perfons, to feek and procure the Sum he demanded,
which amounted to one hundred thoufand Pieces of
Eight. To this EfFeft, two Men were fent to the
Prefident of Panama, who gave him an Account of
all thefe Tragedies. The Prefident, having now a
Body of Men in Readinefs, fet forth immediately to-
ward Puerto Velo, to encounter the Pyrates before
their Retreat : But thefe People, hearing of his com-
ing, inflead of flying away, went to meet him at
a narrow PafTage, through which, of Neceflity, he
was to pafs. Here they plac'd an hundred Men very
well arm'd, who, at the firft Encounter, put to Flight
a good Party of thofe of Panama. This Accident
oblig'd the Prefident to retire, for that Time, as not
being yet in a Poflure ot Strength to proceed any far-
ther. Prefcntly after this Rencounter, he fent a Mef-
fage to Captain Morgan, to tell him, That in cafe
he departed not fiiddenlf ivith all his Forces from Puer-
to Velo, he ought to expeil no Quarter for himfclf nor
his Companions, nvhen he Jhould take them, as he
hoped foon to do. Captain Morgan, who fear'd not
his Threats, as knowing he had a fecure Retreat in
his Ships, wliichwere nigii at Hand, made him anfwer.
That he luould not delii'cr up the Cajlles, before he
had received the Contribution-money he had dcniaitded ;
and that in cafe it tvere not paid doivn, he luould cer-
tainly burn the I'.-hole City, and then leave it ; demo-
lijhing, before-hand, the Caftles, and killing the Pri-
foners.
The Governor of Panama perceiv'd by this An-
fwer, that no Means would ferve to mollify the Hearts
of the Pyrates, nor reduce them to Reafon. Here-
upon he determined to leave them ; as alio thofe of
the City, whom he came to relieve, involved in the
Difficulties of making the bell Agreement they could
with their Enemies. Thus in a l&w Days more,
the miferable Citizens gathered the Contribution
wherein they were fined, and brought the entire Sum
of one hundred thoufand Pieces of Eight to the Py-
rates, for a Ranlbm out of the cruel Captivity
tliey were fallen into.
i'he Prefident of Panama, confefs'd that thefe
Tranfadions put him into an extreme Admiration,
confidering that four hundred Men had been able to
take fuch a great City, with fo many ftrong Caftles ;
efpecially feeing they had no Pieces of Cannon, nor
otiier great Guns, wherewith to raife Batteries againll
them. And what was more, knowing that the Citiz-
ens of Puerto Velo had always been in great Reputa
for good Soldiers themfelves, and who had never want-
ed Courage in their own Defence. This Aftonifh-
ment was fb great, that it occafioned him, in order to
be fatisfied herein, to fend a MefTenger to Captain
Morgan, defiring him to fend him fome fmall Pattern
of thofe Arms wherewith he had tal-ien fo fuddenly
fuch a great City. Captain Morgan received this
MefTenger very kindly, and treated him with great
Civility. Which being done, he gave him a Piflol
and a few fmall Bullets of Lead, to carry back to
the Prefident ; his Mailer telling him, withal. That
he dcfired him to accept that fender Specimen of the
Jrms, ivhereivith he had taken Puerto Velo, and keep
them for a Tivel-vemonth ; after luhich Time, he affii-
red him he ivould come to Panama and fetch them
aivay. The Governor of Panama return'd the Prea-
fent very foon to Captain Morgan, giving him
Thanks for the Favour of lending him fuch Wea-
pons as he needed not, and withal lent him a Ring of
Gold, with tliis MefTage, That he defired him not
to gi've himfelf the Trouble of coming to Panama, for
he did certify unto him, that he Jhould not fpeed fo 'well
there as he had done at Puerto Velo.
After thefe Tranfaftions, Captain Morgan (having
provided his Fleet with all NecefTaries, and taken
with him the befl Guns of the Caftles, nailing up the
reft which he could not carry away) fet fail from
Puerto Velo with all his Ships. With thefe he arri-
ved in a few Days, at the Ifland of Cuba, where he
fought out a Place wherein with all Quiet and Repofe,
he might make the Dividend of the Spoil they had
gotten. They found in re.ady Money, two hun
dred and fifty thoufand Pieces of Eight, befides Varie-
ty of Merchandizes ; fuch as Cloth, Linnen, Silks, and
other Goods. With this rich Purchafe they failed a-
gain from thence to their common Place of Rendez-
vouz, Jamaica. Being arrived there, they pnfled
fome lime in all Sorts of Vices and Debauchery,
according to their common Praftice, fpending with
huge Prodigality, what others had gained with no
fmaH
Hi
Py rates. Highwaymen, Murderers, Sec.
fmail Libour and Toil, tho' they, indeed, came to
tiie i'ofiL'iTion cf it as eaiily as they parted with it.
N'oi long after the Arrival of tne pirates ;it Ja-
■u:n-a, n'l.cn they had fayed there precifcly that fhort
i ime they needed to lavilh away all the Ridies a-
bovem-iition'd, tiiey concluded upon another Enter-
prize, wJierein to kek new Fortunes. To this tf-
Jett the C.ptain ga\e Onlcrs to all the Commanders
of his Ships, to meet together at the Ifl md called
lite la Vaca, or Canv-lJIe, feated on the South-fide of
the Ifle of Hifpaniola ; as liath been mentioned above.
As foon as trley came to this Place, there flocked to
them great Number? of other Pirates, h<ix!ti French
and En^Ujh, by Reafon the Name of Captain Mor-
gan was now rendered Famous in all the neighbour-
ing Cojntries, for the great Enterprizes he had per-
for.T.'d. There was at that prcfent Time, ?xjajnai-
cti, an Englijh Ship newly come from Ke-u--Englanii,
well mounted with thirty ii.< Guns, i l.is Velfel, like-
wife, by Order of the Governor of Jamaica, came
to join with Morgan to firengthen his Fleet, and give
him greiter Courage to attempt Things of great Con-
fcquencCi With this fupply Captain Tl/s; pawjudged
himfelf fufiiciently llrong, as having the Addition of
a S lip of fuch Port ; for it was really the greatefl
of his Fleet. Notwithllanding this, there being in
the fame Place another great \ eifel, that carried twen-
ty four iron Guns, and twelve of Brafs, belonging to
the French, Captain Morgan endeavoured as much
as he could, to join this Ship in like Miuiner to his
own. Bjt the French not daring to repofe any Truft
in the Englijh, of whofe Artions they were not a
little jealous, denied abfolutely to confent to any fuch
Thing.
The French Pirates belonging to this great Ship,
liad accidentally met at Sea :in Engiijh \ tflc! ; and
jeing then under an e.ftremc Neceliity of \ iihials,
:hey had taken fome Proviiions out of the Englijh
iihip, without paying for the.-n ; as having, ptrad-
vcnture, no ready Money on Board : Only they liad
given them Bills of E.xchingc, for Jamaica and Tor-
'uga, to receive Money there for what they had ta*
ten. Captain Morgan liaving Notice of this Acci-
ient, and perceiving he could not prevail v, ith the
"rench Capt.ain to follow iiim in that Expedition, he
efolved to lay hold on this Occafion, as a Prete.xt
0 ruin the French, and feek his own Revenge.
Ticreupon, he invited, with a maftcrly Diflimulati-
Mi, the //YAv/j Commander, and fcveral of );is Men,
o dine with him, on board the great Ship that was
onie trom Jamaica, as was faid before. Being come
hither, he made them all Prifoncrs, pretendiBg the
njary aforcmention'd done to the Er.glijh \ eflel, in
aking away fome fev/ Provi;iuns without Pay.
This unju!; Aftion of Captain Morgan was foon
oJlowed by di\inc Punilh.ment, as we may \ery ra-
ionally conceive. The Manner we ihall inltantly
late. Prcfently after he had taken the French Pri-
»ei|iner3 pbcvcfaid, he called a Council, to deliberate
hst Fhice they Ihould firlt pitch upon, in the Courfe
f this new E.xpcdition. At this Council it was de-
rmin'd to go to the Ific of Sc-cona, there to wait
i.fSI )r the Flotn, v.hich ^^■as then expeifled from Spain,
id tal.e any of the Spanijh V'ellels tliat might chance
1 flraggle from the reft. This Refolution being
ken, t.-.ev bcg.m on board the great Ship to feall
le .mother, for Joy of their new Voyage and hap-
/ Council, as they hoped it would prove. In telti-
ony hereof, they drank man\' Healths, and dif-
larged many Guns, as the common Sign ofMiith
nong Seamen us'd to be. Moft of the Men being
■unk, by what Accident is not known, the Ship
ddenly was blown up into the Air, with three
indred and fifty EngHJhmen, befdes the French Pri-
xi ners abovemention'd, that were in Hold. Of all
jKfl
.V i^
;V:;f
;;;i<
wjiich Number, there efcap'd only thirty Men, who
were in the great Cabin, at fo.Tie Diftance from the
main Force of the Gunpowder. Many more, 'tis
thought, might have cCcip'd, had tliey not bten fo
mucli overtaken uith Wine.
The Loi's of fuch a great Ship was no inconfider-
able AiFiidion, as well as Surprize, to the Englijh :
They knew not wliom to blame ; but at lall tne Ac-
cufation was laid upon the French Prifoners, whom
they iafpeded to have lir'd the Gunpowder of the
Ship wherein they were, out of Delign to revency
themfelve.% though with the Lofs of their own Lives.
Hereupon, they lought to be reveng'd on the French
a-new, and accumulate frefh Accui'ations to the for-
mer, whereby to ^eize tlie Ship, and all that was in
it. With this Defign they forg'd another Pietera a-
g.unfl the faid Ship, by faying the French . defign' J
to commit Piracy upon the Englijh. The Grounds
of this Accufatiou were given them by a Commif-
fion from the Governor of Barracoa, found on
board the French ^' eflel ; wliei ein were thefe Words :
That the faid Governor did permit the French to trade
in all Sp.-milh Ports, Sec yls alio to cruize upon
the En^illi Pirates in ivhat Place foe-ver they eou'd
Jind them, becaufe of the Multitude of Hojii lilies thef
had committed againjl the Suhjeds of his Cttholick
Majejly, in Time of Peace heti.uixt the tXL'o Croi'jns.
This Commiflion for Trade was interpreted by the
Englijh as an exprcfs Order to exerciie Piracy and
War againft 'em, notwithllanding it was only a bare
Licenie for coming into the Spanijh Ports ; for the
Cloak of which Permiifion, were thofe Words infert-
ed. That they Jhould cruize upon the Englifh. And
though the French fufiiciently e.xpounded the true
Senle of the laid CommifTion, yet they could not
cleur ihcmfelves to Capt. Morgan, nor his prejudic'd
Council ; but in Revenge for the fuppofed Injur}',
the Ship and Men were ieiz'd, and fent to Jamaica.
Here they alfa endeavour'd to obtain Jultice, and
the Rellitation of their Ship, by all the Means pof-
fible : But all in vain, for, inftead of Jullice, they
were a long Time detain'd in Prifon, and threatened
with Hanging.
Eight Days after the Lofs of the faid Ship, Capt.
Morgan commanded the Bodies of the mifcrable
Wretches who were blown up, to be fearched for,
as they floated upon the Waters of the Sea ; not to
give them Chriftian Burial, but for the Sake of their
Cloaths, ts'c. Ifany had Gold Rings on their Fin-
gers, they were cut off, and their Bodies left to the
Monflcrs of the Sea. At laft they fet Sail for the
Ifle of Savona, the place of Rendezvous, coniifting-
in all of fifteen \'eflels, cirrying nine hundred and
fixty Men, Capt. Morgan commanding the biggeft,
having but fourteen Guns. In a few Days after,
they arriv'd at the Cape Cabo de Lohos, on the
South-fide of the Ifle of Hifpaniola, between the Capes
of Tihuren and Punta de Efpada ; from hence they
could not pafs, (there being contrary Winds three
V.'eeki) notwithllanding all the Endeavours Capt.
Morgan ufed. They doubled tlie Cape, and foon
ipoke with an Englijh Veflel, buy^g for ready Mo-
ney fuch Proviiions tliey flood moilTn Need of.
Captain Morgan proceeded in the Courfe of his
^'^oyage, till he came to the Port of Ocoa. Here
he landed fome of his Men, fending them into the
Woods to leek Water, and what Proviiions they
could find ; the better to fpare fuch as he had al-
ready on board his Fleet. They killed many Beails,
and among othi.r Animals fome Horfes. But the Spa-
niards being not well fatisfy'd at their Hunting, at-
tempted to lay a Stratagem for the Pirates. To this
Purpofe they oider'd three or four hundred Men
to come from the City of Santo Domingo, not far
djftant from this Port, defiring them to hunt in all
D the
10
A General History of
the Parts thereabouts adjoining to the Sea, to the
intent if any Pirates (hould return, they might find
no fubfillence. Within a few Days the fame Pirates
returned, with Defign to hunt ; but, finding notliing
to hill, about fifty of them ftraggled farther into the
Woods. The Sfizniards, who watch'd all their IVIo-
tions, gather'd a great Herd of Cows, and fet two or
three Men to keep 'em ; which the Pirates efpying,
kiird a fuiiicient Number ; and tho' the Spaniards
could fee 'em at a Dillance, yet they would not fpoil
tiieir Sport for the prefent : But as foon as they at-
tempted to carry them off, they fet upon 'em with all
imaginable Fury, crying, Mata, mata ; that h,
kill. Kill ; obliging the Pirates to quit the Prey, and
letreat to their Ships as fail as they could. This was
perform'd in good Order, retiring gradually ; and
^vhen they had a favourable Opportunity, by dif-
charglng fuU VoUies of Shot upon the SpantarJs,
kill'd m.xny, dio' not without fome Lofs ontlieir own
Side.
The reft of the Spaniards, feeing what Damage
their Companions had fuftained, endeavour'd to fave
themfelves by Flight, and carry off the Dead and
Wounded. The Pirates, perceiving the Spaniards to
run, purfu'd them immediately to the Woods, kill-
ing the greateft Part of thofe that were remaining.
The ne.xt Day Capt. Morgan, enrag'd, went with
two hundred IVIen into the Woods to feek for the reft
of the Spaniards ; but finding no-body, he revenged
their Death, by burning the Houfes of the poor and
iniferable Rufticks, inhabiting fcatteringly about thofe
Fields and Woods. Having done this, he return'd
to his Ships, well-pleas'd he had done the Enemy
fuch confiderable Damage ; which was always his moil
ardent DefirCi
The huge Impatience wherewith Capt. Morgan
had waited fo long for fome of his Ships, which were
notarriv'd, made him refolve to fail without them,
and fteer his C'ourfe for the Ifle of Sat'ona, the Place
he had always defign'd for. Being arriv'd there, and
not finding any of his Ships as yet come, he was more
impatient than before, fearing they might be loft, or
that he muft proceed without 'em : Neverthelefs, he
waited their Arrival fome Days longer. In the In-
terim, having no great Plenty of Provifions, he fent
a Crew of one hundred and fifty Men to the Iflc of
Hifpamala, to pillage fome Towns nigh tlie City of
Santo Domingo : But the Spaniards \a.\mg had Intelli-
gence of their coming, were now fo vigilant, and in
fo good a Porture of Defence, that the Pirates tliought
it not convenient to aflault them ; chufiiig rather to
return empty-handed into Capt. Morgan'^ Prefence,
than periih in that defperate Enterprize.
The Captain, at laft, feeing the other Ships did
not come, made a Review of his People, finding on-
ly five hundred Men, or thereabouts ; and but eight
Ships out of fifteen, and the greateft Part of thofe
were very fmall. Thus, having hitherto refolved to
cruize upon the Coafts of Caraccas, and plunder all
the Towns and Villages he could meet, finding him-
felf at prefent with fuch fmall Forces, he chang'd his
Refolution, by the Advice of a French Captain be-
longing to his Fleet.
This Frenchman had ferv'd Lolonois, his Countr)-
rtian, in like Enterprizes, and was at the taking of
Maracaiho ; whereby he knew all tlie Entries, Fal-
fages. Forces, and Means, how^ to put in Execution
the fame again in the Company of Captain Morgan ;
to whom, having made a full Relation of all, tjie
Captain concluded to fack it again a fecond Time, as
being himfelf perfuaded, with all his Men, of tlie
Facility of what the Frenchnwji propounded. Here-
upon, they weigh'd Anchor, and fteer'd their Courfe
towards Cnrafao. Being come within Sight of that
Mand, they landed at another, which is j»gh to itj
and is cidl'd Ruba, fcated about 12 Leagues from
CuraJ'ao, towards the Weft. Tliis 1/I;md is defended
by a flender Garrifon, and is inhcibited by Indians,
who are fubjeft to the Crown of Spain, and fpe;:k
Spanijh, by reafon of the Roman Catholick Religion,
which is here cultivated by fome fev/ Pricfts, that arc
fent from Time to Time from the neig/ibouring Con-
tinent,
The Inhabitants of this Ifle e.xercife certain Com-
merce, or Trade; with the Pirates that go and come,
this Way. Thefe buy, of the Iflanders, Sheep,'
Lam.bs, and Kids > which they exchange with them
for Linnen, Thread, and other Things of this Kind.
The Couniiy is very dry and 'oarren, the uholc Sub-
ftance thereof confifting in thofe tiiree Things above-
mention'd, and in a fmall Quantity of Wheat, which
is of no bad Quality. This Ifle produceth a great
Number of venomous InfeiSls, iuch as V'ipers, Spi-
ders, and others ; thefe laic are fo pernicious here
that if any Man is bitten by them, he dies mad.
And the Miinner of recovering fuch Perfons, is to
tie them very faft, both Hands and Feet, and in this
Condition to leave them for the Space of four and
twenty Hours, without eating or drinking the leall
Tiling imaginsble. Captain Morgan, as was faid,
having calt Anclior before this Ifland, bought of the
Inhabitants a great man}^ Sheep, Lambs, and alio
Wood, which he needed for all his Fleet. Having
been there two Days, he fet fail again, in the Niglit-
time, to the Intent they might not fee what Courfe
he fteer'd.
The next Day they arriv'd at the Sea of Mara-
caiho, taking always great Cire of not being i'een
from Plgilia ; for which" Reafon they anchor'd out
of Sight of the Watch-Tower. Nigl'it being come,
they fet lail again towards the Land, and the ne.\t
Morning, by Break of Da)*, found tht-mfelves direft-
ly over-againll the Bar of the Lake abovemention'd.
The Spaniards had here lately built a ttrong Fort,
from whence they now fir'd continu.ally againll the
Pir;".tes, while tliey were putting their Men into Boats
for them to land. The Difpute continu'd very hot
on both Sides, being manag'd with a great deal of
Courage and Valour from Morning till dark Nigiit.
Evening being come. Captain Morgan, in the Ob-
fcurity thereof, drev.' nigh to the Fort ; which hav-
ing e.vamin'd, i:e found nO Body in it, the Spariiards
having dcfertcd it not long before. They left be-
hind them a Match kindled, nigh to a Train of Gun-
powdery wherev.ith they defign'd to blow up die Pi-
rates, and the whole Fortrefs, as foon as they were
out of it. This Defign had taken Effeft, had the
Pirates fail'd to difcover it the Space of one Quarter
of an Hour. But Captain Morgan prevented the
Mifchief, by fnatching away the Match \\ ith all Speed f
whereby he fav'd both his own and his Companions
Lives. They found here a great Quantity ot Gun
powder, wherewith he furiuih'd his Fleet j and af
terwards demolifti'd p.art of the Walls, nailing up
fi.\teen Pieces of Ordnance, which ci^.-TJed from twelve
to four and twenty Pounds of Bullet. Here diey
found, aliV), a great Number of Mufl:ets, and Jther
military Provifions.
The next Day they commanded the Ships to enter
the Bar ; among which they divided the Gunpowder,
Muskets, and other Things they found in the Fort.
Thefe Things being done, they embark'd again, ta
continue their Courfe towards Maracaiho : But th(
Waters were very low, fo that they could not pafs si
certain Bank that lies at the Entry of the Lake. Here-
upon, they were compell'd to put themfelves intc
Canoes and fmall Boats, with which they^arriv'd the
next Day before Maracaiho, having no other Dcfencf
but fome fmall Pieces, which they could carry in tht^
f;ad Boatr. Being landed, they ran immediately t(
ch'
Pyrates, Highwaymen, Murderers^ ^c.
II
the Fort ciirj fl"^ !a Bana; which they found in
like Mourner as the preceding, without any Peifon in
it : For all the Garrilbn and Iniiabi:ants were fled
before them into the Woods, leaving alfo the Town
without any People, unlefs a few milerable poor Folk,
who had nothing to lofe.
As foon as they had entered the Town, the Pirates
fcarched every Corner thereof, to iee if tiiey could
find any People that were hidden, who might of-
fend them at unawares. Not finding any Bod)', every
Party, according as they came out of their feveral
Ships,' choie what Houles they pleafed to tiiemfelves,
in the beft Manner the)- could find. The Church
was deputed for the common Corps de Ganic, where
they lived after a military Manner, committing ma-
ny ' iniblent .-\clions. Tr.e next Day .ifter tlieir Ar
rival, they fent a Troop of one hundred Men to
feek 'for the Inhabitants and their Goods. Thefe re-
turned the next Day following, bringing with them
the Number of thirty Perfons, Men, Women, and
Children ; and fifty Mules laden with feveral Sorts of
Merchandize. All thefe mifer.-.ble Prifoners were put
to the Rack, to make them confefs where the reft of
the Inhabit.ints were, and their Goodi. Amongll
other Tortures then ufed, one was to ftretch their
Limbs with Cords, and at the fame Time, beat them
with Sticks and other Inllruments. Others had
burning Matches plac'd bctwi.xt their Fingers, and
were thus burnt alive ; others had flender Cords, or
Matches, twilled about their Heads, till their Eyes
burfted out of the Skull. Thus all Sorts of inhu-
man Cruelties were executed upon thofe innocent Peo-
ple. Thofe who would not confefs, or who had no-
thing to declare, died under the Hands of thefe ty-
rannical Men J whole Tortures and Racks continu'd
for the Space of three whole Weeks : In \\ hich Time
they ceas'd not to fend out, daily,- Parties of Men,
to feek for more People to torment and rob ; they
neverreturning Heme without Booty and new Riches.
Captain Morgfnii, liaving noA gotten, by Degrees,
into his Hands about or.e hundi-ed of the chiefclt Fa-
milies, with all their Goods, at laft refolv'd to go to
■ Gibraltar. With this Defign, he equipp'd his Fleet,
providing it very fufiiciently with all necelfary Things.
He put, li:;cv.ilfe, on board, all the Prifoners, and
thus weighir.g Anchor, fet fail for the faid Place,
with Refolution to hazard the Battle. They had fent
. before them fome Friibners to Gibraltar, to denounce
to the Inhabitants that they (hould furrender ,• other-
wife Captain Morgan would certainly put them all
to the Sword, without giving Quarter to any per-
fon he (hould find alive. Not long after, he arriv'd
\\'ith his Fleet before Gibraltar, whofe Inhabitants
receiv'd him with continu.al fliooting of great Can-
non-bullets. But the Pir.ates, inllead of fainting here,
at, ceas'd not to encourage one another, faying, We
muj} make one Meal upon bitter Things, before lue
Come to tafie the S'weetnefs of the Sugar this Place
affordith.
The ne.xt Day, very early in the Morning, tliey
•* landed all their Men ; and, being guided by the
Frenchman abovemention'd, they march'd towards
the I'o'.'.'n, not by the common Way, but croffing
through the V/oods ; by which Way the Spaniards
fcarce thought they wou'd have come. For, at the
Beginning of their March, they made Appearance
as if tiiey intended to come by the ne.xt and open
Way that led to the Town, hereby the better to de-
teive the Spaniards. But thefe remembering, as
yet, full well what Hoftilities had been committed
upon them by Pirates before, thought it not fafe to
expeft :mother Brunt ; and hereupon they all fled out
6f the Town as fall as they could, carrying with
them all their Goods and Riches, as alfo all the
feun-powder; having nailed up all the great Guns
infomuch that the Pirates found not ore Perfon in
the whole City, excepting one only poor and in-
nocent Man, who was born a Fool. 1 his Man they
asked whither the Inhabitants were fled, and where
they had abfconded their Goods. Unto all whicfi
Queltions and the like, lie conitantly made .'\nr*er,
I kno-i-: nothing, I knovj nothing. But they prefently
put him to Uie Rack, and torlur'd liim with Cords ;
which Torments forced him to cry out. Do not tor-
ture me any more, hut come ivith me, and I ix:ill fie-iv
you >ny Goods and my Riches. They were pcrfw.id-
fed, as it lliould feem, that he was fome rich Ptribn,
who had difguifed himfelf under thofe Cloaths fo
poor, as alfo that innocent Tongue : Hereupon, they
went along v/ith him ; and he conduced tiiem to a
poor and miferable Cottage, wherein he h;'.d a few
Earthen Diflies, and other Things of little or no
Value i and amongft thefe, three Pieces of Eight,
which he had concealed with fome other Trumpery,
under Ground. After this, they asked him his Name,
and he readily made Aniwer, My Name is Don Se-
ballian Sanchez, and I am Brother to the Governor
o/Maracaibo. This foolilh Anfwer, it mull be con-
ceived, thefe Men, tho' never fo inhuman, took for
a certain Truth. For no fooner had they heard it,
but they put him again upon the Rack,- lifting him '
up on high with Cords, and tying huge Weights to
his Feet and Neck. Befides which cruel and llretch-
ing Torment, they burnt him alive, applying Palm-
Leaves burning to his Face. Under thefe Mifcries
he died in half an Hour. After his Death, they cut
the Cords wherewith they had ftretch'd him, and
dragg'd him forth into the adjoining Woods, where
they left him without Burial.
Tlie fame Day they fent out a Party of Pirates tJ
fee.k for the Inhabitants, upon whom they might em-
ploy their inhuman Cruelties. Thefe brought back
with them an honeft Peafant, with n\'o Daughters of
his, whom they had taken Prifoners, and whom they
intended to torture, as they ufed to do with others,
in cafe they (hewed not the Places where the Inha-
bitants had abfcbnded themfelves. The Peafant
knew fome of the f; id Places, and hereupon, feeing
himfelf threatened with the Rack, went w ith the Pi-
rates to fhew them. But the Spaniards, perceiving
their Enemies to range every where up and down the
Woods, were already fled from thence much farther
oft", into the thickeil parts of the faid ^VoodsJ where
they built themfelves Huts, to preferve from the
\'iolcnce of the Weather, tliofe few Goods they had
carried with them. The Pirates judged themfelves
to be deceived by tiie Peafant ; and thereupon, to
revenge their Wrath upon him, notwithftanding all
the Excufes ' he could make, and his humble Sup-
plications for his Life, they hang'd him upon a Tree.
After this, they divided into feveral Parties^ and
went to fearch the Plantations. For they knew the
Spaniards that had hid themfelves, could not live up-
on what they found hi the Woods, without coming
now and then to feek Proviiions at their own Coun-
try-Houfes. Here they found a certain Slave, to
whom they promifed Mountains of Gold, and that
they would give him his Liberty by tranfporting
him to Jamaica, in cafe he would (liew them the
Places \\'here the Inhabitants -^f Gibraltar lay hid-
den. This Fellow conduced him to a Party of
Spaniards, whom they inllantly made all Prifoners,
commanding the faid Slave to kill fome of them be-
fore the Eyes of die rejl ; to the Intent that by this
perpetrated Crime, he might never be able to leave
their wicked Company. The Negro, according tO
their Orders, committed many Murthers and bafe
Aiftions upon the Spaniards, and followed the un-
fortunate Traces of the Pirates ; who, after the Space
of eight Da)s, returned to Giiraltur with many
Prifonersj
1:2
A General History of
Prifoners-, ami foiiVc Muk-5 laden with Riches. Tiicy
examined every Prifoner by himfelf, (who were in all
about two hundred and fifty Perfons) where they had
concealed the reft of their Good*, and if they knew
of their fellow Townfmen. Such as would not con-
fefsj Were tormented after a moll cruel and inhuman
Manner. Among the reft, there happened to be a
'certain Portugueji, who, by the Information of a
Negro, was reported, though faldy, to be very rich.
This Man w.is commanded to produce his Riches.
But liis Anfwer was, tiiat he had no more than one
hundred Pieces of Eight in the whole World, and that
thefe had been ftolen from him two Days before, by
a Servant of his. Which Words, tho' he fealed
them with many Oaths and Proteftations, would not
fatisfy tlicfe Wretches : Whereupon^ they dragg'd
liim to the Rack, without any regard to his Age, as
iieing ihrecfcore Years old, ftretch'd him with Cords,
and Drol.e both his Arms behind liis Shoulders.
This Cruelty went not alone : For he not being
able or willing to make any other Declaration than
the abovefaid, they put him to another fort of Tor-
ment, that was worle, and more barbarous than the
Preceding. They tied him with fmall Cords, by his
two Thumbs and great Toes, to four Stakes that were
fix'd in the Ground at a convenient Diftance^ the
whole Weight of his Body being pendent in the Air
upon thofe Cords. Then they thraih'd him upon
the Cords with great Sticks, and all their Strength, fo
that the Body of this miferable Man was ready to
perifh at every Stroke, under the Severity of thofe
horrible Pains. Not fatished, ai yet, with this cruel
Torture, they took a Stone which weighed about two
hundred Pound, and laid it upon his Belly, as if they
intended to prels hun to Death. At which Time they
alio kindled Palm-Lea\es, and applied the Flame to
the Face of this unfortunate Portuguefe, burning with
them the whole Skin, Beard, aiid Hair. At lail,
thefe cruel Tyrants, feeing that neither with thefe
Tortures, nor others, tliey could get any Thing out
of him, they untied the Cords, and carried him, be-
ing almoil half dead, to the Church, where was their
Corps du Garde. Here they tied him anew, to one
bl the Pillars of the Place, leaving him in that Con-
dition, without giving him any thmg either to eat or
drink for ibrae Days, unlefs very iparingly, and fo
little as would fcarce fuibin Life.
Four or five Days being part, he defired that one
of the Prifoners miglit have the Liberty to come to
him, by whofe Means he promilcd he would endea-
vour to raife fome Money to fatisfy their Demands.
The Prifoner whom he required, was brought unto
him ; and he ordered him to promife the Pirates five
hundred Pieces of Eight for his Ranfom. But they
were both dc:if and obltinate at fucJi a fmall Sum, and,
inrtead of accepting it, beat him cruelly with Cudgels,
faying to him. Old Fcllotv, injirad of five hundrtd,
you niuft fat, five hundred thouftoid Pieces of Eight ;
othcmvife you Jhall I'ere end your Life. Finally, after a
thoufand Proteftations that he was but a miferable
Man, and kept a poor Tavern for his Living, he
agreed v.ith them for the Sum of one thoufand Pie-
ces of Eight, Thefe he raifed in a few Days, and
having paid them to the Pirates, got his Liberty ;
altho' fo horribly maimed in his Body, that 'tis fcarce
to be believed he could furvive many Weeks after.
Several other Tortures befides thefe, v^ere exer-
cifed upon others, which this Portuguefe endured
not. Some were hang'd up by the Tefticles, or by
their privy Members, and left in that Condition till
they fell unto the Ground, thofe private Parts being
torn from their Bodies. If with this they were niiml-
ed to lliew themfelves merciful to thofe Wretches,
thus lacerated in tlie moft tender Parts of their Bodies,
their Mercy was to run them through and tlu^ough
with their Swords ; and by this Means rid them foon
of their Pains ;uid Lives. Otlierwife, iftiiiswcre
not done, they ufed to lay four or five Days under
the Agonies of Death. Others were crucified by theie
'J'yranti, and witli kmdled Matches were burnt be-
tween the Joints of their Fingers and Toes. OtI'.ei-.
had their Feet put into tlie Fire, and thus were left to
be roarted alive. At laft, having ufed both thefe and
other Cruelties with tlie Whitemen, they begin t.)
praftife tiie fame over again with the Negro's tl-.cir
Slaves; who were treated with no lei's Inhumanity
than their Mafters.
Among thefe Slaves was found one, who promifed
Captain Morgan, to conduft him to a certain River
belonging to the Lake, where he Ihould find a Sliip
and four Boats ricHy laden with (ioods, tliat belor;"-
ed to the inhabitants of Maraieaho. I'he fame Si:i\e
difcovered, likewife, the Place where the Governor of
Gibraltar lay hidden, together witli tiie greatcft Part
of the Women of the Town. But all this he revealed
purely on account of the Menaces wherewith they
threatned him, in cafe he told not what he knew.
Captain Morgan fent away prefently two hundred
Men in two Saeties, or great Boats, towards the Ri-
ver abovementioned, to leek for what the Slave had
difcovered. But he himfelf, with two hundred and
fifty more, undertook to go and take the Governor.
This Gentlemen was retired to a fmall Ifland, feated
in the Middle of the River, where he had built a lit-
tle Fort, after the bell Manner he could, for his De-
fence. But hearing that Captain Morgan came in
Perfon with great Forces to feek him, he retired far-
ther off, to tlie Top of a Mountain not much di-
ftant from that Place ; to which there was no Afccnt,
but by a very narrow Pafl'jge. This Place was even
fo rtreight, that wholbever pretended to gain the af-
cent, muft of Neceflity caufe his Men to pals one by
one. Captain Morgan fpent two Days, before he
could arrive at the little liland abovementioned. from
thence he defign'd to proceed to tne Mountain where
the Governor was polled, had he not been told of
the Impoffibihty he Ihould find in the Alcent; not
only f :ir tlie Narrownefs of the Path that led to the
Top, but alio becaule the Governor was very well
provided with ail Sorts of Ammunition above. Be-
fides that, there was fdlcn an huge Rain, whereby
ail the Baggage belonging to tl.e Pirates, and their
Gunpowder, was wet. By this Rain alio they had
loll many of their Men, at the PalLge over a River
that was o\erriown. Here perifned likewife, fome
Women and Children, and many Mules ladeu with
Plate and otiier Goods ; all wiiich they had taken in
the Fields from the fugitive Inhabitants : So that all
Things were in a varj' bfid Conditton with Captain
Morgan, and the Bodies of his Men exceedingly har-
rafs'd, as ought to be inferr'd from this Relation.
Whereb)', if the Spaniards in that Jundlure of Time
had but had a Troop of fifty Men, well arm'd with
Pikci or Spears, they might have entirely deilroy'd,
the Pirates, without any poffible Refillance on their
Side. But the Fears which the Spaniards had con-
ceiv'd from the Beginning, v>cre fo great, that only
hearing the Leaves on the Trees to llir, thev often
fancied them to be Pirates. Finally, Captain Morgan
and his People, having upon tliis March fometimes
waded up to their Middles in Water, for the Space
of half or v. hole Miles together, they at lall efcap'd,
for the greateft part. But of the Women and Chil-
dren, that they brought home Prifoners, the major
Part died.
Thus, 12 Days after they fet forth to feek the Go-
vernor, iheyretuin'd to Ciii altar with a great Num-
ber of Priloners. Two Days after arriv'd, alfo, the
two Saeties that went to the River, bringing with
thein four Boats sad fome Prifoners. But as to the
greateft
Pyrates, Highwaymen ^ Murderers , Sec.
C"citefl part of the Merchandize that was in the (liid
Boats, they found thein not, the Spaniards having
unladed and fecur'd them, as having Intelligence be-
fire-hand of the coining of the Pirates. Whereup-
on, they dcfign'd alio, when tJie Merchandize was
all taken out, to burn the Boats. Yet the Spaniards
made not fo much Hafte as was requifite, to unlade
the f^id \'elTels, fo that they left both m the Sliip
and Boats great Parcels of Good?, which, they be-
ing fled from thence, the Pirates feiz'd, and brought
thereof a confidemble Booty to Gibraltar. Thus,
after they had been in polfellion of the Place five en-
tire Weeks, and committed there an infinite Number
of Murders, Robberies, Rapes, and fuch like Info-
lencies, they concluded upon their Departure j but,
before tills could be perform'd, for the lall Proof of
their Tyranny, they gave Orders to fome Prilbners
to go forth into the Woods and Fields, and col-
left a Ranfom for the Town, otherwile they would
certainly burn every Houfe down to the Ground.
Thole poor afflidled Men went forth as they were
fent ; and after they liad fearch'd every Corner of
the adjoining Fields and Woods, they retum'd to
Captain Morgan, telling him, that they had fcarce
been able to find any Body ; but that unto fuch as
they had found, they had proposed his Demands ; to
which they had made Anfwer, that the Governor
had prohibited them to give any Ranfom for not
burning the Town : Yet, notwithllanding any Pro-
hibition to the contrary, they befeech'd him to have
a little Patience, and, among themfelves, they would
colleft to the Sum of five thoufand Pieces of Eight :
And for the reft, they would give him fome of their
own Townfmen as Holtages, whom he might carry
with him to Maracaibo, till fuch.Time as he liad rc-
ceiv'd full Satisfiftion.
Captain Morgan, having now been a long Time
abfent from Maracaibo, and knowing the Spaniards
had had fufficient Time wherein to fortify themsel-
ves, and hinder his Departure out of the Lake,
granted them their Propohtion abovemention'd ; and,
withal, made as much Haftc as he could to fet Thin^-s
in Order for his Departure. He gave I,iberty to all
the Priloners, having before-hand put them every
one to the Ranfom ; yet he detained all the Slaves
with him. They deliver'd to him four Perfons, that
were agreed upon for Holbges, till they could pay
what Sums of Money move he was to receive from
them : And they defir'd to have the Slave of whom
we made mention above, intending to punifh him
tccorJing to his Deierts. But Captain Morgan would
not deliver him, being perfuaded they would bum
him alive. At lal>, they weigh'd Anchor, and fet
Sail with all the Haiie they cou'd, direding their
Courfe towards Maracaibo. Here they arriv'd in
four Days, and found all Things in the fame Pofture
they had left tiiem in when they departed. Yet here
they receiv'd News, from the Information of a poor
dillrefs'd old Man, who was fick, and whom alone
they four.d in the Town, that three Spanijh Men of
War were arriv'd at the Entry of the Lake, and
there waited for the Return of the Pirates out of
thofe Parts. Moreover, that the Caftle at the Entry
thereof was again put into a good Pofture of De-
fence, being well provided with great Guns and Men,
and all Sorts of Ammunition.
This Relation of the old Man could not chufe but
caufe fome Difturbrance in the Mind of Captain Mor-
gan, who now was careful how to get away through
thofe narrow PalTsges of the Entrj- of the Lake. Here-
,upon he lent one of his Boats, the fwifteft he had, to
Viev/ the Entry, and fee if Things were as they had
bein related. The next Day tiie Boat came back,
ictlfirming what was faid, and alluring him, they
\t, I viewed the Ships fo nigh, that thev had been in
S.
great Danger o? the Shot they Jiad made at the.-n.
Hereunto they added, tJiat the biggeft Ship was
mojnteJ with forty Guns, the Second with tliirty,
and the fmallcft with four and tvventy. Thefe For-
ces vyere much beyond thofe of Capf.in Morgan ; and
confequently they caufed a general Confternation a-
mong the Pirates, whofe biggeft Vcflel had not a-
bove fourteen fmall Guns. Every one judged that
Captain Mjrgan defponded in his Mind, and was de.
ftitute of all manner of Hopes, confidering the Dif-
ficulty of pairing fafely with his little Fleet amidll
thofe great Ships and the Fort, and the Neceifity
he was otherwife under of perilhing. How to eicape
any other Way than this, either by Sea or by Land,
they faw no Opportunity nor Convenience. Only
they could have wifh'd that thofe three Ships had ra-
ther come over the Lake to feek them at Maracai-
bo, than to remain at the Mouth of the Streight where
they were ; for at that Paffage they muft of Neceflity
fear the Ruin of their Fleet, which confuted only,
for the greateft part of Boats.
Hereupon, being necefTitated to aft as well as he
cou'd. Captain Morgan refum'd new Courage, and
refolv'd to fhew himfelf, as yet, undaunted with
thefe Terrors. To this Intent, he boldly fent a
Spaniard to the Admiral of thofe three Ships, de-
manding of him a confiderable Tribute or Ranfom,
for not putting the City of Maracaibo to the Flames!
This Man (who doubtl'efs was receiv'd by the Spa-
niards with great Admiration of the Confidence and
Boldnefs of our Pirates) retum'd two Days after,
bringing to Captain Morgan a Letter from the faid
Admiral, whofe Contents were as followeth.
A Letter of Don Alonfo del Campo y Efpinefa, Ad-
miral of the Spanijk Fleet, to Captain Morgan,
Commander of the Pirates.
HAuing underflood by all cur Friends and Neigh-
bours, the unexpeaed Xe^vs, that you ha-ve dar-
ed to attempt and canmit Hofiilities in the Countries,
Cities, Toix-ns, and Villages, belonging to the Domi-
nions of his CathoUck Majefiy, my fovereign Lord and
Mafter, I let you underftand by thefe Lines, that I ant
come to this Place, according to my Obligation, nigh
to that Caftle ivhich you took out of the Hands of a
Parcel of Co-ivnrds ; ivhcre I have put Things into
a -very good Pofture of Defence, and mounted again the
Artillery tvhich you had nailed and difmountcd. My
Intent is, to difpute irnth you your Pajfage out of the
Lake, and follon.v and purfue you e'very nuhere, to the
End you may fee the Performance of my Duty. Not-
nx.-ithftandi'ig, if you 'will be contented to furrender
ivith Humility all the Treafure you ha've taken, to-
gether luith the Sla'ves and all other Prifoners, I
•will let you freely pafs, ivithout Trouble or Molefta-
tion ; upon Condition that you retire home pre fent ly to
your o'wn Country. But in cafe that you make any
Reftftance or Oppofition againji me, and refufe the
Conditions that I proffer to you, I afjure you Fll com-
mand Boats to come froin Caracas, 'wherein Fll tut
my Troops, and, coming to Maracaibo, ivill caufe
you utterly to perijh, by putting youaud e'very Man to the
S'zvord. This is my laft and abfolute Refolution. Be
prudent, therefore, and do not abufe my Bounty wuith
Ingratitude. I ha've 'with me 'very good Soldiers
ivho defire nothing more ardently than to rc'venge
thonfelvcs on you and your People, for all the cruel
and cafe infamous Al}ions you ha've committed upon the
Spanijh Nation in America.
From on board the Royal Ship named Ms.^i2let\, ly-
ing at Anchor at the Lake o/' Maracaibo.
Don Alonfo del Cair.po y Efpinofa.
E A»
i4
A General History of
As foon as Cnptain l\forgan had received this Let-
ter, he called all his Men together in the Market-
place of Maracaibo ; and after reading the Contents
thereof, both in French ;ind Eiiglijh, he asked their
Advice and Refolutions upon the whole Matter, and
whether they had ratiier furrender all they had pur-
chas'tl, to obtain their Liberty, than fight like Men
to keep what they were poffefs'd of.
They anfwered all unanimoufly. They had rather
fight, and fpill the lafl; Drop of Blood they had in
their Veins, than furrender fo eafily the Booty they
had gotten with fo much Danger of their Lives. A-
mong the Company, one was found who refolutely
fpok^ thus to Captain A/a;-^«« ; Take you Care fer
the rej}, and I luill undertake to dejiroy the bivgeji of
thofe Ships imth only t'wel've Men. The manner Jhall
be, by making a Brulot or Fire-Jhip of that Vejfel lue
took in the River of Gibraltar : And to the In-
tent Jhe may not be kno"jjn for a Fire^Jhif, ive
I'.ill fill her Decks ivith Logs of Wood, ftanding ivith
Hilts and Montera Caps, to deceive their Sight ivith
the Reprefentation of Men. The fame lue xvill do at
the Port -holes that fer've for the Gum, nvhich Jhall be
filled ivith counterfeit Cannon. At the Stern ive ivill
hang out the Englijh Colours, and perfuade the Enemy
jhe is one of our befi Mtn of M^ar, and comes to fight
them. This Propofition being heard by the Junta,
was admitted and approved of by every one ; never-
thelefs their Fears were not quite difperfed.
For, notwithftanding what had been concluded
there, they endeavoured the next Day to fee if they
could come to accommodation with Don Alonft. To
this Effedl Captain Morgan fent him two Perfons,
witli thele following Propofitions. Firft, That he
I'.-ould quit Maracaibo, ivithcut doing any Damage
to the Toivn, or exafling any Ranfom for the firing
thereof. Secondly, That he ^vould fet at Liberty one
half of the Slaves, and likeivife all other Prisoners,
ivhhout Ranfom. Thirdly, That he luould fejid home
freely the four chief Inhabitants o/" Gibraltar, ivhom
be had in bis Cuftody, as Hofingcs for the Contri-
butions thofe People had promifed to pay him.
Thefe Propofitions from the Pirates being un-
derftood by Don Alonfo, were inftantly rejefted every
one, as being difhonourable for him to grant. Nei-
ther would he hear a Word more of any Accommo-
dation ; but fent back this Meflage : That in cafe
they furrendered not themfelves voluntarily into his
Hands, ivithin the fpace of tivo Days, under the Con-
ditions ivhich he had sffercd them by his Letter, he
Kvould immediately come and force them to do it.
No fooner had Captain Morgan received this Mef-
fage from Don Alonfo, than he put all Things in or^
dcr to fight, refolving to get out of the Lake by main
Force, and without furrendring any Thing. In the
firft Place, he commanded all the Slaves and Prifoners
to be tied and guarded very well. After this, they
gathered all the Pitch, Tar, and Brimftone, they could
find in the whole Town, therewith to prepare the
Fire-fhip abovementioned. Likewiie, they made fe-
veral Inventions of Powder and BrimJlone, with
great Quantities of Palm-Leaves, very well anointed
with Tar. They cover'd, alfo, their counterfeit Can-
non very dexteroufly, laying under every Piece there--
of many Pounds of Gunpowder. Befides which,
they cut down many Out-works belonging to the
Ship, to the end the Gunpowder might exert its
Strength the better. Thus they broke open, alfo,
new Port-holes ; where, inftead of Guns, they plac'd
little Drums, of which the Negroes nrnke Ufe. Fi-
nally, the Decks were handfomely befet- with many
Pieces of Wood, drefs'd up in the Shape yf Men,
with Hats, or MonEera's ; and likewife arm'd with
Swords, Muskets, and Bandeleers.
The Brulot j or Fire-fhip, being thus fitted to tieir
Purpofe, they prepared themfelves to go to the En,
try of the Port. All the Prifoners were put into
one great Boat, and in another of the biggelt they
plac'd all the Women, Plate, Jewels, and other ricJi
Things which they had. Into others they put all the
Bales of Goods and Merchandize, and other Things
of greatell Bulk. Each of thefe Boats had twelve
Men on bo.ard, very well arm'd. The Brulot had
Orders to go before the reft of the Velfels, and pre-
fently to fall foul with the great Ship. All Thing!
being in a Readinefs, Captain Morgan exafted an
Oath of all his Comrades, whereby they protelled to
defend themfelves againll the Spaniards, even to th«
laft Drop of Blood, without demanding Quarter at
any Rate ; promifmg them, withal, tliat whofoever
thus behav'd himfelf, Ihould be very well rewarded.
With this Difpofition of Mind, and couragious Re-
folution, they let Sail to fcek the Spaniards, and
found their Fleet riding at Anchor in the Middle of
the Entry of the Lake. Captain Morgan, it being
now late, and almoil dark, commanded all his Yei-
fels to come to an Anciior, with Defign to f.ght from
thence even all Night, if tlicy fhouU provoke him
thereto. He gave Orders tiiat a careful and vigilant
Watch fhould be kept on board e\'ery V'effel till the
Morning, they being alnioll within Shot, as well as
witli in ^iglit of the Enemy. The Dawning of the
Day being come, they v/eigh'd Anchors, and fet Sail
again, ftecring their Courie dirertly towards the Spa-
niards ; who obfcrvinp them to move, did inft.intly
the fame. The Fire-ihj-, faiHng before the rel't, fell
prefcntly upon the great Ship, ;jid grappled to her
Sides in a ihort Time; which being ptrceiv'd by the
Spaniards to be a Fire-fhip, they atttnipted to efcap*
the Danger by putting her off, but in vain, and too
late : For the Flame luddenly feiz'd her Timber and
Tackling, and, in a fliort Space confum'd all the
Stern, the Fore-part finking into the Sea, whereby
file perilh'd. 1 he fecond Spanijh Ship, perceiving
the Admiral to burn, not by Accident, but by the
InduUrj' of the F.nemy, efc^ip'd towards the Caftie,
where the Spaniards themfelves caus'd her to fmk >
chufiiig this Way of lofing their Ship, rather than to
fall into the Hands of tiie Pirates, which they now
held for inevitable. The third, as having no Op-
portunity nor Time to efcape, was taken by the
Pirates. The Seamen that funk the fecond Sliip nigh
to the Callk, perceiving that the Pirates came to-
wards them, to take what Remains they could fmd of
their Shipwreck (for fome part of the Hulk was ex-
tant above VVatei ) fet fire in like Manner to this
Veffel, to the End the Pirates might enjoy nothing of
that Spoil. The firlt Ship being fet on Fire, lome
of the Perfons that were in her fwr.m towards the
Shore. Thefe the Pirates would have taken up in
their Boats, but tliey would neither ask nor admit of
any Quarter ; chuiing rather to lo.'e their Lives,
than r£cei\e them from the Hands of their Purfuers,
for fuch Reafons as we (hall relate hereafter.
The Pirates were fo extrcamly elevated, by this
fignal \ lilory, obtain'd in fo (hort a Time, and with
fo great Inequality of Forces, that they conceiv'd
greater Pride in their Minds thin they had before ;
and, thereupon, they all pre.'ently ran alhore, in-
tendmg to take the Caille. This they found very
well provided both witli Men, great Cannon, and
Ammunition ; they having no other Arms than Mus-
kets, and a few Fire-balh., in their Hands. Their
own Artillery they thought incapable, for its Smal-
n«fs, of making any connderable Breacti of the V/aUs,
Thus they fpent the rcll of that Day, firing at the
Garrifon with their Miiskets, till the Dusk of the
Evening; at which Time they attempted to adva'j'-e-
nigher to the Walls, with Intent to throw ' ,
Fii'e-balfe. But the Spaniards, refolving to M
Pyrates, H'l^ywajmen, Murderers ^ %^c.
1 5
Lives ;i5 dearly as they cou'd, continu'd firing fo
furio.ily .it them, that they thought it not convenient
to apj-ro-ich any nearer, nor perlill any longer in the
Difpjte. Thus having experienc'd the Obltimcy of
the \Li\t\\\y, and feeing thirty of their own Men al-
readv dead, and as many more wounded, they reti-
red to thtir Ships.
The Spaniards, believing the Pirates would re-
turn the next Day to renew the Attack, as alfo to
make ufe of their own Cannon againll the C.Uile, la-
bour'd very hard all Night, to put all Things in Or-
der for their coming ; but, more particulai ly, they
employ'd themfeives that Night in digging down
and miking plain fome little Hills and eminent Pla-
ces, from whence, poffibly, the CalUe might be of-
fended.
Captain Morgan, however, intended not to come
alhore again, but bufy'd himfelf the next D.iy in ta-
king Priloners fome of the Men who ftill fwam alive
upon the Waters, hoping to got Part of the Riches
■Jhat were loll in the two Ships that perilh'd. Among
the reft, he took a certain Pilot, who was a Stranger,
and who belonged to the lefler Ship of the two, with
whom he held much Difcourfe, enquiring of him fe-
veral Things ; in particular, what Number of People
had been in thefe three Ships ; whether they expected
any more Ships to come ; from what Port they fee
forth the lall Time, when they came to feel: them
out. His Anfwer to all thefe Queftions, was as fol-
loweth, which he deliverM in the Spdnijh Tongue :
" Noble Sir, be plens'd to pardon .and fpare me, and
" permit no Evil to be done to me, as benig a Stran-
" ger to tlie Nation I have ftrv'd, and I Ikill fincere-
" ly inform you of all that pafs'd till our Arriv.al at
" this Lake. We were fent by Orders fjom the
" Supreme Council of State in Spain, being lix Men
" of War well equipp'd, into thefe Seas, with 1:!-
*' firuCtions to cruize upon the Englifi Pirates, and
" root them out from thefe Parts by deilroying as
" many of them as v/e cou'd.
" Thefe Orders were given, by rcafon of the News
" brought to the Court of Spain of the Lofs and
" Ruin of Puerto Vela, and other Places. Of all
" which Damages and Hollilities committed here
" by xkiitEnglijh, verydifmal Lamentations have of-
" tentimes penetrated the Ears of the Catholick
" King and Council, to whom belongs the Care
" and Piefervation of this new World. And tho'
" the Spanijh Court kith many Times, by their Am-
" balTidors, fent Complaints hereof to the King of
" England; yet it Jiatli been the conftant Anfwer of
" his Majefty of Great Britairi, That he ne\er ga\-e
" any Letters Patents nor Conimiffions for the at'ting
" any Hollility whatfoever againll theSribje>5ls of the
*' King of .T/rt/,-:. Hereupon,- t!ie Catholick King,
" being refolv'd to revenge his Subjefts,' and punilh
" thole Proceedings; commanded fix IV'kn of War
" to be equipp'd ; which he fent into thefe Parts un-
*' der the Command of Don Augiiftin dc Bujios, who
•' was conltituted Admiral of the faid Fleet. He
" toinm;inded the biggert Ship thereof, nam'd Nejira
" Senora de la Soledad, mounted with eight and
" forty great Guns, and eight fmall ones. The Vice-
*' Admiral was Don Alonfo del Campo y Ejpinofa,
" who conrmanded the fecond Ship calPd la Concep-
" tion, which carried forty-four great Guns, and
" eight fmall ones. Befides which Veflels, there
" were alfo four more ; whereof the firft was nam'd
" The Magdalen, and was mounted with thirty-fix
" great Guns, and twelve fmaH ones, having on
" board two hundred and fifty Men. The fecond
" was call'd St. tenuis, with twenty-fix great Guns,
•• twelve fmall ones, and two hundred Men. The
*• tliird was call'd la Marque/a, which carried fixteen
*' great Guns, eight fmaU ones, and one hundred and
" fift}' Men. The fourth and laft, Nejlra Sennora
del Ccirmrn, With eighteen great Gur.s, eight
fmall ones; and hkewile one hundred and hlty
'' Men.
" We were now arriv'd at Cartagena, when the
" two greateft Ships receiv'd Orders to return to
" Spain, as being judg'd too big for cruizing upon
" tnefe Coafii. With the four Ships remaining, Z)o«
Alonfo del Campo y Ejpinofa, departed from thence
" towards Cawpeche , to feek out the Engli/h.
" We arrived at the Port of the faid City, wiiere
" being furprized by a huge Storm that blew from
" the North, we loft one of our four Ships j it be-
" ing that which I named in the Place among the reft,
" From hence we fet Sail for the Ifle of Hifpaniola ;
" in fight of which we came within few JJays, and
" direded our Courfe to the Port of Santo Domingo.
" Here we received Intelligence, that there had
" paffed that Way a Fleet from Jamaica, and that
" fome Men thereof having landed at a Place call'd
^Ita Gracia, the Inhabitants had taken one of
" them Prifoner, who confefted their whole Defign
" was to go and pillage the City of Caracas. With
this News Don Alonfo inftantly weighed Anchor,
and fet Sail from thence, croiTing over to the Con-
tinent, till we came in fight of Caracas. Here
" we found not the Englifl} j but happened to meet
with a Boat, which informed us they were in the
" hiX-.^oi Maracaibo, and that the Fleet confifted of
" feven fmaJl Ships and one Boat.
'' Upon this Intelligence we arrived here ,- and
" cominr; nigh unto the Entry of the Lake, we (hot-
'' ofFa Gun to demanda Pilot from the Shore. Thofe
" on Land perceiving that we were Spaniards, came
'' willi.igly unto us with a Pilot, and told us that the
" E.iglijb had taken the City of Maracaibo, and
" that tlicy were at prefent at the Pillage oi Gibral-
tar. Don Alonfo, having underftood this News,
" made a handfome Speech to all his Soldiers and
'' M.irincrs, encouraging them to perform their Duty
' and withal promifing to divide among them all they
" (hould take from the Engli/h. After this, he g.ave
" Order that the Guns which he had taken out of
" the Ship that was loll, (hould be put into the Ca-
'' ftic, and thefe mounted for its Defence, with two
" Pieces more out of his own Ship, of eighteen
" Pounds e.ich. The Pilot, conduced us into the
'' Port, and Don Alonfo commanded the People that
'' were on Shore to come into his Prefence; to whom
" he gave Orders to repoffefs the CaiUe, and re-en-
" force it with one hundred Men more than it had
'' been before its being taken by the Englifh. Not
'' long after, we received News that you were re-
" turned from Gibraltar to Maracaibo ; to v/hich
' Place Dun Alonfo wrote you a Letter, giving you
'' Account of his Arrival and Defign, arid withal ex-
'' hotting yon toreftore all that you had taken. This
'' you refufed to do ; whereupon, he renewed hi,s
'' Promifes and Intentions to his Soldiers and Seamen,
'' and having given a ^'ery good Supper to all his
'' People, he periuaded them neither to take nor
'' give any Quarter to the EngUJh in the approach-
'' ing Adtion. This was the Occafion of fo many
' being drowned, who dared not to crave any
'' Quarter for their Lives, as knowing their own In-
'' tentions of giving none. Two Days before you
'' came againft us, a certain Negro came on board
'' Don Alonfo's, Ship, who fpoke thus to him : Sir,
'' be plcafed to ha've great Care of yonrfclf ; for the
'' Engliftl ha've prepared a Firefhip, <zvith Defign to
'• burn your Fleet . But 2)c>z ./^/as/o would not believe
" this Intelligence, his Anfwer being, Ho-itc can that
"be? Can they ha've Wit enough to build a Firefhip ?
" Or ivhat Injlruments have they to do it ivithal-?^^
Tlie Pilot abovenjentioned, having related fo dif-
timSIy
i6
A Gev.crai History oj
tinftly all the nforel'akl Things to Ci'.pt.iin Morgait,
was veiy wtU uieJ by him, :ind, after fome kiiul
Proffers made him, lein.^.iiicJ in hii Service. He
difcovereJ moreover to the C.ipt liii, that in the Ship
that was funk, there was a gre;it Qu:^ntity of Plate,
even to tlie Value of forty tl.oiil'and Pieces of Eight ;
and that it was certainly the Occailon tliey had often-
times feen the Spcniaitls in Boats about the faid
Ship. Hereupon, Captain Morgn't ordered that one
of his Sliips Ihould remain tliere, to watch all Occa-
fions of getting out of the (aid \'eirL-l what Plate
they could. In the mean While, he himfelf, with
all his Fleet, returned to Murttcaiho, wheie he re-
fitted the great Ship he had taken of the three afore-
mentioned. And nov.', being well accommodated,
ke cliole it for himfelf, giving his own Bottom to one
of his Captains.
.After this, he fent agiin a MefTenger to the Ad-
miral, who was elcaped on Sliore and got into the
Callle, demanding of hir:i a Tribute or Ranfom, for
the Town of Mto-acetiho, to prcferve it from Fire ;
which being denied, he threitened entirely to con-
fume and deliroy it. The Sjia/iiaiJj, confidering
how unfortunate they had been all along with thole
Pirates, and not knowing after v/hat manner to get
rid of them, concluded among themfclves to pay the
faid Ranfom, although Dm Alonfa would not confent
to it.
Hereupon, they fent to Captain Morgan to ask
what Sum he demanded. He anfwered them, that
he would have thirty thoufand Pieces of Eight, and
five hundred Beeves, to the Intent his Fleet might be
well viftualled with Flefii. This Ranfom being paid
he promifed tliem to give no futher Tro'.rble to the
Prisoners, nor to caufe any Ruin or Damage to the
Town. Finally, they agreed with him upon the
Sum of twenty thoufand Pieces of Eight, befides the
five hundred Beeves. The Cattle the Spaniards
brought in the next D.iy, together with one part of
the Money : And while the Pirate; were bufied in
faking the Flelh, they returned with the rell of the
whole Sum of twenty thoufand Piece; of Eight, for
which they had agreed.
But Captain Morgan would not deliver, for that
Prefent, the Prifoners, as he had promifed to do, by
Re'afon he feared the Shot of the Artillery of the
Callle at his going forth of the Lake. Hereupon, he
told them he intended not to deliver them, till iuch
Time as he was oat of that Danger ; hoping by this
Means to obr.\in a free P.iffage. Thus he fet Sail
with all his Fleet in quell of that Ship which he had
left behind, to feek for the Plate of the Veffel that
was burnt. He found her upon the Place, with the
Sum of fifteen tliouiand Pieces of Eight, which they
had purchafed out of tlie Wreck j befides manv other
Pieces of Plate, as Hilts of Swords, and other Things
of that kind. Alio a great Quantity of Pieces of Eight,
that were melted and run together by the Force of
the Fire of the faid Ship.
Captain Morgan fcarcc thought himfelf fecure,
neither could he contrive how to fhun the Dam.ages
the faid Callle might caufe to his Fleet. Hereupon
he told the Prifoners, that it was neceffary they IhoulJ
agree with the Governor to open the PafTage Vv-ith Se-
curity for his Fleet ; to which Point if he fhould
not confent, he would certainly hang them all up in
his Sliips. After this Warning, the Prifoners met
together to agree on the Perlons they fhould depute
to the faid Governor Don Alonfo ; and they affigned
fome few among them for that EmbafFy. 'I'hefe
went to him, befeeching and fupplicating the Admi-
ral that he would have CompalTion and Pity on thofc
afBifted Prifoners who were as yet, together with
their Wives and Children, in the Hands of Captain
Morgan. And that to this End he would be pleafed
to give his Word to let the whole Fleet of Pirates
freely pais, without any Molellation ; Forafmuch as
this would be the only Remedy of laving both the
Lives of them that came with this Petition, as alio of
thole who remained behind in Captivity ; all being
equally menaced with the Sword and Gallows, inc; le
he granted not this humble Requell. But Don
Alonfo gave them for -'\nfwer, a fharp Reprehenfion
of their Cowardice, telling them. If you had been as
loya I to yonr Kiug in hindring the Entry of thefe Pi-
rates, as IJhttll be in oppofing their going out, you had
never caufed thefe Troubles neither to yourfelijes nor to
our ivhole Nation ; ivhich hathfufferedfo much through
your Pufillanimity. In a llord, I fliall neiier grant
your Requejl ; but Jhall endea-four to maintain that
Re/'pcJ} ivhich is due to my King, according to my
Duty.
Thus the Spaniards returned to their fellow Pri-
foners, with much Conllernation of Mind, and no
hopes of obtaining their Requeil ; telling to Captain
Morgan what Anfwer they had received. His Re-
ply was. If Don Alonfo ^I,'/// not let me pzfs, I ivi/I
find Means hot'j to do it ivithont him. Hereupon, he
began prelently to make a Dividend of all the Booty
they had taken in that Voyage ; fearing lell he might
not have an Opportunity of doing it in another Place,
if any Tempell fhould arife, and fcperate the Ships ;
As alio being [ealous that any of the Commanders
mlglit run away with the bell P.irt of the Spoil ; which
then lay much more in one Vcllel than another. Thus
they all brought in, according to their Laws, and de-
clared what they had, naving before-hand made an
Oath not to conceal the leail Thing from the Publick.
The Accoants being call up, they found the Value of
two hundred and fifty thoufand Pieces of Eight, ia
Money and Jewsls, befides the huge Quantity of Mer-
chandizes and Slaves. The Dividend of which Pur-
chafe was made to every Ship or Boat, according to
t.heir proper Share.
The Divilion being made, the Quelllon flill remain-
ed on Foot, how they Ihould pais the Callle, and get
out of the Lake : At lall, tiiey agreed to make Ufc
of a Strat.igem, of no ill luvention, which was as
followed. On the Day that preceded the Night
wherein they determined to get forth, they embark'd.
many of their Men in Canoes, and roued towards the
Sliore, as if they defigned to land them. Here they
concealed themlelves, under the Brandies of Trees
that huug over the Coalt, for a while, till they had
laid themlelves down along in the Boats. Then the
Canoes returned to the Sliips, with the only Appear-
ance of tuo or three Men rowing them back, all the
rell being concealed at the Bottom of the Canoes.
Thus much only could be perceived from the Callle ;
and this Aiflion of falfe landing of Men, for fo wa
may call it, was repeated that Day feveral Times.
Hereby the Spaniards were brought into Perfwafion,
that the Pirates intended to force the Callle by fcaling
it, as foou as Night fhould come. This Fear caufed
them to place moll of their great Guns on that Side
which looks towards the Land, together with the
main Force of their Arms leaving the contrary Side,
belonging to the Sea, almoft dellitute of Strength and
Defence.
Night being come, they weighed Anchor, and by
the Light of the Moon, without letting fail, com-
mitted themfclves to the ebbing Tide, which gently
brought them down the River, till they were nigh
to the Callle. Being now almolt againll it, they
fpread their Sails with all the Halle they could pof-
fibly make. The Spaniards perceiving them to ef-
cape, traufported with all Speed their Guns from the
other Sidfrof the Caftle, and began to fire very furi-
oufiy at tlie Pirates. But thefe, having a favourable
Wind, were almoll paJl the Danger, before thofe of
the
PyrateSj Highwaymen, Murderers^ 8cc.
the Caftle could put Things into convenient order of
Offence : So that the Pirates loll not many of their
Men, nor received any confiderable Damage in their
Ships. Being now out of the Reach of the Guns,
Captain Morgan fent a Canoe to the Caille with fome
of tlie Prifoners : and the Governor thereof gave
them a Boat that every one might return to his own
Houfe. Notwithftanding this, he detained the Hof-
tages he had from Gibraltar, by reafon thofe of that
Town were not as yet come to pay the rell of the
Ranfom for not firing the Place. Juft as he departed.
Captain Morgan ordered feven great Guns with Bul-
lets, to be fired againll the Caltle, as it were to take
his Leave of them. But they anfwered not fo much
as with a Musket-lhot.
The next Day after their Departure, they were
furprized with a great Tempeft, which forced them
to call Anchor in the Depth of five or fix fethom Wa-
ter. But the Storm increafed fo much, that they
were compelled to weigh again, and put out to Sea,
where they were in great Danger of being loll. For
if on either fide they Ihould have been call on Shore,
either to fall into the Hands of the Spaniards, or of
the Indians, they would certainly have obtained no
Mercy. At laft, the Tempell being fpent, the Wind
ceafed ; which caufed much Content and Joy in the
whole Fleet.
While Captain Morgan made his Fortune by pil-
laging the Towns abovementioned, the reft of his
Companions who feparated from his Fleet at Cape de
Lobos, to take the Ship of which were fpoken before,
endured much Mifery, and was very unfortunate in
all their Attempts. For being arrived at the Ifle of
Savona, they found not Captain Morgan there, nor
any one of their Companions. Neither had they the
■good Fortune to find a Letter, which the Captain,
at his Departure, left behind him in a certain Place,
where in all Probability they would meet with it.
Thus, not knowing what Courfe to lleer, they at
laft concluded to pillage fome Town or other, where-
by to repair their Fortune. They were in all about
four hundred Men, divided into four Ships and one
Boat. Being ready to fet forth, they cotillituted an
Admiral among themfelves, by whom they might be
diredled in the whole Affair. To this Effedl they
chofe a certain Perfon, who had behaved himfelf very
couragiouHy at the taking of Puerto Velo, and whofe
Name was Captain Hanfel. This Commander re-
folved to attempt the taking of the Town of Com-
mana, feated upon the Continent of Caracas, nigh
threefcore Leagues from the Weft Side of the Ifle de
ia Trinidad. Being arrived there, they landed their
Men, and killedTome few Indians that were near to the
Coaft. But approaching to the Town, the Spaniards,
liaving in their Company many Indians, difputed with
them the Entry fo briskly, that, with great Lofs, and
in great Confufion, they were forced to retire towards
their Ships. At laft, they arrived at Jamaica, where
the reft of their Companions, who came with Cap-
tain Morgan, continu'd to mock and jear them for
their ill Succefs at Commana ; often faying to them,
IjCt us fee ixihat Money you brought from Commana,
and if it be as good Silijer as that ivhich lAie bring
Jrom Maracaibo.
But left we fhould weary our Readers with a too
long Account of the Depredations of one Man, we
ihall be more concife in the remaining Part of this
^Narrative, and reduce the great Number of Adven-
tures that ftill remain to be related, into as little Room
as poiTible.
Not long after Captain Morgan's Arrival at Ja-
maica, he found that Debauchwy and Excefs had
reduced the greateft Part of his Officers to the fame
State of Indigency they were often in before. This
was a Motive fufiicient to engage him in new Ad-
17
ventures; and tho' his Crew was pretty well dif-
perled about the Country, he found no Difficulty ia
getting them together again by Letters.
The Place of Rendezvouz was Port Coullion, a
French Town, over againft the Ifland de la Vaca.
Here he called a Council, v/ho agreed to fend four
Ships and one Boat, mann'd with four hundred Men,
over to the Continent, to rifle fome of the neighbour-
ing Villages for bread Provifions ; while others of
them hunted in the Woods, killed and falted a great
Number of wild Beafts 5 and the reft were employed
in refitting all their VefTels.
The four Ships were beclamed near the Mouth of
the River de la Hacha, for fome Days, in which
Time they were perceiv'd by the Spaniards, who hid
their Goods, and prepared to retire themfehes on
Occafion. Here they took a good Ship laden with
and the next Morning landed in fpite of the
Maiz, while the Men where endeavouring to efcape.
Refinance made by the Spaniards, whom they pur-
fufd a long Way, torturing thofe they took, in a
grievous Manner, to make them difcover their Wealth,
wliich fome of them did ; fo that in fifteen Days
they amafs'd a great Quantity of Plate and other
moveable Goods. This, however, did not content
them J for they fent into the Woods for more of the
Inhabitants, whom they oblig'd, with thofe they had
already taken, to pay four thoufand Bufhels of Maiz for a
Ranfom, and to prevent their burning the whole Towti,
The Return of thefe Ships to the Fleet, after an
Abfence of five Weeks, was the Occafion of great Joy.
Having equally divided the Maiz and Flefti, they
fteereu their Courfe for C?pe Tiburon, being in all
thirty feven Sail, with two thoufand fighting Men
on board, befides Mariners and Boys. Morgan's
own Ship mounted twenty two great Guns, and
fix fmall ones, all Brafs ; the reft carried fome twenty,
fome eighteen, fome fixteen, the fmalleft four ; be-
fides a great Quantity of Ammunition. For the
better Management of this Fleet, he di\'ided it in-
to two Squadrons, conftituting a Vice-Admiral to
command one, with proper Officers under him, as in
his own Divifion. He then fummoned together all
the Captains, gave them Letters-Patent, to commit
all manner of Hoftilities againft the Spaniards, as
Enemies of the Englifh Nation, and made them fign
Articles, in which it was ftipulated, that he himfelf
fhould have a hundredth P.irt of what was taken ;
every Captain the Share of eight Men, befides his
own ; the Surgeon two hundred Pieces of Eigiit, for
his Cheft of Medicines ; and every Carpenter one
hundred Ditto, above common Salary. The Rewards
were as follows : For the Lofs of both Legs, one
thoufand five hundred Pieces of Eight, or fifteen
Slaves ; for the Lofs of both Hands, one thoufand
eight hundred Pieces of Eight, or eighteen Slaves ;
for one Leg or one Hand, fix hundred Pieces, or fix
Slaves J for an Eye, one hundred Pieces, or one Slave.
To him that ftiould firft enter any CaiUe, or other-
wife fignalize himfelf, the Reward was fifty Pieces
of Eight. All thefe extraordinary Recompences were
to be paid out of the firft Spoil.
From Cape Tiburon they failed for St. Catharine's,
at that Time in the Poffeffion of the Spaniards,
where they anchored one Morning before Sun-rifing,
and landed one thoufand Men, with which the Cap-
tain marched to the ufual Refidence of the Govern-
or, but found the Garrifon retired to the leffer Ifland,
which joins to the great one by a Bridge, and is al-
moft impregnable. The Spaniards upon perceiving
them, fired fo furioufly, that they hindred their ad-
vancing thither all that Day, (o that they were oblig-
ed to lie on the Ground, where they fuffered a great
Deal from the violent Rains that fell that Night, be.
ing almoft Naked, and withal very hungry. In this
F Diftrefs
^i8
A General History of
.-Diftfefs die next Day, they even eat a diftempcred
old Horfe tint they found in the Fields, which was
but a im.1.11 Relief among fo many.
In the Midll; of this Fatigue, Captain Morgan or-
dered a Canoe to be rigg'd, and a Flag of Truce to
be hung out to the Spaniards, threatening withal,
that if they did not furrender in a few Hours, he
would put them .lii to-the S vord. To anfwer this
Melf.ige, the Governor deiired to call a Council,
which being granted, after it was over, he lent two
Canoes witii Vvhite Colours to treat Captain Morgan,
fending two Hoflages in the mean Time to the Go-
vernor.
The Plenipotentiaries agreed that Morgan fliould
have the liland ; but then, to lave the Governor's
Credit, he was to enter the Fort by Attack in the
Night, fo that he might feera to take it by Surprize ;
his Ships at the fame 'i ime making a formal Aflault
by Sea. It was further concluded, that the Gover-
nor Ihould be taken Prifoner, and that no devililh mif-
chievous Bullets ihould be us'd during the whole En-
fagement. All tlus was punilually obferv'd on both
ides.
The Pirates having taken the Ifland, their next
War was with the Poultry, Cattle, and other Necef-
faries for the Belly. Several Days wer.e fpent in feaft-
ing, and a great many Houfes puU'd down to make
Fuel of the Timber. The Prifoners were about four
hundred and fifty Perfons ; one hundred and ninety
of whom were Soldiers. In the Ifland were nine For-
trefl'es well mounted and provided : the Store-houfe
was furnifli'd with above thirty thoufand lb. of Pow-
der, befides other Ammunition of all Sorts ; which
was all carry'd on board the Pirate-Ships, and the
great Guns ftopp'd and nail'd.
Four Ships were no^v fent with Guides to take
the CalUe of Chagrc, under the Command of one
Brodcle. This Callle is fituated on a high IVIoun-
tain, at the Entry of the Rix er, furrounded with Palli-
fades, or wooder Walls fiU'd with Earth. On the
Land-Side it has four Ballion-., and on the Sea-fide
is wholly inacceihble. Notwithftanding all this Dan-
ger, thefe reiolute Fellows laraded, hazardtd an Af-
iault, and were beaten back the firlt Time with fome
Lofs.
In the Heat of the Aflion one of the Pirates was
wounded with an Arrow, which he inllantly puU'd
Out, wrapp'd fome Cotton about it, and difcharg'd it
from his iWufquet. This Arrow fell upon a Houfe
thratch'd with Palm-Leaves, and the Cotton, being
kindled by the Powder, fet it on Fire, which the Spa-
niards did not perceive till it burnt to a great Quantity
of Powder, blew it up, and caus'd a prodigious Con-
llernation.
This Accident gave the Pirates an Opportunity to
fet the Pallifades on Fire alfo, while the Spaniards
were labouring to e.xtinguilh the other. It was not
long now before a great many Breaches were made ;
wliich the Spaniards defended very bravely , till at
iaft the Pirates got Pofifeflion of one defended by the
Governor himfelf, arid from thence proceeded to the
Caftle, which they were alfo foon Mailers of. The
Governor was kill'd with a Mufquet-fhot, and many
of his Men jump'd into the Sea, to avoid being ta-
ken by thefe Fellows, of whom they entertain'd ter-
rible Apprehenfions : So that at lall the Prifoners a-
mounted to no more than thirty (and of thefe twenty
were wounded) out of three hundred and fourteen
Soldiers, which were in Garrifon. The Piiates
themlelves loft an hundred Men, and had feventy
wounded.
As foon as Morgan receiv'd the News of this Ac-
tion, he left St. Catherine's, and came to Chagre,
lofing four Ships at the Entry of the River. He was
received with great Joy, and having order'd a Garri-
fon for the Place, and feiz'd all the Veffels that lay
there, he departed towards Panama, at the Head of
twelve hundred Men, with but a little Provifions, be-
caufe he depended on his good Fortune.
They v\ere nine YiA\ s upon the March before they
faw Panama ; during which Time they lufFer'd greatly,
for want of Food ; the Spaniards h.aving deferted all
the Villages on a Rumour of their coming, and car-
ry'd off with 'em .-Jl manner of Provifions. Some-
times a Pipe of Tobacco was all they liv'd on ; one
Day they eat Leather-Bags which they found, another
Day Grafs and Herbs : Cats, Dogs, Horfes or AfTes,
were delicate Food. The ninth Day at Night they
encamp'd near the City, expreffmg their Joy with the
Sound of Drums and Trumpets, and fealUng plenti-
fully on a great Number of Cattle which they took
in the Neighbourhood.
On the tenth Day, betimes, the Captain put his
Men in Order ; when one of his Guides advis'd him
to ihun the diredt Road to the City, which Advice
he follow'd, difappointing by that Means the SpU'
niards who lay in Ambulbide, and obliging them to
draw together in a Body, and meet him openly. The
Forces with which the Governor of Panama ad-
vanc'd, were two Squadrons, four Regiments of
Foot, and a huge Number of wild Bulls driven by
Indians.
The Pirates firft fpyM the Spaniards from the Top
of a litt'e Mill, and were fo terrify'd at their Num-
ber, tliat moll of them dreaded the Event of a Bat-
tle : however, they all refolv'd to engage, and either
conquer, or die on the Spot ; as they could hope for
no Quarter from People whom they liad fo much
abus'd. In this Confidence they march'd On, and
were receiv'd by the Spaniaids with a Shout, :u]d an
Attack from tiieir llorle ; but the Field being quagg.y,
the Cavalry could not do tlie Service expeifttd. A
Party of two hundred Bucaniers, that march'd in the
Front, gave them a Volley of Shot on their Knees,
upon wliich the E;ittle kindled very warmly, with
Advantage on the Side of the Pirates. This occa-
fion'd the Indians to drive the Bulls upon their
Backs, which put them into fome Diforder ; but the
Beails were foon difpei's'd with the Noife of the En-
gagement.
At the End of two Hours thegreateft part of the
Spanijh Horfe was kill'd, and the reft fled : The Foot
difcharg'd their Mufqucts, threw them down, and
follow'd the Example of the Horfe. A great m.any,
hid themfelves, but were moft of them taken and
kill'd ; among them feveral Monks and Priefts. A
Captain of the Spaniards, who was brought before
Morgan, inform'd him of the whole Strength of the
Place, both with refpeft to the Men and Fortifications ;
which induc'd tlie March towards the Town by ano-
ther V/ay.
After numbring the dead Bodies, which amounted
to fi,x hundred Spaniards, and a pretty many Pirates,
they advanc'd ; but futfer'd much in tiie Attack from
the great Guns planted at every Quarter : yet they
continu'd to gain Ground in Spite of all Difficulties,
and in three Hours time carry'd the City. Now they
flew all that made the Icall OppoCtion, and every
Thing they found was tiieirown ; but the Inhabitants
had conceal'd their moft valuable EfFefts. As foon
as the Heat was over, Morgan afl'embled his Men,-
and order'd them to drink no Wine ; telhng them
he was inform'd the Spaniards poifon'd it all : Tho'
the true Reafon, 'tis thought, of this Injunftion, was
to prevent their being drunk, and fo encouraging the
Spaniards to rife, and put 'em all to the Sword.
The Captain commanded the City to be privately
fet on Fire in feveral of the moft magnificent Parts ;
fo that before Night tliis fine Place was almoft all
burnt, tho' no-body ever knew his Motives. Some
of
Pjrates, High'wajmcnj Murderers ^ 8cc.
H
of his own People murmuring at this Procedure, he
endeavour'd to fling the Odium on the Spa>iiards,
wliO, 'twas well known, with feveral of the Pirates,
did all in_ their Power to extinguiih the Flames j
but, the Houlei being all of Cedar, their Labour was
to ho Purpole. The Monalbriesj Churches, Hofpi-
taJs, ^c. m this Place u'ere very nobly built, and
richly adoni'd, the Number of Houfes was about
feven Thouiand, of which two Thoufand were grand
Strnftures : Molt of the e w-ere dellrpy'd, together ■
ft'itfi two hundred rich Ware-hsuibsj £[nd a great
many Negroes, who hid themfelves therein. After
doing all this Mifchief, the Pirates retir'd, and en-
camp'd in the Field in Pollure of Defence ; appre-
hending tliey ftiould be attack'd again by the 5/^2-
niards, who were ftill much their Superiors in Num-
ber.
WTien they found themfelves fafc they return'd
md plunder'd the Ruins, finduig a great deal of Plate,
md other Things that the Fire could not dellroy.
rhey then purfu'd the Inhabitants who were fled and
ook above tv/o hundred of them Prifoners.
A Ship that had been fent to the South-Sea, now
eturn'd, with three fmall Prizes, and informed the
I^aptain that they had miflfed a Galeon richly laden,
tnd but of final] Strength : Their Debaucheries had
)een the Occallon of this Negledl, which now fuffi-
•jently troubled them j and Morgan could not forbear
enumg a Eoit well arm'd after the Booty, but m
fain. Aker this, four Boats more were feni out,
vit^^ no other Guccefs than the taking a few fmall
k^'eiiys ; the Lading of fome of which, indeed, was
lot inconfiderable. Alotivoy that had been fent to
ZSjagre, retuni'd alfo about this Time, and brought
^Icws of a oj!i««i/& Ship tiiat had been tal.en taere m
he Captain's Abfence.
Thus while the Trade of Piracy went on at Cba-
're, Morgan continued at Panama, making daily In-
•oads in Parties, into all the adjacent Countries.
The Riches hereof, were almoft inellimable, as the
Cruelti'js e.xercifed were incredible. One miferable
iVretch they found in the Houfe of a Man of Quality,
witii a Pair of TaJFety Breeches on, and a fih er Key
langing to them. They ask'd him for the Cabinet
.vhich that Key belong'd to ; and on his telling them
le knew nothing of it, and had only put on the Bree-
Aes becaufe he found them in his Mailers Houfe,
diey disjointed his Arms on the Rack, and twilled a
~'ord about his Forehead fo hard, that his Eyes were
ready to gulh out ; then they hung him up by the
Teftides, and beat him violently in that Pollure ; af-
terwards they cut off his Nofe and Ears, and fmg'd
his Face with burning Straw. When they found he
:ould not Ipeak, and confequently make no Confef-
aon, they ordered a Negro to run him tliro' with a
Lance.
Prieils and religious People were ufed the worll of
iB, and no Sex nor Condition was fpared ; except fuch
Women as fubmitted to their Lufl:. A Lady of
good Quality was brought before the Captain, )oung
md very beautiful : He ordered her to be lodg'd by
herfelf, and attended with great Refpeiil; notwith-
ftanding fhe begged to be put with the other Pri-
foners, becaufe ftie fufpefted he had a Defign upon
lier Chaility. This civil Treatment continued fe-
Iretal Days^ fo that flie began to entertain a more
fivourable Opinion of the Captain, than {he had
been taught before : But the Scene foon changed
again, when, upon her obllinately refufmg to com-
ply with his lafcivious Defires, fhe was ordered to be
llrip'd ahnoll naked, put into a naity Cellar, and al-
moll llarv'd to Death ; fo that the Pirates commiferat-
ed her Condition, and the Captain was oblig'd to
charge her with holding Correfpondence with the
Spaniards, to defend himfelf from the Refentment
c^' his own Compgiy.- ■,,... , ■
_ We inull not-, •hov^v*>* omit cme Aft of Juftice.
When the Prifoners were all put to the Ranlom,
this Lady informed the Captain, that Ihe had lent
two Monks for the Sum required, which they had
receiv'di and con\erted to their own XS^c. This
Fad was enquired into, and found true ; whereupon
the Lady was difchai-g'd, and the Monks taken and
punilh'd according to their Deferts. Such an extra-
ordinary Example of Conftancy and Virtue, could
not fail of having fome Effeil, even upon Morgan
himfelf, in the midll of his Barbarities.
A Plot among fome of the Pirates was now dif-
covered to Morgan, .their Defign was to have run a-
way with a Ship, and fet up for themfelves in the
South-Sea : To prevent this, their Malls were cut
down and burnt. The Captain alfo ordered all the
Artillery of the City' to be fpoil'd, and commanded
all the Prifoners to procure a certam Sum for their
Ranibm, witliin tliree Days j threatning to tranfporc
fuch as fail'd to Jamaica. The Mifery of thefe un-
happy Wretches was very great, fo that, what with
the fear of Slavery, and want of Provifions, nothing
was to be heard but Cries and L_;:ientations.
Wiien tiiC Pirates left Panama, they had with
them one huiidred feventy five Scalls of Carriage, la-
den with Gold, Silver, and other valuable Goods.
Upon tjie Road they took more Prifoners, and fuch
as could not pay their Pv mfoms, were aftually iran-
fported. At about half Way to Chagre, aU tfit Ccm-
p;uiy were fearciiedj to fee that tiiey had concealed
nothing contrary to then- Articles ; the Captain fuf-
fering the Enquiry to begin with himfelf. They
found all Things in good Order at Chagre, till divid-
ing the Booty put them into Confufion, feveral of
the Company taxing Morgan to his Face with keep-
ing the bell Jewels to himfelf ; for they thought it
impoifible that no more than two hundred Pieces of
Eight per Head fhou'd arife from fo much as they
had taken.
Morgan, finding he began to grow obnoxious to
the whole Company, Hole away privately with two
or three Ships from St. Catharine's, which he de-
figned to have fortify'd and kept for himfelf: But he
was foon ilop'd in his Purpofe, by the Arrival of a
new Governor to Jamaica, who fent the old one Home
to give :m Account of his Aftions. Some of t:\tf Pi-
rates were now taken and executed ; and the Vigilance
and Seventy of this Gentleman put a fiii,d Period to
the Depredations of Captain Morgan, and to all the
Account that we have ever receiv'J concerrung him.
We make no doubt but the furpriiing Variety of
Adventures contained in this Life, v.ill .uliiciently
compleat the Whole; 'twou'dhave been very eafy
to have made it as much longer, and yet have related
nothing but authentic Fafts.
The
20
A General History of
Thel^ivz o/Capt. PHILLIP STAFFORD
CAPTAIN Stafford was bom about the
Year 1622. at a fm.ill Village in Berkjbire, a-
bout feven Miles from Neiuberry. His Father
was a Sort of a Gentleman-Farmer, having about
fifty Pounds a- Year of his own Ellate 5 upon which,
by the Help of his Indullry, he lived in a very com-
fortable Manner. Our Philip was an only Child,
which made the Farmer very careful to bring him up
as handfomely as he was able. He fenthim to School
firll in the Countryj afterwards to the Free-School at
Reading ; at both which Places his Improvements was
as coniidferable as could be expedled from one of his
Age ; and indeed might have been much greater, had
his Application been equal to the Sprighdinefs of his
Wit, and common Vivacity of his Temper. Theie
Qualifications, however, fhewed themfelves more to
Advantage in the other Parts of his Life, than they
did in a fedentary Courfe of Study : His Converfa-
tion, even almoft in his Childhood, was very agree-
able, as his Refentment was generally fatal to thofe of
his own Age and Stature. Never a Lad in all the
Pariflies round, but would fhudder at the Name of
Philip Stafford, and if he was not always the beft
Scholar, he was indifputubly the Head Boy in every
School he went to.
His Father defign'd him for the Heir of his Induf-
try, as well as of his Ellate ; and therefore put him
out to no Trade ; bat when the Time generally allot-
ted for the Education of young Men of a moderate
Fortune, was expired, he took him Home to thi; Plow,
and, as foon as he conceived him equal to the Bur-
then, gave him the whole Management of his Af-
fairs. Phil, was a tolerable good Farmer, but a much
better Ringer, Wreftler, and Back -Sword-Flayer ; in
all which Exercifes he was looked upon as the Hero of
the whole Country. The excellent Mr. Waller tells
us in one of his Poems, that if Julius Catfar had
been born in the Country, of obfcure Parents,
He ivho fubdu'd the World had been
But the beji Wrefiler on the Green.
We may reverfe thefe Lines, with refpeft to young
Stafford, and venture to affirm, that a very little Af-
ftflance would have help'd fuch a promifmg Genius
to have made a confiderable Figure in fome exalted
Station.
He had imbib'd in his Infancy fuch Principles of
Religion and Loyalty, as are common to Men in his
JFather's Circumllances ; thefe were ftrengthened by
the Company he afterwards kept, and the manly A-
mufements he daily followed ; fo that when the Ci-
vil War broke out, between King Charles I. and his
Parliament, Stafford was one of the firll of his County
that voluntarily entered into the Service of his Sove-
reign. He continued in the Army, through the
whole Series of that unnatural Rebellion ; and we
have no Reafon to doubt but he behaved with a great
deal of Bravery, though his Adlions are buried and
loft in the univerfal Confufion of the Times. We have
not (5nly all the Other Particul-ats of his Life, whic
are recorded, to fupport fuch a Prefuraption, but th
Military Honours he received, are an undeniabl
Proof, that he diftinguifhed himfelf on fome extn
ordinary Occafion ; for the Title of Captain, whic
he afterwards bore, was really conferred on him, whi]
he was in the Service.
Every one is acquainted with the difmal Cataftn
phe of thofe unhappy Troubles. As foon as tl:
King was dead, and the Rebels had got all into the
Haiids, the Royaliils were obliged to fhift from Plac
to Pl:Ke all over the Nation ; and to ufe all the cai
tionary Means they could invent, to fecure themfelve
The fmall Patrimony of Mr. Stafford was fequellerec
among the many larger Eftates of Gentlemen, wh
had continued in then- i^uty to the lad ; and he foe
found himfelf in no <,'pacity of getting a ttioderai
Subfillance What w.is to be done in fuch a Situ;
tion as this ? He looked every Way and could fee r
Profpcft of an honed L velihood. This at laft detei
mined him in the Couife which he immediately fe
into, and which intitles liim to a Place in this Co
leiflion. The Refolution he fet out with, was, t
raife Contributions iniong the Enemies of his Maflt
only, whom he vovv'd never to fpare in any ThinE
wherein he had an Opportunity of domg any Damag
either to their Perfons or Eltates.
Wc iliall now view our Captain in his new Chs
rafter, and proceed to a Relation of the moft remark
able and diverting Adventures, that are recorded c
him, without propofmg any particular Method, whic
it would be impolhble to follow.
An antient rich Republican, who was pretty dee
in the Iniquity of the! imes, had marrietl a beautifi
young Lady of large Fortune, the Daughter of
worthy Cavalier his Relation, by whofe Death th
Damlel fell into his tenacious Hands. He had pro
phaned the facred Ordinance of Wedlock, purely ti
keep the Subllance of his deceafed Kinfman to him
fell, and to gratify the leacherous Remains of his car
nal Appetite. Who could blame a Woman of Tafti
for being difTatisfy'd in iuch Circiimftances ? Staff'on
had known her Father, and did not at all quellior
getting the Lady's Favour, if he could but once gei
into her Company. In order to this, he puts on th<
Habit of the Party, and gets himfelf recommendec
to the old Saint for a Servant : He afted his part fc
well, that he w.'is hired without much Difficulty, anc
in a very little while, had won the Heart of hjs Ma-
flcr ; fo that he was admitted to con verfe freely with
both him and Madam : I'he lail was all he wanted,
and it was not long be; ore iie found an Opportunitj
of difdofing his Mind to tier, who was as fenfible o;
the ill Ufage fhe had met v.ith, as Stafford could de-
fire her. In Ihort, our Gentleman \vas now fupplieo
with all the Money fhe could fqueeze from her vene-
rable Piiflure of Mortality, and enjoy'd befides, everj
otlier Favour, which a jolly perfonal Man could ex-
peft from a beautiful young Woman full of Defires.
They took every Opportunity ©f being in each other'i
Company,
PjrateSj Highwaymen, Murderers, Sec.
21
Company, and the good Grace this Affair was carried
on with,' made the old Gentleman imagine, if at any
Time he found them together unexpectedly, that they
only met to converfe on fpiritual Subjecls, for the mu-
r . .! Edificition of each other. This Amour in Time
I. ought the Lady heartily todefpife her Husband, and
to tike a Pride in impofing upon his Credulity, and
c'.cn upon his Scnefs ; Stafford ani (he formed luch a
Plot of the latter hmd, as, I believe, can hardly be
paralelled, which they executed in the following Man-
ner :
Our Cornuto lived in feme Splendor, like the reft
of the Saints, who at this Time had the Manage-
ment of Affairs. He had a handfome well-built
Houfe, and a very decent Garden, enclofed with an
high Wall, and planted, among other Things, with
Variety of Fruit-Trees. At ttie furthell: Recefs of
this Plot was a wide-fpreading Pear-Tree, and it was
now the Time of Year that the Pears were ripe. Cor-
nuto and his dear Half were one Evening walking in
the Garden, 'till they came to this Pear-Tree, when
the Lady all of a fudden were feiz'd with a violent
Longing for fome of the Fruit : The compaJTionate
old Gentleman would have help'd her, if he could,
but there was not a Bough in his Reach, which Ma-
dam knew before. There was no other Way to get
the Pears than by calling Stafford; accordingly,
Stafford was called, and he immediately mounted up
into the Tree. He was no fooner there, than he be-
gan to lift up his Eyes, and blefs himfelf ! Dear Sir,
favs he, if you '-jjill do fuch Things, he fo good as to go
a little out of my Sight : One luould think you Jhould
ha-je a little more Regard to yourfelf, than to enjoy
your Spoufe htfore the Face of a Servant : Good God !
are you infuch a Hurry that you can t fiay ''till you get
tack to the Houje? You hanje a good Bid and pri-cate
Chambers there Bejidcs, one 'vould think the
Nights are long enough to fatisfy your Dejires in.
The poor Woman feemed to be in a llrange Surprize
to hear Stafford run on at this unaccountable Rate.
Is the Felloiu in a Dream ? quoth flie, What is it
you mean by enjoying one another, and fatisfying cur
Dejires ? Are 'we not both fitting upon the Grafs-Plot,
and looking at you? Come doi-vn, pray noiv, and let us
kno^jj luhat you are talking about. Accordingly
Stafford came down, and the old Gentleman began to
be very merry with him ! WW/ Stafford fays he, do you
fie me carrejs your Miftrefs }!on.v ? Notjujl no'c, re-
ply''d Stafford, but r II be burn d alive, if I did not fee
you do it about three Minutes ago, upon this I'ery
Place ; or elfe the Pear-Tree is enchanted, and made
it feemfo. Enchanted ! fays the old Gentleman,
Fetch me a Ladder, and Fll examine this Enchant-
ment. Away goes Stafford, fetches a Ladder, fets it
up againll the Tree, and the old Man very orderly af-
cends : He was fcarcely got up before our Wag had
boarded Madam in earneft, and the poor Cuckold was
ftruck with Admir.-.tion : And are you really doing no-
thing noix> ? fays he. — Doing ! Madam replied in a
feeming Paffion, n'.-hat fould ive be doing of ? I hope
you don'' t think me Juch a Fool, as to let you fee it, if I
bad a Mind to make you a Cuckold! Verily, fays he, it
appears to me, that Stafford has at this Time got thee
in his Arms ; but it muft be the Tree then. After this,
he fat very contentedly, 'till the Paftime was over,
and then came as contentedly down, wondering at
what he had beheld. Madam propofed to have the
Tree cut down immediately, that it might no more
exhibit fuch wicked Sights, and Stafford was ordered
to proceed to the Execution.
After tliis abominable Pear-Tree was reduced to
Aflies, Stafford contmued in the Family a confider-
able Time, without the leaft Sufpicion on the Side
of his Mailer, or the leall Indifference on the Side
•f his Miftrefs: Favours were heaped upon him
7
by both P.-.rties for his good Services, and Madam
and he were every Day merry with the Story above
related .
An Heir was born to the old Gentleman's Ellate,
whom he look'd upon as the Fruit of his own La-
bour, and our two Lovers were fufficiently pleafed
with the good Man's Credulity. But Stafford, after
all, was no whining Inamorato ; though Madam was
heartily in love with his Perfon, 'twas her Wealth that
kept him fo long in her Arms: He began to look
upon the whole Sex with an equal Eye, and waited
only for an Opportunity to make a good Booty, and
feek his Fortune upon other Ground. The Part of a
Gallant no Man performed better, nor imitated that
of a Lover more naturally than Stafford : He had be-
fides all that was graceful and engaging in his Beha-
viour, as well as his Perfon. The Afcendant, which
by thefe Means he had gained over the Soul of the
young Gentlewoman, foon made him Mafter of all
her Secrets : He leam'd that there was in the Houfe a
Cafket of Jewels to the Value of fifteen hundred
Pounds, and where it was depofited ; nay, fhe had
gone fo far as to fhew him this Treafure, one Day
when her dear Moiety was gone out, and made him
at the fame Time a Prefent of a very pretty Diamond
which fhe thought would not be miffed. She had
moreover given him the Hillory of every Jewel, told
which belonged to her Grandmother, which to her
Aunt, and which the old Man had got by Sequellra-
tion, and made her a Prefent of. It is believed by
the Country Wenches, that if they give a Gipfy any
Piece of Money out of their Pocket, fhe will be fure
to get the whole quickly after. Stafford in this Af-
fair was a real Gipf)-, and he accounted the whole
Cafket his own, from the very Moment fhe had dealt
thus openly with him : He looked upon the Ring
which fhe had gi\en him, as a fort of Earneft ; and
waited only for a proper Opportunity to receive the
whole Sum in Grofs.
It was, however, neceffary to take a pretty Deal
of Precaution, in order to put fuch a Defign as this in
E.xecuiion : The whole Plot mufl be regularly laid
in fuch a Manner, as that no Imputation of the Fe-
lony might light upon him. All this could not con-
veniently be done, without an Affociate, and every
one was not to be trufled in fuch an Affair. It was
fome Time therefore before he could bring every
Thing to look favourably upon his Projeft. At lafl
he met with a proper Tool, who had been an old
School-Fellow of his ; a Fellow abandoned to all Senfe
of Honour and Honelly, and who was always ready to
execute the blackell Defign ; yet at the fame Time
fo eafily impofed upon, that it was no difficult Mat-
ter for fuch a Man as Stafford to reap all the Advan-
tage of his \'illainy. His Name was Tom Pretty, and
being the Son of a French Refugee, he boafted, that
he was defcended from an Admiral of France, who
was ver}' famous in fome War about a hundred Years
before. This he would affert with a moil confum-
mate Affurance, and if any one afk'd him the Name
of his Grandfather the Admiral, he would as confi-
dently tell them a Name that was never feen jn the
French Hiilory ; affirming with a thoufand Imprecv-
tions, that he won Fights that were never heard of,
in Years when all Europe were at Peace. Tom. was a
Hatter by Trade, and by his Effrontery, had got
pretty good Bufinefs among a Company of young
Gentlemen, who loved a Song better than they judged
of it ; for he pretended to be a great Mafler of Vo-
cal Mufick. He pretended, I fay, to be io ; for in
Reality, though he had a Voice as fbong as an Afs,
he had no more Harmony in it, than the faid unfor-
tunate Animal, whom he alfo refembled in feveral o»
ther Refpefts ; particularly in being a Beaft of Burden.
In Uie Theory of Mufick he had fo little Skill, that he
Q had
22
A General History of
had never learn'd his Notes, and when the Scholaftic
Word Gammiit has been mention'd in hia Company,
he has been heard very gravely to aik, what Gammer
they were tallying of. Beiides this, he would fre-
quendy vapour with a very great Air, and fwear,
that there was never a Man in England of his Inches,
that could match him. When he fias been aftronted
by a Fellow much Icfs than himfelf, in fuch Manner
as no Man of Spirit would have born ; his ufual Me-
thod of coming oiF, was, by Saying he was alham'd
to fet his Wit to fuch an underfiz'd Braggadoccio.
If the Man happened to be full-fiz'd, he was certainly
troubled either wicii the Gout, or the Gravel. In a
Word, nomas Pretty was a fecond Falftaffiox Boaft-
ing and Cowardice, tho' for Wit and Contrivance he
was many Degrees behind that antient corpulent
Knight.
This Digreffion on the Charafter oi Tom. will be
pardoned, when tiie Reader ihall find by-and-by, that
It was very-neceiVarv, in'ordertogive his Aftions their
true Colour. In writing the Life of any Man, 'tis
one Half of the Work to draw a julf Picture : To
mal<e lotni Pifture compleat, I iliould have added.
That he was continually talking of Favours, which
he had received from the Ladies, though in Reality,
he was defpifed by the whole Sex.
This Man, by neglefting his Bufinefs, and fpend-
ing his Money, on Purpole to tell his Adventures,
and let others hear him fing, being now reduced to
Extremity, Stafford thought him the beft Inftru-
ment he could make u(e of, provided he could employ
him in the Work, when there was little Danger ;
Otherwife he very much fufpefted his Courage. He
had procured a Key to the Door where the Jewels
were lodged, and he took an Opportunity to convey
them out at a Wmdow to Pretty, leaving the Cafement
open, with all the vifible Marks of its having been
forced without Side. He took Care alfo to live a
Ladder left under the W'ndow, and to huve fo much
Noife made as might confiim tJie Suipicion of a^ra-
lado, in the Morning when the Lofs was dilcovered.
The Mailer and Iviiltrtis, while tiiis was done, lodg'd
In a Summer-Houfe in the Garden, which they fre-
quently did durir.g the pleafant Time of the Year.
Stafford was the firft who gave die Alarm in the
Morning, and all the reil of the Servants remembered
the Noife, and law the L.idder. There was
not much Sufpicion of any of t.'ie Servants, and of
Stafford- there was the leail of all, as he had always
behaved in fuch an extraordinary Manner ; fo that
our good Couple quickly gave up their Jewels for
loft.
The Captain ftaid long enough in the Houfe after
tliis, to prevent their thinking he went away with
any other View, than that of getting a better Place,
and he took Care, during this Time, to ferve his lov-
ing Miftrefs to the ut.moft of his Strength and A-
bility. The Jewels were all fold in a very private
Manner, almoll to their full Value, and Pretty recei-
ved a Gratuity fufficient to retain him in the Captain's
Service, witii whom he afterwards joined in feveral
Adventures.
Stafford was very careful to get a little Love, as
well as Money in every Place he came to ; and there-
fore lie always paid a particular Regard to the Ladies.
He knew a proper Application to them was the beft
Means of robbing their Hufbands in every Senfe of
the Word ; for there are few Women who will not
facrifice every Thing to a Man who has obtained v^hat
we commonly call the laft Favour, which is alfo com-
monly the firft Favour they grant. The Captain,
however, met with one who was an Exception to this
general Rule. She was young, and very handfome,
but withal an unreafonable Coquet, though ftie had
been married two Years, Our fciero found Mean* itt
a Ball to declare his Prflioti^ which indeed, this once
was almott real. But wli;-.: a Surprize was it to one
who had hitherto found liis Perfou a i'ufiicient Recom-
mendation, when he heard a Woman talk of his
making her a Prefent of an hundred Guineas, and con-
tinue deaf to all other Propolkls, tho' he had feveral
Times the Pleafure of her Compau)' ! He got ac-
quainted with the Husband, went daily to fee him
eyed the Lady, fighed, writ Billets, and, as often as
he could, fpoke his Mind ; but ftill an hundred Gui-
neas were demanded. Stafford, in fpite of his Rea-
dinefs upon all other Occafions, was very much to feek
in this : An hundred Guineas was a great Deal of
Money to give for a Miftrefs, Abundance too much
for a Gentleman of his Trade, without a Profpeft of
doubling the Sum by the Bargain. At laft a lucky
Thought came into his Head : He had been now a
pretty while intimate with her Husband, and by his
Appearance and Expences, given him Room to think
he was a Gentleman of Fortune ;■ he defired him
therefore, one Day to lend him an hundred Guineas
upon his Word, in order to his making up a five
hundred Pound Sum for a Purchafe, which he was a-
bout : This he eafily obtain'd, by producing Bank
Notes for the four hundred Pounds more, which he
really had remaining from the Sale of the Jewels. The
hundred Guineas being procured, he foon got the
Lady's Good-Will, and a Day was appointed to
make hun happy, when the Husband was to be out of
the Way, and ieveral to be invited to a fmall Colla-
tion, to prevent any Sufpicion.
The T>:\Y being come, Stafford takes the hundred
Guineas with him, and goes to the Houfe while they
were all at Dinner : He pulls out the Bag ; Madam
fays he, your Husbat;d lent me an hundred Guhicas a
fe-'M Weeks ago ; and ha'ving the Money by me, I took
this Opportunity to bring it you, nvhieh is the fatne
Thing, as though I gan:e it him, provided thefe Gen-
tlemen and Ladies luill k' Witr.ejcs of the Payment.
The Coiiip.iny all promifed to take Notice, and Ma-
dam, not knpwing any Thing of her Husband's At-
ftir, and fuppofi'ig it was the Money agreed on,
'vhich lie prefentea in this iVianner only to impofe
merrily upon the Company, received it with all the
good Humour )m?g!;'..b!e. 'ViiAw the reft of the
Gueui were gone, Stafford, who eafily enough found
Excule for haying lalt, obtain'd all his ,Defires, and
got the Favour repeated feveral Times into the Bar-
gain. '
In a little Time the good Man came Home, and
the Captain took the firit Opportunity to pay him
a Viiit, when he told him, that he had given the
Money to his Wife fuch a Day, while he was ab-
fent. The Woman, to be fure, looked at him, but
durft fay no more than juft to acloiowledge the Re-
ceipt, with which her Husband was veiy well content-
ed. Stafford had now all he wifhed for, and he
took C,;re to get this Adventure whifpered all over
the Neighbourhood.
Hovv- odd foever it may feem for a profefled Cheat
as Stafford now certainly was, to part with an hun-
dred Guineas, which he had once got PofleiTion of,
every one who is acqaainted with Intriguing will
confefs, that fuch a mafterly Stroke as this, was worth
two hundred of any Man's Money in England, efpe-
cially, if he was fo full as Stafford was at the Time
when tliis was afted. J'he Captain, through the
whole Courfe of thefe Memoirs, will appear a per-
feft Gallant : All the End he propofed to himfelf
in getting Money, was the indulging his Appetites ;
and is it any Wonder that a Libertine, with four or
five hundred Guineas at Command, Ihould fling away-
one hundred for the fake of enjoying a beautiful Wo-
man, and outwitting an artful Coquete at the f'.me
Time ? Befid«s, 'tis very probable he was unwilling
juli
PjrateSy Highwaymen, Murderers^ Sec.
n
juft now to lofe his Credit in the Country where he at
prefcnt quartered, having perhaps fome greater Ad-
vantage m View, than tiiis would have been, had he
thougiit good to embrace it.
But we mull not do by poor Tom. Pretty as Butlet-
did by his Bear and Fiddle, juft excite the Reader's
Curiofity, and then fay no more about him. We
hive already given you his Charafter, and we now
proceed to one of his Adventures. Stajord co\A& ne-
ver kifs the Millrefs, but Tom. \vouId endeavour to do
the fame to the Maid ; 'tis true he generally met with
Lttle Succefs ; but then he always boafted of a great
Deal. While he talk'd of nothing above a Servant,
the Captain took no Notice of the Matter but when
the Adventure above recited was in Hand, our Bully
pj'erended he had received the laft Favour from a Lady
whom Stn ford, though not to his Man's Knowledge
had before addie-Ted to no Puipofe. The Captain
had fo good an Opinion of the Gentlewoman's Cha-
ftity ajid Sincerity, that he fufpecled tlie Truth of
Taw's AiTertion ; and therefore communicated the Af-
fair to Lis (for fo we chufe to call her.) She at firll
refented the Affront, as a Woman of Spirit ought to
do ; but when (he v/as informed what the FeUow was,
her Anger changed to Difdain, and fhe refolved to be
revenged in the merrieft M.anner Ihe could invent. To
this End it was proper to engage Perfons who would
promote her Defign ; and it was not long before fhe
pitched upon a jolly Couple in the Neighbourhood.
Stafford was to tell Tom, that fuch a Woman had con-
fented to come and lie with him all Night, provided
fhe could get any Body to fleep in his Place : For,
fays he, tojleep is all you 'will have to do: Mrs.
has infarTnd me, that her Husband has ne^ver turned
to her, or fo much as [poke to her in Bed, thefe fe-oen
Years pajl. He comes Home about Ele-ven, half-drunk,
falls afleep in tivo Minutes, and fnores like a Hog till
next Morning, nuheii he gets up, and departs in the
fame peaceable Manner : You have nothing to do, hut
to be quiet. Leave the good Woman to introduce you.
Tom, to be (ure, was willing to oblige his Mailer, and
accordingly promifes to be ready. The Hour is come ;
he is very decently dreffed with a Night-Cap, and put
into Mr. 's Bed. After he had been there about
Half an Hour, comes his Bed-Fellow, without a Light,
as i.e had been informed was his Cuftom, and flips
inio hib Place. Tom, firom this Moment, was afraid to
coug'i, fpit, or even to breathe, much lefs to come
nc;.r hi; Chum. He lay upon the very e.xtremity of
his Bed, in fuch a Manner, that his Nofe and his Knees
met; he contrafted hunfelf that you might have put
him into a Peck ; all for fear an amourous Fit fhoidd
feize his new Companion, and he Jhould happen to put
his Hand, or :my Thing elfe, upon th.it unhappy Part
whicn would difcover all. Now and then a Foot, now
and then an Arm touches the unhappy Tom ; he
ftrinks like a fenfitive Plant : What then\vas his Con-
dition, wnen iiis Bed-Fellow embraced him clofely,
and lay a confiuerable Time in this Pofition ? Vv'hen
Morning sproached, the fuppofed Mr. rings a
Bell; TVw began to mutter over his Prayers to him-
felf, and m.ike a very folemn Vow for his Delivery,
that if he came fafe out of this Danger, he would
never offend in the fame Manner : He thought over all
the Sins of his Life, inp.irticular the many Charaders
vi'hich he had afperfed of honefl Women, at leaft for
what he knew. Suppofe him now all in a cold Sweat
a full Hour together; for fo long it was from the
Time of ringing the Bell, till any Perfon entered. At
laft came in Stafford, the Gentleman of the Houfe,
who he thought was a-bed with him, and his Wife ;
all with Lights in their Hands. Now was he more
furpriz'd than ever, efpecially when he faw his, of
Whofe Favours he had fo often bragg'd, jump out of
the Bed, and half difcover her naked Breafts, to let him
fee what a Heaven he had loH. This once in his
whole Life, Tom. was afham'd : 'Tis needlefs to (ay
that all the reft of the Company were merry : The/
were half an Hour contriving what further Puniih-
ment to inflid on hSm. I'hey concluded at lad to
tofs him in a Blanket, and then make him, on his
bare Knees, alk Pardon of Iris, and fuear (blemnly
never more to bo.ail of receiving Favours from Wo-
men, who had fcarce ever fpoke to him. All this
was punctually performed to the great Mortification of
poor Thomas, and the entire fatisfadlion of all the reft
prefent, more particularly of the injur'd and revenge-
ful Ir,s.
This Affront, one would have thought, was fufH-
cient to have made Tom. change his Mailer ; but he
was fuch an infenlible Animal, that, except the few
Minutes when he was immediately in Tribulation,
he never refented the highell Indignity. Stafford
was as ready as any Man to take Advantage of his
Temper, not only for his own Diverhon, but for the
Diverfion of his Acquaintance ; fo that poor Pretty
was the Fiddle of all Companies ; nor was it a little
that he contributed to his own Difquiet, by Relations
which he would frequently make of his Adventures.
One Thing he would boail of, was, his having been
belet with two Foot-pads one Evening late, whom he
difarm'd and llrippej : And then, feid he, as I do
not delight in Blood, I 'veiy mercifully let the Rogues go
about their Bufinefs. Then he would produre fome
of the Spoils, as he called them. The Truth of this
being enquired into, it was found, th.at at the very
Time and Place which Tom. fpecify'd two Gentlemen
having left their Swords, Canes, and Cloaths under a
Tree, while they wafhed themfelves, before they
came out of the Water, they were all carried o(F
very de.xteroufly, and they had never difcovered the
Thief.
But we mud leave the Servant a little, and return
to the M.;fter, in order to relate an Adventure, in
which we have no Account that Thomas had any
H.and. It happen'd t\\n Stafford \vx riding along
very folitarily on the Weftern Road one miferable
cold Day : His Defign was only to go and fee his Re-'
lations, having at that Time Money enough ; and it
was not cuftomary with him to rob any tlody while
the Stock was high : But Fortune tiirew a very con-
fiderable Prize in his Way, in the following Man-
ner :
Juft as he came to the Entrance of Maidenhead-
Thicket, he efpied an old formal Gentleman trotting
before him : As he looked upon him, by his plain
Coat, and broad-brimmed Hat, to be one of the
Godly, as they were then univerfally called, he im-
mediately refolved, contrary to his Intention in tra-
velling, to take hold of the Opportunity, and try
the Depth of the old Man's Pocket. He foon came
up with Mr. Primitive, and began fuch Con\'erfation
as is common to Travellers ; more Particularly, the
Severity of the Seafon occafioned a pretty many Re-
fleftions, as they both felt it to a high Degree. /
hope, fays Stafford, after fuch a terrible Journey as
this, I fljall meet 'with a very good Lodging at Night,
or elfe I fhall think the Stars are againf me indeed.
The old Man, upon this, afllimes an Air of Piety,
and begins to reprehend the Captain for his Prophane-
neis in mentioning the Stars, as if they had any In-
fluence over a Man's Circumflances. He told him,
'twas a heathenifh Manner of c^reffmg himfelf, and
very unbecoming the Mouth of a Chriftian : For my
Part, fays he, / afcribe every Thing that befalls me
to a iiife Pro'vidence, and am ahjcays content imth my
Lot, as being affured in myfelf, that all Things are for
the befl, and luork together for the Good of the Elefl. —
And do you believe yourfelf to be one ofthofe Elcil ?
fays Stafford i i It is the earnejl Defire of my
Soul,
24
A General History of
Soul, replied the old Man, to find the E'videnccs of it
in 7nyfclf; it is 'what I fray for earnejily Day and
Night ; and I truly hope, that my Prdyers afotd ivith
a Sa'vour fn.vcet-fnieUing and acceptable, and that I
Jhall receive an Avfiver of Joy and Peace. Of this
I am the more confident, as I have hitherto found, that
the pious Ejaculations of >ny Heart have not been in
•vain upon particular Occaftons. Here the Captain en-
deavoured to reform liis I'hiz, and to look as demurely
as his Companion. Verily Brother, faid he, ivhoe-ver
thou art, thy Reproof is juj] ; but as I ivas upon a
Journey, and uncertain lahat the Company ivas that I
ivas thus providentially fallen into, I nvas •-willing to
conform myjtlf to it, for the Security of the outivard
Man. If I had found thee fpcaking infuch a Manner
as had difco-vered the Corruption of thy Heart, and pro-
ved thee to be one of the Unregenerate, I Jhould have
endeavoured, as far as it ivould have appeared conf-
ftent voith my high CharaSer as a Chriftiaji, to have
given thee thine ov:n Vl ay in Coverfation. But fine e,
to my unfpeakahle Joy and Conflation in this defart
Place, I have found thee fuch as my Heart 'Would ivijh,
J make no fcruple to unbofom fnyfclf unto thee, begging
that thou ivould' fl extend thy Bouvels of Chrifiian Com-
pajjion unto my Pl'eaknefs, ivhich occafioned tne to con-
ceal the real Sentiments of my Soul, thro' Timidity of
thy Perfon, to 7ne unknovjn. I ivould furthermore in-
treat, that thou vjouldft endeavour to make our Jour-
iieyitig together profitable unto our mutual Edification,
by a Relation of fomc of thofe Experiences, vohich thou
bafi hinted to, as the EffeB of thy be'ing found in the
Way of thy Duty:
The old Hypocrite was tranfported to hear fuch a
Speech as this, and madenoQuellion buthe was lucki-
ly fallen into Company with a Stone of the fpiritual
Building, and a Brother Member of the facred Body
of the Church. " Forafmuch, reply' dhe, as it fcem-
" eth to be thy Defire that I iliould commnnicate un-
" to thee fomething of what I have done in the
" Courfe of my Duty, and inwardly experienced as
" the Return of my humble Petitions : Know that I
" have always, fmce I have been made fenfible what
" Heart- Work and the Divine Influence mean," con-
" ftantly called for a Bleffing upon what I -have un-
*' dertaken. In an efpecial Manner, when I have fet
" out on a Journey, as at prefent, I have been more
" earnell in intreating that I might pafs the Road in
" Safety ; and that at Night in a good Inn I might
" take up my Quarters, and repofe upon a Bed of
" Down. Not fo that I defire to indulge my Tenc-
" ment of Clay in the Courfe of this my Pilgrimage,
" as that I look upon it to be Typical of that eternal
" Reft in the which I hope to be received, when I
" fhall put off this outward Man, this earthly Taber-
" nacle of Flefh. It is, my Friend, a Help to my
" Meditation on thefe Things, when I lie extended
" at Eafein the Night ; and I never yet found, bat
" that every Particular has been anfwerable to my
" Defires, and, indeed, proportioned to the Degree of
" Warmth with which I have exprefied them. It is
" for this Reafon, that when I have been diligent in
" my Duty, and taken fuch a Quantity of Money in
" my Pocliet as will bear my expences in a comfor-
" table Manner, I am under no Apprehenfions of any
" Danger that may attend me. I hope then quotb
" Stafford, thou wert not at all wanting this Morning
" in thy Exercifes, both for thy fake and my own ;
" forafmuch as with thy good liking I am determined
" to .accompany thee this Evening". Hereupon the
old Man affuring him, that he was never in all his
Life more fervent than that Morning, the Captain
feemed pretty contented, 'till they came to the Mid-
dle of the Thicket, when he thought it very proper
to take the Advantage of the Place, and eafe the old
Hypocrite of his Money, which was of more Service
to him in his getting good Lodging, than all his boall-
ed Piety ; the latter being only fuperiicial.
To this End, he addrefled him in the following
Manner : " Brother, I perceive by what you have
" related, that you are a Man favoured by Heaven
" in an extraordinary Degree ; and that 'tis impof-
" fible to liinder you of any Thing that you have once
" pray'd for: To what'purpole then ihould you
" carry Money with you ? Now, for my Part, I
" canaot pretend to any fuch particular Token of
" the Divine Regard ; and therefore, I have no
" Room to e.\pe6t any Thing out of the common
" Way ; fo that I think what Money you have a-
" bout you will be much more ferviceable to me than
" to you, who are certain of the beft Ufage wherever
" you come." The old Man began to ftare upon
his new Companion, and wondered what he was driv-
ing at ; but he did not remain long in Sufpence ; for
Stafford told him very plainly, That it would be to
no Purpofe for him to make many Words, fmce he
was now in Earnell : Therefore, fays he, ivithout Cere ■
mony deliver your Money. At thefe Words he clapped
a Piftol to his Breall, which terrify'd the venerable
Saint to fuch a Degree, that he pulled out a Purfe
with forty Guineas in it, and gave it with a tremb-
ling Hand. It was now plain, that how fure foever
our good Man was of Heaven, he was not willing to
leave the World on a fudden, which is no uncommon
Cafe. Stafford being willing to fpoil the old Man's
Lodging intirely, ftiot his Horfe, after he had ritled
him of every I'hing that he had whicli was valu-
able, and then forced him a confiderable Way into
the Thicl:et, where he bound him fall, and let't him
on the cold Ground. In this Condition he lay
till next Morning, when he was taken up half-
dead.
The Captain, after this Robbery, was very fenfible
that how bad foever the Lodging of his Round-head
Companion might be, his own would be as little to
his Satisfaction if he were taken ; he therefore, thought
it moll advifeable to get out of the Main Road as talt
ashe could. This he did by croffing the Country in-
to Buckinghamfljire, and ridipg till lie tiiought lie was
out of all l)anger for that Night. He now began to look
round him for a Light, the only Means he had of
finding aHoufe at this Time, for it was late. At laft j
he efpied one at a confiderable Dillance, and with all
the Speed his Horfe was Mailer of, rode llrait up to
it. When he was come to the Gate and had kcocked,
a young Woman about twenty came with a Candle,
and feemed not a little furprized as foon as fhe faw
him. The Captain told his Cufe in the bell Manner
he could, and after a little Converfation, he found
that there was no Body in the Koufe but the Maid,
who came to the Door, and her Miftrefs, who was
alfo up, and waiting for lier Hufliand to come Home
from London.
As the good Man had fent her Word he would not
fail that Evening, (he had prepared a very elegant Sup-
per for his Refi'elhment, which had now been
ready a confiderable Time ; fo long, that they al -
moll defpaired of his coming, and Ihe had, juft as
Stafford came, concluded to lup by herfelf, and go to
Bed. When fhe heard fomebody at the Gate, fhe
concluded it muft be her Huihand, and fent the Maid
to introduce him, while fhe was preparing juft within
the Door to receive him with all the Formality of a
Wife. Wondring why the Maid ilaid fo long, fhe
alfo came out, and the Captain repeated how he had
loft his Way, and was grievoufiy diftrelfed for a
Lodging. It was impofiible for a Woman of Breed-
ing and Humanity to be inhofpitable to a Stranger,
who appeared fo much like a Gentleman as Stafford
did, elpecially now fhe had done expefting her Lord
and Mafter. Betty was ordered to conduft him to the
Stable,
PjratcSy Highisoaymenj Murderers^ ^c.
5
Stable, and fee that his Horfe was well provided for,
and tlien to bring tlie Gentleman in, who acknowledg-
ed her Civility ui the moll obliging Manner ; and
made very large Profeflions of Gratitude. Madam,
jn Return, told him how Ihe had been difap-
pointed, airuringhim, (he was very glad, fmce Things
had fo fell out, that ihe could oblige fo deferving a
Gendeman as he appeared to be, with what Ihe had
provided, adding, that the bell Bed in the Houfe was
at his Service. There is no Quellion but Stafford
was fufficiently pleafed with his good Fortune : he re-
flefted upon what had pall the Day before, and won-
dered how it came to pafs that the old Man's Prayer
fliould be fulfilled to him, after he had fo much in-
jured him. He could hardly forbear thinking, that
the blind Goddel's had made a Millake, and fhowered
down her Favour upon the wrong Perfon. In a
Word, tiiey fat down to Table together, and Staf-
foiJ co\x\<l perceive that the Expeilation of herHus-
b.ind had raifcd fuch Sentiments in the Lady, as
would fall in with his Wiihes. After Supper they
began to be more free, and the Captain offered to
entertain his generous Hollefs with a Song, which
was as follows :
Still may the Decrees of the State,
Impale on an ignorant Realm ;
Let us our own Charter create.
And do as they do at die Helm.
Since you have the Beauty to charm.
And I have the Manhood to pleafe.
In Love can there be any Harm,
That fprings from fuch Motives as thefe ?
yf S O N G.
WHen firfl Procreation began.
Ere Forms interrupted the Blifs,
Eacji Woman might love any Man ;
Each Man any Woman might kifs.
The Youth who beheld a plump Lafs,
Declar'd in few Words his Requell ;
Nor whiii'd like an amorous Afs,
Nor ever departed unbleft.
The Girl who was ripe for the Game,
Look'd out for a fizeable Lad;
Then frankly difcover her Flame,
And what fhe dem;uided fhe had.
But while they thus revell'd at large.
And B-^.ndings increas'd in their Kind,
The Mother ftill bore all the Charge ;
The Father what Mortal could find >
So when great Semiramis reign'd.
And Women repin'd at their Lot,
The Queen Matrimony ordain'd.
That each mignt maintain what he got.
While imder this Petticoat Rule,
The Men were oblig'd to iubmit;
The Wife went abroad, and the Fool
Still own'd all that came to his Net.
The Men, when it came to their Turn,
To keep their dear Spoufes at Home,
Decreed ev'ry Woman ihould burn.
Who dar'd from her Husband to roam.
'Twas all a Political Cheat,
Tho' urg'd as a Sandlion Divine j
It aw'd the dull Croud ; but the Great
What Precept could ever confine ?
The Jewilh Lawgiver of Yore,
And ail the old Sages of Greece,
Themfelves could dilpenfe with a Score,
Tho' all others had but one a Piece.
'Twas thought for the Good of Mankind,
So by ev'ry Senate 'twas paft ;
The Mob will for ever be blind ;
And therefore 'tis likely to laft.
8
The Captain had an excellent Voice, and perform-
ed every Thing with fuch a Grace, that it was im-
poflible for any Woman living to hold it out long,
when he began to lay dole Siege. The Maid was
fent to warm his Bed and Madam, in the mean Time,
artfully gave him to underlland how he might leave
it, and come to hers, when every Thing was ftill.
There is no Occafion to tell the Reader he did fo.
And now I wilh I could conceal the Sequel of this
Story. When fuch a gidlant Man as our Captain robs
only for NecelTity, and then makes Choice only of
fuch Perfons to colled from, as he of whom we
have been laft fpeaking, the Reader is not much dif-
pleafed with him. There appears fomething fo agree-
able in the Manner and Circumftances of fuch a Story,
as takes away a great Deal of the Refentment, which
Would otherwife arife againll the Felony. But Gen-
tlemen of this ProfefTion can be engaged by no Fa-
vours to keep their Hands to themielTes, when fuch
a fiir Occafion as this is offered by Fortune. If any
Thing could prevail, certainly tlie Obligations of a beau-
tiful Lady, who iacrifices her Honour, would have
this EfFfifi : But a vicious Habit will gain the A(-
cendaiu, even over a Man's own Relolutions. For
it has been hinted that Stafford &\^ not ufually col-
left when he had Money, and at this Time in par-
ticular he had determin'd only to vint his Country, as
a Gentleman, and return quietly to Londatt, where
he then relided. It may be obferved further that al-
moll every M-in, once in his Life, does fomething
very unworthy of, and even contrary to hh general
Charafter. If therefore this, which we are going to
relate, be acknowledged as the Captain's one great
Foible, the univerfal Weakneis of human Nature
will be ready to excufe him in fome Degree.
But I prevent myfelf in my intended Story, by
thus endeavouring to palliate it before-hand ; and
therefore I fhall be as brief as pofTible in the Narra-
tion.
When the Captain had been in Bed with the Gen"
tlewoman wiU be thought the Time proper for his
Purpofe : He fuddenly bound her in her Bed, and
threaten'd her with immediate Death, if fhe did not
direft him to her Keys, and tell him where all the
Treafure in the Houfe w.as depofited. The Lady be-
gan at firil to e-xclaim againft his Ingratitude, but
when fhe found there was no Remedy, fhe fubmitted,
and direfted him, where he found to the Value of
three hundred Pounds in Money and Plate, which he
fecured ; and after he had bound the Maid, that fhe
might not be able to come to her Miftrefs's i'Vifift-
ance, and alarm the Neighbourhood before he was
out of their Reach, he went to the Stable, took
Horfe, and rode for London, by the moft By- Way in
the whole Country, with which he was well acquaint-
ed
* The Reader will perceive by the Song which we
juft now recited, that Capt .in Stafford was fome-
thing of a Poet : He had indeed a very coniiderible
Knack of verfifying, and made frequent Uie of it ;
not only, as in the Cafe above, to compliment his
Miftrefs, but frequently to lafh the Hypocrify of the
Times ; for tho' he now and then condefcended to
make Ufe of the fame Difguife, yet in his Soul he i
utterly abhorred it. He very well knew there was
H no
26
no other Way of infmuating himfelf into the Favour
rf the wealtliieft Men in the Kingdom, than by ma-
king Religion his Pretence ; and there was no Man
who could counterfeit the affefted Aufterity, that ap-
peared on every Countenance, better than himfelf.
Theie was an abfolute Neceffity either of llarving in
his Profefiion, or of becoming frequently a Hypo-
crite J and of two great Evils he thought the Latter
moft eligible. As to his Poetry, it is confidently af-
firmed, by fome who pretend to authentick Informa-
tions, that many of the belt fatirical Pieces then pub-
lillied, which have fince appear'd under other Names,
where in reality of his Compofing. In ihort his
whole Life, with refped to his Religion and Gallan-
try, was as confufed as the Account which we now
give of it. He was one Day a Saint, the next a
Lover, the next a Satirirt, and the next a Highway-
man, or Impoftor, according as the Occafion offered.
But we proceed again to Particulars.
Having, upon a certain Time, got together a con-
fiderable Quantity of Money, and being under fome
Apprehenfions of a Difcovery, he made off into the
North of Engla7td, and took (helter in a Country
Village, fo obfcure that it wai next to impoffible he
fliould ever be detefted. He was afraid in this Place
to make any great Figure, or to feem extravagant,
becaufe he well knew the Country People aie apt to
be very inquilitive into the Circumllances of fuch
Men ; and, as he was refolved to be as Godly as he
was ;ible, while he refided here, it was not expedient
for hini to put the Congregation to any Trouble, for
he had now join'd himfelf to a People who affembled
in the Neighbourhood, and it was cuftomaiy in thofe
Days for a new Member, if he >vas in any reipett
fufpicious, to give a very particular Account of him-
felf. By this prudent nianagenient, tiie Captain not
only avoided their Inquifition, but made his ready
Calh lall a great Deal longer than it othsrwife would
have done.
In this Place Stafford foon got the Reputation of
a very good Man, he attended conllantly at publick
Service, and not only that, but alfo at all their private
Meetings and Conferences; when he would frequently
exercife his own Gift, and pour out a tedious Rhap-
fody of unintelligible Jargon, with a great Deal of
feeming W;irmth and Affeftion. As it was no dif-
ficult Tiling for a Man of the Captain's good Senfe to
be the greateit Orator in fuch a Congregation as this,
it was but a very Lttle, while before his Tallents were
every where talk'd of ) he was fant for to all the
Meetings round about, and publick Thanks were
frequently return'd to Providence, who had fent fuch
an eminent Chriitian among them. It was not above
a Year that he had been in this Place, before their
venerable Pallor, who had formerly been an indiffe-
rent good Taylor, departed this Life. The Sorrow
on this melancholy Occafion was univerfal, and the
Caufe of Religion was a Thoufand Times faid to be
in Danger, by the Lofs of fucli a Subftantial Pillar of
the Church (for fo they called themfelves) as their
dear glorify'd Minifter. When the general Lamen-
tation was a little over, the Flock began to look
round for one to feed them in the Room of the De-
ceafed. All their Ryes were immediately fix'd on
Stafford, who was elleemed the moil able Brother to
the important Charge. The Captain had by this
time wailled his capital (lock pretty confiderably and
he mull iitry foon have been under an abfolute Ne-
ceffity of recruiting by fome Means or other ; he durll
not as yet nppear again upon the Road, for he had
made himfelf fo notoiious juft before his retirement,
that a large Reward had been offered for taking him,
arid his Perfon had been fo particularly defcrib'd, that
'twas in v -in to think of difguifing himfelf. An offer
of forty Pounds a Year, befides a Profpeft of other
A General History of
Acquifitions, was not, it may be imagin'd, at this
Time very unacceptable ; fo when the Elders of the
Congregation waited upon him in a Body with their
Refolution, he confented, after due form, to accept
of the Propofal.
The Ceremony of his Ordination is foreign to our
Purpofe, and tlierefore we omit it. Behold Captain
Phillip Stafford, the Hero of thcfe Sheets, in a Ititf
Band, and a black Coat and Skull-Cap, mounted be-
hind a velvet Cufhion, and holding forth with all the
Eloquence he was Mailer of, ag.unll all Sin, and
even the very Appearance of Sin, advifing tiiem to
crulh the firll Motions of it in their Hearts, and never
fuffer it to break forth into Praclice. Hear him de-
fcribe the Pleafures of a good Confcience, void of
Offence towards God and towards Man ! Wliat a
Load of Accufations he lay upon his Friend Satan,
the grand Enemy of Souls, enough to break the
Back of any poor Devil in Chriilendom ! Never was
Preaching more effectual, never was more Weeping
and Repentance; than among the old Women of
Stafford's Congregation. Every one exerted herfelf
to the uttermoll, that the Circumllances of their
Miniller might be as eafy as pofllble, and that fuch a
faitiiful Labourer in the Vineyard of the Church,
might not go without his Reward. Prefents were
ftnt him continually, he was invited to Dinner every
Day by one or another of the Members, and he lias
frequently fince proteiled, that, bateing the Hypocrify
wtiich he was obliged to ule, the 'i-snt ne was a
Teacher was the pit: Irnteil Part of Iwi Life.
But the Captain had fomething farther to do for
his Female Hearers, efpecially for ti e handfomell of
them, tiian. jull to take care of their iiouls : This he
let fome of them underhand the full Opportunity he
h.ad, after he liad perceived himfelf abfolute Mailer
of all the:;- Hearis, and even their Fonancs. He had
all the Succefs he could wilhfor, without being in the
leail iufpefted of attempcing any Thing that could
pofllbly call the leail Blenuih upon his Ciiar.acler. Se-
veral married Women were delivered of Children,
who very much refcmbled the Parfon ; but the good
Wives Jiad an excellent E.vcule for this, by uiging
the prodigious Attention with which they always
heard Mr. 5/«^o;v/ preach, and the deep Imprcffion
which he always made, both by his Voice and his
Perfon, when he was in the Pulpit. All tliis might
have palTed very v\'ell as long as he had pleafed, had
he carried the Jell no further; but, alas; tlie Cap-
tain was fo voracious, that, though he had a continual
Feall, he could not be contented without fome Joints
which no Body taltetl but uiiiiftlf 'l"he Daughter of
a leading Man began to grow thick about the Wafle,
and her Parents were very inquifitive into tlie Mean-
ing of it. The Girl appeared very ignorant of tiie
Matter, and flood in it firmly, that flie never in her
Life knew the Difference between the Sexes. The
old People even began to credit wnat Ihe faid, and to
believe their Daughter, for her extraordinary Piety
was favour'd by Heaven with a miraculous Concep-
tion : Stafford, however, would have been the lafl
Man in the Univerfe that they could have any Suf-
picion of, had not a Billet of his been intercepted tiy
the old Man, through the Carelefncis of a Maid Ser-
vant, who managed every Thing between tliem.
Who can exprels the Grief and Surprize of the pious
People upon this melancholy Difcovery ? Mr. Staf-
ford to be fure was fent for, and the D.imfel and he
brought Face to Face ; yet fo well had the )'Oung
Lady been inllruftfed, that fhe continued firm in de-
nying any Knowledge of the Affair. Stafford had
taken Care to fill the Mind of theGirl with Fears of
eternal Damnation, if fhe ever difcovered a Secret
that would turn to the Difgracc of the Priefthood ;
and being confident that hij Leftures had made Im-
preffions/
PyrateSj Highwaymen, Murderers, See.
preffions, too deep for any Arguments to eraze them,
he did not llick to threaten every one that hinted
their Sufpicions of his Guilt. The Father and iVIo-
ther of tne Darafel finding her inflexible, they con-
cluded it would be mucn better to conceal their
Daughter's Diigrace, by providmg for her Lying-in
in a private Manner, than to expofe her and them-
felves .to tlie Cenfures of an ill-natur'd World, by a
too ibupulous Enquiry into an Affair of fuch a tender
N.iture.
Oar Ecclefiallical Captain now began to triumph,
efpecially when he underftood that there was a Cnild
born without any Father but Providence. He had
no crreat Defire to mterfere with this common Parent
of the Fatherlefs, in the Educating a Banthng which
he had taken already ib much Pains to throw entirely
off his Hands. Abundance of the Members who
had intimated Tldngs to his Difcredit, were now the
Oojefts of Diipleafure in the highelt Degree j and
he tooK Care to employ Partizans, who abufed al-
moft all the honeft Men, tiiat were not fatisfied with
his Condudl on tlris Occiiion. The next Sunday
after the young Gentlewoinm was delivered, he had
the Impudence to addrefs the following Harangue
to the Congregation. Friends, Brethren, andSijiers,
yttt cannot any of you be ignorant, that a Bajiard
Child is lateh b:>rn in this Village, of the Body of
Mrs. Aline B , the Daughter of Mr. Thomas
B , a 'Very -luorthy Ch.ijiian, and a Member of
tins C'>ngregation. It cannot, moreo-ver, be any ji range
Thing to you, -ivhen I tell you, thut lundry cenforioiis
and cvii-diffofed Perfons ha've not /pared their fcan-
dalous Reflections and heltijh Machinations againfl
me your Pajior, luhom you ha've ne-ver, in the ivhole
Cour/e of my Minijiry, accufed as guilty of any enor-
mous Error, fave only fuch as it is impojjible for frail
human Nature to wvoid, until this unhappy Time ;
tuhen it feemeth as though the Prince of the Pozver
of the Air had taken Poffcffion of the Hearts and
Tongues of the Sons of Men, on Purpofe to deceive
them, and to do Dcfpight unto that Holy Religion,
•which both I and you profefs, and of 'vjhich I am a
iveak and unrvorthy Teacher. But I return Thanks
to Hea'ven, ivhich hers altjuays ftrengthened me in my
Dutv, and enabled me to curb the carnal Inclinations
of my outivard Man, and to keep the Flejh 'weak and
lotv, ivhile the Spirit has been full of Confolation.
Tho" it might have been fuflicient to con'vince any a-
mong vou of my Innocence in this Affair; that I ha've
hitherto defpifed the Calumnies of the Wicked; and
though no 7-eafonable Man or Woman can ha've any
Doubts remaining, after this folemn Declaration in the
Prefence of God and this Afjembly, concerning this
Thing, yet as the Caufe of Religion fecms to be ivound-
ed through my Sides, and as I luould not for ten thou-
fand Worlds gi've the haft Offence to any tender Con-
fcitnce, I take this Opportunity to notify my Intentions
of lea'ving this Place 'very Jhortly.
This very infolent Speech produced different Ef-
feQs on the Minds of the different Perfons who
heard it. AU thofe who had Penetration enough to
fte through tiie thin Artifice, which was only to make
them engage him more ilrongly to continue with
them, from this Moment began to delpiie him, and
not a few refolved never to hear him any more ;
but molt of the Women, and a few Men of the weak-
efl Intelledb, were almoll: driven to Defpair by the
Thought of lofmg their Paflor : They went to him
immediately after Sermon, and requelled him \t'ith
Tears, as he tender'd the Good of their Souls, not to
leave them ; and our perfect Counterfeit pretended
tiiat it was with great Reluctance, and only as he
ferred the Interelt of Religion to all other Views,
hat he condefcended to liiten to their Petition. The
of all thefe Difputes was a dreadful Schifm,
27
and Stafford continued fome Time afterwards pofTefs-
ed of the Meeting-Houfe, which he made Ule of
as ufual, to the Edification of his faithful Adlierentsj
but as the Revenue did not now anfwer his Purpofe,
he at lall took an Opportunity to leave his litde
Flock without giving taem any Warning, carrying
off with him all tiie Sacramental Plate and Linnen
to a pretty large Value.
We ihiill give our Readers a Sketch of Mr. Stafford's
Opinion in Point of Religion, by prefentiug them
with a Copy of Verfes which are faid to have been
written by him while he was in the miniilerial Func-
tion.
VERSES. >y Capt. StalFord,
Religion's a Thing 'very plain.
If Men ivould make ufe of their Eyes }
^Tis taught in a barbarous Strain,
And there all the Myftery lies.
This Truth the dd Catholicks kne'w.
So lock'' d up its Rules from the Croud i
Amus'd them ivith Splendor and Shemj ;
And bauPdfor the Church very loud.
At laft a capricious oid Monk,
Who elfe •would ha've never been kntnvn;
The Name of his Holinefs funk.
And thereby exalted bis cruitr.
He ui^d his vernacular Speech,
For reverend Hebrew and Greek j
Believe not, faid he, what I teach.
But take up your Bibles and leek.
The Seekers arofe from this Hint,
(Each Man 'was the Head of a SeSl)
Oppos'd one another in Print,
And nuonfrom their Hearers Refpe^.
Nenv Parties ^tzuas 'eafy to gain.
As eafy to keep them "when got.
By making obfcure 'what 'was plain.
And opening that 'which 'was not.
Since then ''tis a Trade to impofe.
And Men ivill not judge for themfelves.
What Hurt can there be, by the Nofe
To lead a fevj ignorant Elves ?
But 'tis Time to have done with the religious Part
of the Captain's Life, and to return to that Part
which more immediately gives him a Place in this
Book. Indeed, as an Impoltor and Cheat we might
very juftly mention him, if he had never been guilty
of any Attempt upon the Subftance of another Man
in an open a\ow'd Manner. But this is not fo di-
reftly keeping up to what we propofe.
The lall Adventure which we fhall relate of th6
Captain, is, that for which he fuffered : A Farmer of
confiderable Note in Berkjhire, had been at Reading
to fell his Com, at a Time when that Commodity
was very dear. The Farmer liad the Reputation of
being a very honeft good Man, but as die Price of
Corn was very advantageous to him, he could not
help being a little elated by the Succefs he had met
with at Market ; And he was now riding home in 3
very pleafant Temper, meditating (as he himfelf con»
feffed) on the Riches he was about to get for his Fa-
mily. The Captain overtook him about four Miles
from Reading, and accolted him in a very friendly
Manner, with Pray, Farmer, 'what is it a Clock?
The Farmer being, as I laid before, pretty full of
his good Fortune, iniaiediiittly thought Mr. Stafford
ioA.
28
A General History of
known hhrij and afk'd him what Corn was a Load :
He therefore very readily anlwer'd, Sixteen Pound
ten the bejl Wheat. Stafford guefled the honell
Countryman's Miftaice ? but thought at tlie fame
Time that their Converfation was likely to turn upon
a Subjed that would be to his Advantage : And have
you. Farmer, faid he, fold any Wheat for that Price
to Day? Yes, fays the Countryman, / hawefold tim
Loads, and I thank God I hanje get the Money for it in
jny Pocket. This was fpoke very innocently ; for the
Farmer all the while thought himfelf with fomebody
that aiked hiih thefe Queftions out of Kindnefs ; but
he foon found to the contrary ; for the Captain pulled
a Pillol out of his Pocket m a very fhort Time, and
clapping it to the Farmer's Breaftj he made him re-
fund the whole three and thirty Pounds, which he
had juft received.
The Captain's Good-Fortune this Day began to
leave him ; for he was fcarce got three hundred Yards
from the Ground where he committed the Robbery,
before two Gentlemen came up to the Farmer, who
told them how ne had been ufed. The Gentlemen
being well mounted rode after Stafford with all the
Speed they could^ and in lefs than a Quarter of an
Hour, overtook and difmounted him. The Money
was all found upon him, and feveral of the Pieces were
very remarkable ; fo that he was carried to the next
Jullice of the Peace, and by him committed to the
County Jail, where he lay till the enfuing Affizes,
which were not a great while afterwards.
At the Affizes the Farmer, who was a very con-
fcientious Man, refuted to appear againfl the Priioner,
becrtuie he was not certain whetner or no it was the
fame Man that had robbed him. The Evidence,
neverthelefs, of the tv/o Gentlemen, and of the Mo-
ney, which aiifwered exafUy to the Account wliich
the Farmer had given of what he had loft, together
with the bad Charafter of the Captai;) himfelf in his
ou'n Country, wuere he now was, were thought fuf-
ficlcnt to condemn hiin ; and the Sentence paf-
fed accordmgly, and a Day was fixed for his Exe-
cution.
While Stafford was in Prifon, before his Condem-
nation, he lived in a very grand Manner : He had a
Wicket made before the J<.il Porch to hide liis Fet-
ters, where he ufed to fit frequently with one of the
Keepers, and converie with Gentlemen of the belt
Fafhior in the whole Town. He had, moreover, fett-
1; i a Correfpondence with feveral of his own Pro-
feifion, who came to lee him in Prifon. Thefe then
undertook to refcue him fiom the Gallows, and after-
wards to conftitute him their Head. The Report of
this Compart, by fome Means or other, took Wind,
before the Time, and the Poll -Boy was ordered what
to fay, if any Man fhould a(k him any Qutltions on
tha Road. This Charge to the Pott- Boy w:is thought
to be the only Reaion why they did not come as tliey
had promifed ; for two or three Men well mounted,
one Day dem;.nded of him when Stafford was to be
executed, and the Boy told them the ufual Day, which
was nov/ changed to another purely upon the Account
of this Report.
The Captain had a new light-colour'd Suit of
Cloaths made to go to the Gallows in (for he did not
expert to be hang'd) in which he appeared as tho'
he had been going to a Wedding. He had a Nofe-
Gay in his Bolbm, and his Countenance was without
the leafl. Appearance of Concern all the Way. As he
part by a Tavern, he order'd the Cart to Hop, and
called for a Pint of Wine, which lie drank all off, and
told the Vintner he would pay him when he came
back. At the Gallows he flood up, ajid look'd
round him very wiihfully fome Minutes, ftill defiring
more Time. At laft when the Sheriff bid him pre-
pare, and he law no Remedy, his Colour was eb-
ferved to change, and he trembled very much, but
faid nothing. Juil at the Inilant tlut the Cart was
ordered to be drawn away, he delivered a Paper to
tlie Sheriff, and then was turned off in a great Deal
of Confufion. The Contents of the Paper were as
follow :
It is not merely in Compliance with the common
Cuftom of Malefartors, that I Write any 1 hing to
leave befiind me in the World ; if there hud not
feemed a more than Ordinary Neccffity for this De-
claration from me, upon the Account of my having
been fo univerfally talk'd of, I Ihould have been con-
tented to have fuffer'd in Silence, what the Jullice of
the Law has required.
I confefs not only the Fart for wliich I Die, but
alfo almoft all thofe that are laid to my Charge by
common Fame, befides innumerable others of the
fame Nature, yet I hope that what I am about to
offer, will Plead a little in my Favour, and in fome
Meafures abate the, Horror which nuiiiy I'ober People
are apt to Conceive at tlie bare Recital of my
Crimes.
I was brought up in Principles of Honour and Vir-
tue by my Parents, and 1 continued to Art agreeably
to thofe Principles for many Years, as feveral worthy
Gendemen now Living can tellify. I can more-
over call upon a greater Witnefs than any Mortal to
atteft, that I have always thought in my Soul nothing
fo mean and fo Unworthy of hum-p. isature as Fraud,
of what kind foever it might be. It has only the Ini-
quity of the Times, in which it has been my Un-
happinefs to have lived, that Occafion'd my aban-
donmg in Praftice with my Judgment alwa)s ap-
proved of ; Notwithft.inding the lains 1 have taken
to work myfelf into a Belief that Virtue is nouiing
but a vain Ciiimasra.
The Cruelty with which all the loyal Party was
Profecutcd during tiie late civil War, gave me a very
diipiceuble Opinion of thofe who Executed it. This
Opinion was afterwards flrengthened when I beheld
the fame People dividing among themfelves, and
ufing an equal Severity towards e.icJi other, as any
one Party got uppermoft. I foon found that their
Religion was but a pretence, and their Appearance of
Sanidty, nothmg more than Hypocrify ; Tjiat In-
tereli was the only Point they purfiied, and their
hyperbolical Cant concerning another World a m.ere\
Enguie to draw to themfelves larger Poifeffions in\)
this, which they had the Confidence to affirm they
had learn'd intirely to deipile. Thefe things made
me Determine, when my Eilate was Quartered, and
my Principle^ prevented my getting an honourable
Subfiitance, to t.Jic opciiiy from fome of thofe Hypo-
crites what the;,' as unjultiy, though more craftily,
had taken from better People.
What lies moll heavily upon my Confcience, i?,
my having ever condeicended to deal with thefe Men
in their own Way, by iijpciing upon them, under a
Shew of Piety ; May G jd forgive me m thio Parti-
cular ! I mutt, ho^vever, take the Freedom to f 'y.
That I was never able to match ieverd tiiat 1 have
met with, to whom 1 have not thought niyfe'f inferior
as to my Genius, m this their darling Vice, Hypo-
crify ; and that when I mott fucce^.ied i.n iny Jmpo-
ftures,it was more owing to aFluency of Words which
I always had, than to my Art in counterfeiting their
Formality in my common Beiiaviour.
I fhall not trouble the World with any more of
thefe Things, which only relate to my Maker, and
my own Conicience. Give me Leave to fay, that as
I have not been a common Offender, I would hope
my Remains will be treated with a little more De-
cency, than the Bodies of the imhappy Wretches who
fuffer at this Place, commonly are.
As I die juftly, I Jiave no Occafion to fay any
Thing
^>IZ^
.>•■* >4rH
x\\-
vAsv^ ;(:?i/;>!/
^t:eUy.ru^/
^.Golden FARMER ^.u/^^ Tl'NKEK
Pyrates^ Highwaymen, Murderers, Zee.
Thing coftcerning the Inllruments of my Deajh, who
only excufe what the Law demands. If there are a-
ny other Perfons, who are confcious that they have
given me jull Caufe of OtFence, let them know that
I forgive them from my very Heart; and that I die
iii Peace with all the World, to which I can very
calmly bid Farcvuel.
In Compliance with Mr. Stafford's Requeft, con-
'1^
earning his Body, the Sheriff ordered hiln to be bu-
ried under the Tower of St. Maff% Church at Rea-
ding : Several Peribns of Falhion honour'd his Fu-
neral with their Attendance, and the Women in par-
ticular were obferved to ihed Abundance of Tears.
We are inform'd that his Man Pretty, who had not
Courage enough to engage fmgly in any Enterpnze,
took afterwards to Labour and got his Living in z
handfome Manner.
The LIFE of the Golden Farmer,
TH E Golden Farmer was fo called from his
Occupation, and paying People, if it was any
confiderable Sum, always in Gold ; but his
real Na;ne was William Dai'is, born at Wrexham in
Denbigh/hire, in North-Wales ; from whence he re-
moved, in his younger Years, to Sudbury in Gloucejier-
/hire, where he married the D.tughter of a wealthy
Inn-keeper, by whom he had eighteen Children, and
followed the Farmer's Bufmefs to the Day of his
Deith, to (hroud his robbing on the Highway,
wliich irregular Praftice he had followed for forty-two
Years, without any Safpicion among his Neighbours.
He generally robbed alone, and one D.i)- meeting
three or four Stage-Coaches going to Sa//sbnrv, he
l^opped one of them who was full of Gentlewomen,
one of which was a Quaker : All of them fatisfied
the Golden Farmer's Dehre, excepting this Percifcan,
Ivvith whom he had a long Argument to no Purpofe ;
for upon her folemn Vow and Affirmation, flie told
him, Ihe had no Money, nor any Thing valuable a-
bout her j whereupon, fearing he iliould lofe the
Booty of the other Coaches, he told her, he woidd
go and fee what they had to afford liim, and he would
[wait on her again ; io having robbed the other three
loaches; he returned according to his Word, and
Ithe Quaker peifiiling flill in her old Tone oi having
Kothing for him, it put the Golden Farmer into a
Rage, pnd taking hold of her Shoulder, ftiakingher as
1l MalliiF does a Bull, he cried, You canting Bitch,
\f you dally 'with me at this Rate, you 11 ccrtai?ily
Vrovoke my Spirit to be damnable Rude ivith you : Kou
Vie thefe good V/omen here Kvere fo tender hearted, as
\o be charitable to me, and you, lou luhining Whore,
■,re fo cd'vetous as to lofe your Life for the Sake of
Idammon.— — Comf, came, you hollo^w-hearted Bitch,
yipin your Purfc-String quickh, or elfe I fiall fend
'.nd you out of the Land of the Li'ving. Now the
loor Quaker being out of her her Wits at the bully-
Expreffions of the Wicked One, ihe gave him a
lurfe' of Guineas, a Gold Watch, and a Diamond-
ling, and parted then as good Friends, as if they had
|;ver fallen out at all.
Another Time this Defperado meeting with the
I'utchefs of Albermarle in her Coach, as riding over
^lisbury-Plain, he was put to his Trumps before he
luld ailault her Grace, by reafon he had a long En-
Jgement with a Poftillion, Coachman, and two
|)otmen, before he could proceed in his Robbery ;
Tt having wounded them all, by the difcharging fe-
Iral Pilloles, he then approached to his Prey, whom
found more Refraflory than his Female Qiiaker
|d been, which made him very faucy, and more
9
eager for Fear of any Faflengers coming by the mean
wiule ; but ftill her Grace denied Parting with any
Thnig ; whereupon by main Violence he pulled three
Diamond Rings off her Fingers, and fnatched a rich
Gold Watch from her Side, crying to her, at the
fame Time, becaufe he faw her Face painted, Yoit
Bitch incarnate, you had rather read o-ver your Face
in the Glafs e-very l^'^oment, and blot out Pale to
put in Red, than give an honeji Men, as I am,
a fmall Matter to j, import him on his laiuful Occa-
fious en Road ; and then rode away as fell ar he could
without Searching ner Grace for any Money, be-
c.iuie he perceived another Perfon of Qualit)'s Coach,
making towards rnetn, with a good ketinue of Ser-
vants belonging to it.
Not long after this Exploit, the Golden Farmer
meeting witii Sir Thomas Day, a Juftice of Peace liv-
ing at Briftol, on tlie Road betwi.\t Ghucefter and
Worcefter, they fell into Difcourfe together, and as
riding along, he told Sir Thomas, whom he knew,
though the other did not know him, how he had like
to have been robbed but a little before by a Couple
of Highwaymen j but as good Luck would have it,
his Horfe having better Heels than theirs, he got
clear of them, or elfe, if they htd robbed him of
liis Money, wliich was about forty Pounds, they had
certainly undone him for ever. Truly, quoth Sir
Thomas Day, that had been 'very hard ; but neuerthe-
lefs, as you had been robbed betnveen Sun and Sun,
the County, upon fuing it, muf ha've been obliged to
haiie made your Lofs good again ; But not lOng aftef
this Chatting together, coining to a corivenient Place,
the Golden Fariner (hooting Sir Thomas^ Man's
Horfe under him, and obliging him to retire fome
Diftance from it, that he might not make ufe of the
Piftols that were in his Holiters, he pfefeht&d a Pif-
tol to Sir Thsmas^z Breaft, and demanded nis Money
of him. Quoth Sir Thomas, I thought Sir, that yoit
had been an honcJl Man. The Golden Farmer re-
plied, I'ou fee your Worjhip^s inijiaken, and had you
had any Guts in your Brains, you might ha've per-
ceived by my Face, that my Countenance luas the
njery PiBure of mere NeceJJity ; therefore deli'ver prt-
fcntly ; for I am in Hajie. Then Sil Tliomas Day,
giving ttie Golden Farmer what Money he had,
which was .ibout Sixty Pounds in Gold and Silver,
he humbly thanked his Worfhip, and told him, that
nuhat he had parted ivith 'was not loji, becauf he
ijuas robbed bet'wixt Sun and Sun, therefore the Coun-
ty, as he told him, muji pay it again.
One Mr. Hart, a young Gentleman of Enfeld, who
had a good Eftace, but not over-burden'd wiUi Wit i
I and
^d
A General History of
and therefore, could fooner change a Piece of Gold,
then a Piece of Senle, riding one Day over Fincbly-
Common, where the Golden Farmer had been hunting
about four or five Hours for a Prey, he rides up to
him, and giving the Gendeman a Slap with tlie Flat
of iiis drawn Hanger o'er his Shoulders : Quoth he,
ji Plague on you ho'vu Jloiv you are to make a Man
ivait on you all this Morning : Come deliijer ivhat you
ha've, and be poxt to you, and go to Hell for Or-
ders. The Gentleman who was wont to find a more
agreeable Entertainment betwixt his Miftrefs and
his Snuff-Box, being furprized at the RulHcal Sort
of Greeting, he began to make feveral Sort of Ex-
cufes, and fay, he had no Money about him ; but
his Antagonift, not believing him, he made bold to
fearch his Pockets himfelf, and finding in them above
an Hundred Guineas, befides a Gold Watch, he gave
him two or three Slaps over the Shoulder again, with
his Hanger ; and at the fame Time bid him not
give his Mind to Lying any more, when an honelt
Gentleman defired a fniall Boon of him.
Another Time this notorious Robber had paid his
Landlord above forty Pounds for Rent, who going
Home with it, the goodly Tenant difguifmg him-
felf, met the old grave Gefitleman, and bidding him
Hand : Quoth he, Come, Mr. Gravity from Head
to Foot ; but from neither Head nor Foot to the Heart,
deliver nxibat you ha've in a Trice. The old Man,
fetching a deep Sigh, to the Hazard of lofing fe-
veral Buttons of his Waiitcoat, faid, that he had not
above two Shillings about him ; therefore he thought
he was more of a Gentleman, than to take ? fmall
Matter from a poor Man. Quoth the Golden Far
mer, 7 haiie not the Faith to belie've you ; for you feem
by your Mien and Habit to be a Man of better Cir-
cumjiance than you pretend j therefore open your Bud-
get, or elj'e I /hall fall foul about your Houfe
Dear Sir, replied his Landlord, you can^t be fo bar-
barous to an old Man : What ! have you no Religion,
Pity, or Compajfion in you? Have you no Confcience ?
nor have you no RefpeSt for your ovjn Body and Soul,
•which mufl be certainly in a miferable Condition, if
you folio m unlatvful Courfe:.-^— Damn you (faid the
Teii mt to him) donU talk of Age and Barbarity to
me ; for I Jlieiu neither Pity nor Compajjion to any.
Damn you, nuhat talk of Confcience to me! I have
no more of that dull Commodity than you have ; nor
do I alloiu my Soul and Body to be governed hy Re-
ligion, but Intereji ; therefore, deliver vjhat you have,
before this Pijiol makes you repent your Objlinacy , fo
delivering his Money to the Golden Farmer, he receiv-
ed it without giving the Xandlord any Receipt for it,
as his Landlord had him.
Not long after committing this Robbery, overta-
king an old Grafier at Putney-Heath, in a very ordi-
nary Attire, but yet very rich, he takes Haifa Score
Guineas out of his Pocket, and giving them to the
old Man, he faid. There vuas three or four Perfons
behind them, ivho looked very fufpicious ; therefore he
dejii cd the Favour of him to put that Gold into his
Pocket ; for in Cafe they were Highwaymen, his indif-
ferent Apparel vjould make them believe he had no
fuch CJiarge about him. The old Grafier looking up-
on his Intentions to be honeft, quoth he, I have fifty
Guineas tied up in the fore Lappet of my Shirt, and
ni put it to that for Security ; io riding along both
of them Cheek by Jole, for above Haifa Mile, and
the Coatt being clear, the Golden Farmer faid to the
old Man, I believe there'' s no Body vjill take the Pains
»f Robbing you or me to Day ; therefore, I think I had
as good take the Trouble of robbi}ig you myfelf; fo
infiead of delivering your Purfe, pray give me the Lap-
pit of your Shirt. The old Graller was horridly ftar-
tled at thefe Words, and began to befeech him not
to be fo cruel in robbing a poor old M:in.' Pr'y-
thee, quoth the Golden Farmer, do?i''t tell me of Cru-
elty; for luho can be more cruel than Men of your
Age, --whofe Pride it is to teach their Servants their
Duties, vjith as inuch Cruelty as Jome People teach
their Dogs to fetch and carry? So being obliged to
cut oft' the Lappit of the old Man's Sairt iumfelf ;
for he would not, he rode away to feck out another
Booty.
Another Time, this bold Robber lying at an Inn
in Vxbridge, he h.ippened into Compmy with one
'Squire Broughton, ;■ Barriitcr of the Middle-Temple,
which he underrtanding, pretended to him, that he
was going vep to London, to advile with a Lawyer
about fome Bufinefs ; wherefore, he (hould be much
obliged to him, if he could recommend him to a
good one. Couniellor Broughton, thinking he might
be a. good Client, he belpoke him for himfelf Then
the Golden Farmer telling his Bu.inefs was about fe.
veral of his Neighboi'.r's Cittle, breaking into his
Grounds, and doing a great Deal of M.lciiief, the Bar-
rifter told him. That luas very alienable, as being
Damage Fefant. Damage Fefant, fays the Golden
Farmer, whafs that, pray Sir ? He told him, Thaf
it ivas an Ailion brought againfi Perfons ivhen their
Cattle broke through Hedges, or other Fences, into other
People's Grounds, and did them Damage. Next Morn-
ing, as they both were riding towards London, fays
the Golden Farmer to tlie Barriiler, If I may be fo
bold as to ajk you. Sir, What is that you callTxQstt
and Converfion .' He told him it fignified in our
Common Law, an Aftion which a Man has againft
another, that havii;g found any of his Goods, refufes
to deliver them upon Dfin:>nd, nnd perhaps converts
them to his own life alio. Tne Golden Farmer be-
ing now at a Place convenient tor his Purpofe. Very
•well. Sir, fays he, andfo, if I Jhould find any Mo-
ney about you, and convert it to my Uie, •why then
that is only aSionable I find That' s a Robbery,
faid the B.irriiter, •which i equires no lefs Satisfaction
than a Man''s Life.- A Robbery ! reriied the Gold-
en Farmer, •why then I nmfi c' en comtiut one for
once and not ufe it ; therefore deliver your Money
or elfe behold this Piftol Jhatl pre-vcnt you from ever
Reading Cook upon Lici.etoii any more. The Bu-rif-
ter, icrangely furpriz'U at hi» Client's rough Beiiavi-
Our, aflced him, If he thought there •was neii'^er Hea'
ven nor Hell, that he could be guilty of fuch ivicked
Actions. Quoth the Gqlden F.-irnier, f'ily, jou Son of
a . iVhore, 'l.y Impudence is very great to talk ofHea
ven or Hell to me, •when you think there'' s no Way to
Heaven, but through Weflminller-Hall. Come, come,
down •TKith your Rino this Minute ; for I have other
guefs Cuflomers to mind, than to v.'ait on your Arfe
all Day. i'iie Barri.ier being very loath to p,.rt wiih
his Money, he was ilill imilting on tne Injuftice of
the Action, faying, It was againfi Laiv and Confci'
ence to rohb any Man. However the Golden Far-
mer, heeding not his Pleading, he fwore. He •wait
not to be guided by Lavj and Crnjcience any more tint,
any of his Profefiion, •ivhofe La^w is ahvays furnijh
ed •with a Connnijfion to arraign their Conjcientes \
but upon fudgment given, they usually had the Kr.ackl
of fitting it at large. So putting a Piiloi to the Bar-
rifter's Breaft, he quickly delivered his Money, a-
mounting to about thirty Guineas, and eleven Broaq
Pieces of Gold, befides fome Silver, and a Gold Watch
One Time overtaking a Tinker on Black-Heath
whom he knew to have feven or eight Pounds abou
him, quoth he. Well overtaken. Brother Tinker, Me
thinks you feem very devout ; for your Life is a coti-
tinual Pilgrimage, and in Humility you go almofi bare
foot, thereby making Necejfity a Virtue.—— Ay Mafiet
replied the Tinker, needs mujf, •when the D*vil drive.
3awuey :Beaiie at M^,y JJn^/rrm^ of i^' CA r JB .
PyrateSj Highwaymen, Murderers^ See.
3'
J lid had you tin more than I, you might go ti.-ithottt
hots and Shoes too. That might be, quoth the
Jolden Farmer. And I fuppiife you march all over
inMand with your Bag and Baggage ?■ Yes, faid
he Tinker, I go a great Deal of Ground, hut not fo
luch as you ride. Well, quoth the Golden Farmer,
0 nuhere you i':ill, it is my Opinion, your Converfa-
ion is unrefro'veablc, becaufe thou art ever mending.
• 1 -wijh, replied the Tinker, That I could fay
s much by you. — Why you Dog of Y-gy^t, quoth the
tlier, you dont think that I am like you, in obfcr-v-
ng the Statutes; and therefore had rather Jieal than
eg in Spite of Whips or Imprifonment . Said the Tin-
ier agrin, Fll have you to knonv to I take a great
~)eal of Pains for a Livelihood. Tes, replied the
jokien f .irmer, / kno~.u thou art fuch a ftrong Ene-
ny to Idlenefs, that mending one Hole, you make three,
atijcr than vuant Work. That^s as you fay, qucth
le Tinker ; i:ov.:ever
I ivijh you and I ivere
'arther afunder ; for i faith I doJit like your Com-
■any. Nor I yours, fid the other; for though
hou art entertained in evety Place, yet you eni:r no
'arther than the D:or to avoid Si'/picion. Indeed
epiied the Tinker, I have a great Sufpicion of you.
——H rue you fo, replied the Golden farmer, vjhy
^hen it Jhall not be luithout a Caufe : Come open your
'Vaitct forthv-'ith, and deliver that Parcel of Money
hat^s in it. Here tneir Dialogue being on a Con-
clufion, the Tinker pray'd heartily, that he would
not rob him ; for if he did, he mufi be forced to beg
his Way Home, from whence he was above an hun-
dred Miles. Damn you, quoth the Golden F?rmer,
I do'i't care, if you beg your Way tvo hmidrcd Miles ;
for if a Tinker efcape Tyburn and Banbury, it is his
Fate to die a Beggar : So taking iVIone) and Wallet
too from the Tinker, he left him to his old Cnfloih
of converfmg fliil in open Fields and l-\v Cottages.
After this Encounter v/ith the Tinker, our Adven-
turer had but a few Pranks to play upon the Si-.ge of
human I.ife, his Name being now fpread all around
the Country, fo that rlue-and-Cries were pretty nu-
merous after him : In Ihort, there was no Poflib.lity
to make his Efcape, every one turning his Enemy
now at the lad Extremity ; when, if Love of Mah
had in influenced them, they Ihould have befriended
hira. Kc waj apprehended, and curied to Goal,
where, during his Confinement, he behaved v/ith the
fame Alacrity, as he had (pent tl e merry Aioment 6f
his foregoing Life; i^either the Thought of thp
Place, nor the Apprehenfons of Death in the leaft
terrifying him. After three Weeks Imprifonment,
he \"a3 tried and condemn'd, and the Gallews bee me
the juft Punilhme; '. of all the Miicuriages .md Vil-
lianies he had been guilty of during his vicious
Scene of Life.
The Life of SAWNEY BEANK
TH E following Account, though as well at-
tefted as any iiillorical Fact can be, is almoft
incredible, for the monlbous andunparallel'd
Barbarities that it relates ; there being nothing that
\ve have ever heard of, with the fame Degree of Cer-
tainty, that may be compar'd with it, or that fhews
how far a brutal Temper, untam'd by Educrition md
Knowledge of the World, may carry a Man in fuch
glaring and horrible Colours.
Saviney Becne was born in the County of Eaji Lo-
thian, about eight or nine Miles eait«:!rJ of the City
of Edinburgh, fome Time in the Reign of Queen
Elizabeth, whillt King fames I. go\'ern'd only in
Scotland. His Parents work'd .-^t Hedging and Ditcii-
ing for their Liveiiiiood, and brought up their Son,
to the fame Occupation. He got his daily Bread in
his Youth by tnele Means ; but being -vtry much
prone to IdleneL, and not caring for being connned
to any honell Employment, he left his Father and
Mother, and ran away into the defart Part of the
Country, taking with him a Vi'oman as vicioully in-
clin'd as h'mfelf. Thefe two took up their Habita-
tion in a Rock by the Set-fide, on die Shore of liie
County of Galzvay, where they lived upwards of ; j
Years without going into any City, Town, or Vil-
lage.
In this Time they had a great Number of Child-
ren ar.d Grand-Children, whom they brought up af-
ter their own M.'jiner, without any Notions of Hu-
manity or Civil Society. They never kept any Com-
pany, but among themfelves, and fupported them-
felves wholly by robbing ; being, moreover, fo very
cruel, that they never robb'd any one, whom they
did not murder. , ,
By this blood/ Method, and their L'ving fo retired-
ly from the World, ti.cy continued fuch a long "^i Ante
undifcovered, there being no body abie to gucf: ,'0W
the People were loft that went by the Place - here
thov lived. A? foon as they had robb'd and mur-
der'd any Man, Woman, or Chiid, tiiey ufed to
carry off the Carcali to the Den, where citting it in-
to Qaarters, they would pickle the mangled Limbs,
and afterwards eat it ; this being their ordy Suile-
nance : And, notwithlhnding, tliey were at laft fo
numeious, they commonly had ouperfluity of this
their abominable Food ; lo that in the Night-time
they frequently threw Legv, and Arms of the un-
happy Wretches they had iiiLrdereJ, into the Sea, at
a great Diftance from their bloody Habitation. The
Limbs w ere often calt up by the Tide in feveral Parts
of the Country, to the Aftonifhment and Terror of
all the Beliolders, and others who heard o' ii Per-
fons wlio have gone about their lawfui Occjiions fell
fo often into their Hand?, tiiat it caulei <: g. a moI
Out-cry in the Country round about, no IVi-ji know-
ing wliat was become ot 'is Friend or Relation, if
they were once feen b)- tnele mercilefs Carjiifaals.
All the People in the adjacert Parts were at laft
alarm'd, at fuch a common Lofs of their Neighbours,
and Acquaintance ; for their was no traveUing in
Safety near the Den of thefe Wretches. This occa-
fioned the fending frequent Spies into thefe Parts,
many of whom never retum'd again, and thofe who
did, after die Ikiileft Search and Enquiry could not
find
54
find how thefe melancholy Matters happen'd. Seve-
ral honeft Travellers were taken up on Sufpicion,
and wrongfully hang'd upon bare Circumllances ; fe-
veral innocent Inn-keepers were executed for no o-
ther Reafon than that Perfons who had been thus
loft, were known to have lain at their Houfes, which
occafion'd a Sufpicion of their being murdered by
them, and their Bodies privately buried in obfcure
Places, to prevent a Difcovery. Thus an ill-pliic'd
Juftice was executed with the greateft Severity ima-
ginable, in order to prevent thefe frequent atrocious
Deeds ; fo that not a few Inn-keepers, who lived on
the Weftern Road of Scotland, left oiF their Bufmefs,
for fear of being made Examples, and followed other
Employments. This on the other Hand occafion'd
many great Inconveniencies to Travellers, who were
now in great Diftrefs for Accommodation for them-
felves and their Horfes, when they were difpofed to
bait, or put up for Lodging at Night. In a Word,
the whole Country was almoft depopulated.
Still the King's Subjefls were mifling as much as
before j fo that it was the Admiration of the whole
Kingdom how fuch Villainies could be carried on,
and not the Villains to be found out. A great many
had been executed, and not one of them all made
any Confeflion at the Gallows ; but flood to it at the
laft, that they were perfeftly innocent of the Crimes
for which they fuffer'd. When the Magilbates found
all was in vain, they left off thefe rigorous Proceed-
ings, and trufted wholly to Providence, for the bring-
ing to Light the Authors of thefe unparallel'd Barba-
rities, when it ftiould feem proper to the Divine
Wifdom.
Saivtiey's Family was at laft grown very large,
and every Branch of it, as foon as able, affifted in
perpetrating their wicked Deeds, which they flill
follow'd with Impunity. Sometimes they would at-
tack four, five, or fix Footmen together, but nevei;
more than two if they were on Horfe-back. They
were, moreover fo careful, that not one Whom they
fet upon (hould efcape, that an Ambufcade was placed
on every Side to fecure them, let tiiem fly which
Way they would, provided it ihould ever fo happen
that one or more got away from the firft Affailantu.
How was it poffible they Ihould be detefted, when
not one that faw them ever faw any Body elfe after-
wards ? The Place where they inhabited was quite
folitary and lonefome ; and when the I'ide c:ime up,
the Water went for near two hundred Yards into
their fubterraneous Habitation, which reached almoft
a Mile under Ground ; fo that when fome who had
been fent arm'd to fearch all the By-Places about,
have paft by the Mouth of their Cave ; they have
never taken any Notice of it, not fuppofmg that any
Thing iiuman would refide in fuch a Place of perpetual
Horror and Darknefs.
The Number of the People thefe Savages deftroyed
was never exaftly known ; but it was generally com-
puted that in the twenty-five Years they continued
their Butcheries, they had walhed their Hands in the
Blood of a thouf nd at leaft. Men, Women, and
Children. The Manner how they were at laft dif-
cover'd was as follows :
A Man and his Wife behind him on the fame
Horfe, coming one Evening Home from a Fair, and
falling into the Ambufcade of thefe mercilefs Wretches,
they tell upon them in a moft furious Manner. The
Man, to fave himfelf as well as he could, fought very
bravely againll them with Sword and Piftoi, riding
fome of them down, by main Force of his Horfe. In
the Conflift the poor Woman fell from behind him,
and was inllantly murdered before her Hufbands Face ;
for the Female Cannibals cut her Throat, and fell to
fucking her Blood with as great a Guft, as if it had
been Wine, This dpne, tiiey ript up her Belly, and
A General History of
pulled out all her Entrails. Such a dreadful Speflacle
made the Man make the more obllinr.tc l-lefiftnnce, aS
e.-cpefted the fame Fate, if he fell into their Hands.'
It pleafed Providence, while ho was e;-)g.iged, that*
twenty or thirty from the fame Fair cair.e cogetlier
in a Body; Upon which, Saivncy Bc^'.ne and his
Blood-thirfty Clan withdrew, and made the beft of
their Way through a thick Wood to thtir Den.
This Man, wjio was the frft that Irid ever fell in
their Way, and came oft' alive, told the whole Com-
pany what had happened, and fhewed them the horrid
Speftacle of his Wife, vvliomthe Murde.'-ersh.id dragg'd
to fome Diftance, but had not Time to carry her en-
tirely off. They were all ftrudl with Sfjpefaiftion and
Amazement at what he related, took him with them
to Glafgoiu, and told the Affair to the Provoft of that
City, who immediately fent to the King concern-
ing it.
In about three or four Days after, his Majefty him-
felf in Perfon, with a Body of about four hundred
Men, fet out for the Place where this diim:d Tragedy
Was adled, in order to fearch r '1 the Rocks and I'hic-
kets, that, if poffible, they might apprehend this hel-
lifti Cure, which had been fo long pernicious to all
the Weftern Parts of the Kingdom.
The Man who had been att.icked was the Guide,
and care was taken to have a large Number of Blood-
hounds with them, that no human Means might be
wanting towards their putting an entir» End to thefe
Cruelties.
No Sign of any Habitation was to be found for a
long Time, and even when they came to the
Wretches Cave, they took no Notice of it, but were
going to purfue their Search along the Sea-Shore, the
Tide being then out. But fome of the JJlood-hounds
luckily enter'd this Cimmerian Den, and inftantly fet
up a moft hideous Barking, Howling, and Yelping ;
fo that the King, with his Attendants, came back,
and looked into it. They could not yet tell how to
conceive that any Thing human, could be concealed ii}
a Place where they faw nothing but Darknefs. Never-
thelefs, as die Blood-hounds encreai'ed their Noife<
they went farther in, and refufed to come back ag.in,
tiiey began to imagine there was fome Reafon more
than ordinary. Torches were now ininiediately lent
for, and a great many Men ventur'd in tlirOugh the
moft intricate Turnings and Windings, till at laft
they arrived at that private Recefs from all the
World, which was the Habitation of thefe Mon-
fters.
Now the whole Body, or as many of them as
could, went in, and were all fo ihocked at what they
beheld, that they were almoft re..uy lo fink into th6
Earth. Legs, Arms, 'I'highs, Hands, :ind Feet of
Men, Women, and Children, were hung up in Rows,
like dried Beef A great many Limbs lay in Pickle,
and a great Mafs of Money, both Gold and Silver,
with Watches, Ring-, Swordr., PiftJs, and a large
Quantity of Cloaths, both Linntn and Woollen, and
an infinite Number cf other I'hings, which they had
taken from thofe whom they had murder'd, v.ere
thrown together id Heaps, or hung up againft the
Sides of tlie Den.
Sawney's Family at this Time, bcfides him, con-
fifted of his Wife, eight Sons, fix Daughters, eigh-
teen Grandfons, and fourteen Grand- Daughters, who
were all begotten in Inceft.
Thefe were all feiz'd and pinion'd, by his Ma-
jefty's Order in the firft Place ; then they took what
human Flefh they foimd, and buried it in the Sands,
afterwards loading themfelves with the Spoils which
they found, they return'd to Edinburgh with their
Prifoners, all the Country, as they paffed along
flocking to fee this curfed Tribe. When they were
coHie to iheir Journey's End, the Wretches were all
committed
Pyrates, Hlghv)qy'me??j Mwderers, d<.c.
committed to the Talbooth, from whence they were
die next Day condufted under a ftrong Guard to
Lat^, where they were all executed without any
Procels, it being thought needlefs to try Creatures
who were even profefled Enemies to Mankind.
The Men had firll their Privy-Members cut off,
and thrown into the Fire before their Faces, then
their Hands and Legs were fevered from tlieir Bodies j
33
by which Amputations they bled to Death in fome
Hour^. The Wife, Daughters, and Grand-Cliildren,
having been made Spectators of this juft Puniihment
inflicled on the Men, were afterwards burnt to Death
in three feveral Fires. They all in general died with-
out the leaft Signs of Repentance ; but continued
curfmg and venting the moll dreadful Imprecations
to the very lall Gafp of Life.
The LIFE of Captain DUDLEY.
RICHARD Di/d/^y, commonly called Capt.
Dudley, was bom in LeiceJIerJhirc, at a Place
called Savep/fon. His Father was a Gentle-
man of a good Eilate, but had not the Fortune to
keep it, he living in fuch a Manner, that his Expences
by much exceeded his Income ; fo that .he was oblig'd
to mortorage and fell the greateft Part .1;^ fatisfy iiis
Creditors, and having about threefcore Pounds a
Year left, came up to London, with his Family, ho-
ping by the Obicurity of his living, to contain him-
fe!f within the Bounds of the fmMJl Remainder he had
left ; but we (hall leave the Father, and give an Ac-
count of the Son, who is the unhappy OccaJiou of our
prefent Writing.
Richard Dudley, the Son, had a good Education
beftow'd upon him at St. PauFs School, he feeming
of a very promifmg Genius, but when a vicious In-
clination is rivetted in tiie Nature of any Perfon, no
Care of his Education, no Rules of Religion or Mo-
rality are fufficient to controul him, as plainly ap-
pears by too tragrant an Inftance in the Life of this
mifortunate Perfon ; for when but nine Years old, he
difcover'd his Tendency to Thieving, by robbing
one of his Sillers Clofets of thirty Shillings, and
marching off with it : But being fome Days after
found out, and brought Home again, he was fent
back to School ; but not liking that Sort of Con-
finement, he robb'd his Father's Houfe of a conlider-
able Sum of Maney, and fo ran away again ; )'et his
Father had the Luck to difcover liim, and took
ti him with a Couple of lewd Women, a little Way out
of Town.
After this, his Father defpairing of his doing any
Good at Home, procured him the King's Letter to
be a Reformade on Board a Man of War, in which
Station, he went up the Streights, and behaved him-
felf gallantly u\ feveral Anions. Among!! the reil,
this was one, being on Shore at Cadiz, in order to
refrefh himfelf, and walking quietly along, he was
abufed and attack'd by a Spaniard; but he not on-
ly defended himfelf, but run the Don quite througli,
left him dead on the Spot, and got iafe on Ship-
board : Upon his Arrival in England, he quitted
the Ship, pretending he did fo on Account of a youn-
ger Reformade being preferr'd before him, on the
De.ath of a Lieutenant ; but whether that was fiis
Motive, or not, this is certain. That he affociated
himfelf with a notorious Gang of Thieves, ready
for any Milchief, and affilled them in breaking open
and robbing the Houfe of Admiral Carter m the
^ Country, and getting off undetefted, came to Lon-
don,sn^ from that Time commenced a profeffed Thief.
The firft remarkable Robbery he ^was concerned in,
10
was, that of a Lady's Houfe at Black-heath, from
whence he and his Accmplices ftole a very coijfi-
derable Quantity of Plate, which they brought to
Town, and fold to a Refiner ; but for tliis Rob-
bery he was apprehended not long after, and when
he was in Ne-ivgate he fent for the Refiner, and com-
pl.ain'd how hard a Thing it was to find an honelt
Man, and a fair Dealer. For you curfed Rogue (fays
he) among the Plate you bought, there nuas a Cup
1VI th a Co^er, nvhich you modcjlly told us ivas but
Silver gilt, and bought it at the fame Price niuith the
reji ; but it plainly appeared by the Adfertifement in
the Gazette, that it inas a Gold Cup and Cover ;
but I fee you are a Rogue ; and that there^s no
Trujiing any Body. For this Robbery he was, tried
at Maidjhne, convifted and condemn'd ; but his
Youth, and the Interell of his Friends, firft procur'd
liim a Reprieve, and then a Pardon ; which for a-
bout two Years, had fuch an Effeft upon him, that
he lived pretty foberly for that Time ; fo that his
Father bought him a Commiffion in the Army, in
which Station he behaved very well, and had the good
Fortune to marry a young Lady of a good Family,
with whom he had an Eftate of feven-fcore Pounds
a Year ; upon which and his Commiffion, they for
fome Time hved comfortably ; but the Captain lov-
ing Company too much, and having contrafted a
large Acquaintance, engaged himfelf for fome Money,
which one of his Companions owed, who was after-
wards arrefted for the Debt, in which Arreft a Bai-
liff was killed, and the Captain (being then prefent)
was fufpefted to have done it, he always declaring
his Detelbtion and Abhorrence of that Sort of Men,
and often withing to kill fome of them, his Charac-
ter and Opinion of them being as follows.
A Serjeant is a Rogue that would undo one of
twelve Companies for a Crown ; the Counter Gate
is his proper Kennel, and the Miferies of poor Men
the Offal on which he feeds. He does not carry his
Captives direitly to Hell (the Counter) but firft tor-
ments them in a Purgatory hard by, where you muft
pay Two Shillings a Night for a lowfy Bed, and
ipend as much m liquoring his Chops, as would
pay Half tlie Debt. This he calls his Civility. If
you feem to fear other Atlions coming againft you,
he will pretend to pity you, and agrees tor a Daub
in the Fift to keep the Matter private, till you
make an End of it ; but goes diredly to find out
fome other Creditors, bids them ftrike whilll the
Iron is hot ; and thus when the poor Prifoner has
fatisfied the firft Debt, and thinks to regain his Li-
berty, he is clurged a-frefh. Thus he picks your
Pocket by Degrees, and when he finds that is empty,
K he
34
he delivers you over to the Turnkey, where the
Lord have Mercy on your Soul ; for to be fure,
they will have little enough on your Body.
A Common Biiliff exceeds a Serjeant as much as
an //•/yiJ' MallifF does a Spaniel in Fiercenefs. He is a
Raven that pecks not out Mens Eyes, as others do,
but all his Spite is at tlicir Shoulders. Thefe Land
Pirates cruiie up and down Holborn, as thick as Algicr
and Salhc Men in the Mediterranean, and carry thofe
they take to a worie Slavery. In the Country they
are caUed Bums, being of the very Scum and Dregs of
the People, Raicalls who have generally efcaped the
Gallows once or twice, and yet mull at lall come to
it ; for a Rope is certainly their Delliny. 'Tis de-
plorable to think how they abul'e poor People, for
there is hardly a Writ in five, againil: thofe they ar-
reft ; they are Setters by Day, Tliieves in the Night,
Bailiffs all the Week, and Liformers on Sundays, and
yet never Thrive : For as they live Rogues, they die
Beggars.
A Marfhal's Man is yet a more infufferable Grie-
vance, a falfe Die of the fame Bale, but not the fame
Cut ; for it runs fomewhat higher, and does more
Mifchicf. He is a peifeft Blood-hound, that haunts
upon the fmalleft Scent, and worries all to Death he
lays hold on. The Circle this Devil is confin'd in, is
twelve Miles over, and in that Circuit he commonly
undoes above twelve hundred People a Year. He
plies among poor People, and upon every petty Quar-
rel, Scoulding-bout, or Ch:uidler's fcore, he fets
them to Law ; aflbon as he has arrefted, one per-
fuades him to fnap the other, and then they are both
forced to lie at his Mercy, till they pawn their Beds
to raife what Money he pleafes to demand ; and that
he may fleece them the more commodioully, he keeps
aTipHno-houfe, where he imprifons them, by his own
Authorit)', and his Wife over-reckons a Groat in a
Shilling ; and tho' you know it, you muft not fpeak,
becaufe it is his Kindnefs to keep you there, and not
carry you to the Lake of Perdition, on the other fide
the Water. There is nothing more frequent than
to fee here a Chimney-fweeper profccuting a Broom-
Man for breaking his Head at Cudgels, and an
Oyfter- Wench fuing a Kitchen Stuff- Woman, for
calling her Draggle-tail. What a deplorable Thing
it is that a F'amily fhall be ruin'd, and a poor
Man buried alive, for fuch an inconfiderable Mat-
ter!
As for the Yeomen, Followers, and fetting Ver-
min, they are fuch contemptible Ralcals, they are
not worth thinking on : We may call them the Hooks
that hang under Water, and their Mafter the Floats
above, which pop down as foon as ever the Bait is
fwallowcd : Nccefiity makes them Valiant, for they
will greedily take a Cut with a Sword, and fuck more
Silver out of the Wound than a Surgeon ; fo that
they commonly die with their Guts ripped up, or elfe
the Devil by a fadden Stale fends a Habeas cum anima
for them.
As to the Villains about White-Chapel, St. Kathe'
riiie's, the C/ici, and the reft of the Devil's Houfes,
I (han't trouble myfelf about, but I muft h.ave a
Word or two with the Gaoler, for he is a Creature
miftaken in the making, for he fhonld be a Tyger,
but the Shape being thought too terrible it is covered
and he wears the Vifage of a Man, yet retams his
Fiercenefs ; _ his Confcience, and his Shackles, he
hangs up together, and they are made very near of
the fame Metal, faving that one is harder than the
other, and hath one Property above Iron, that it ne-
ver melts ; he diftills Money out of poor Mens Tears,
and grows Fat by their Curfes j his Ears are ftop'd to
the Cries of others, and God's to his, by all Likeli-
hood, for lay the Life of a Man in one Scale, and
Jus Fees in the other, hs would call away the Firft ;o
yf General History of
get the Second, and in Brief is one that can look for
no Mercy (if he defires Juftice to be done him) for he
fhews none.
But to return to the Captain, he abfented himfelf
from his Houfe, lurking about in bye-Places ; and by
that idle way of living, he got acquainted with a G.ino-
of Highwayman, by whole Eafineis of living, and ex-
travagdiit E.xpences, he was eafily perfuaded to be one
of their Gang, for few Pcrfuaiions were needful to
one who had got the upper Hand of Virtue, who
was more inclined to live upon the Ruins of his Coun.
trymen, than by his own Induftry ; having been more
ufed to Fight than Work. He was not long about
earning his Trade, but in a little Time became Ma-
fter of it ; for there was fcarce a notable Robbery
committed, in which he had not a Hand, and finding
it eafy and profitable, he draw in his Brother (whofe
Name was If'i/I Dudley) to be one of their Gang ; he
had not long gone on in his new Trade, before he was
appreliended in the Country, for robbing a Gentleman
of a Watch, a Sword, a Whip, and nine Shillings irj
Money ; but the Evidence not being very clear, he ef-
caped once more.
No fooner had he obtained his Liberty, but he fell
again to his old Trade, but did not confine himfelf ta
any particular Part, but robbed on the Highway,
broke Honies, or pick'd Pockets, or any Thmg elfe
that procured him any Money ; in which feveral
Ways he for a Time went on with Impunity, but was
at length dcteftcd for breaking and robbing Sir yohn
Friend'^ Houle, and for that Faft he received Sen-
tence of Death, but his Friends again got him a Re-
prieve on Condition of Tranfportation, purfuant to
which, he with feveral other Conviiils, were put on
board a Ship, in order for Barbadoes : But they were
hardly got as far as the ille of Weight, before he had
drawn in the reft of the Rogues to a Confpiracy, in
order to efcape, and having concerted their Meafures,
accordingl)- the Ships Company being under Hatches,
tlley went off with the Long-Boat.
Being now on Shore, he left his Comrades, and
travelled by himfelf through Woods and by-Ways,
and being now in a very mean Habit, when he had
no opportunity to fteal, he begged, till he came to
HounJlo'-ju-Heath, where he attacked a Country Far-
mer, robbed and unhorfed him, and mounting him-
felf, fet forward to feek for more Prey, and before he
got of!" the Heath, another Opportunity offered, for
he met witli a A'ian in a genteel Kabit, and with a
better Horfe than that whicli lie took from the Farmer.
He foon gave him the Word of Command to Hand,
and leading him into a Bye-PLce, made him exchange
Hories and Cloathswith him, telling the Man that he
ought never toaccufehim with robbing him, for fays
he, you knonuthe old Proverb, Exchange is no Robbery,
Jo icij'hing him 'well, he made the bijl of his Way for
London, where he immediately reforted to his old
Haunts, to find out his Compr.nions, which was very
eafy for him to do, and they all fubmitted to his
Conduft, and dubbed him vvith the Title of Cap-
tain. Thus got at the Head of a hardened Gang, no
Part of the Country was fecure from his Rapine, nor
any Houte ftrong enough to keep him out, fo that he
became notorious every where.
To avoid the continual Searches made for him,
and to divert Enquires, he paid a Vifit to the North,
and being out one Day in fearch of Booty, he met
with a Dutch Colonel very well armed, but not cou-
ragious enough to fight for his Money ; fo that the
Captain made bold with both Horfe and Arms, and
took his laced Coat into the Bargain. Thus mounted
and equipped, he committed Abundance of Robberies,. I
but fhifting the Colonels Accoutrements, he ufed on-
ly his Horfe upon which he robbed a great many
People, partJcularly a Gentleman neai Hpfem, who
bsiiig
Pvrates, Hlghahi^'mcHf Murderer s^ SCc.
35
•n.t; a Man of Courage, would not deliver, but cx-
, iiiged a Piftol with him : However, the Captain
It the Better, and wounded the Gentleman in the
:a ; upon which he rode up to him, lent him his
iiTil.mce, and condufted him to the next Village, to
: :-y,T\z Help, and then left him j having firll ta-
liis Money. As for the Buckingham/hire Lace-
thc Captain and his Gang robbed them for
■lime, and only called it an Airing for their
,ics. No Stage or other Coach, when they had
rciligcnce of any Paffenger, could efcape their
■ny, that fcarce a Day palled in which they did
commit fome Robbery or other.
I'hus did he and his Confederates riot in the Spoils
others, and remained undifcovered for feveral
onths, till at length robbing the Southampton Coach
ey were purfued, and feveral of them taken, yet
efcaped not taken Warning. At this he joined
riielf with fome Houfe-breakers, and with them
mmitted many Burglaries and Robberies, and in
rticular, he with three of his Accomplices, got in-
an old Woman's Houfe, in Spittle-falds, they gag'd
r, tied her in her Chair ; rifled her Houfe, and
■ried of a confiderable Sum of Money, which the
1 Woman had been many Years hoarding up :
e hearing the Money chink, and going to be taken
im her, llruggled in the Chair, and fell down up-
her Face, with the Gagg in her Mouth, and
; Chair upon her, w hich means (he was ftifled ;
t they got fafc off, and p.iffed undifcovered, till
; old Woman came to be Buried, when one of
;m (who was her Grand Child and privy to the
)bber)) going to be fitted with Gloves, was ob-
ved to change his Countenance often, and Trem-
: very much ; feveral Perfons feeing the Difor-
r he was in, began to i'ufpeft him, and charged
n with the Fact, he confefled tlie whole Affair,
J two of them being found guility on his E-
lence, of the Mmxier and Robbery, «ere hang'd
Chains. Yet the Captain all tliis while pafled
apprehended, though his Name was publickly
jntioned as an acceifary to the Faft : But being
length taken up for divers Highway Robberies,
"which by his dextrous Management he was Ac-
itted) he was called to his Trial for that, alfo
len the Evidence fwore they faw him lurking a-
lUt, go into and come out of the Houfe of the mur-
red Woman ; and feveral flrong Circumitances ap-
ared to prove him guilty ; but he upon whofe
/idence the two former were convicled, was not
be found ; and this gave Dudley an Opportunity-
make fuch a fham Defence, as would have deceived
e moil penetrating Judge and Jury on Earth. He
mfelf thought it fo great a Mailer-piece, that he of-
n boafted of it in Prifon, and from his Account I
all acquaint the Reader with it.
The firft Witnefs that appeared in his behalf, was
young Gentleman, who depofed that he and ano-
.er Gentleman, going through Somerfet-Houfe Yard
1 the Day fet forth in the Indiftment, to be that
» which th£ Robbery and Murder was committed ;
; accidently met the Captain, who had been his
;hoolfellow, and was furprized to fee him, having
;ard that had been Tranl'ported for fome Crime,
hich he was very forry for. That the Captain
Id him he was indeed ordered for Tranfportation,
id exprefled a very great Concern, that he fhould
er be guilty of a Crime to deferve fuch Punifh-
ent ; but that his Relations being Jiot fo kind as he
.-pefted, he was put on board a Ship, with fome
ore unfortunate Perfons, as a common Convift,
id made^ his Efcape, and depended on his Friends
3od-Wil], to put him in a Condition to Tranfpo/t
imfelf, refolving fo to do the \ery firll Opportuni-
The fame Witnefs further depofed, that finding
him fo very forry for his Offence, he defired him to
accompany him and his Friend to Chelfea ; intending
to make ufe of that Time, in exhorting him to lead
his Life more regular for the Future. That the Pri-
fbner accepting the Offer, they took Boat at Somer'
fet Stairs, and went to the Swan at Chelfea, where
they ftaid till Seven at Night, and then walk'd to
a publick Ho'uie on the Bink-fidc, fupped on a
Difh of Fowls and Bacon, and ftayed there till al-
moft Eleven ; when they took Boat again for Somer •
fet Stairs, walked into the Strand, and there parted.
The Witnefs being asked why he fhould take fuch
particular Notice of the Day of the Month ; anfwer-
ed. That the next Daf he heard a Paper cried about
the Streets, concerning the Murder and Robbery of the
old Woman, that buying it, he found the Captain's
Name mentioned as an acccfjary in the Fad, and upon
that made a Memorandum in his Pocket-Book, (ivhico
he produced in Court) and after'-j:ards luent to hii
Friend, 'who luas tvith him at Chelfea, and to the
Waterman ixho carried them, deflring than likezuife
to take Notice of the Day, for tljat Dudley being et
Perfijn of hut an indifferent CharaBer, fome other
Rogue might make ufe of his Name, and he be hanged
for a Fail he 'was innocent of.
The next Witnefs, was the other Friend, who faid,
that he fanv him, and the Prifoner talk together in So-
merfet-Houfe Tard, but did not kno-iu what they faid',
that they 'went to Chelfea , and there the former Wit'
nefs luas 'very earnejl 'with the Captain (luho then
uiiderjlood his Name to be, having never feen him
before) to reform fome ill Pradices he had been too
much addided to ; that the next Day the former Wit-
nefs came and dejlred him to take particular Notice of
the Day and Perfon ivho 'went 'with them to Chelfea,
'which he accordingly did, and 'was 'very pofeti-ve that
the Prifoner at the Bar, 'was the Man that they
fupped 'with at the Red-Lyon, at the Bank fide, that
they after-wards came back to Somerfet-Houfe Stairs^
and in the Strand parted 'with the Prifoner about ele-
'ven at hight.
The Waterman corroborated their Evidence, and
affirmed, that he carried two Gentlemen aforefaid to
Chelfea, and a third Perfon with them j and being
afked if the Prifoner was that third Perfon, he faid
his Eyes were very bad, and went up clofe to the
Bar to look him in the Face, and turning about faid,
Tcs, my Lord, this is the Gentleman. He alio de-«
pofed that he waited on them at Chelfea, and car-
ried them from thence to the Bank-fide ; where he
received four Shillings and Sixpence for liis F.ire, up-
on Condition he would carry them back again, which
he did ; and landed them about eleven at Night.
That the next Day his Mailer (the firil Witnefs) came
and bid him take Notice of the D.iy of the Month,
which he did, and chalked it down at Home.
The next who was called, was the pretended Land-
land, of the Houfe, were they fupped, 'vjho fwore
that on fuch a Day of the Month, three Gentlcmett
came to his Houfe about feven at Night, (of 'which
the Prifoner 'was one) and ordered a couple of Fonjuls
and Bacon to be got ready 'with all Speed, I'jhich 'was
done ; th^ fupped, and betiueen ten and cle'ven at
Night, they took Boat, and ordered the Waterman
to carry them to Somerfet Stairs : Being afked how
he came to take fuch Notice of thi: Day, he readily
anfwered ; When the/e Gentlemen came onjhore, I 'was
farting of Beer, and they ordered me to give the
Waterman four Shillings and Sixpence, I paid him,
and told him he muf flay till the Gentlemen 'went,
and my Lord, I find by my Book no'w in my Hand,
that it 'was on that Day my Beer 'vjas farted.
The laA Witnefs who appeared, \\as a Man who
lived in Burleigh-ftreet in the Strand, ii,ho faid, the
Captain vjai his Lodger, and came home at eleven of
the
36
A 'Ge??eral History of
the Clack on the Ni^ht^ before pientioncd; that he kneiv
it to be the fame Night, bccaitfe Dudley 7iot being Hiery
'well, did not Jiir out of Doors the next Day, and paid
him hii Rent for his Lodging, for ivhich he gave him
a Receipt, by the Date ofi-.'hich he hui-u the Time ; and
tlie Prilbner producing a Receipt, the Fellow fvvore it
to be the fame. Such a fet of" profligate Witnefles
as theie, were enough to fcrcen an Offender from Ju.
flice for a Time ; and tliey had fuch an Influence over
both Judge and Jury, fo much, that the Captain was
eafily acquitted.
His Liberty regain'd, he haftened to his old Com-
panions, with wiiom he committed many notorious
Robberies, efpecially one on a Nobleman, on Hoimfoiv-
Heath, from v/hom tliej' took fifteen hundred Pounds.
After a deiperate skirmifh with the Servants, three of
whom tliey wounded, and killed two of their Horfes ;
from thence thev proceeded on the Weil Country
Road, and near Hartlcy-roiv in Hampjhire, robbed a
Parfon, whom they commanded to preach a Sermon
in praife of Thieving, fwea ring his Dellrudlion, if he
refufed to do it.
The Parfon was forced to comply : However, to
make him fome amends, the Sermon being ended,
they gave him his Money again that they took
from him, and four Shillings to drink, for his Ser-
ihon.
After they had this their Diverfion, for we cannot
call it a Robbery, thev m.ide the befl of their Way for
London, and for fome Time left infefliiig the High-
ways. During which Time the Captain's Brother;
cmploy'd himfelf in fhewing his De.xterity about
Town, fome of which we believe will prove Divert-
ing to the Reader. The firll of his Tricks, was, he
drefled himfelf like a Countryman, with a pair of
dirty Boots, and a Whip in his Ilmd, and going into
B-irtholomew-Fair, met w ith no Prize worth fpeaking
of: But as he was going out, he met with a Country-
man, and faid to him, honeft Friend have a Care of
your Pockets, you are going into a curfed Place, inhere
are none but Whores, Rogues, and Pick-pockets ; 1
em almofi ruined by them, and I a/n glad they ha-ve
not picked the Teeth out of my Head, let one take ever
fo much Care of one'' s Pockets, they'll be fure of your
Money; I am fure the Devil helps them. Idefieallthe
Devils in Hell, fays the Countryman, to rob me of
. any Thing I Value, I have a Broad-piece that I'll fe-
cure, fo clapping it into his Mouth, he went confi-
dently into the Fair ; Will defircd no more than to
know if he Iiad any Money, and where it lay, he gives
a Sign to a hopeful Boy of his, and telling him out
fome Six-pences and Groats, told him what he fhould
do i the Boy immediately runs, and fJIs down jull
before the Countryman, and fcattering the Money,
ftarts up and roars like a Bedlamite, crj'ing he was
undone, he muft run away from his Apprenticefhip,
his Mailer was a furious Fellow, he would certainly
kill him. The Countryman with other People
gather'd about, helping the Boy to take up the Mo-
ney, fays one of tha'n have you found all ? Yes, all the
Sliver fays the Boy, but what does that fignific, there
is a Broad piece of Gold, that I was carrying to my
Mailer for a Token, fent from the Country, and I
like a Fool mull come thro' this unlucky Place to lofe
it ; I fhall be killed, what will tecome of me. Wll
coming up, tells fome of the by-ftanders who wtre
pitying the Boy, he obferved that Country Fellow
there to Hoop, and put fomething into his Mouth :
Whereupon, they flew upon him, and one of them
wrefting open his Chaps, made him fpit out the Gold,
and fome Blood along with it ; endeavouring to fpeak
for hirolelf, they kick'd him, punch'd him, and tof-
fed him about, and fome calling to Privy or Pump,
he was glad to call for Mercy, and thought himfelf
well of when he got out of their Clutches. The
k
Boy in the mean Time flipt into the Crowd, and
went to Will with the Gold, to the appointed Plaa
of Rendezvous.
Pf'ill and his Boy changing Cloaths, and going int«
the Crowd heard fome talking of the Country Fel-
low, how he had got into a Houfe, and had fent foi
fome refponfible People that knew him, and his Ma-
iler, a Knight of a vail Eilate in the North, who wa;
come to Town upon great Bufmefs with fome Mer-
chant. Ulll knew the Gentleman and his Eilate verjl
well, and by what he heard expeding to fee him ai
the Exchange, went immediately thither, and picket
his Pocket of a great many Guineas, except one
which he left for the Gentleman's Dinner, or othe:
Charges, till he fhould receive a Recruit. The Knigh
going to the Tavern laugh'd heartily when his Te
nant came and told him how he had been feiT'd a
the Fair: But calling for the Reckoning, and telling
the Company he was robbed too, 'twas comical tc-
fee how the Countryman laughed. ''Sbud, Sir, fayi'
he, let us make our Efcape from this Roguijh Place
''Slidking, Sir, they'' II fteal our fmall Guts to make Fiit
die Strings of them.
The Gentleman lined his Pockets again, and weiw
out the next Day to the Change, and notwithilandinji
all the Care he took, he was robbed again ; hvLtWtli
being not an ordinary Rogue and having fomething
of a generous Principle, would not take all, but lef
him fome. The Knight admired liovv it was poilibL
for the W^it of Man to rob one that had been fo for
warned as he was ; at lall looking hallily about, hi
perceived //'/// Handing by him, and recoUefting hi
had feen him near him fcvcral Times before, he ha(
a flrong Sufpicion he was ilie Man, and coming up t(
him, took hold of his Buttons, and told Iiim, he ha((|
good Ground to think he was die Man tliat had rob
bed him feveral Times, but being a Gentleman of i
great Eilate, his Lofs did not trouble him ; and if hii
would be fo generous, as to tell him by what me;
he had fo ferv'd him, he would not only forgive him]
but treat him well at the Tavern, and help him to i
better Way of living, if he pleafed ; and this, fay:
he, / promifc upon my Honour. Sir, fays M'ill, you;
M'ord of Honour is fuficient : I knoiu the Greatnefs Oj
your EJiate : I am the Man. Fll tvait on your Wor
flip to the Tavern, and there fiev: you fome ofrny'jlrt
more freely than I would do to my Fello'-~v Rogues. A.
tliey went towards the Tavern, the Gentleman tolc
him, he refolved to make a Frolick of it ; and, tc
that End, he would fend for fome Gentlemen of his
Acquaintance, and would take Care he fliould comt
to no Harm by any Difcovery he fhould make ta
them. / knoiv you re a Gentleman, fays II ill % am
Men of Honour fcorn too keep bafe Company : Call
many as you pleafe. Fll take their ii'ord, and I knoftk
I am fafe.
When the Gentry came, IVill told them many
Things to their Admiration and Satisfaftion, anc
when he pulled out the Piece of Golcl^ and told then:
liow he had ferved Roger, the Gentleman's Tenant,
Roger was immediately fent for to make up the Fro-
lick : When he came, it 'twas good Sport to fee how
he fcraped to the Ground. His Mailer fmiling askec
of whom he learn'd to make fuch a handfome Li ^
But ivhat v:ould you fay, fays the Knight, if you fans,
your Gold a^ain . ■ Oh ! lays he, / 'would I could \
but if my Mouth can't keep it, ivhere Jhould I put it t
'Sbud F d rather fee the Rogue ; F d make a Jelly of hi.
Bones. — There he is, fays the Knight, and there",
your Broad-piece. — As Roger began to heave anc,
bulk, his Mailer commanded him to take his Gold
and fit down by him . Roger feeing which Way Tiling!!
went, drank to Will. One of tlie Gentlemen pullinj
out a curious Watch, another faid, he wondered how
it was poffible for them to pick a Watch out of a Fob:
and
I
Pj/rateS) Highiijaynm?, Murderers, &c.
and that it was certainly Carelefnefs. No fays Will, If
thi Gentleman 'will take a Turn or t^uo in Moorfields,
r:i ivager a Guinea, Til ha've the Watch before he
returns, let him takctvhat care he plea fa, andljhant
Jjir out of his Room. Done, fays the Gentleman.
However, every Gentleman in the Room la)'ing down
L Guinea, Roger laid down his Broad-piece, and went
._ 1-Ialf. The Gentleman went out with his Watch ;
. r i, as he walk'd was very careful not to fufFer
;';.n. Woman, or Child, to come within Arm's
Length of tiim ; thinUng the Devil was in't, if any
hoAy could rob him at a Dirtance, When it was
almoft Time he ihould return, a Boy came foftly be-
Jiiad him ; and when he came pretty near, he ran
paii him, yet not fo near as to give the Gentleman
Sufpicion : ' As he pafs'd him, he _ looks over his
Shoulder, and tells the Gentleman his Back was co-
ver'd w:th Lice, which he perceiving, loatli'd the
Sight, fretting, and wondermg where he had been
that Day. Good Boy, fays he, take them off, and Til
give you a Shilling. ' The Boy does fo, and picking
the Lice off his Back, and the Watch out of his Fob,
le received his Reward, and run. The Gentleman
-etums to the Tavern, wondering all the Way how
le could iiave come by fuch Vermin, yet carefully
ivoiding an/ tlut came near him all the Way.
When he retum'd. Will aik'd him what a-Clock
t was by his Watch ? Which thmking to pull out,
le was ijniz'd to find it gone. Will pulls it out,
.nd alk'd tne Gentleman, if that was it ? The Gen-
leman Hood as dumb as a Fidi, turning up the
Whites of his Eyes. Roger laugh'd fo loud and
)utragioully, that after the Gendeman had born him
i^ompany a good Wiiile, the Knight was forced to
ammand him Silence; for he would have laughed
II Night. The Gentleman, full of Amazement,
iid, certainly he muft luve had the Aifulance of
he Devil. Of a Boy, fays Will : Did not a Bey
ictyoa clean ?—— There'' s the Devil, fays the Gen-
'eman ; and he threw them on too, I fuppofe ? Ay,
hrd' a ^ill, fays the other.
The whole Company was mightily pleafed with
le IngeuLiity of die Trick, efpecially Roger, who
Duld not forget how the Gentleman looked, when
c came in, and miffed his Watch, and was now
nd then buriling out into a Laughter. Says Will,
lias. Gentlemen, this Trick is not ivorth the talking
'', it is fuch a Thing as ive fend our Boys about :
^ere''s a Nobleman goes nonv by the Windoiv, vjith
-jery rich Coat oh. Til ivager, as before, Pllfcal
off his Back before all his Follo-ujers, and bring it
•ther on my o^<vn. The Gentlemen ftak'd each their
ruinea, and Will and Roger cover'd 'em. Koiv,
ys Will, Pm to Jhe--w you a Majier-Piece of my
'■'t. I muft not fend a Boy about it, but cra've Leaue
1 go myfelf; neither can I fct a Time for my Return,
ut I hope to do it fooner than you imagine. So
ut he run3, and dogging the Nobleman from Street
1 S:.eet, at laft follow'd him into a Tavern. The
. otilcman was conducted up Stairs. M^ill goes to
le Bar-keeper, and dcfires her to lend him an Apron ;
:r the Nobleman, m-i Majicr, tvhere-ver he comes,
■'/ he feiiered by none hut myfelf: He is a 'very good
-imer, and expects the beji of Wine. I muft go
j.n into the Cellar, and t aft e it for him : Where-
;on they let him have the Apron, and he went in-
I the Cellar, and foon found out the bell: of every
)rt. He ran fo nimbly up and down Stairs, and
as quick at his Work, none of the Servants kept
ice with liira. The Company looked upon him to
■ a Servant of the Houfe, and were mightily pleafed
ith his Quicknefs and Diligence, and the Good-
■fs of the Wine, and every Thing he brought
em. Will promifed him that Ihould have attend-
l the Room, large Vaib, and lie was very well fa«
II
37
tisfy'd to receive Money for doing nothing. Will
never came In the Room, but he paffed fome merry
Jell, which pleafed them wonderfully, and when they
fpoke to him, his Anfwers were fo fmart, that when
he went for more Wine, they faid one to another.
This is a merry I'jitty Fellonxi, fuch a one as he is fit
to make a Houfe ; he defei-'ves double Warres. Wnen
^r;// had fufficiently amufed the Company, and faw
his Projeft ripe for Execution, he was refolved to
trifle no longer : Wherefore, when he returned into
the Room with fome Wine, and as he pafTed by
my Lord, he laid Hold on the Opportunity, and with
his Incifion Knife, which he uled in Pocket-Pick-
ing, he nicely, and with admirable Dcxterit}', made
a Slit in the Seam of my Lord's Coat, and runs dowu
Stairs for more Liquor. When he returned with a
Bottle in one Hand, and the other full of GhfTes, be-
fore he came near my Lord, Will ftarts, faymg, What
Cobling Fellovi-s are they that made this Coat ? Could
they not fenjj a Coat to hold one Day ? This Cabbage-
monger defer'ved the Pillory before for filching ; but
notij grudging to alloiu another Stitch, has committed
a Scandalum Magnatum, and caufcd my Lord to co in
a rent Coat the firft Day of I'.'earing perhaps. Some
of the Company rifing, and feeing the great Slafh,
told my Lord, the Taylor had affronted him. Says
my Lord, / ga've the Fellonus fufficient Vails, and
both they and their Mafter Jhall hear it. .
My Lord, fays Will, Uis only the End of a Thread has
fipt : Such Things ivill happen fometimes ; the Coat
may be faithfully fetued in other Places; iPs not a Far-
thing the nvorfe. There^s a Curious Fine-Draiver of
my Acquaintance lives in the next Lane ; be pleas' d
to let me carry it to him, he nuill make it as good as
at firft. P II carry it fecretly under my Mafter' s Cloak,
and return ivith it before you ivant more Wine. The
Nobleman borrows a great Coat of one of the Com-
pany, and lets him have the Coat. Will comes down
to the Vintner, tells him what had happened to his
Lord's Coat ; and, to prevent its being feen in the
Street, defires him to let him have a Cloak, and he
would return immediately. The Vintner ftiewed
him where the Cloak was, which Will put on, and
claps the Vintner's Beaver on his He-id, which hung
on the next Pin. Thus he troops olF with them, and
coming to the Ta^'em, where the Gentlemen were,
he went into a Room, and haMng put on the Noble-
man's Coat, the Cloak, and Beaver, he came into
the Room where they fat, fainting them very civily.
Says one of them. What, inftead of a Coat, you come
ivith a Cloak, and great need for it ; for, fays he,
there's a Deal of Kna'very under it. So opening the
Cloak, they were all amazed to lee the rich embroid-
er'd Coat, befides the Cloak and Beaver, which he
told them how he had got into the Bargain, but when
he told them how he had performed the Exploit, they
ail laugh'd heartily, and Roger with his Bafe made
up the Confort.
My Lord and liis Company waited fo long, that
they were quite out of Patience, the People of the
Houfe likewife wondring they fat fo long without
calling, ordered the Fellow that fhould have waited
on that Room, to go up Stairs and force a Trade.
The Fellow comes in, and fays. Call here, call here.
Gentlemen ? Yes, fays- one of them, nvhere is your
Felloiv-Ser'vant that nx-aited on us ? My Fellonu-Ser-
'vant, fays the other. He faid, he luas my Lord's Ser-
vant, and that my Lord ivould be attended by none but
himfelf, and I ftpould ha've good Fails notiuithftand'
ing. Says my Lord how Can that be, I have but
one Gentleman here of my own Retinue, the Reft
are with my Lady ; he that ferved us, came in with
an Apron, and is a Servant of the Houfe, call up our
Landlord. The Vintner coming up, a Gentleman
of the Company asked him if he kept Sharpers in
L th;
38
A General History of
tlie Houfe to aft'roiu Gentlemen, and rob them.
Naj, la}'s the ViiUner, who was a very paflioiiate Man,
Do you hiing Sharpers along ivith you to affront me,
cini roomy Houfe? Fm/ure I hanje lofi a fine ne-jo
Cloak, an.i Bcauer; and for ought I kiioiv, though
you look like Gentlemen, you may be Sharpers yourfelves ;
and of you I expcB to be paid for my Loffes and Rec-
koydng to Boot. Tininediatel/ one of them drew up-
on him ; but the "^'i'ltner ran down Stairs, and called
nil the Houfe together, bidding them get what they
could, and not to iuft'er one to come down Stairs,
and fnatching his Sword in a Fury, ran up Stairs, a-
gain, the Servants arming themfeives vvitli Spits, Fire-
Forks, and fuch Weapons, as they could find, fol-
lowed him. The Uproar was very great and my
Lord coming out firil:, to force his Way down, made
a Pafs at the Landland, but was put by with a Fire-
Shovel, which was in one of the Drawer's Hands,
narrowly efcaping being tlirult in the Guts with a
long Spit, which Margery, the Cook Wench, puQi-
ed at him; fo that my Lord feeing the Door fo well
guarded with llout Fellows and fturdy Wenches, re-
tired into the Room, and told his Company, he had
almoft died by the Hands of a Wench with a Spit
her Hand. They feeing it neither fafe nor honoura-
ble to lally out, fhut the Door ; and (landing on the
Defenfive Part, began to confult what to do.
Mean while, the Gentlemen forefeeing a Quarrel
betwixt my Lord and the Vintner, immediately dif-
patched their own Landlord to tell them, they had
caught the Rogue that had abufed tlvem, and had
him in fafe Cullody, praying my Lord to know, if
they (hould wait on him.
The Landlord runs in Hafle, and coming to the
Houfe, found it in an Uproar. The Servants know-
ing him, let him go up Stairs, where he no fooner
came, but he told his Brother Vintner, That they
were all in Milliake ; that the Rogue was catched, and
in his Houfe ; whereupon, calling my Lord, inform-
ed him of the whole Bufmefs. Immediately a Cef-
fation of Arms was proclaimed, the Swords fheath'd,
the Spits, Fire-Forks, and Fire-Shovels difbanded,
and an End happily made of a terrible War. The
Nobleman and his Company drinking Friends with
the Vintner, promifed to be a Friend to his Houfe
for the future; but refolved to go along with their
Peace-maker to the Tavern where Will was to mend
the Frolick. The Vintner being well pleafed with
the Conceit, went along with them : When they
were come to the Place, after pailmg the ufual Com-
pliments, they fat down, and Will deliver'd the Coat,
Cloak, and Beaver. As for what he told them, and
the other Tricks he then fhewed them not having
Room here to relate, we mull now beg Leave to
pafs on to his Brother, the Captain.
The Capta.in had committed fo many and great
Robberies, with his Companions and his Brother Will,
(for tJie fni.ill Tricks he above committed were only
his Paftinie, when abfent from the Road) that a Prcj ■
clamation was ilTued out againil them, with a Re-
ward for the taking them, dead or alive, which
made People more inquifitive after them, and not
long after Captain Dudley, and fome others were
apprehended.
The Manner of their being feiz'd was as follows :
The Captain, with five others, having committed a
Robbery, and being clofely purfued by the Country,
were forced to ride hard for their Safety, and ha-
ving got to Weftminfier-Feny, they endeavour'd to
pafs ; but the Wherrymen declared they would not
go any more tliat Night ; upon which two rid a-
way, and the other four gave their Horfes to a Wa-
terman to lead to an Inn, which was not far off,
being all of a Foam with their hard riding, which
Tnade tht Waterman miflruft they were Highwaymen,
and had been purfued ; that D:iy two of them, after
their Horfes were fet up, took Oars to Lambeth :
The Waterman imparted his Sufpicion to feveral Peo-
ple, the Conllable got News of it, and he made it
his Bufmefs to find them out: Getting a good Guard,
he went to the Inn, and enquired vvliat Kind of
Perfons they were, fecured the Horfes, and made
Search after the Men.
Being in the Yard, he obferv'd a Perfon to walk
up and down, as if he was fent for a Spy; he de-
manded what he wanted .? The other afl-'d him, if
fuch a one lived there ? He told him No ; then he
enquired for another Name, which was the Name of
the Man of the Houfe. The Conllable told him, he
would go to the Houfe with him, which he did ; and
knocking at the Door, inquired for a Perfon, whom
the Maid denied, and fuddenly fhut the Door upon
him, which gave the Conllable a greater Miftrull ;
upon which he alked the Man, who he wanted ? and
told him, he fulpefted him to be one of thofe who had
committed the Robbery that D.ay, or that he belorg'd
to fome of them (the Conllable being all this while at
a Diftance from his Guard, and without his Staff) and
drawing the Fellow nearer to his Affiftants, he boldly
feiz'd him, and threatened to carry him before a Ma-
"gillrate. The Fellow being amazed at this unexpec-
ted Surprize, prefently confeffed he was fent by thofe
who had made their Efcapes, to fee what became of
their Horfes, and whether any Enquiry or Purfuit
was after them, and told the Conllable two of them
were in the Houfe he knocked at, and the other two
at an Inn in Lambeth. Upon this the Conllable takes
his Guard with him, goes to the Houfe, and knocks
at the Door, which was not open'd, till he threa-
ten'd to break it open : He was no fooner enter'd,
but he Aikovexed Dudley gomg down a Pair of Stairs-
into the Cellar : He followed him ; but not fo faft.
but Dudley had Time to get into a furtlier Cellar,
and bolt himfelf in ; but it was foon forced open,
where they found Dudley with his Sword in one Hand,
and a Piltol in the other, threatening the Death of
the firfl Man that touch'd him ; but feeing fo many
Men arm'd, and finding it in vain to refill, he fur-
render'd his Arms up, and vvas taken Prifoner. The
Conftable left a good Guard over him for his Secu-
rity, and \\ent to Lambeth, and took the other two,
who in the Morning being carried before a Juftice
was by him committed to NeiLgafe.
At the next Seffions, Captain Dudley had his Tri-
al, and was found Guilty on no lefs thon five In-
didlments for the Highway, and received Sentence
to be hang'd accordingly, with his Brotlier, and
two of his Accomplices.
After he had received Sentence, and was brought
back to Neivgate, he began to have a Senfe of his
near approaching End, arid demean'd himfelf very
well at Chapel. He confelfed he was a great Offeji-
der, that hejuftly deferved Death; but yet was ve-
ry unfit to die, which troubled him much ;
for he defired longer Time to make his Peace
with God. An Acquaintance, who came to vifit him,
afked him if the Nearnefs of his Death (he being in
perfeft Health, and to die the next Day) did not Itar-
tle him ? He reply 'd, Tes ; I ha'ue notv but tnvenfy
four Hours to li-vc, and fh.aking his Head, defired of
the Lord to forgive him ; and to thofe who were with
him, he fa id. Pray for me. A Gentleman who came
to fee him, gave him fome Tobacco, and would havci
given him more, which he refufed, telling him, H^
thanked him for 'what he had got already, that beingt
fujjicient for him, during the (liort Space he had to Hue
He did not feem to be much call down, but en^
deavour'd to appear as che.arful as polfible. He con-
fefl'ed he had robbed many Men, but never commit!
ted any Murder, and when llrongly charged vvii"
killing
PyrateS) Highzoayme-ffy Murderers^ &c.
^9
illing the Serjeant as above, he utterly denied it to
he lalt, bat own'd he promoted the doir,g of it. Me
•as carried from Neivgate with fix Priioners more :
lis Brother was very fick, and lay all along in the
lirt ; but the Captain look'd pretty chearful all the
V'ay. Being come to the Place of Execution he con-
•iTed he had been a notorious Offender ; and that he
ci'tly deferved Death, defiring the Prayers of all good
riftians ; and after the uiual Duties perfonr.ed by
Ordinary, they were aU turned off together. Af-
. iianging the ufual Time, they were cut down, and
is Body, with his Brother's, put into ieperate Cof-
ns, to be carried to a difconiblate Father, who at
the Sight of them, was fo much overwhelm'd with
Grief, that he fell down upon the Dead Bodies, and
never fpoke more, but was buried at the fame Time,
and in the fame Grave, with his two unfortimate
Sons. It mull needs be a fad, fhocking, and moil af-
feclmg Speilacle to fee fo manv Perfons going to aa-
ignominious Death by the impiety of their Lives ; to
behcU fuch a Sight, one would think, might awaken
all who law it, to liy from fuch wicked Praftices to
leave off their vitious Com.pany, and debauched Con-
verfation, and fcrioufly imploring Mercy and Forgive-
nefs for pall Iniquities, llrenuoufly endeavour to re-
deem their Time for the future.
The LIFE 0/ OLD MOB.
r
HERE is a Beauty in all the Works of Na-
ture, which we are unable to deline, tho' all
the World is convinced of its Exiftence : So
1 every Aftion and Station of Life, tliere is a Grace
3 be attain'd which will make a Man pleafmg to all
' bout him, and ferene in his own Mind. Iliis alio
.5 well as the former, every one will own, and at the
une Time fancy he can reach, though almoll all
•lankind find themfelves miftaken.
As every Virtue has its Foil, or a Sort of counter-
sit Vice, which very nearly refembles it, fo near as
ften to impofe upon the very PolTeffor ; in like Man-
er the Beauty, Grace, or Decorum, which we have
lentioned, often occafions that we purlue a wrong
cent : We are convinced that there reiJly is fuch a
^hing, and while we are inquiring what it ib, our
wn favourite Paffions prefent us v/ith fomething
.hich we miftake for it, and which we ever after
lake the Objeft of our Purfuit.
Thus a Man of a healthy, robull Conftitution, who
as at the fame Time an impetuous and violent Tenr-
er, fuch a one thinks of nothing fo much as of being;
lleem'd the bravell Man of his Neighbourliood, and
i never (o well pleafed as when he fees others agree to
is Opinion, for fear of incurring his Difpleafure.
Janly Exercifes are his whole Delight, and he can
carce bear to hear the Name of a Man given to one
)f leis Strength and Fire than himleif. Others on tlie
•.ontrary, delight only in the Exercifes of Reafon, and
^mufemecits of the Mind : Thefe frequently look
ipon the former, as a Sort of Cieatures in human
Jhape, who differ from the irrational World in nothing
Mt Figure and Speech. Thefe are the two Extremes
)f Mankind, and make, perhaps, the moll difcerna-
.)le Difference ; but tliere is a like Contrail fubfilling
hroughout the whole Species.
Not to carry the Reader too far into this abflrafted
Vlanner of Reafoning, it will be obvious to every one
'vho compares thefe Reflections witli the Charafter
')f fome Villains of the firll Magnitude ; that thefe
inhappy Wretches, from a \s rong Turn of thought,
lave even placed the Beauty we have been fpeaking of,
n Vice itfelf, and conceive a Sort of Excellence in
)eing more vile and profligate than other Men ; o-
herwife it is hardly probable, that they could com-
iiit fo many Irregul.;rities witli a ftrong Gueft, ajid
^n Appearance of Satisfa(^ion. ■^f.
What we are llill more to wonder at, is, that o-
ther People fhould delight to hear the Adions of
thefe Men rehearfed, and be even pleafed with 3
Highwa)Tnan, who robs like a Gentleman. It feems
as if it was, in Reality, fomething great to excel up-
on any Account whatioever. But let us confider whe-
ther luch a Pleafure as this be confillent with a virtu-
ous Inclination. Lives of wicked Men are doubtlefs
botli lawful and ufeful, for the fame End as Sea-
Marks, and no other ; that we may avoid the
Road in which they perifhed : Ought not therefore
the greatell VilbJn to raife in us the greatell Abhor-
rence.
After thefe general Thoughts, we fhall give the
Reader a Sketch of the Life and Adventures of Tho-
mas Sympfon, commonly called Old-Mobb, who was
perhaps, as notorious a Robber as almoll any one of
the lall Age, for the Space of five and forty Years
together ; during which Time it was reported he
never afted in any Company, except now and then a
little with the Golden Farmer.
Tfiis Man was bom at Ramfey in Hampjhire which
continued to be the Place of his Habitation, when he
refided any where under his right Name, till the Day
of his apprehending ; and he had a Wife and five
Children, bendes Grand-Children, living there at the
Time of his Shameful Death.
We have no particular Account of his Education
and private Life, from whence we may conclude, there
was nothing remarkable in either. His Adventures
on the Road we fhall relate in the Order which we
Lave received them, which is the only Method w c
can follow.
Riding one Time between Honiton and Exeter,
he met with Sir Bartholome^v Sho-Mer, whom he
immediately called to an Account for the Money
he had about him. Sir Bartholome-M gave him all
he had without any Words, which proved to be
but a very little : Old Mob looked upon his Prize,
and finding it infinitely fhort of his Expeiftations,
he readily told him. That there was not enough
to anfwer his prefent Demands, which were very
large, and very prefCng ; jind therefore. Sir, fays he,
as you are my Banker, in general, you miiji in-
fiantly draiu a Bill vpon fomeboJj at Exeter for
one hundred and f fly Pounds, and remain in the
next Field ai Sidtrity for the Payment, till I hate
rcceivtiT
40
A General History of
received it. TliC Knight would fain have made
fome Evafioii, and protelled that there was Body in
Exeter who would Pay fuch a Sum at a Moment's
Warning ; but Old Mobb fo terrified him with
holding a Pillol to his Breaft, that his Worihip at
lail confcnted, and drew upon a rich Goldfmith.
As foon as Old Mobb had got the Note, he made
Sir Bartholomeiu dilraount, ;md walk far enough
from tlie I'oad to be out of every Bodies hearing,
then bound him Hand and Foot, and left him under
a Hedge, while he rode to Exeter, and received
the MoneVj which was paid without any Scruple,
the Goldfmith knowiug the Hand-Writing perfeiilly
well. When he return'd, he found the poor Knight
where he left him. Sir, fays he, / am come nvith a
Habeas Coqius to remowe you out of your prefent Capti-
vity ; which he accordingly did by untying him, and
fending him about his Buhnefs : But Sir Bartbolo-
vRvo wa? obliged to walk Home which was full
three Miles ; for our Adventurer had cut the
Girths and Bridle of his Horfe, and turn'd him
aftray, ever fmce he went to Exeter with the
Note.
Old Mobb had one Time fome high Words with a
Woman in his Neighbourhood, when among other
hard Names he called her a Whore : Every one
knows what a tender Thing the Honour of a Wo-
man is, and how ready poor Englijh Hufbands
are to vindicate their Wives Virtue. Whether or
no the Saddle fitted at this Time, or whatever elfe
was the Occafion, we can't fay, but a Profecution in
the Spiritual Court was fet a Foot againfl Old Mobb,
and the good Man was fo zealous in Defence of his
beloved Rib, that he put our Highwayman to a pretty
Deal of Expence ; for a fpiritual Procefs generally
hurts the temporal Eftate, as much at leaft as a Suit
at Common Law. To the Honour of our fpiritual
Courts be it fpoken.
Soon after this Trouble was over. Old Mobb met
the Prodlor, who had managed againft him, and
drawn not a little Money out of his Pocket. He quickly
knew his dear ghoftly Friend ; but being very much
difguis'd, was not at all apprehenfive of being known,
which pleafed him extremely. Sir, quoth he, Jland
and deliver this Moment, or I Jhall ha-ve vo more
Mercy on you than the Thnjil ; or, if you pleafe, you
fourfdf iKic'ild ha've on an excommunicated Perfott.
■ The Proftor made fome Refiftance, but was foon ob-
liged to furrender, and pull out a fine cmbroider'd
Purfe, with fifteen Guineas in it. He was a-going
to take out the Guineas, and deliver them; but Old
Mobb liking the Purfe, allured him, he mult have
that alfo. The Prodlor told him, it was given him
by a particular Friend, and that he had promifed to
keep it as long as he lived ; for which Reafon be beg-
ged of him to leave that, Suppofe tioiv, fays Old Mobb,
that you had a Procefs again]} me, and nvere come to
me for your Fees ; if I had no Money, nor any Thing of
Value, but nvhat ivas given me by a Friend, ivould
you take it for Payment, if I told you that I had pro-
viifed to keep it as long as I lived? •^— No, Sir, ftay
there ; / love People Jhould do as they luould be done
unto. What Bujinefs had you to promife a Thing that
you viere not fur e of performing ? Am I to be accounta-
ble for your Vows ? 'Twas in Vain for the poor
Prodor to ufe any more Words, for he plainly faw
that if he offer'd to feparate the Purfe and Money,
his own Body and Soul would be in Danger of Sepa-
ration ; and notwithftanding his Spirituality, his in-
ward Man did not much Care at this Time to leave
its earthly Tabernacle ; fo e'en gave both toge-
ther.
Mr. yohn Gadbury, the Aftrologer, was another
that fell into the Hands of Old MM, who notwith-
ftanding his Familiarity with the Stars, was not wife
enough to forefee his own Misfortune, which has been
a common Cafe with Men of his Profelhon. This
Rencounter was on the Road between il'inchefter 3^6.
London. Poor Gadbury trembled, and turned as
white as a Clout, when Old Mohb told him what he
wanted, profeffing that he had no more Money a-
bout him, than juft enougli to bear his Expeiices to
London ; but our Highwayman was not at all moved
with Compafiion at what he faid ; Are not you a lying
Son of a fl'hore, quoth he, to pretend you •i.uant Mo-
ney, ivhen you hold t-Melve large Houfes of the Planets
hy Leafe Parole, ix-hichyou let out again to the Statio-
ner''s Company at fo much per Ann. Ton mvf not Jham
Povirty upon fne. Sir, ixho knoiv as good Thintrs as
yoiirfelf and vjho have a Pifiol that may prove as fa-
tal as Sirius in the Dog Days, if you ftand trifling luilh
me. Mr. Gadbury was at this Time, indeed, more
apprehenfive oi Old Mobb\ Pillol, than of any Star in
the Firmament 5 for he was feniible the Iniiuence of
it, if difcharged, would be much more violent and
fudden ; fo that he looked like one out of his Scnfes.
He was now even afraid to deliver his Money, lead
he (hould fuffer for telling a Lye : However, as he
faw there was no Remedy, he pulled out a Bng, in
which was about nine Pounds in Gold and Silver,
which he gave with a few grumbling E.xprefiions. Old
Mobb told him, he fhould take no Exceptions at what
he faid ; for it was but juft, that the Lofer fhould
have Leave to fpeak ; fo fetting Spurs to his Horfe',
he left the Star-gazer to curie the difaftrous Conftclla-
tions.
One Day Old Mobb overtook the Stage-Coach go-
ing for Bath, with only one Gentlewoman in it :
When he had commanded the Coachman to Hop, and
was come to the Door to raife Contribution after his
ufual Manner, the Palfenger made a great many Ex-
cufes, and wept very plentifully, in order to move
him to pity ; Ihe told him fhe was a poor Widow,
who had lately loll her Hudiand, and therefore flie
hoped, he would have fome Compaffion on her : And
is your Lofmg your Huflmnd then, fays he, an Argtt-
tnent that I mujl lofe my Booty ? I knonxi your Sex too
lie II, Madam, to fijjer m\<felf to be prcvaifd on hy a-
Woman'' s Tears. Thafe Crocodile Drops are always at
your Command ; and no doubt but that dear Cuckold of
yours, vjhomyou have lately buried, has frequently been
perfjjaded out of his Reafon by their Interpofition in
your Domefick Debates. M''^eeping is fo cujiomary to
you, that every Body voould be difappointed, if a Wo-
man was to bury her Hit/band, and not viecp for himi
but you nvould be more difappointed, if no Body ivas to
take Notice of your Ctying ; for according to the old
Proverb, the End of an Hiijhand is a Widovv s Tears ;
and the End of thafe Tears is another Hufbajtd.
The poor Gentlewoman upon this ran out into an
extravagant Detail of her deceafed Hufhand's Virtues,,'
folemnly pretefting, that fhe would never be married!
again to the bell Alan that wore a Head, for Ihelhouldt
not expeft a Bleffing to attend her afterwards ; with a^
thoufand other Things of the fame Kind. Old Mobb,,
at laft, interrupted her, and told her he would repea^
a pleafant Story in Verfe, wliich he had Icami'd hyi
Heart, fo, firli looking round him to fee that the
Coaft was clear on every Side, he began as follows :
A Widovu Prude had often fixjore ,
No Bracelet Jhould approach her more ;
Had often prov d that fecond Marriage
Was ten Times ivorfe than Maid''s Mifcarriage,
And alvjays told them of their Sif!,
When M^idovcs ivould be Wives agen :
Women ivho''d thus thcmf elves abufe.
Should die, Jhe thought, like honcfi Jews :
Let her alone to throw the Stones ;
If 'nvrre but Law, Jhidmake no Bones.
Thu.
PyrakSy Highwaymen^ Murderers^ SCc.
Ihus long /he lid a Life demure ;
But not ivith CharaSIer fecure :
For People f aid (ivhat ivont Folks fay?)
Thatjhe ivith Edward nuent aft ray :
(This Edward ivas her Sernjant Man)
The Rumour thro' the Parijh ran.
She heard, Jhe ivept, Jhe called up Ned,
Wif'd her Eyes dry, Jigh''d, fobbed, andfaid:
Alas ! ivhatjland'rous Times are thefe !
What Jh all lue come to by Degrees !
This nuicked World ! I quite abhor it !
The Lord gi've me a better for it !
On me this Scandal do they fx?
On me ? luho, Godkno^s, hate fuch Tricks 1
Ha've Mercy, Heaifn, upon Mankind!
And grant us all a better Mind!
My Hufband Ah that deareft Man !
Forget his Love I ne'ver can ;
He took fuch Care of my good Name,
And put all (landrous Tongues to Shame.
But, ah ! he'' s dead^Here Grief amain.
Came bubling up, and ft op'' d the Strain.
Ned luas no Fool ; he faiv his Cue,
And hoiu to ufe good Fortune kneiv :
Old Opportunity at Hand,
iHefeiz'd the Loci, and bid him ftand ;
lJr£d of ivhat Ufe a Hujband ivas
To -vindicate a Womati's Caufc,
Exclaim'' d againft the ftand" rous Age ;
And pivore he could his Soul engage.
That Madam 'Wasfo free from Fault,
She ne'er fo much as finn d in Thought;
Voixiin^ he'd lofe each Drop of Blood,
To make that juft Affert'ion good.
This Logic, 'which luell pleas'' d the Dame,
At the fame Time eludes her Shame :
A Hujband, for a HuJbaniTs Sake,
J'l'as ivhat Jhe' d ne'er conj'ent to take.
I Yet, as the Age ivas fo cenforious,
I And Ned' J Propofals ivere ft) glorious.
She thought 'ttvas beft to take upon her,
A fecond Guardian of her Honour.
This, fays Old Mobb, is av exact PiSture of JVa-
viankind, and as fuch I committed it to Memory ; you
are 'very much obliged to me for the Recital, ivhich
has taken me up more Time than I ifualli J'pend in
taking a Purfe ; let us noiv paj's from the Dead to
the Li'ving, for it is thefe that I li-ve by : I am in a
\fretty good Humour, and fo ivill ntt deal rudily by
you. Be fo kind therefore, as to fearch your ftlf, and
^ ufe me as honeftly as you are able ; you knoiu I can ex-
■■ amine afteiivards, if I am not fatisfied ivith ivhat
' you giue me. The Gentlewoman found he was refo-
lute, and (o thought it the beft Way to keep him
j in Temper, which Ihe did by pulling forty Guineas
I in a filk Purfe, and prefented them to liim. 'Tis
' fifty to one but Old Mobb got more by repeating
the Verfes above, than the poor Poet that wrote
them, ever made of his Copy. Such is the Fate of
the Sons of Apollo.
Scarce was Old Mobb parted from this Gentlewo-
man before he faw the Appearance of another Prize
at fome Dillance. Who Ihould it be, but the famous
Lincoln'=,-Tnn Fields iMountebank, Cornelius a Til-
burgh, who was going to fet up a Stage at Wells.
Our Adventurer knew him very well, as indeed, did
almoin every one at Time, which occafioned his
demanding his Money in a little rougher Language
than ufuai. The poor ^ack-Saher was willing to
preferve what lie had ; and to that End, ufed a great
many fruitlefs Expoftulations, pretending that he
iz
41
had expended all the Money he had brought out
with him, and was himfelf in Neceffity. But Old
Mobb ibon gave him to underlland, that he would
not be put off with fine Words ; and that he had
more Wit than to believe a Mountebank whofe Pro-
fcffion is Lying. 7'cu get your Money, fays he, as
eaftly as Ida, and 'tis only fulftlUng an old Pro-verb,
if you give me all you have : Lightly come, Lightlf go.
Next Market-Day, Dollar, ivill make up all, if you
have any Luck. 'Tivill excite People to bu^ your Pac-
kets, if as an Injlance oj' your great Dcfire to ferve
them, you tell them ivhat you fuffer'd upon your Jour-
ney, ivhich neverthelej's, could not hinder your coming to
exercife your Boivels of Compaffton am.ong them, and
rejhre fuch as are in a languijh'ing Condition.
The Empirick could fcarce forbear laughing to
hear Old Mobb hold forth fo excellently well, and
lay open the Craft of his Occupation with fo much
Dexterity. He was notwithlhnding, very unwilling
to part with his Money, and began to read a Ledlure
of Morality to our Defperado, upon the Unlawful-
nefs of his Adlions, telling him, that what he did
might frequently be the Ruin of poor Eamilies, and
oblige them afterwards to follow irregular Couries,
in order to make up what they had loft : And then,
fays he, you are anfwerable for the Sins of fuch Peo-
ple. This is the Devil corredling Sin with a Witnefs,
quoth Old Mobb, Can I ruin more People than )0u,
dear Mr. Theophraftus Bomhaftus ? You are a fcru-
pulous, confcientious Son of a Whore, indeed, to
tell me of ruining People. I only take their Mo-
ney away from them ; but you frequently take a-
way their Lives ; and what makes it the worfe, you
do it fafely, under a Pretence of reftoring them to
Health ; whereas I (hould be hanged for killing a
Man, or even Robbing him, if I were taken. You
have put out more Eyes than the Small-Pox, made
more Deaf than the Catarafts of Nile, in a Word,
dtftroy'd more than the Peftilence. 'Tis in vain
to trifle with me, Doiflor, unlefs you have a Reme-
dy againft the Force of Gun-powder and Lead. If
you have any fuch excellent Specifick, make Ufe of
it inftantly, or elfe deliver your Money.
Our itinerant Quack ftill continuing his Delays,
Old Mobb made bold to take a Portmanteau from
his Horfe, and put it upon his own, riding off with
it, till he came to a convenient Place for opening
it. Upon examining the Infide, he found five and
twenty Pounds in Money, and a large Golden Me-
dal, which King Charles II. had given him for Poy-
foning himfelf in his Majefty's Prefence ; befides all
his Inrtruments, and Implements of Quackery.
Another Time Old Mobb met with the Dutchefs
of Portfmouth, on the Road between Neiv-Market
and London, attended with a fmall Retinue. He made
bold to ftop the Coach, and ask her Grace for what
ftie had about her ; but Madam, who had been long
ufed to command a Monarch, did not underftand the
Meaning of being fpoken to in this Manner by a
common Man. Whereupon (he briskly demanded,
1{ he knew who ftie was? Yes, Madam, replied
Old Mobb, I known you to be the greateft Whore in
the Kingdom ; and that you are maintain'd at the
Publick Charge. 1 know that all the Courtiers
depend on your Smiles, and that even the K— — him-
felf is your Slave. But what of all that ? A Gen-
tleman CoUeftor is a greater Man upon the Road,
much more abfolute than his Majelly is at Court.
You may now fay. Madam, that a fiiigle Highway-
man, has exercifed his Authority, where Charles il.
of England h.as often begged a Favour, and thought
himfelf happy to obtain it, at the Expence of his
Treafure, as well as his Breath.
Her Grace continued to look upon him, with a
fuperiour, lofty Air, and told him, he was a very
M iiriblent
4^
infolent Fellow ; that Ihe would give him nothing,
and that he fliould feverely fufFer for this AftVont :
Adding, that he might touch her if he durlt.
Madam, fays Old Mobb, that haughty French Spirit
will do you no good here. I am an Englijh Free-
booter ; and infift upon it as my Native Privilege to
feize all Foreign Commodities. Your Money in-
deed is Englijh, and the prodigious Sums that have
been lavilhcd on )'0u will be a lafting Proof of Englijh
Folly. Neverthelefs, all you have is confilcated to
me by being beftowed on fuch a wortlilels B h
I am King here. Madam, and I have a Whore to
keep on the Publick Contributions, as well as King
CharUs: 'Tis for this that I colleft of all that pafs,
and you fliall have no Favour from me. As
foon as he had fpoke, he fell on board her in a very
boillrous Manner, fo that her Grace began to cry
out for Quarters, telling him, Ihe would deliver all
ihe had. She was as good as her Word ; for (he
furrendered two hundred Pounds in Money, which
was in the Seat of her Coach, befides a very rich
Necklace, which' her Royal Cully had lately given
her, a Gold Watch, two Diamond Rings.
Being once at Abingdon, on a Market-Day, when
there is alw.iys a great Quantity of Corn bought and
fold. Old Mobb, happened to fell into Company with
a Perfon at the Crown-Inn, whom he knew to be a
great Ingrofler of Corn ; and that he had juft bought
as much of that Commodity as came to fifty Pounds.
Having a pretty deal of Money in his Pocket at this
Time, it came into his Head, how to cheat the Mo-
nopolizer out of his Bargain. To this End, he put
on the Appearance of a Man of Bufmefs, pretend-
ed that he was come from London to buy, and de-
fired to fee this Purchafe of the Countryman's.
As foon as he faw it, he feem'd to like it migh-
tily, and demanded the Price of the Owner, who
asked him but a fmall Advance above what he had
jurt given for it. Old Mobb prefently paid down the
Money, and fent the Goods away, where he was
fure of having it dilpofed of again at prime Coil.
This was all that there was to be done that Day ;
for the IngrolTer did not go out of Town till the
next Morning. Old Mobb againft that Time, took
Care to be well informed of the Way he was to
take, and was at his Heels before he got two Miles
out of Town. He foon found an Opportunity to
clap a Piftol to his Breaft, and tell him that he niuft
have the Money again, which he had lent him Yeller-
day, and whatfoever ell'e. he had about him. The
Countryman was fufficiently furpriz'd to fee himfelf
addrefled to by his late Companion in fuch a Manner
as this, and asked him, with Trembling, if it was
juilice, in him to take away both Goods and Money
too. Haft thou the Impudence to talk of Juilice,
fays Old Mobb ? Can any Man in the World ad more
unjullly than an IngrolTer of Corn, who buys up the
Produce of his Country, robs the Poor of their Bread,
and pretends a Scarcity in Times of Plent}', only to
increafe his own Subllance, and leave behind him A-
bundance of ill-gotten Wealth ? You are forinclofmg
all the Land in the Kingdom, and call our Fore-fa-
thers Fools, becaufe they fold Corn for Twelve-pence
a Bulhel. No Pifture pleafes you fo well as that of
Pharoah^s lean Kine, who eat up the fat ones ; this
you hang up in your Parlours, recommend to your
Neighbours, and pray fecretly to fee the Interpre-
tation of it frequently fulfilled. Such Vermin as you
are unfit to live upon the Earth ; for you dread
what all the World befides efteem a Blefling ; and
dare not wifh well to your Country left her Profpe-
lity (hould difappoint your Hopes, and oblige you
to bring out your hoarded Stock, and fell it for
lefs than it coftyou. Talk no more of Juftice, Sir,
but deliver your Money, or I Ihall do the World
A General History of
fo much Juftice as to fend you out of it. Hereup
on the Countryman delivered a Big with all Old
Mobb\ Money in it, and about as much more,
which occafion'd our Adventurer to ride away with
a great Deal of Satisfaction.
Not long after the committing of this Robbery,
Old Mobb met with Sir George Jejferies, at tliat
Time Lord Chief Juftice of the King's Bench, as lie
was going to his Country Seat. My Lord Chief
Juftice upon the Road, was no more than anotlier
Man ; for he firft difabled t>vo Servants tliat attend
ed him, by fliooting one through the Arm, and ti.e
other through the Thigh, and then ftoppi;d tiie Coach,
and demanded his LorUlhip's Money. Jejferiss had
before this made himfelf fufticiently famous, by his
Weftern Aflizes, and other very levere Proceedings,
fo that he imagined his Name carried Terror enough
in it, to intimidate any Man ; but he was millaken
in Old Mobb, who had Courage to ipeak his Mind
without any refpeft to Perfons, and when his Lord-
Ihip told him his Name, only laid. He ixias glad he
could be revenged on him in any Manner for putting
him in Bodily Fear at Hartford JJfzes a few Months
before. According to Laiv, my Lord, fays he, I might
charge a ConftabU ivith you, and bind you over to
the ^uarterli SeJJions, for thrcatning to take aivayr
7ny Life: Hoive-ver, if you plenfc, as I don't lonje to-
be fpiteful, I luill make up the Matter nvith you for
nvhat Money you ha-ve in the Coach, ivhich, I think, is
as eajy as you can defire, and eajier than you can
dejire, and eafier than you defer've.
Jefferies e.xpoftulated with him, upon the great
Hazard he ran, both of Soul and Body, by following
fuch wicked Courfes, telling him, that he muft ex-
peft Juftice to follow his Crimes, if he believed there
was any fuch Thing as a Providence that govern'd
the World. I don't doubt, fays Old Mobb, but
that when Jnftice has overtaken us both, I fhall ftand
at leaft, as good a Chance as your Lordftiip ; who
have already writ your N.ame in indelible Charaflers
of Blood, by putting to Death fo many hundred in-
nocent Men, for only ftanding up in Defence of our
Common Liberties, that you might fecure the Fa-
vour of your Prince. 'Tis enough for you to preach
Morality upon the Bench, where no Body dares to
contradid you ; but your LeiTons can have no Effect
upon me at this Time ; for I know you too well not
to fee that they are only calculated to preferve Mo-
ney. This Speech of Old Mobb, was followed with
fifty Oaths and Imprecations againft the poor Judge,
which thieaten'd him with nothing but immedi.ate
Death, if he did not deliver his Money, fefferies
faw his Authority would now ftand him in no Stead ;
fo he gave what Money he had, which amounted
to about fiftyfix Guineas.
We took notice at the beginning of this Life of
Old Mohb, that he fometimes was engaged with the
Golden Farmer, the Reader may therefore jufiiy ex-
peft an Account of fome of their Aitions in Concert,
two Stories, the moft remarkable and diverting that
we have feen concerning them, now foUow.
Having both of them a pretty de:d of ready Cafli,
and being willing to retire a little while from t' "
Highway, where they had lately made a great Noilc,
and were now very much fought after, they came to
London, in order to make ufe of their Wits, of which
they had both as great fliares as tliey of ftrength
and Courage. Here their firft Work was to obfer.-e
the Humours and Manners of the Citizens, which
neither of them was well acquainted with before,
that they might know the better how to proceed,
and impofe upon them in their own Way.
Every one knows that London is all hurry and
Noife ; every Man there is a Man of Bufinefs, and
thole who *ake good Appearances never want Cre-
dit.
1'^
Pyrates, H'ighv:aymefi , Murderers^ 5Cc
A%
dlt, all People there live by mutual Dependance upon
one another, and he who has dealt for two or three
hundred Pounds, and made good his Payments, may
afterwards be trufted for fi\e. Our Adventures foon
perceived all this, and what Advantages many de-
figning Men made of the general confidence, that
People repofed in each other, they faw that no Body
could teach them how to cheat a Citizen, fo well as
a Citizen himfelf, and thereupon he concluded, that
the beil Way they could take, was, to both turn
Tradefmen.
Each of them now, takes a large handfome Hoafe,
hires two or three Servants, and fets up for a great
Dealer. The Goldm Faniier^s Habitation was in
Ihames-Jireet, where he palTed for a Comchandler,
which Occupation he had the moll Knowledge in of
any. Old Mabb took up his refidcnce fomewhere
near the Ton.'.er, and call'd himfe'.f a Holland Trader,
he having been abroad when a Boy, and knowing
pretty well what Commodities were exported to that
Country, of the Language of which he had alfo a
fmall Smattering. They went for near Relations, of
the Name of Bryan, and faid they were North-Coun-
try Men.
They now employ all their Time in enquiring after
Goods in their feveral Ways, buying whatever comes
to their Hands, and either paying ready Money them-
felves, or drawing upon e.ich other, for one, t\vo, or
three Days j at which Time Payment was always
punftually made. This conllant Tide of Money was
kept up by their continually felling privately what
they bought (fometimes, perhaps, not a little to Lofs)
to fuch Perfons as are glad to make ufe of their Cafh
in this Maimer ; and always wink at Things, which
they can't comprehend, while they iind their Interell
,n it. As tiiey deal in ver)' diiFerent Ways, the Chap-
aaen of the one, had no Knowledge of thoie of the
Dther ; fo that though every one of them h?.d been
Tent at one Time or another, by his refpeftive Cullo-
ner, to receive Money of his Kinfman, none of them
tad. any Notion, that the Correfpondence was mutual,
and confequendy no Safpicion oi a Fraud at the Bot-
tom.
Thus they continued till they both found their
wharafters thoroughly eftabli(hed : Perhaps in this
rime, they might each of them lole a hundred or
rwo of Pounds, but they very well knew that this
Lofs would get tl'.em as many Thoufands. When
hey faw that all who dealt with them were ready t©
"end in what Goods they required, and not in the
eaft Care about tlieir Money, they thought their Pro-
.-i eO. ripe for Execution,accordingly a Day was appoint-
i: 3d for that Purpofe.
They now order all their Cuflomers to bring them
n Goods on fuch a Da}', as much, at leail in Quan-
Jty, as they had ever before received at one Time of
he refpeflive Sorts ; coniinir.g them all to particular
Jlours for the Delivery of what they brought, that
hey might not interfere with one another, and fo
ulpeft that fome unfair Defign was on Foot. At the
ame Time they inform'd thofe who ufually bought
ii ^very Thing oft" their Hands, that they ftiould have
; ;i uch and fuch Quantities of fo many Sorts to difpofe
if, naming tiie next Day to that when they were to
eceive them ; that they v. ould fell them cheap, be-
aufe they were obliged to make up a large Sum of
lesdy Money ; that therefore they defired them to
e punftual, and bring only Cafh for what they de-
gn'd to buy. The u hole Scheme fucceeded as well
s they could wilh ; on one Side there was no Sufpi-
ion ; and on the other, if there was an}-, it was not
lelntereftof the Parties to difcover what the}- thought,
ecaufe every one of them promifed himfelf fome Ad-
mtage.
The Goods were all delivered according to Order,
IS
at the D.iy and Hour appointed, and Notes were
mutuiUy drawn by tlie Kinfman in Thamer-Street
upon him by the ToiLtr ; and by the Kinfman by
tiie Tawer, upon hJm in Thames-Street, for the feve-
ral Sums, to be paid at three Days after Date. Ne-
ver were Men better fatisfied than thefe poor Dupes,
not one of them doubting but he Ihould have all his
Money the Moment he went for it, as ufual. They
went Home, and flept foundly that Night, and the
two Nights fucceedin^.
Next Day came the Buyers, and entirely cleared
both Houfes, paying down Ready Money for all they
carried off. Thele too were as well pleafed as the
rell, and with much better Reafon. They imagined
indeed, that their Chapmen were going to break, but
what was that to them ? No Matter how the poor
Men were to live for tne future, fo long as they conld
have good B.irgains at prefent.
There was now Time enough before the Day of
Payment, for our t\'.o Merchants to take Care of
themfelves, and the Money they had raifed, which
they did very efFeftuallv.
When they came to Computation they found, that
by tliis one bold Stroke, they liad got clear into their
Pockets, about fixteen hundred and thirty Pounds :
A pretty confiderable Sum for tJiree Months, which
was the longell Time they were in Trade.
When the Creditors came to recei\-e their Money,
they were furpriz'd at both Places to fee the Doors
fall, and the Windows ihut, till they were informed
by the Neighbours, that tiie Birds were fiown the
Day before ; and that all their Furniture was either-
carried off in the Night, or feiz'd for Rent. How
the Men now looked upon one another .' Every one
began to fufpeft that the rell who were attending
came about the fame Bulinefs as himfelf; and indeed
w-hen they came to e.xamine the Matter, they found
themfelves not miilaken. Thofe who were earlieil in
Thames-Street, and had heard the melanchol}' News,
went forthwith to the Totuer to complain that Mr.
Coujin was gone ; and thof& at the Tower fet out for
Thames-Street. Now was the whole Plot unravell'd,
when they faw both were departed quietly, and had
learned of each other how they had been mutually im-
pofed upon by the pretended Relations, when they
told their ieveral Cafes.
One fuch Trick as this, is enough for a Man's
whole Life, and as much as he can fafely play in the
fame Kingdom. Our two Bryans now, therefore, re-
fum'd their old Names and Habits, taking to the
Highw.-'y again for fome Time, till frefh Danger of
being apprehended, put them once more to their
Shifts. There was not lefs Art in what tliey now did,
than in what w-e have jull related, only they afted in
a lower Sphere, not daring to afpire fo high as to be
Merchants, after they had brought fo much Scandal
upon the Name.
Men whofe Thoughts are all tum'd upon Money,
have no Regard to the Manner in which they get
wiiat they dedre; nor need they, provided they
come off with Impunity ; for all People honour the
Rich, witho-at ehquiring how they came to be
fo.
There were two wealthy Brothers of the Name of
Seals, Philip and CJiarles, both Jewellers : Philip
lived in London, and Charles refided at Brijiol ; Where
they were both born, in a Houfe which his Father left
him. The Golden Farmer and Old Mobb knew every
Circumllance of the Family, from which thefe Men
were defcended, and were moreover particularly in-
ilrufted in the private Hiftory of our Brothers. This
made our Deiperado's fix on them for their next Prize,
now they were again reduced to Extremit}'. The
Brothers were fickly confumptive Men, which incli-
ned thefe axch Villains to undertake and perform what
will
44
will be as diverting in the Relation, as it was unpar-
rallel'd in itfelf, and worthy of the Men who aded
in it.
Having contriv'd and order'd the whole AfFair, the
firil Step they took towards executing it, was writing,
and copying the following Letter, making only the
Alteration of the Place and Name, as they faw ne-
ceflar)'.
^ General History of
Dear Brother,
March 26. 1686.
THIS comes to bring you the forroivful Keivs,
that you ha<ve loft the heft of Brothers, and I
the kindeft of Hufbands, at a Time 'when nxie ivere
in Hopes of his growing tetter, as the Spring ad-
•vattced, and continuing '■jiith us at leaft one Summer
longer: He died this Morning, about Eleven of the
Clock, after he had kept his Bed only three
Days.
I fend fo haftily to you, that you may be here before
ive prepare for the Funeral, ivhich ivas the Dejire of
my dear Hujband, ivho informed me, that he had made
you joint Executor ivith me. The Will is in my Hands,
and IJhall defer opening it till you arri<ve here. I am
too full of Grief to add any more, the Mejfenger, ivho
is a nieryhoneft Man, and a Neighbour of mine, Jhall
inform you offuch Particulars as are needful from
Tour Sorronvful Sifter
» Sea ls.
P. S. I employ'' d a Friend io lorite for me, ivhich
I dejire you to excufe , for I ivas not able
to do it myfelf, nor indeed to dilate any
more.
Thefe Letters being fealed, and properly directed,
eur two Adventures drefled themfelves according to
the Charafters they were to bear, and parted from
each other ; one of them riding towards London, and
the other towards Brijlol, having fo ordered it be-
fore-hand, that they might both come to the End of
their Journey at the fame Time.
They arrived, they delivered their Credentials,
• and were kindly received : 'Tis not to our Purpofe
to declare how many Tears were flied upon open-
ing the Letters, and how many Eulogias each of the
living Brothers beitow'd upon him whom he fup-
pofed to be dead. Much lefs fhall we pretend to
defcribe the Secret Joy which they both concealed
under a forrowful Countenance ; but which naturally
arofe in their Breafts, when they underllood that
an Addition would now accrue to their Fortunes by
the Death of a Brother. 'Tis true, they both loved
one another ; but of all Love, Self- Love is the
llrongeft.
The Evening at each Place was fpent in talking
over feveral Particulars of the Family. Subjefts that
at fuch a Time as this always come in the Way : Our
MelTengers were both very expert, and each Brother
was convinced, that the Man whom his Sifter had
fent, had been long converfant in the Family, by the
exaft Account which he gave of Things. They more-
over, added of their own Heads a great Deal of Stuff
concerning the Manner of the relpeftive Mr. Seal\
Death, and what he faid in his laft Moments, which
at this Time, was doubtlefs very moving. In a
Word, the beft Bed in both Houfes was made ready
for our two Sharpers, who were to depart the next
Morning, and tell the Sifters-in-Law that their Bro-
thers would come two Days after, which was as foon
as their Mourning could be made, and other Things
prepared for the Journe/.
It may be proper to obferve, that Old Mohb went
to Brijlol, and tho Golden Farmer to London. I'he
firil of thefe found Means in tiie Evening to fecure
Jewels, to the Value of two hundred Pounds, which
was all the Booty he had any Opportunity to make:
But the Golden Farmer having well obferved the Po-
fition of iMr. Philip Senl's Sliop, arofe in the iNight,
came filently down Stairs, and took to a niucii greater
Value ; among other Things a Diamond Neck-
lace, which was j ult made tor a Lady of the firli:
Quality, but not to be delivered 'till fome Days af-
ter, three very large Diamond Rings, and five fmall
ones.
In the Morning both our Adventurers fet out, one
from Briftol, and the other from Lomlon, They met
at a Place before appointed, and congratulated one a-
nother upon their Succefs.
But we muft leave tiiem together, and return to
the Brothers, who were both getting ready for their
Journey.
Such was the Hurry and Confufion which our Mef-
fengers had put the two Families in, that no Body in
either of them took any Noiice of the Shops, fo that
nothing of the Roljberies was difcovered Time enough
to prevent the Matters fetting out, and let them lee
that they were impoled on. The Shops were well
furniflied out, and what was carried off, took up but
little Room ; wherefore 'twas not furprizing, that
fuch a Tiling (hould be overlooked, at a Time
when no Bufinefs was thought of, but the Preparati-
ons for Travelling, and appearing decently at the Fu-
neral.
The merrieft Part of the whole Story was our two
Brothers fetting out the fame Morning, and coming
the fame Evening to Newberry, where they took up
their Lodging alio at the fame Inn. He from Lon-
don came in hrll, and being fatigued went to Bed
before the other arrived. The Briftol Man about
two Hours after, paffed through his Brother's Room,
and a Companion with him, whom he had engaged
to attend him, and repofed themfelves where but a
thin Partition was between the two Chambers. Phi-
lip, the Londoner, was afleep when his Brother weni
by him, but the Dilcourle between Cljarles, and
his Friend, furpriz'd him ; he could not tell whal
they talk'd off; but was certain one of the Tongues
was his Brothers, whom he was going to fee bu-
ried.
By and by Charles had Occafion to go to the ne.
ceffary Houfe ; upon which he riles, and attempt!
to go through Philip's Chamber again, who by th«
Moon-light was ftill more convinced that he had noi
been deceived in the Voice : Upon this he fcreameo
out, and Charles was now as much furpriz'd as hii
Brother ; fo that he ran back to Bed hall' dead witH
Fear.
In a Word, they both continued fweating, anc
frightning themfelves till Morning, \vhen tliey arof<
and drefled themfelves in their Mournmg .-"ipparel
Below Stairs for fome Time they fhunn'il one ano
ther till they were taken Notice off by the Peopli
of the Houfe, who with fome Difficulty brouglit then
together, after they had heard botli their Stories
They now faw themfelves impofed on, but could no
imagine the Reafon of it, till after fpending twi
Days together at the Inn, they both returned, am
found themfelves robbed. Now was the Plot unra-
vell'd.
Old Mobb, was at lail apprehended in Tuthilljheet
Weftminfter, comniitted to Ne-wgute. and tried at th
Old- Bailey on thirty-fix Inditlments ; of thirty-tw>
of which he was found Guilty.
On Friday the 30th of May, 1690. he was execu
ted at Tyburn, without aakiu^ any Speech or Con
feillon
'-'4:,
I
Pyrates, Highwa^meny Murderers, 5Cc 45
feffion ; but continuing to aft with his ufual Intrepi- tonvijice the greateft Lihertine of the Government of a
(jj(y_ juft Providence ; and make him tremble at his o'lMrt
Thoughts a7id Atlions, ''Tis alfo I'ery/hocking to refleSt
Thus docs the divine Vengeance furfue the Workers upon the Departure of/uch a Man out of the World, in
tf Iniquity, and very feldom fuffers them to depart out fuch an infciifibh Manner as Old Mobb made his i,xit,
of this Life, ivithout expofing them to Shame and Ini- fince at beji Death is a Launching forth into a State of
quity. This, one vjoald think, ivould be fiifficient to Uncertainty.
The LIFE of Major STEDE BONNET.
MAJOR Bonnet was a Gentleman of good
Reputation in tiie Ifland oC Barbadoes, where
he was Mafter of a plentiful Fortune, hav-
ing, bifide?, the Advrincage of a liberal Education,
He had the leaft 1 emptation of any Man to follow
fuch a Courfe of Life, from the Condition of his Cir-
cumllances ; and therefore it was very furprizing to
everv one, in the Illmd where he liv'd, when they
heard of his Enterprizcs. As he was generally efteem'd
and honour'd, before he broke out into open Acts of
Pirac)', fo he was afterwards rather pitied than con-
demned, by thofe tliat were acquainted with him ; who
believ'd that this Humour of going a pirating pro-
ceeded from a Diforder in his Mind, which had been
but too vinble in him, feme Time before this wicked
Undertaking, and which is faid to have been occafi-
on'd by fome Difcomforts he met with in a married
State. But be thit as it will, the Major was but ill
qualify'd for the Bufmefs ; for he did no: undenland
maritime Affairs.
When he was refoh'^d in his wicked Parpofe, he
fitted out a Sloop, v. ith lo Guns, and 70 Men, en-
tirely at his own Expence, and in the Niglit-time
fail'd from Barbadocs. He call'd his Sloop The Re-
venge, and his firft Cruize in her was off the Capes
of Virginia ; where he took feveral Ships, and plun-
der'd them of their Proviiions, Cloaths, Money, Am-
munition, l^c. in particular the Anne, Captain
Montgomery, from Glafcovj ; the Turbct, from Bar-
badocs ; which latter, for the Country's Sake, after
they had taken out the principal Part of the Lading,
the Pirate Cre-.v fet on Fire. The\- took, nlfo, the
Endeavour, Captain Sc^t, from Brijlol, and the Yoimg
from Lcith. From hence they went to Ne-iv-Tork,
and oft' the Eafl; End of Long-If.and they took a Sloop
bound for the Wef -Indies ; after which they flood in
and landed fome Men at Gardners-Ifland, but in a
peaceable Manner ; for they bought Provifions for
the Company's Ufe, v.hich they paidjuiUy for, and
fo went off again without Moleltation.
Some Time after, in the Month of Augufl 1717,
Bonnet came oft' the Sar of Soutb-Carolina, and took
a Sloop and a Brigantinc inwards-bound ; the Sloop
belong'd to Barbadoes, Jofeph Palmer Mailer, and
was laden with Rum, Sagiir, and Negroes ; the Bri-
gantine came from Neiv-England, Thomas Porter was
tji Mafter ; her they plander'd, and then difmifs'd :
jiai But they fail'd away with the Sloop, and at an Inlet
.n North-Carolina were careen'd by her, and then
•Jjey fet her on Fire.
After the Sloop had clean'd, they put to Sea, but
,e to no Refolution what Coarlij to take, for the
Crew were divided in their Opinions, fome being for
>3
one Thing, and fome for another ; fo that nothing
but Confuifion feem'd to attend all their Schemes.
The Major was no Sailor, as was faid before, and
therefore was often oblig'd to yield to many Things
that were impos'd on him, durmg their Undertak-
ing, for want of a competent Knowledge in maritime
Affairs, till at length he happen'd to fall in Company
\\ ith Edvjard Teach, commonly call'd Black-Beard,
as we (hall obferv'd in his Life. 1 his Fellow was a good
Saiior, but a moft cruel hardeu'd Villain, bold and
daring to the laft Degree, and would not ftick at per-
petrating the moft abominable Wickednefs imaginable;
for which , he was made chief of t.hat execrable Gang.
It might be faid, that his Poft was not unduly liil'd,
Black-Beard being truly the Superior in Roguery of
all the Company, as ftitdl be related in nis Life, here-
after.
To him Bonnet's Crew join'd in Confortfhip, and
Bonnet himfelf was laid afidc, notvvitjiftanding the
Sloop was his own. The Major went a-board Black-
Bcard'j Ship, not concerning himfelf with any of
their Affairs, and contmu'd there till ihe was loft in
Top/ail Inlet ; and one Richards was appointed Cap-
tain in his Room. The Major now faw his Folly, but
could not help himfelf, which made him melancholy :
He reflefted upon his paft Courfe of Life, and was
confounded with Shame when he thought upon what
he had done. His Behaviour was taken Notice of by
the otlicr Pirates, who lik'd him never the better for
it : and he often declar'd to lome of them, that he
would gladly leave off" that Way of Limg, being per-
feftly tir'd of it ; but he fhould be aiham'd to lee the
Face of any honert Englijb Man again : Therefore he
faid if he could get to Spain or Portugal, where he
might live undifcover'd, he would fpend the Remaia-
der of his Days in either of thofe Countries, other-
wife he muft continue with them as long as he
liv'd.
When Black-Beard loft his Ship at Topfail Inlet,
and furrender'd to the King's Proclamation, Bonnet
re-affum'd the Command of his own Sloop, The Re-
venge, went direftly away to Bath Tov.n in North-
Carolina, furrcnder'd likewife to the King's Pardon,
and receiv'd a Certificate, The War was now broke
out between the Triple Allies and Spain; fo Major
Bon;:(tgets a Clearance for his Sloop at North-Carolina,
and goes to the Ifland of St. Thomas, with a Defign,
at leaft .as he pretended, to get the Emperoi'' Com-
miflion to go a privateering upon the Spaniards.
When Bonnet came back to Topfail Inlet, he found
that Teach and his Gang were gone, and ; . i they
had taken all the Money, fmall Arms, and EfFe^Ss of
Value, out of the great Ship, and let afhore feventeen
N Men
46
A General History of
IWen on a fmall fandy Ifland above a League from
the Main, no Doubt with a Defign they Ihould pe-
rifh, for there was no Inhabitant, or Provilions to
fubiift withal, nor any Boat, or IWaterials to build
or make any kind ot" Launch or Veffel, to efcape
from that defolate Place : They had remain'd there
two Nights and a Day, without Subfiftance, or the
leaft Prolpcft of any, expecting nothing elfe but a
lingering Death ; when, to their inexpreffible Com-
fort, they faw Redemption at Hand. IVIajor Bonnet
happenmg to get Intelligence of their being there,
by two of the Pirates who had efcap'd from Teac/ys
Cruelty, and had got to a poor little Village at the
upper End of the Harbour, fent his Boat to make
Difcovery of the Truth of the Matter, which the
poor Wretches feeing, they made a Signal to them,
and were all brought onboard Bonnet's Sloop.
Major Bonnet told all his Company, that he would
take a CommiiTion to go againll the Spaniards, and
to that End, would fail to St. Thotnai's. ; therefore
he faid if they would go with him, they (hould be
welcome. To this they all confented, but as the
Sloop was preparing to fail, a Bom Boat which brought
Apples and Cyder to lell to the Sloop's Men, inform-
ed them, that Captain Teacb lay at Ocricock Inlet,
with only 1 8 or 20 Hands. Bonnet, who bore him
a mortal Hatred for fome Infults offered him, went
in purfuit of Black-beard, but it happened too late,
for he miffed of him there. They cruized after him
four Days, when hearing no farther News of him,
they fteered their Courie towards Virginia.
In the Month of July, thefe Adventurers came
ofF the Capes, and meeting a Pink, with a Stock of
Provilions on board, which they happened to be in
Want of, they took out of her ten or twelve Barrels
of Pork, and about 400 Weight of Bread : They
would not, however, have this fet down to the Ac-
count of Piracy, and therefore they gave them eight
or ten Casks of Rice, and an old Cable, in lieu there-
of.
Two Days afterwards they chafed a Sloop of fixty
Ton, and about two Leagues off of Cape Henry they
took her. They were fo happy here as to get a Sup-
ply of Liquor to their Viiftuals, for they brought
from her two Hoglheads of Rum, and as many of
Moloftes ; which, it feems, they had need of, tho'
they had no ready Money to purchafe them : What
Security they intended to give, I can't tell ; but Bon-
net, fent eight Men to take Care of the Prize Sloop,
who, perriaps, not caring to make Ufe of thofe uc-
cuftom'd Freedoms, too.^ the firft Opportunity to go
off with her, and Bonnet (who was now pleafed to
have himlelf call'd Captain Thomas) faw them no
more.
After this, the Major threw off all Reftraint, and,
tho' he had Juft before received his Majefty's Mercy,
in the Name of Stede Bonnet, he relaps'd in good
Earneft into his old \'^ocation, by the Name of Cap-
tain nomas, and recommenced a down-right Pirate,
by taking and plundering all the Veffels he met with :
He took off Cape Henry, two Ships from Virginia,
bound to Gla/coiv, which fumifhed them with but
very little bdides an hundred Weight of Tobacco.
The next Day they took a fmall Sloop bound from
Virginia to Bermudas, which fupply'd them with
twenty Barrels of Pork, and fome Bacon. They gave
her in return, two Barrels of Rice, and a Hoglhead
of Moloffes ; out of this Sloop two Men enter'd vo-
luntarily into their Service. The next they took was
another Virginia Man, bound to Glafco-iv, out of
which they had nothing of Value, fave only a few
Combs, Pins and Needles, inftead of which they
gave her a Barrel of Pork, and two Barrels of Bread.
From Virginia they failed to Philadelphia, and
In the Latitude 38 North, they took a Scooner, com-
ing from North-Carolina, and bound to Bujlon:
They deprived her only c>f tw o Dozen of Call-Skins,
to make Covers for Guns, and two of her Hands, but
they detained her fome Days. All this was but
fmall Gain, and fcem'd as if iliey defign'd only to
make Provifion for thtir Sloop ;ig linft they arrived at
St. Thomas^ ; lot they hitherto Had dealt favourably
with all that fell into tlieir H.'ndj ; but thofe th.it
were fo unhappy as to come after, f.iied not I'o well,
for in the Latitude of 32, off of Delaioare River,
near Philadelphia, they took two Snows bound to
Brijiol, out of which they got fome Money, befides
Goods to the Value of .about 1 50 /. At the fame time
tliey took a Sloop of fixty Tons, bound from Phila-
delphia to Barbadoes, Thomas Read Mailer. She was
loaded with Provifions, which they kept, and put
■ four or five of their Hands on Board her. The laft
Day of July, they took another Sloop of 60 Tons,
commanded by Peter Manivaring, bound from An-
tigoa to Philadelpha; her tliey likewife kept with all
t/.e Cargo, confuting chiefly of Rum, Moloffes, Su-
gar, Cotton, Indigo, and about 25/. in Money, va-
lued in all at ;oo /.
The lall Day of July, our Rovers, with the Vef-
fels laft taken, left Delaware Bay, and failed to
Cape Fear River, where they ftaid too long for their
Safety ; for the Pirate Sloop, which they now new-
named the Royal James, proved very leaky, fo that
they was obliged to remain here ahnoft two Months,
in order to refit and repair their Veffel : They took
in this River a fmall Shallop, which they ripped up
to mend their Sloop. By thel'e Means the Profecu-
tion of their Voy.ige, as before mention'd, was de-
ferred till the News came to Carolina, of a Pirate
Sloop's being there to carreen with her Prizes.
U pon this Information, the Council of South-Caro-
lina was alarmed, apprehending they fhould receive
another Vifit from them fpeediiy ; to prevent which.
Colonel H'illiam Rhet, of the i:ime Province, waited
on the Governor, and generoufly offered himfelf to
go with two Sloops and attack this Pirate : The
Governor readily accepted his offer, and accordingly
g ive the Colonel a Commiffion, and full Power, t»
ht out fuch Veffels as he thought proper for the
Defign.
In a few D.ays two Sloops were equipped and man-
ned : The Henry with 8 Guns and 70 Men, command-
ed by Captain John Mafters, and the Sea Nymph,
with 8 Guns and 60 Men, commanded by Captain
Fayrer Hall, botli under the entire Diredion of the
aforefaid Colonel Rhet, who, on the I4tk of Sep-
tember, went on Board the Henry, and, with the
other Sloop, failed from Charles-Toiviz to Sivilli-
•vants Ifland, to put themfelves in order for the
Cruize, juft then arrived a Imall Ship from ylntigoa,
one Cock Mailer, with an Account, tiiat, in Sight of
tlie Bar, he was taken and plundered by one Charles
Vane, a Pirate, in a Brig.antine of 12 Guns, and on
Men; who, they iaid, hiid aifo taken two other Vef-
fels bound in there ; one a fm.ill Sloop, C.iptain Dill
Mafter, from Barbadoes ; the other a Brigantine,
Captain Thompfon Mafter from Guiney, with ninety odd
Negroes, which they took out of the Veffel, and put
on Board another Sloop, then under the Command
of one Teats, his Confort, witii 2i Men. This
prov'd fortunate to the Owners of the G«/;;fy Man,
for Teats, having often before attempted to quit this
Courfe of Life, took an Opportunity in the Night,
to leave Vane and run into North-Edifio River, to
the Southw.ardof CXar/^j-Tovv?, where he furrender-
ed to his Mnjefty's Pardon. Thus the Owners got
their Negroes, and Teats and his Men had Cenii-j
cates given them from the Government.
Vane cruized fome Time off the Bar, in hopes ti
catch Teats, and, unfortunately for them, toot two
Ships
Pyratssj H'lghv.mymen) Murderers., &c.
ips comiHt; out, bound to London. While the
ews of thele were Priibners a-board, feme ot the
rates give out, that they deiigned to go into one
the Rivers to the Southward. All this they toid
n^lonel Rhet, who, upon hearing it, failed over the
ir the 15th of September, with the two Sloops he-
re mentioned ; and, having the Wind N'ortnerl)',
:nt after Fane, fcouring all the Rivers and Inlets
the Southward ; however, meeting witli him, he
:ked about, and Hood for Cape Fear River, in Pro-
:ution of his firll Defign. On the 26th following,
the Evening, die Colonel, with his fmall Squadron
tered the River, and faw, over a Point of Land,
ree Sloops at an Anchor, which were Major Bon-
and his Prizes. It happened, that, in going up
e River, the Pilot run the Colonels Sloop aground,
d it was dark before they were on Float, which
ndered their getting up that Night. Tiie Pirates
on difcovered the Sloops, but not knowing who
ey were, or upon what Defign they came into that
iver, they mann'd three Canoes, and fent them
>wn to make Prizes of them ; but they quickly
and their iVIillake, and returned to the Sloop, with
e unwelcome News. Major Bonnet made Prepara-
)ns that Night for engaging, and took all the Men
It of the Prizes. He ihewed Captain Manivaring,
le of his Priibners, a Letter he had jull wrote,
lich he declared he would fend to the Governor
Carolina ; the contents were to this EfFed, 'viz.
>at if the Sloops, luhich then appeared, 'were fent
t againfi him by the /aid Governor, and heJ}:ould
'ppcn to get clear off, he nxio-uld aftcrvjards burn
id dejiroy all Ships or VeJJels going in or coming
t o/"South-Carohna. The next Motning they got
ider Sail, and came down the River, defigning on-
a running Fight. Colonel Rbet\ Sloops got like-
ife under Sail, and ftood for him, getting upon
ch Quarter of tlie Pirate, with Intent to board him ;
hich Bonnet perceiving, he edged in towards tiie
lore, and, being warmly eng'ig'd, ran his Sloop a-
round : The Carolina Sloops, being in the fame
lOal Water, were in the fune Circumfbnces ; the
Unry, in which Colonel Rhet was, grounded with-
1 Piltol fhot of the Pirate, and on his Bow ; the other
loop grounded right a-head of him, and .almoll out
f Gun-Shot, whicn made her of little Service to the
'olonel, while they lay a ground.
At this Time the Pirates Jiad a confiderable Advan-
age ; for their Sloop, after (he was a-ground, lilted
■ From Colonel Rhet^, by which Means they were all
overed, and the Colonel's Sloop lifting the fame
. Vay, his Men were as much expofed ; notwithlland-
ng which, they kept a briik Fire the wliole Time
hey lay thus a-ground, which was near five Hours.
The Pirates made a Wiff in their bloody Flag, and
)eckoned feveral Times with their Hats, in Derifion
,0 the Colonel's Men, to come on Board, which they
mftvered with chearful Huzza's, and laid, that they
•.i-otild /peak I'.ith them by and by : This accordingly
lappened ; for the Colonel's Sloop being firft afloat,
le got into deeper Water, and after mending the Rig-
ijing, which was much flattered in the Engagement,
;:]iey ftood for the Pirate, to give the finifhing Stroke,
defigning to go direftly on Board him. Bonnet, how-
ever, prevented this, by fending a Flag ofTruce, and,
after fome Time cipitulating, his whole Crew fur-
rendered themfelves Priibners. The Colonel took
PolTeirion of the Sloop, and was extremely pleafed to
find that Captain Thomas, who commanded her, was
the mdividual Perfon of Major Strde Bonnet, who had
done them the Honour feveral Times to vifi: their
Coail of Carolina.
There were killed in this Aftion, on Board the
Henry, ten Men, and fourteen wounded ; on Board
the Sea Hjmph two were killed, and four wounded.
45r
the Officers and Sailors in both Sloops bekave J them-
felves with the greatelt: Brovery ; and, had they net
fo unluckily run a-ground, they had taken the Pirate
witli much lefs Lois of Men; but as he endeavour-
ed to i'aii by them, and lb make a running Fight,
the Carolina Sloops were obliged to keep near him,
to prevent his getting away. Of the Pirates there
were feven killed and live wounded, two of which
latter died foon after, of their Wounds. Colonel
y?i6f/ weighed the 30th oi September, from Cape Fear
River, and arrived at Cbarlcs-Toiun the 3d of Ocloher
to the great Joy of the whole Province of Carolina.
Bonnet and his Crew, two Days after, were put
a-(hore ; and there not being a publick Prifon, the
Crew were kept at the Watch-Houfe, under a Guard
of Militia; but Major Bonnet himfelf was commit-
ted into to Cullody ofthe MarihaJ, at his own Houie.
In a few Days after, Da-Jd Harriot the Mafber, and
Ignatius Pell the Boatfwain, who were defigned for
Evidences againft the other' Pirates, were removed
from the relt of the Company, to the faid Marfhal's
Houfe, and every Night two Centinels were fet about
the faid Houfe : Whether it was thro' any Corrup-
tion, or want of Care in Guarding the Prifoners; we
can't fay ; but fo it was, that, on the 24th oiOBo-
her, the Major and Harriot made their Efcape, the
Boatfwain refufing to go along with them. This
made a great Nolle in the Province, and People were
open in their Refcntments, often reflefting publicidy
on the Governor, and others in the Magiltracy, as
tho' they had been brib'd, for conniving at their get-
ting off. Thele Invectives arofe from their Fears,
that Bonnet would be capable of raifmg .mother Com-
pany, and of profecuting his Revenge' againft their
Country, for v\hat he had lately, tho' juilly, fufFered :
But they were in a fhort Time made eafy in thole Re-
fpefls ; for as foon as the Governor had the Account
of Bonnet''^ Efcape, he immediately ifTued out a Pro-
clamation, and promifed a Reward of 700 /. to any
th't would taJ:e him ; fending, befides, feveral Boats
with armed Men, both to the Northward and South-
ward, in purluit of him.
Bonnet ftood to the Northward, in a fmall Veflel,
but wanting NeceiTaries, and the Weather being bad,
he was forced back, and fo returned with his Canoe
to S-ivilli'vants Ifland, ne.ir Charles-To-mn, to fetch
Supplies ; there being now fome Information given to
the Governor, he fent for Colonel Rhet, and defired
him to go in purfuit of Bonnet, and accorduigly gave
him a Commiflion for that Purpofe : Hereupon the
Colonel, with a great Deal of Craft, and fome Men,
went away that Night ioTSivilli'vant''s Ifland, where,
after a diligent Search, he difcovered Bonnet and Har-
riot together : The Colonel's Men fired upon them,
killed Harriot upon the Spot, and wounded one Ne-
groe and an Indian. Bonnet fubmitted, and furren-
der'd himfelf, and the ne.xt Morning, being Ko^'em-
ber the 6th, was brought back by Colonel RJjet to
Charles-Toivn, and, by the Governor's Warrant, com-
mitted there into fafe Cnftody, in order for his being
brought to his Tiial.
On the 28th of OBoher, 1718, a Court of Vice-
Admiralty was held at Charlcs-To-ivn, in South-Caro-
lina, and, by feveral Adjournments, continued to
Wednefday, the 12 th of AWf»^f^ following for the
Tryal of the Pirates taken in a Sloop formerly ciU'd
the Revenge, but afterwards the Roy^ljomes, before
Nicholas Trot Efq; Judge of the Vice-Admiralty, an4
Chief Juftice of the faid Province of South-Care^Unaf
and other affiftant Judges.
The King's Commiftion to Judge Trot being read,
and a Grand Jury fworn for the finding of tlie feveral
Bills, a learned Charge was given them by the i.acf
Judge, wherein he lit fliewed. That the Sea luas
given by God, for the Ufe of Mi", and therefore is
fubjeii
48
A General History of
fulled to Dominion and Property, as ivell as the
Land.
zdly. He particularly remark'd to them, the fu-
freme Sovereignty of the King of England over the
£ritjfh Seas.
T,dly, He obferved, that as Commerce and Nwviga-
iion could not be carried on ivithout Laivs, fo there
hanje been alivays particular Laivs, for the better or-
dering and regulating marine Affairs ; to this he ad-
ded, an hiftorical Account of thofe Laws, and their
Origin.
ifthly. He proceeded to fliew, that there ha-vc been
particular Courts and Judges appointed, to ivhofe fu-
rifditlion maritime Caufes properly belong ; and that in
patters both Ci'vil and Criminal.
And then cthly. He particularly (hewed them, the
Conjlitiition and Jurifdiiiion of the prefent Court of
.Admiralty SeJJions,
And laftly, the Crimes that ivere cognizable therein;
here he particularly enlarged upon the Cri?ne of Py-
vacy, which was now to be brought before them.
The Indiftments being found, a petit Jury was
fwom, and the following Perfons arraigned and tried.
Stede Bonnet, alias Edvjards, alias Thomas, late of
JBarbadoes, Mariner.
Robert 'Tucker, late of the Ifland of Jamaica, Ma-
riner.
Edtuard Robinfon, late of Nevn Caftle upon Tine,
Mariner.
Neal Paterfon, late of Aberdeen, Mariner.
William Scot, late of Aberdeen, Mariner.
William Eddy, alias Neddy, late of Aoerdeen, Ma-
riner.
Alexander Annand, late of Jamaica, Mariner.
George Rofe, IzXeof Glafconu, Mariner.
* Thomas Nicholas, late of London, Mariner.
John Ridge, late of London, Mariner.
Mattheiu King, late of Jamaica, Mariner.
Daniel Perry, late of Guernfef, Mariner.
Henry Firgin, late of Brijiol, Mariner.
- James Robbins, alias Rattle, late of London, Ma-
riner.
James Mullet, alias Millet, late of London, Mariner.
Thomas Price, late of Brijiol, Mariner.
James U'ilfon, late of Dublin, M,;riner.
John Lopex., late of Oporto, Mariner.
Zachariah Long, late of the Province of Holland,
Mariner.
J:b Bayly, late oi London, Mariner.
John-lVilliam Smith, late of Charles-Ton/jn, South-
Carolina, Mariner.
Thomas Carman, hte of Maidjf one in Kent, Mariner.
John Thomas, late of Jamaica, Mariner.
William Morrifon, late of Jamaica, Mariner.
Samuel Booth, late of Charles-Toxun, Mariner.
William Heivet, late o( Jamaica, Mariner.
. John Le-iiit, late of North-Carolina, Mariner.
William Livers, alias Evis, (without any particular
Appellation)
John Brierly, alias Tirnberhead, late of Bath-Toivn
in North-Carolina, Mariner.
Robert Boyd, late of Bath-Tonun aforefaid. Mariner.
* Roiuland Sharp, late of Bath-To'wn, Mariner.
* Jonathan Clarke, late of Charles-Tonvn, Mariner.
* Thomas Gerrard, late of Antegoa, Mariner.
All thefe, except the three laft, and Thomas Nicho-
las, were found guilty of the Indidlments exhibited a-
gainft them, and received Sentence of Death accord-
ingly.
There were moft of them try'd upon the two In-
diftments following.
* ' I ^ H E Jurors for our Sovereign Lord the King,
* Jl, do upon their Oath prefent, t\axStede Bonnet,
* late of Barbadoes, Mariner, Robert Tucker, i^c. i^c.
I The zd Day Qi^guft, in Uie fifth Year of the
Reign of our Sovereign LorAGEO RGE, is'c.-
Force of Arms, did piratically, and feloiuoufly
upon, break, board, and cnrer, a certain Merch
Sioop, culled the Frnnces, Peter Mamvaring L-
mander, upon the High- Sea, m a cert lin Pi.ice ca
Cape James, alias (Jape Inljpcn, about two M
dilfant from the Shore, in the Latitude of 39,
thereabouts, and within the Juriiclirtion of the Co,
ofVicc-Admiraltyof 5i!a/Z'-Gj;-o//««, being the P'
perty of certam Perlbns, to the Jurors unl;nov\
and then, and there, piratically, and felonioufly .
make an Affault, in, and upon the (aid Peter Mi
•waring, and others his Mariners, whofe Names
the Jurors aforefaid are unknown, in the f;une Sloi
againft the Peace of God, and of our fiid now !
vereign Lord the King, then, and there being ; a
that tne faid Stede Bannct, &c. piratically and
lonioufly, did put the aforeiaid Peter Maniuarii
and others his Marmeis, of the lame Sloop afo
faid, in corporal Fear of tneir Lives, then a
there, cin the Sloop aforefaid, upon the High-Si
in the Place aforefaid, called Cape James, ah
Cape Inlopen, about two Miles from tlie Shore,
the Latitude of 39, or thereabouts, as aforefa.
and within the Jurildiftion aforefaid ; and that t
faid Stede Bonnet, isc. piratically and feloniouf
did Ileal, tai.c, and carry away the faid Merch:
Sloop, called the Frances, and alio twenty li.x He
Iheads, is'c. feV. faV. being found in the aforef-
Sloop, in tlie Cullody and PoffeiTion of the f:
Pe/er Maniuaring, and others his Mariners of t
faid Sloop, and from their Cuftody and PolTeffic
then and there, upon the High-Sea aforefaid, c
led Cape James, alias Cape Inlopen, as aforefa:
and within the Jurifdiftion aforeiaid, did remo\
againft the Peace of our now Sovereign Lord t
King, his Crown and Dignity.'
N*
»,^
1?,:
.tfi'i
3a
:«t
hi
tilt
k
i
Hi
N(
This was the Form of the Indidments they we
arraigned upon, and tho' they n.ight nave provi
fcvcral more Fads upon the major Part of the Crei
the Court thought fit to prolecutc but two : T]
Charge in the other was for icizing in a piratic
and felonious Manner, the Sloop Fortune, Thomas Ra
Commander ; which Indidmcnt running in the fan
Words with the above-mention'd, tnutatis mutandi
All the Prifoners that were arraigned pleaded Ni
Guilty, and put themfelves upon their Tryals, e:
cept James Wilfon, and John Levit, who pleadt
Guilty to both Indiflments, and Daniel Perry to or
only. The Major would have gone through bol
the Indidments at once, wliich tiie Court not at
mitting, he pleaded Not Guilty to tiiem both
However, being coiivided of one, he retracted h
former Plea to tne fecond Indiflment, and pleade
Guilty to it, to prevent any farther Trouble.
Tiie Prifoners made little or no Defence, ever
one preter.ding only ti.at they were takenofFaMa
roon Shore, and fhippcd with Riajcr Bonnet to g
to St. Thomas's, but being oat at Sea, and wantini
Provifions, they were obliged to do what they dii
by the VefTcls they met with : Major Bonnet alfi
himfelf, pretended that 'twas Force, not Inclination
that occa.loned what had happened. However, th
Fads being plainly prov'd againft them, and tha
they had all (hared ten or eleven Pounds a Man"
excepting the three laft, and Thomas Nicholas, the'
were all but they found Guilty. The
a very grave moving Speech to tiiein
the Enormity of their Crimes, the Condition they n
noiv in, and the Nature and NeceJJlty of an unftign
ed Repentance : He then recon.inended them to tl;.
Minifters of the Province, for more ample Diredion
to fit them for Eternity, for ( concluded he ) ih
Fric/i'f Lips /hall keep Knai-vledge, and you Jhal
!■■■
Nicholas, the'
e Judge mad( 1
fetting fort;
Pj/rateS) Highwaymen^ Murderers, SCc.
ttk the Law at their Mouths ; for they are the
\IeJfen<rers of the Lord, and the Ambajfaiiors ofChrlft,
iJ unto them is committed the If^ord of Reconci/ia-
■ou, after this he pronounced Sentence of Death up-
n them.
On Saturday No'V. itx 8th, 17 J 8. Robtrt fucker,
iward Robinfon, Neal Paterfon, ffilliam Scot, Job
a^lei, John-William Smith, John Thomas, William
lorrifon, Samuel Bboth, William Hetvit, William
ddi, alias Nedd\', Alexander Annand, George Rofs,
eorge Dunkin, Matthevj King, Daniel Perry, Henry
irgin, James Robhins, James Mullet, alias Millet,
homas Price, John Lopez, and Zachariah Long,
L're executed at the White-Point near Charles-Tozvn,
irfuant to their Sentence.
As for the Captain, his Efcape protrafted his Fate,
d fpun out his Life a few Dajs longer, for lie was
t try'd till the loth of November, when, being
jiid Guilty, he received Sentence in like Manner
the former. Judge Trot then made another e.\-
lent Speech particularly to him, which is rather
newhat too long to be inferted in our Hillory ;
t we could not tell how to pafs by fo good and
ful a Piece of Inftruftion, not knowing whofe
inds this Book may happen to fall into, and what
e fuch found Inftruftions may be of.
'he Lord Chief Juftice's Speech,
o?i his profioujichig Sejitence of
Death o?i Major Stcde Bonnet^
^ A J O R Stcde Bonnet, you lland here con-
f\_ virted upon two Indidments of Piracy ; one
tue Verdiftbfthe jury, iand the other by your
n Confcffion.
^tho' you were indifted but for two Fafts, yet
I know that, at )our Tr\'al, it was fully proA'ed,
n by an unwilling Witnefs, that you piratically
k and rifled no lefs than thirteen \'cfrcl5, fince
I failed from North-Carolina.
>o that yon might have been indifted, and con-
ted of eleven more Afts of Piracy, committed
e you took the Benefit of the King's A^l of Grace,
i pretended to leave that wicked Courfe of Lite,
tlie Court had thought fit.
VJot to mention tJie many Ai9s oi Piracy you com-
:ted before ; for which, if )Our Pardon from Man
i never fo authentick, jet )'ou mult expeil to give
Account before God, the great Judge.
fou iinow that the Crimes )ou have committed,
' evil in themfelves, and contrary to the Light and
w of Nature^ as well as to the Laiv of God : By
ich you are commanded, t\vi.l you /hall not fteal.
3d. 20, 15. And the Apollle St. Paul e,\prelly
ms, that Thieves fiall net inherit the Kingdom of
I Cor. 6. 10.
Jut to Theft you have added a greater Sin, \\ hich
Aurdir. How many ) ou may have killed of thofe
rdilled you in tlie committing your former
acies, 1 know hot : But this we all know, That,
des the Woundtd, you killed no lefs than eigh-
i Perfons out of thole that were fent by lawful
hority to fupprefs you, and put a Stop to thofe
)ines that you daily aded.
Ind, however you may fancy that That was kill-
Men fairly in open Fight, yet this know, that
Power of the Sivord not being committed into
r Hands by any lawful Authority, you were not
owered to ufe any Force, ot fight any one ; and
efore thofe Perfons that fell in that Aftion, in
ig their Duty to their King and Country were
fhdertd, and their Blood now cries out for fen-
l\^ce and Jujiics againlt you ; For it is the Voice of
14
49
Nature, confirmed by the Lav: of God, That <\>jho-
foever Jkcddcth Man's Blood, by Man his Blood Jhali
be Jhed. Gen. 9. 6.
And confider that Death is not the Only Puniih-
ment due to Murderers ; for they are tlireatned to
have their Part in the Lake that burneth luitb Fire
and Brimftone, nuhich is the fecond Death, Rev. 2 1 .
8. See alfo C/4a/. 22. ij; Words which carry that
Terror with them, that, confidering your Circum-
llances and your Guilt, furely the Sound of them
muft make you tremble ; For ivho cart dwell ivith
everlajlitig Burning? Chap. 33. 14.
As the Tejiimony of j-our Canfcience mull convince
you of tlie great and many Evils you have commit-
ted, by which you have highly offended God, nnd
provoked moll julUy his Wrath and Indignation a-
gainlt you, fo I fuppofe I need not tell you, that
the only Way of obtaining Pardon and RcmilTion of
your Sins from God, is by a true and unfeigned Re-
pentance and Faith in Chnft, by whofe meritorious
Death and Paffion, )-ou can only hope for Salvati-
on.
You being a Gentleman that have had the Advan-
tage of a liberal Education, and being generally e-
ileemed a Man of Letters, 1 believe it will be need-
lefs for me to explain to you the Nature of Repen-
tance and Faith in Chrlll, they being fo fully and
fo often mentioned in the Scriptures, that you can-
not but know them. For the fame Reafon, perhaps,
it miglit be thought by fome improper for me ta
have laid fo much to you, as I have already, upon
this Occafion ; neither ihould I have done it, but
that, confidering the Courfe of your Life and Ac-
tions, I havejuft Reafon to fear, that the PrincL-
pies of Religion that had been inftilled into you by
your Education, have been at lead corrupted, if not
entirely defaced, by the Scepticifm and Infidelity of
this wicked Age j and that what Time you allowed
for Study, was rather applied to the Polite Literature,
and the \ain Philofophy of the Times, than to a fe-
rious Search after the Lavj and Will of God, as re-
vealed unto us in the holy Scriptures : For had your
Delight been in the Law of the Lord, and had you
meditated therein Day and Night, you would then
have found that God's Word ^vas a Lamp unto your
Feet, and a Light to your Path, Pfal. 119. 105. and
that you would account all other Knowledge but
Lofs, in Gomparifon of the Excellency of the Kn»<iv-
ledge of Chrijl Jcfus, Phil. 3. 8, I'.ho to them that
are called is the Po-iver of God, and the Wifdom ef
God, I Cor. I. 24. even the hidden Ji'ifdom luhich
God ordained before the World, Chap. 2. 7.
Vou \\ould tiien ha\'e elleemed the Scriptures as
the Great Quarter of Heaven, and which delivered
to us not only the moll perfeft La^rvs and Rules of
Life, but alfo difcovered to us the Ads of Pardon
trom God, wherein we have offended thofe righte-
ous Laws : For in them only is to be found the
great My?«j of fallen Man's Redemption, n/.'hich the
Angels defire to look into, I Pet. 1.12.
And they would have taught you that Sin is the
debafmg of Human Nature, as being a Deviation
from that Purity, Reflitude, and Holinefs, in which
God created us ; and that Virtue and Religion, and
walking by the Laws of God, were altogether pre-
ferable to the Ways oi Sin 3.nA Satan; fOr that the '
If 'ays of \'irtue are Ways of Pleafantnefs, and all
her Paths are Peace, Prov. 3. 17.
But what )'ou could not learn from God's Word,
by reafon of your carelefiy, or but fuperficialh con-
fidering the fame, I hope the Courfe of his Provi'
dence, and the prefent Affliliion that he hath laid up-
on you, have now convinced you of: For, however
in your feeming Profperity you might make a Mod
at your Sins, Prov. 3.17. yet now that you fee that
O God's
50
God's Hand hath reached you, and brought you to
publick Juilice, I hope your prefent unhappy Cir-
cumll inces have made you ferioufly refleft upon your
pall Actions and Courfe of Life ; [and that' you are
now fenfible of the Greatnefs of your Sins, and that
you find the Burthen of them is intolerable.
And that therefore, being thus labouring, and hea-
iiy laden ".yiib Sin, Mat. II. 28. you will efteem that
the moll valuable Knoivledge, that can ftievv you how
you can be reconciled to that Supreme God whom
you have fo highly offended; and that can reveal to
yau Him who is not only the powerful Advocate
t,mth the Father for you, 1 John 2. I. but alfo who
hath paid that Debc that is due for your Sins, by
his own Death upon the Crofs for you ; and thereby
made full Satisfaction for the Juftice of God. And
this is to be found no where but in God's Word,
which dilcox'trs to us that Lamb of God ivhich taies
/iivny the Sins of the World, John I. 2g. which is
Chrijl the Son of God : For this know, and be af-
fured of, that there is none other Name under Hea-
nicn giiien among Men, ivhereby ive muft he fa-ved,
Afts 4. 12. but only by the Name of the Lord fefus.
But then confider how he invites all Sinners to come
unto him, and declares, that he tvill give them reft.
Mat. II. 28. for he aflures us, that he came to feek
and to ja-ve that 'which nvas loft, Luke ig. 10. Mat.
iS. II. and hath promifed, that he that cometh unto
him, he 'will in no luife taft out , John 6. 37.
So that if now you will fincerely turn to him, tho'
late, even at the eleventh Hour, Mat. 20. 6, g.
he will receive you.
But furely I need not tell you, that the Terms of
his Mercy, are Faith and Repentance.
And do not miftake the Nature of Repentance to
be only a bare Sorrow for your Sins, arifmg from the
Confideration of the Evil and Puniftjment they have
A General History of
now brought upon you: but your Sorrow mufl arifi
from the Confideration of your having offended
gracious and mercifol God.
Cut I (hall not pretend to give you any particula'
Direiflions as to the Nature of Repentance : I con
fider that I fpeak to a Peribn, whofe Offences hav
proceeded not fo much from his not knowing, as ^i
fighting and neglecting his Duty : Neither is it ;_ .q
per for me to give Advice out of the Way of m
own ProfefFion.
You may have that better delivered to you by thol
who have made Divinity their particular Study
and who, by their Knowledge, as well as their 6:
fice, as being the Amhaffadors of Chrift, 2 Cor. :
20. are beft qualified to give you Inftrudtions thert
in.
I only heartly wifh, that what, in Compafllon 1
your Soul, I have now faid to you upon this fs
and folemn Occafion, by exhorting you in general 1
Faith and Repentance, may have that due EfFeft ui
on you, as that thereby you may become a tn
Penitent.
And therefore, having now difcharged my Duty '
you as a Chrillian, by giving you the beft Counlel
can, with refpeft to the Salvation of your Soul,
muft now do my Office as a Judge.
The Sentence that the Law hath appointed to pj
upon you for your Offences, and which this Cou
doth therefore award, is,
That you the faid Stede Bonnet, /hall go from hen I
to the Place from ivbence you came, and from tl;i.n\
to the Place of Execution, ivhere you /hall be hang
by the Neck till yeu are dead.
And the God of infinite Mercy he merciful to ■
Soul.
.
The LIFE of Sir JOHN FALSTAFF.
ST R John Falftaff then was born at a Place cal-
led Potten in Bedford/hire, which is all we know
.onccrning hii Birth ; and indeed if Hillory had
been is ulent in this Article of Place as it is in that of
the lime, when it had fignified little, there being no
remarkable Aftion, as we know of, to be fettled by
this Piece of Chronology. By the Courfes he took,
we may fuppoie his Eitate was not very large ; for the
firft Time he is mentioned, it is in Company with
Thieves ; tho' you may be fure it was none of your
poor Pick-Pocket Gangs, forafmuch as Henry Prince
of ^«/c/ (afterward King Henry V.) appears among
them : Poins, Bardolph, Gads-Hill, and Peto, were
the Names of the refl. As we fliall tranfcribe a great
many of Shakefpears's inimitable Speeches, it would
be a Folly to fay any Thing in general of Sir Johns
Perfon and Temper, befides what is contained in them.
When Jiuas about thy Tears, Hal, (fays Sir John to
the Prince) I<ivas not an EagWs Talon in the Wafte ;
1 could have crept into an Alderman s Thumb-Ring : A
Plague of Sighing and Grief, it hlmvs a Man up like
a Bladder ! For Sir John, you mull know, when he
faid this, was not luch a Skeleton as he defcribes. No,
he ivns a Tun of Man, a Trunk of Humours: a Bon
ing-kutch of Btaftlinefs, a fnvoln Parcel of DropfiX
a huge Bombard of Sack, a fluffed Clock- Bag of Gu
a ?ort/?f</ Manning ] rte Ox, iiith a Pudding in 1
Belly, &c. as Prince Henry humoroufly draws j|
Pidure.
The firft Scene between thefe two pleafant ComjJ
nions gives us fuch a Sketch of our Hero, that I call
forbear tranfcribing fome of ir. He adc'reffes himfl
to the Prince in tl;i., rrerry Manner: Hal, WhatTiX
of Day is it. Lad? \fnr\ce Henry .li T hou art fo fit
ivitted ivith di inking old Sack, end unbuttoning t\
after Supper, andfieeping upon Benches in the Aft\
noon, that thou haft forgotten to demand that tr\
ivhich thou ivouldft truly knoiv. What a Defil hi
thou to do nvith the Time of t lie Day P unhfs Hourt tt';
Cups of Sack, and Minutes Capons, and Clocks
Tongues of Baivds, and Dials the Signs of Leapiit
Houfes, and the blefjed Snn himfelf a fair hot Uen\
in Flame ■colour'' d Tafata, I fee no Reafon nvhy til
ft>ouldft he fo fupcrfiuous to demand the Time of the D\
[Falltaff] Indeed you come near me noiv, Hal ; for'
that lake Pnrfes, go by the Meen andfetien Stars, tl
f^^^JS^^^Ls'z^Fr^-A^ ^^jPo^ii^Lf ata^j):s'mLL.
Il
. ' ^ '> C:
I '■:■
X.WXI ^\-^^^^^^^^^\
Pyratesj H'lghwnjmef?, Murderers, ^c
51
not hy Phjebus, that luandcring Knight fa fair, but
I pr'y thee, fweet Jf^og, mjhcn thou art t^'ig, — as
God fave thy Grace, ( Majefy I /houlii fay, for Grace
thou itiilt rie'ver ha-vc fn much as ivill ferme as a Pro-
logue to an Egg and Butter) Marry, I fay, fweet
Vfag, ivhei! thou art King, let not us that are 'Squires
of the Night's Body, he called Thieves of the Day\
Beauty : Let us be Diann'j Forefers, Gentlemen of the
Shade, Minions of the Moon ; and let Men fay, nve be
Men of good Go-jemment, being governed as the Sea is,
by our noble and chajl Miftrcfs the Moon, under nxihofe
Countenance 'we—ftcal, ■^— But I pr'y thee, fveet
Wag, jhcll there be Galloivs funding in England -lu^cw
tijou art King ? andjhall Refolution be thus fobbed as
it is, luith the rufly Curb of old Father Antick, the
Laiv? Do not thou nuhen thou art King hang a
I oiej . ,
Immediately after this S'r John Ms into a Strain of
Repentance, and cries oni. Thou art indeed, able to
corrupt a Saint : Thou ia/l done much Harm to me,
Hal, God forgi've thee for it : Before I itew thee,
Hd, I kne-M nothing, and noii} I am, if a Manfiould
fpcak truh, little better than one of the Wicked: I
m-iji "I've over this Life, and I i<:ill give it o^'er by
the Lord; an I do not I am a Villain. Vll be damnd
for ne^'er a Kings Son in Chriftcndom. Hereupon
the Privce asking him where he lliou'.d take a Purfe
the next Day, Sir John anfwered, I'l'here thou iisilf.
Led, r II make one ; an I da not, call me Villain, and
baff.e me. And when tlie Prince told him, he faw a
tion.
Poins, the briveft of all the Gang next to the Prince,
underliandiiig that there were Pilgrims going to St.
Thomas Bcckti's T omb at Canterbury, with ricn Pre-
fents, and that at the lame Time there were feveral
we;Jthv Traders tilling to London, he entered into an
Agreement with hu Higiinefs, that Faljiaf, Har'vey,
Rt'Jil, and Gads-Hill (fo called from the Place wliere
they ufed to rob) 'houlu Cike the Booty from them ;
and th It afterwards they (Poins and the Prince) (hould
rob the Robbers in Dil'guife, This Dcfign was ac-
cordingly executed; for the four that weie appointed
having got Porteflion of the fhining Metal, wnich was
the Piety of the Pilgrims, and the Life of the Tradef-
nien, ojr two Heroes fell upon them as they were di-
viding the Prey, p it them all to Flighty and went off
undifcovered, and fufficiently pleas'd. Some time
after this, Falftaffandi his ftout-hcarted Companions
in the Exj'Init, meeting the Prince and Poins at a Ta-
verii in Eaftchcap, which they all frequented, the
Knight begm, .ifter his ufual M.inner, to extol his
own Valo.:r, e\claiming bitterly againft all Cowards,
and profeill:'.g th;it good Manhood was forgot upon
the k-ce of the Earta. " There live not, quoth he,
" three g'lod iVlen unhang'd in England, and one of
" them (meai:ing himjelf) is fu, and grows old.
*' God help the while a bad World, I fay ! His High-
*' nefs afkin^ the Occnfon of this Bravado, Wliy,
'• fays Sir Jonn, here aie four of us nave taken a
•' thoaiantt Pounds this Morning ; but a hnndred a
*' full h'indred! fell upon us, ana took it away again
♦' I :tn a Rogue, if 1 was not at HaJf-Sword witli a
■•• Dozen of them two Hours together. I have ef-
" cap'd by a Miracle ; I am eight Times thruft
*• trirough the Doublet, four tliro' the Hofe, my
" Buckler cut through and through, my Sword hack'd
" h^e a Hand-Saw ; here, look at it ! I r>ever dealt
" better fmce I was a Man ; all would not do: A
" Plague of all Cowards, I fay Hill." The Prince
and Poins upon this, burfl; out a laughing, and told
the whole Story, Harvey, Rofftl, and Gads-Hili, Fal-
JUifi Gompanions, confefs'd that he had hack'd his
Sword with his Dagger, and faid, he would fwear
Truth out o£ England, but he would make Harry be-
lieve it was done in Fight, and that he had perfwaded
them to tickle tiieir Nofes with Spear-Grais to make
them bleed, and then beflabber their Garments with
it, and fwear it was the Blood of true Men. This
Inilance of his Worihip's Cowardice expofed him to
the Ridicule of the whole Gang ; but Sir John was
not to be laugh'd out of Countenance ; he had a
Salve for every Sore. " By the Lord, fays he, I
" knew ye as well as he that made ye ; but hark ye,
" my Mailers, was it for me to kill the Heir appa-
" rent ? Ihould I turn upon the true Prince ? Why,
" thou knoweft, I am as valiant as Hercules ; but
" beware Liftincl. The Lion will not touch the
" true Prince. — Inftinft is a great Matter , I was a
" Coward on Inllincl : I fhnll think the better of my-
" felf and thee during my Life : I for a valiant Lion,
" and thou for a true Prince." An excellent Way of
coming off I
Sir yohn however, feeras contrary to his ufual Cuf-
tom, to have taken this Difgracea little to Heart;
for the next Time he meets Bardolph, he accofts
him in this Manner : " Bardolph, am I not fallen
" away vilely fmce this lall Aflion ? do I not bate ?
" do not I dwindle ? why, my Skin kings about me
" like an old Lady's looie Gown : I am wither'd
" like an old Apple-John. Well, I'll repent, and
" th.it iuddenly, while I am in fome liking : I fhaU
" be out of Heart (hortly, .and then I fhall have no
" Strength to repent. And I have not forgot what
" the Infide of a Church is made o.f", I am a Pep-
" per-Com, a Brewer's Horfe : The Infide of a
" Church ! Company, villainous Company has been
" the Ruin of me!" Upon this Bardolph telling
him he was fretful, and could not live long, " Why
" there it is (quoth the Knight) come fing me 3
" b.iwdy Song to make me raerrv: I wf.s a virtu-
" oully given as a Gentleman need be , I (wore
" little ; diced not above feven Times a Week ;
" went to a Bawdy-Houfe not above once in a
" Quarter of an Hour ; paid Money th."t I borrow-
" ed — three or four Times ; liv'd well, and in good
" Compafs ; but now I live out of all Order, out of
" all Compafs." This may ferve for another Sketch
of Sir, John's Manner of rcprenting.
Some Time after this, the Civil Wars breaking out
between the Houfes of Tork and Lancafter, Prince
Henry was fent for to Court to defend the Throne
of his Father. Being unwilling to defert his humor-
ous old fquab Companion, he made him Captain of
a Company of Soldiers, with Orders to march down
to Shrenvfbury, to meet the Enemy. But before we
give an .Account of our Knight's Behaviour in the
Field of Battle, hear him ddcribe his Company. " If
" I be not .alham'd of my Soldiers, I am a fous'd
" Gurnet: I h.ave mifus'd the King's Prefs dam-
" nably ; I have got, in exchange of a hundred
" and fifty Soldiers, three hundred and odd Pounds.
" I prefs me none but good Houfe-holders, Yeo-
" mens Sons ; enquire me out contrafted Batchel-
" lors, fuch as have been ask'd twice upon the
" Banns ; fuch a Commodity of warm Slaves, as
" had as lieve hear the Devil as a Drum ; fuch as
" fear the Report of a Culverin worfe than a flruclc
" Fowl, or a hurt wild Duck. I prefs me none
" but fuch Toafts and Butter, with Hearts in their
" Bellies no bigger than Pins Heads, and they have
" bought out their Services ; and now my whole
" Charge confifts of Antients, Corpomls, Lieutenants,
" Gentlemen of Companies, Slaves as ragged as Z^-
" izarus in the painted Cloth, when the Glutton's
" Dogs lick'd his Sores, and fuch as indeed were
" never Soldiers, but difcarded unjuft Servingmcn,
" younger Sons of younger Brothers ; revoitcd Tap-
flers.
5i
" fters, ahd Hoftlers Trade-faU'n, the Cankers of
" calm World and long Peace, ten Times more dil-
" honourably ragged than an old-fac'd Antient ; and
" fuch have I to fill up the Rooms of thofe that
" have bought out their Services, that you would
" think I had an hundred and fifty tatter'd Pro-
" digals, lately come from Swine-keepitig, from eat-
" iiig DrafF and Hulks. A mad Fellow met me
" on the Way, and told me I had unloaded all the
" Gibbets, and prefs'd the dead Bodies. No Eye hath
" feen fuch Scare-Crows ; I'll not march thro' Ca-
" gentry with them, that flat. Nay, and the Vil-
" lains march wide between the Legs, as if they
" had Shackles on ! for indeed, I had the moll of
" them out of Prifon. There's but a Shirt and a
'.' half in all my [Company; and the half is two
" Napkins tack'd together, and thrown over the
" Shoulders like a Herald's Coat without Sleeves ;
" and the Shirt, to fay the Truth, ilollen from my
" Hoft of St. Albans, or the red-nos'd Inn-keeper of
" of Daintry ; But that's all one, they'll find Linnen
" enough on every Hedge.
The forces of Henry IV. and Hot-fpur Piercy be-
ing met at Shewjbury, the Place of Aftion, the
Morning before the Battle, /W^a^defires the Prince
to get artride him, and defend him, if he fhould hap-
pen to fall, telling him; that it would be a Point
of Friendfhip to do fo: To which the Prince pleafant-
ly replying, that nothing but a Collojjus could do hint
that Service, and that he ow'd Heaven a Death, bid-
ding him withal fay his Prayers, and take his Leave,
we have the following humourous Speech of the
Knight's upon Record, which he made in Anl'wer
to his Highnefs. The Debt to Heauen nvlub you
fpeak of is not due yet, and I Jhould be loth to fay him
before his Day. IVhat need 1 be fo forivard i<:ith
him that calls not on me? Well, ^tis no Matter, Ihnonr
fricus ne on : But hoiu if Honour pricks me ojff, ivhen
I come on? Haiv then ? Can Honour fet h Leg ? No.
Or an Aim? No. Or take aitiny the Grief of a
lf''ound? No. Honour hath no Skill in Surgery then ?
No. What is Honour? a Word. What is that ivord
Honour ? Air, a trim Reckoning. Who hath it ? He
that died on Wednefday. Doth he feel it ? No. Doth
be hear it ? No. It is infenjible then ? Yes, to the
Dead. But avill it not lice luth the Living? Na.
Why ? Detraaiou vcill not fujcr it. Therefore Pll ha"
none of it. Honour is a mere Scutcheon, and fo ends
my Catechifm. During the Battle, we find the valour-
ous Sir John getting as Lr as he can out of the W.iy,
and making tnis Soliloquy : Jho'' I could ^ scape pot-
free at London, 1 fear the Shot here ; here^s no fear-
ing ; but upon the Pate. Well, I am as hat as melt-
ed Lead, and as heanjy too ; Heaven keep Lead out of
Me : I nred no more iveight than mine ormn Bo-i.vels.
The Prince coming up, and chiding him for being
idle at fuch an important Time : O Hal ! pr^ythee
give me leave to breathe, fa) s he, Turk Gregory ne-
ver did fuch Deeds in Arms as I have done this Duy.
1 have paid Piercy j / have made him fure. Tiie
Prince tellirig him Piercy was alive, and {o leaving
him. Sir John goes on with the Soliloquy thus : If
Piercy be alive, I'll pierce him, if he comes in my
Way : If he do not, if I come in his, nvillingly, let
him make a Carbonado of me: I like not fuch grinning
Honour as Sir Walter hath, (feeing tlie dead Body of
Sir Walter Blunt, 3. brave old Commander.) Give
me Life, which if Jcanfave, I ivill ; if not. Hon-
our comes unfought, and there'' s an End ant. Im-
mediately after this the Prince and Hot-Spur meet,
and a terrible Encounter enfues ; Douglas, a Scots
Nobleman, and Friend to Hotfpur, falls at the fame
Time on Sir John, and Sir John falls on the liround,
to prevent any farther Mifchicf The Prince kills
Hotfpur J and laments his old Friend Jack, whom he
A GmCral History of
fancies to be dead ; talks of hrtvlng him imbowelled,
and fo departs. Sir John, who all this while had re-
ceived no Hurt, rileb at the Word imbowel, and
fpcaks as follows : " Imbowell'd ! if you imljowe!
" me To D.iy, I'll give you leave to powder me,
" and eat me To-Morrow : 'Sblood! 'tw::s Time to
" counterfeit, or that hot Termagant Scot had p^-.id
" me Scot and Lot too. Coiinterlcit ? I lie, I am
" no Counterfeit ; to die is to be a Counterfeit ;
" for he is but a Counterfeit of a Man who hath
" not the Life of a Man; but to counterfeit dying,
" when a M.an thereby liveth, is to be no Counter-
" feit, but the true and perfeft Image of Life in-
" deed. The better Part of Valour is Difcretion, in
" the which better Part I have faved my Life. But
" I am afraid yet of this Gunpowder Pierc\, tho'
" he be dead. How if he fhould counterfeit too,
" and rife .' I am afraid he would prove the better
" Counterfeit ? therefore I'll make him fure, yea,
" and I'll fwear I kill'd him. Why may not he rife
" as well as I ? Nothing confutes me but Eyes, and
" no body fee me ; therefore Sirrah, with a new
" Wound in your Thigh, come along with me."
Upon this, he very manfully ran the dead General
through the Thigh, and taking him upon his Back,
went to find out the King, that he might claim the
Honour of killing him. He was met by the Prince,
who almoll fancied he faw the Gholt of his old Cro-
ny : but Sir John loon eonvinc'd him that he was
the fame individual John Falftaff, fafe and found ;
and throwing down the Body, There fiys he, is
Piercy ; if your Father -will do me any Honour, let
him ; if not, he may kill the next Piercy himjelf: I
look to be either Earl or Duke, I tijjure you. The
Prince told him he kill'd Piercy himfelt, and faw him
lie, as he thought, dead. Didji thou, quoth Fat-
faff? Lord, Lord, fee hoiv the World is given to Ly-
ing : I grant I tvas doivn, andfo ivas he; but ice
rofe both at an hifiant, and fought a long Hour by
Shrcwlbury Clock : I'll take't on my Death, I gave
him that Wou?id in the Thigh; if the Man vjere alive,
and voould diny it, 1 nvould make him eat a Piece of
my Sivord.
One would have thought the Prince, after this,
fhould have had no more Employment for Sir John in
a martial Capacity ; and by what has been faid, there
is good Reafon to think that Sir John would have
been very well fatisfied at home in Qiiiet ; but whe-
ther his Highnefs was willing to crol's the capricious
old PVllow, or whatfoever elfe was the Caufe, it is cer-
tain, that a frclh infuiredion was no fooner heard of,
but Captain Falftajf was again ordered to appear in
Arms. When the Lord Cnief Juftice told him of it.
Well, fiiys the Knight, " all you that kifs my Lady
" Peace at home, pray that our Armies join not in a
" hot D,iy ; for i tike but two Shirts out with me,
" .ind I mean not to fweat e-xtraordinarily. If it be
" a hot Day, if I hrandifh any thing but a Bottle,
" would I m;iy never fpit white again. There is not
" a d;ingerous Artion can peep out his Head, but I
" am thrull upo.i it. Well, I c.innot kftever ! —
" But it w.ns always the Trick of our Nation, if they
" have a good Thing, to m;ike it too common. I
" would to God my Name were not fo terrible to
" the Enemy as it is ! I were better to be eaten to
" Death with a Rull, than to be fcour'd to nothing
" with perpetual Motion." Sir John took as muclj.
Care this Time in the Choice of his Men as had done
before, and was particularly cautious that he did not
get into the Field of Rutle too foon ; fo that the Ac-
tion was pretty well over when he made his Appear-
ance. However, he h.id the good Fortune to meet
a Knight of the Enemy's Party, called Sir John Cole-
ville of the Dale, who was endeavouring to make his
Efcape from the viftoriouJ Htnrj, Falfiaffhx^ him
furrender.
Pyratesy High-vjaymenj Murderers^ 6Cc.
53
rrender, aiid Sir John Cole-ville, tho' otherwife a
jve Man, did not think proper to difpute at this
ime. By this Accident our Bully Knight got into
5 Pofreffion one of the nobleft Prifoners that were
ken in tlie whole Engagement. He ibon met the
-ince, wlio began to call him to Account for his De-
yrs, " I Ihould be forry, my Lord, Jhys FallbfF, if
it were not thus ; I never knew yet but Rebuke
and Check were the Reward of Valour. Do you
think me a Swallow, an Arrow or a Bullet ? Have
I in my poor old Motion the Expedition of
Thought? I fpeeded hither with the very ex-
tremell Inch of Poflibility : I have founder'd nine
Score and odd Polls j and here. Travel-tainted as
I am, in my pure and immaculate Valour, taken
Sir jfoh>i Cole-viUe of the Dale, a moil furious
Knight, and valorous Enemy : But what of that ?
iie faw me, and yielded : that I may julUy fay with
the hook-noi'd Fellow of Rome, I came, Ifaiv, I
overcame. Here the Prince telling him it --was mare
out of Sir John Coleville's Courte/y than his de-
ferring, I know not that, quoth Sir John, but here
he is, and here I yield him ; and I befeech your
Grace, let it be book'd with the reft of this Day's
Deeds ; or, by the Lord, I will have it in a par-
ticular B.JhJ elle, with mine own Pidure at the
Top of it, and Cole-ville kiffing my Foot ; to the
v.hich Courfe if I be enforced, if you do not all
ihew ILke gilr Two-pences to me, and I, in the
clear Sky of Fame o'erlhme you as much as the
Full Moon doth tne Cinders of the Elements, which
ihew like Pins Head.- to her, believe not the Word
of the noble ; ti:eretore let me have my Right, and
let Defert mount." Vv''e liave no Account what
r.vard Sir John met with for this exemplary Piece of
dour.
TheRe.ider, by this Time, may have heard enough
Sir John FcJjlaJpi Cour.ige, it m.ay be proper,
erefore, to relieve him a little witli fome of our
niglit'b GalL.ntry, which was altogether as fmgular
the Former ; at Icilt, in the inllance we are going
produce. Two wealthy inhabitants of Wind/or,
ll'd Mr. Ford and Mr. Page, liv'd in very good
iendJhip ; The Wives were as great Cronies as the
ulbands, and were befides, the wittell, mcrriell
'omen in the whole Town : The gay eafy Tem-
r of the Dames made Sir John fancy tliey were
ich in love with him, and in this Opinion, he writes
ch of them a very amorous Epiitle, and fends 'em
the l^ime Time : The Confcquence of this, was a
ifi: between the two Women, wiien they laid their
ead^ together, how to be reveng'd upon the leach-
ius old Lo.-.d of iniquit)'. It was agreed, that Mrs.
iri/ Ihould give him Encouragement, and appoint a
ime for hiin to come and fee her. A Servant of Sir
■' ;'s In the me.an Time, goes and informs Mr.
.<■ .vho was before inclin'd to Jealoufy^ of the whole
fiair ? Ford goes to Sir John in Difguife, tells him
> .N.ime is Broom, and that he is in love with Mrs.
v./, offering him a l.-:;ge Reward, if he could help
m to the enjoying of her. /"«{/'/«/' hereupon dif-
vers the Hour of Ai'fignation, and proniifes to in-
odu'-e Mi". Broom-, who went away fully fatisiied of
terrible Plot againithis Head, which feemed already
iJed with Horns.
At the Time appointed, Ftdftaff goes to Ford's
oufe, and tlie good natur'd Gentlewoman received
:n in the bell Manner imaginable , but they had not
ng enjoy'd their Tranfport, before they were a-
rra'd by Mrs. Page, who was conceal'd in the next
com for that Purpofe : She feemed to come from the
reet, and told Sir Jo^k that Mr. /"a/v/ was coming .
ith a great many Neighbours, vowing Revenge. A
iflcetoffoul Linnen Hood by, and Sir Joi^a without
sremony defired to be put into it, and fent to the
'S
Wa(herwoman*s, or any whether, to efcape the Fury
of the injur'd good Man. The Balket was placed
there for this very Purpofe, and the Servants had their
Leifons beforehand : So the Knight was ftulPd in
and covered, and the two Men went away with the
Burden, who carried all together, threw it into a
fhallow Place in die Thames, and went their Way.
Sir John made a Ihif: to fcrabble out, ind get home.
Hear him give a Defcription of this Misfortune to one
of his Servants, " Go fetch me a Quart of Sack,
•' put a Toaft in it. Have I lived to be carried in a
" Balket, like a Barrow of Butcher's OfF-.l, and to
" be thrown into the Thames? Well, if 1 be ferved
" fuch another Trick, I'll have my Brains taken out
*' and butter'd, and give them to a Dog for a New-
" Year's-Gift. The Rogues flighted me into the
" River with as little Remorfe as they would have
" drowned a blind Bitch's Puppies, fifteen in the Lit-
" ter ; and you may know by the Size, that I have 3
" kind of Alacrity in finking : If the Bottom were as
" deep as Hell, I Ihould down. I had been drown-
" ed, but that the ihore was Iheivy and (hallow ; a
" Death that I abhor: for the Water fwells a Man :
" And what a Thing fliould I have been when I had
" been fwelled ? I Ihould have been a Mountain of
" Mummy. Come, let me pour in fome fack to the
" Thames Water ; for my Belly is as cold as if I had
" fwallow'd Snowballs, for Pills to cool the
" Reins."
The two Goflips, who knew hotKing of the Infor-
mation Mr. Ford had received, were amaz'd to fee
him come home in a real Fury : They could not fo
much as guefs at the Caufe ; however, they were re-
folved to have another Bout with Sir John, come what
would of it : To this End, their former Go-between
was ag.ain employ'd. The Knight was at firft refrac-
tory, bccaufe of his late ill Ufage ; but fo well did the
h.g tell her Story, that at lall he yielded to c-ome to
Mrs. Ford's ."'g-iii the next Mcrning between Eight
and Nine. No i'ooner was the Emifliry gone, but in
comes the S!iam Mr. Brcom. Faljiaf tells him how
he had fuccceded with Airs. Ford; how the peaking
Cornuto her Hulband liad came Home at the Prologue
of tlieir Comedy, with a Rabble of his Companions;
how he was cram'd into a Buck-Baiket, with foul
Shirts, Smocks, Stockings, and greafy Nap!-;.-.:, and
carried out ; how he vtas met by Ford, and frighten'd
terribly ; in fhort, how r.e was thrown hiffing hot
into the 1 tiames. " And think, A'laller Broom, fays
" he, how all this mull be to a M?Ji of my Kidney t
" but I am to meet her again this Morning, herHuf*
" band is gone a Birding ; and then, Mr. Broom,
" for you!" Ford, who having fearched all the
Houfe over before, and found no Body, was almoft
reconcil'd to his rib, now went away tnore uneafy
than ever ; all the Circuihilances agreed, and 'twas
plain he was a Dupe. -'--' Well, the Hour came, and
Falftaff went, but was no fooner there, than he waj '
again furpriz'd with Ford'i coming. The Womea
were very officious to drefs him in the Cloatlis of a
fat Woman, who pafs'd for a Witch, and whom
/»/■(/ had forbid his Houfe. Sir John, by this Means
efcaped unknown, but was heartily bang'd in his
Quality of an old Wom-in for prefumiiig to coir.e
there ; and Fard and his Friends fearch'd the Houfe
over again to no Purpofe.
Mrs. Ford thought it was new high Time to fether
Hulband at Eafe j fo Ihe and Mrs. Page produce
their Letters, and tell the whole Story to all the
Company. The Man was fatisficd, the Women
applauded, and a frelh Revenge was refolved on*
Mrs. Sluickly, the former Mellcnger, was fent again^
who informed Sir John fhe was Come from the Par'
ties. " The Devil take ore Party, and his Dam th«
" other, fays he, and fo they fliaU be both bellow'd ;
P "I havs
54
" I have fuffeiM niore for their fakes than the villai-
" nous inconllaiicy of Man's Dilpofition is able to
" bear. I was beaten into all the Colours of the
•' Rain-Bow, and like to be apprehended f9r the
" Witch of Branford: But that my admirable Dex-
" terity of Wit deliver'd me, I had been fet in the
" Stocks, in the common Stocks, for a Witch ! —
" Well, fays the cunning old Hag, but to prevent all
" Danger, fli'li meet you to Night in the Foreft,
" where you may pafs for Heme the Hunter, who,
" they fay, walks with a great Pair of Horns on his
" Head: Put on the Horns, and fear nothing !" F^/-
Jlaff cordtnieA, the Woman went her Way, and Mr.
Broom came again, not now to entrap his Wife, but
only to catch the Knight, who tells another lamen-
table Story of his being beaten grievoufly in the Shape
of a Woman : For in the Shape of a Man, Majler
Broom, fays he, Ifear not Goliah, imth a Wcwjer'' s
Beam. But meet me at Night, and all fhall he ivell.
So he recitd the whole Story of his new Affignation.
This was the word Punilhment of all ; for Ford, Page,
their Wives, Children, and Friends, were ready a-
gainft the appointed Hour, all drefs'd like Fairies.
Sir John, as before, went to the Place in Time, big
with the Hopes of enjoying what he had fought fo
long, and fuffer'd fo much for. A huge P.iir of
Stags Horns were upon his Head, which he elteem'd
as emblematical of thofe he was to fix upon the Head
of poor Ford. In a Word, the Fairies came, and
pinched him almofl to Death ; which done, tliey all
difcovered themfelves : And from this Time poor
Faljiaff became a Laughing-Stock to all the good
People in Windfor. He has humouroufly delcnbed
this Difpofition of Mankind towards him in thefe
Words : " Men of all Sorts take a Pride to gird at
" me. The Bram of this foolifh compounded Clay,
" Man, is not able to invent any thing that tends to
*' Laughter more than I invent, or is invented on
" me : I am not only witty in myfelf, but the Caufe
" that Wit is in other Men."
How much of the foregoing Stories we ewe to
the fruitful Invention of Shakefpear, we fliall not pre-
tend to determine. 'Tis certain the whole Charac-
ter of Sir John Falfiaff, as he has drawn it, whether
it be entirely founded upon Truth or no, is one of
the moll beautiful Pieces in our Langur.ge ; which
may be a fufficient Excufe for our inferting fo much
of it. Thofe who are acquainted with the Plays from
which the foregoing is extracted, will fee we h.ave
bellowed a pretty deal of Labour, and, we hope,
Tome Judgment in what we have done, which is all
we Ihall fay concerning ourfelves. Give us Leave,
however, to add, that the late celebrated Duke of
Buckingham, after he has difcourfed very finely up-
on the humour of our Plays, ufes thefe Words :
But Falftaff yf^/K/ inimitable yet.
We now proceed to give a lefs poetical Account
of fome of the merry Pranks which are recorded of
our Hero ; and indeed a very different Account from
the foregoing. Inftead of making him a Coward, a
Glutton, and a Drunkard, all other Authors that
mention him fay, he was a very brave Commander ;
and that, on the Account of hj« Valour againll the
York Faftion, King Henry IV. knighted him, and
gave him a Peifion of four hundred Marks per Ann.
which wa. • great Income in thole Days. Be this as
it will, his Revenue was not fufficient to fupport his
Extravagancies j for all agree, he took up the Occu-
pation of a Gentleman Highwayman.
He firft fet out upon this unlawful Defign by him-
felf ; but a Man need never want a Companion in
Wickednefs, feveral other dilToIute and diforderly
Gentlemen ^ukkly enter'd themfelves into his Ser-
A General History of
vice : Their Names were the fime as before recite
and the Robberies they committed were aJmoll i
numerable. They were completely mounted and an'
ed, and having been lately in the Service of the Hot
of Lancajler, they wanted not for Skill to make i
of thofe Advantages. Scarce could a Travellfr
fate for them upon any Road for a hundred M;
round London, tho' the Place which Sir John hii
felf commonly coUefled at was Gads-Hill in Kent.
It was here that he one Day met a Country F;
mer, and demanding what Money he had about hii
the Farmer replied. None ; addnig, that he did r
ufe to carry Money about him for Fear of Ro
bing. Sir John hereupon, commanded him to kn(
down, and fall to Prayers ; and at the fame Time
pulled a little Manual out of his Pocket, and kne.
ed down by him. The Countryman did not knc
what to make of this unfeafonable Piece of Devr
tion, and would willingly have taken another Tu
and Place to make nis Orifons. But there was
refilling Necelfity : Sir John was inclined to be pioi
and the Farmer mull be fo too, at leall mull appi
fo ; for very probably his Fear might abate the F
vour which he might elfe have fliewn. The Knij
mumbled over fome Words between his Teeth w
a great deal of feeming Devotion, and then enqui)
ot his Fellow Chrillian how it fared with him ; j
Hea'ven, he laid, tuould not be deaf to the pious ^
drej/'es of thofe that nvei e fincerely de'vout ; nxherefo
pr^y thee feel in thy Pockets, that ive may fee lu.
God hath fent thee. The Countryman did fo, 1
pretended he could find nothing : Upon which
John feelir.g in his own Pockets, pulls out a Ni
penny Piece, telling him withal, I'hat for certain
pray'd not heartily ; therefore 'twas neceltary
him to pray again. If you look, fays he, dire<
towards Heaven, it cannot be but you mull get fon
what as well as I. With that, putting his H:
into his Pocket again, he puhs out a Thirteen-Pe:
Half-penny Piece. Still the other poor Man had
Succefs : He could not find a fingle Farthing, :
doubtlefs he pray'd, tliat no Body elfe might i
any Thing upon him. He produces now no
than a Noble, Six Shillings and Eight-Pence ! 1
Countryman continued firmly in tl.e Negative: U]
which Sir John told him plainly. That either he
not pray ti ith De'votion, or elfe he nvould not let i
him fee hoiv liberal Hea'ven had been to him? Fori
he, ho'tv comes it to pafs, that my Prayers fnould
heard, and not yours ? If you pray •with as much ^
ritual Zeal, as fou outii-'ardly make Shenju of, it K
needs he, that by this Time you hatje gained 'very c
fideiably. Therefore I am refolved to examine into
Truth of this Matter. He did fo, and found in
Countryman's Pockets twenty Broad-Pieces of G(
at whicn they were both amaz'd. Sir John feemi
ly at tne Liberality of Heaven, and the other rt:
at the Lois of his Money. Faljiaff, however, di;
better with the Farmer, than he cxpefted : For
gave him the Money, which he had at leveral Till
taken out of his own Pocket, adding this feverej
primand. What a hypocritical Rogue are you to ena
•vour to cheat me, your Companion, at this Rate !
this the Agreement ive made before ive uvent toPraye
Good Lord ! hoiAife--j People are jujl upon Earth I 11
to punijh you fo, your IJickednefs, 1 Jhall keep iv I
Hea'ven has fent into your Pocket ; but that you 1 1
not ivant upon the Road, take ivhat J haue got 1\
praying ; and ivhen you are got home J acquaint y '
Neighbours •with ivhat an honeft Gentleman you >. ,
ivho ga've you Eight Shillings and Si.x- Pence, iv '
you endeavoured to cheat him of tiventy Broad Pie •
A little after this religious Lnterprize Sir John, ; 1
fome of his Comrades, met tlie common Hangman •
mine from an Execution at King/ion upon Tk«m •"
T
C
Ti
W
i\
Pyratesy H'tghwajme?!, Murdercrsy 5Cc.
5S
They robb'd him of whatlitde Money he had, and
then dragged him out of the Road, into an adjacent
"Wood, and hang'd him upon a Tree, as a dangerous
fellow to their Profeffiun, which, in their Opinion,
was a very honourable one.
On the fime Day that the Executioner was exe-
cuted Sir John received Notice of the Return of a
certain rich IVIeichant, who had been at a Fair at
Guilford. Upon this he drefied himfelf in Woman's
Apparel, and rode along 'till he came in Sight of his
intended Prey. He then alighted; and lying down,
»fter he liad tied his Horle in a Wood, he filled the
Road with loud Cries and Lamentations ; accufmg
Heaven and Earth as confpiring in his Misfortunes.
TJie Merchant, being a Man of a brisk and airy
Temper, and one who well underftood the Delights
of a Fem:ile Converfation, was not a little mov'd
with Joy at this happy Surprizal, imaginuig himfdf
in the eafy Poflcffion of a jolly young Woman; for
indeed Sir John, though fometning of the thickeft,
did not make a difagreeable Figure in Jiis Female
Habit: There appeared- fo m^cli Delicacy and Soft-
nefs in his Skin, (it leaft whr,t was feen of it, for he
was mask'd;) that not a few Women would hzxs
been proud to have polTcll the like. The honeft
Man, tjierefore, very generoufly a-lights from his
Horfe, and enquires of the fair Charmer (for fo he
called Sir John) what was t.ie Caule of her Com-
plaints ? She, poor Soul, for lier F.rt tells him a long
Story of iier piteous Adventures ; as that fhe had
been to vifit toaie Relations along with a barbar-
OJ! inhuman Brotner.who had left her in this unknown
Pi.ici;, up.jii t ver) fn^ .11 Difference tliat had arifen.
''r>v .s inipoJsote for tlie tender-hearted Merchant to
help picyijig ;'er Mi-fortunes, which he looked upon
to be real, uiiu joining with her in lamenting her
Condition, and curhng the Cruelty of her Brorlier,
Pity, it li;js beta obfcrv'd, frequently tunes the Soul
to Love i and thai it was with oar Merchant : He
fate hinuelf dc.-'n, and fpokc a gre.it many foft
Thing'' ; and, in Ihort almoll brought M.itters to
the lalt Extremity. Sir John, wno ^vas lliil coveied
with his Mifk, made but a feeble Refnlance, only
crying, / am undone, loft, ruin d fore'ver ! Alas, dear
Sir, nvhat do you mean ? What ivouid you do ivith
mt? Is this your Compaffim ? This your Kind'icfs to a
poor, diJJre£ed, mifcrable Creature ? What ! rob me
of my Honour, dearer to me than my Life ? For Hea-
ven s fake. Sir, forbear ! The Merchant w.o not to
be repulled wich fuch a weak Oppofition as this ;
be thought it was only Virgin Modelly that would
prefendy be overcome ; and therefore, comforted his
4ear Soul with all tlie kind Words, and fair Promifes
be could invent, taJvlng her by the Hand, and leading
her to the Entrance of the Wood ; Sir John, fee-
ing it now Time to draw towards a Conclufion,
told him. That f.nce her Misfortunes had fo ordered
it, that Jhe nuas fallen into his Hands, Jhe entreated
be nvould do her the Fa-jour to advance farther into
tbeWo:id, that Jhe might jwt be openly projHtuted. Still
our 'excellent Droll fobbed, and cried, and called up-
on Death a thoufand Times to come ind fuccour
ker, before Ihe was eternally difgrac'd. The Mer*
chant complied -.vitu this lali reafonable Requeil, and
went with her into the moll folitary Part of the
Wood ; wherq being jull about to work his wielded
Will upon tne poor unhappy yielding Creature, td
his great Surpnze, as well as Pain, fhe drew a Poig-
nard oat of her Bolbm, »nd thruit him through one
©f bis Arms: The amorous Gallant being hereby
iilabled, his fuppofed Female Beaaiy rifled nis Poc-
kets, took out three or four Purfes of Gold, and
immedi uely rode off with the Booty.
- Anotner Time,. Sir John, in Company with but one
^f Jiis Companions, met a couple of Friers, belong-
ing to a Monafter)', which, in thofe Times of Popery,
was at Dartford in Kent : Our thieving Knight fbip-
ped them ol their religious Habits, which was much
tigainit the Will of his Companion, 'till he gave him
the following Reafon for his lb doing. You kno-zi,\
fays he, that ive are not far from Lewifham, nuhert
there is a noble large golden Oialice, belonging to tht
Church, and you ought to kno'-ju as luell, that there is
no Habit ivhich a Man can rob in fo faftly as a reli-
gious one. My Ad'vice then is, That tve affume tht
Sheeps Cloathing, and make the beft of our Way to the
Curate^ s Houfe. Ne^er doubt of Succef, and leavt
the ConduJi of the Affair to me. Falfraffi, Comrade
was now very well pleafed with the Contrivance, and
confented to alTill in the putting it forthwith in Prac-
tice. Away march our two Friars, and the generous
Curate, believing them to be what they appeared,
received them, in a Manner lb ver>' kindly as gave
them frefh Hopes of fucceeding in their Defign. At
Night, as they lay together, they were a confiderable
Time confulting how they fhould carry on the Affair :
But they at lalt concluded to both their Satisfoftions,
and went to Sleep. The Morning being come, they
got up very early, and went to the Curate's Cham-
ber, telling him, // m-'as their Cuflo?n to fay Mafi
always at that Time ; and therefore they defired he
ivouldjoin ivith them. The good Man, without mi-
lirulling any Thing, arofe and opened the Door {
which he had no fooner done, but our two RuiSans
rufhed in upon him, knock'd him down, gagged him,
and tied him Neck and Heels; after which, they
broke open his Trunks, and took away all his Mo-
ney ; and not contented with this, they took the
Keys of the Church, and carried away not only the
Chalice, but all the other Ornaments that were porta-
ble, and ib they marched off.
One Day as Sir John 'vvns riding along the Poa4
by himfelf, he met with two of his own Profefton,
who, not knowmg iiim, and feeing he made a good
Appearance, thoigiu they had found a Prize. With
this Confidence they rode up to him, who did not en-
derivour to avoid 'em, and bid him ftand ; fwearing,
damn 'em, and fink 'em, he uas a de.id Man, if he
did not in .mediately deliver his Money. Sir John be-
ing accuiiomed not to give, but to t^c, could not
heartily relilh this Demand ; and thereiore, very
boldly told them, he had none ; at tlie fame Inflant
laying hi" Hand fuddenly upon one of their Swords,
he wrenched it out of Jiis Hand, and gave hirr. fucli a
Blow with it on his Arm, that the P. in took away all
Senfe. Having done this, he fet upon the other very
furioufly, who, being lefs valiant than his Companion,
betook himfelf to the Swifuiefs of his HSrfe's Heels.
But Sir John purfaed him fo clofel}-, that he made
him yield himfelf to his Mercy : Upon v. hich he ge-
neroufly gave him his Life, after reprimanding him
feverely for attempting to meddle with one who wa«
liis Mailer at his own Trade. Retuming after this to
the other, whom he had firft firuck, he threaten'd
him with Death, if he deli\'er'd not his Money :
The poor Thief would willingly have exiEus'd him-
felf by pretending he had none: But Falffaff was not
to be put off in that Manner, being well fatisfied there
was no Credit to be given to Perfoni of that Voca-
tion. He very orderly therefore applied to his Poc
kets, where he found a large Quantity of Gold and
Silver, theSpoils of a great many hoaelt People. To
be more completely revenged of his Antagonift, Sii'
y^/.*?; bound him rtrongly Neck and Heels, wrote hi?
Crime upon a Paper, and pinned it to his Brealt }
then placed him- where he might be e^pofed to the
View of all Paflengers.
The unfortuftati Highw»'.maii had not lain long
in this Pofition,- -before fome whom he had lately rob-
bed came by, who looking at die Paper, and at the
fame
56
A Gefieral History t)f
fame Time examining his Face, knew him to be the
Man ! Upon this they carried him before a Magillrate,
who committed him to Prifon, where he remained
till the next AiTizes, when he was convided, fentenc'd,
and {hortly after executed. Thus was Sir John the
Means of bringmg one of his Brethren to Juftice, while
in the Height of his own Crimes ; but the Adiion was
honourable, and in his own Defence ; for the Soul of
our Knight was above fubmitting to the detefled
Office of a mercenary Thief-Catcher.
Sir John followed this diforderly Courfe of Life a
great many Years ; and what made him the more da-
ring in his unlawful Enterprizes, was the having a no
lefsMan than the eldeft Son of King Henry IV. in his
wicked Fraternity, with whom he was very familiar,
as we have before obferved. This Prince being
prompted on by his own vicious Inclinations, and the
Fire of Youth, and encouraged by a Set of debauched
and abandoned Courtiers, committed fuch Extrava-
gancies as are almoll incredible : For he not only fre-
quently robbed upon tne Highway, in Company with
Falftaf and others, whom we have mention'd, but
went fo far as to fet upon his Father, and feveral
Times put in Fear of fome Defign againll his Perfon:
For Kings went not guarded in thofe Days as they do
at prefent. He attempted alfo to refcue a Prifoner
from the Face of Juftice, in the Court oi King's-Bench,
Wejiminfter ; for which he was himfelf committed a
Prifoner by the Lord Chief Juftice, whom he ftruck
on the Seat of Judgment. The Juftice was admir'd
and applauded for Siis Action ; and the Prince, not-
withftinding his ungovernable Temper, fubmitted to
the Sentence, feemmgly without Keluftance. And
indeed it appears this Prince, who had a prodigious
natural Genius, often difapprov'd his own Extravim-
ces when he came to refledt ferioufly. Shake/pear has
given us a Speech, or nther Soliloquy of his, fup-
pos'd to be fpoken at the Place of Haunt in Enjicheap,
immediately uoon parting with his fcandalous Com-
pany. 'Ti5 m ciiefc Words : / knovj you all, and
•will uphold your Humour a little , yet in this luill I
imitate the Sun, luho permit! the bafe contagious Clouds
to hide his Pcauty fometimes from the World, that ivhen
he pleafti to be himfelf again, at a Time lAjhen he is
•very much ivanted, he may be the more loondcr d at,
by breaking thro'' the foul and ugly Mifts and Vapours
that feemed almojl to f mother andfiranggle him. If all
the Year njjere Holidays, it luould be as tedious to fpart
as to ivork J but 'when Play-days come feldom, they
come 'wifli'd for, and nothing pleafes but luhat is rare :
So ivhen I throiu off this bafe Beha-viour, and pay the
Debt I never promised, by hoiu much I am better than
my Word, by fo much fhall Ifalfify Men's Hopes : and
my Reformation glittering O'ver my Fault, like bright
Metal upon a fullen Ground, /hall fhevj more goodly,
end attraQ more Eyes than that which has no foil to
fet it off. And we find this illullrious Perfon was not
at all worfe thin his Word, efpecially in the the Cafe
of the Lord Chief Juftice.
This good Man, upon the Death of Henry IV.
was under terrible Apprehenfions of Severity from
die Hands of his new Mafter : The young King put
on a fullen Countenance, and reprehended with a
great Deal of feeming Warmth ; and the Judge de-
fended himfelf as nobly as he had afted before, by
telling him, that upon the Bench he reprefented his
Father, who was infulted in his Perfon ; and defir^ng
him to make the Cafe his own, and confider whether,
now he was King, he would fuiFer his Dignity to
he profan'd in a Cnief Magiftrate, by a difobedient
Son. But how agreeably was this venerable Perfon
furpriz'd, when his Majefty returned him this Anfwer :
" You are right, Juftice, and you weigh the Matter
2 weii i tAerefoxeiliJl bear the Ballance and the Swoid,
'' .and I wilh you Honours may increafe till you
" live to fee a Son of mine offend you, and obey
" you as I did: So fhall 1 live to fpe.ik the Words of
" my Father, Happy am I, that i iiave a Magiftrate
" fo bold as to dare to do Juli:ce upon my own
" Son i and no lets happy i-n having a Son that
" would deliver up his Greatnefs into jtiie Hand of
" Juftice. You committed ine ; for which I com-
" mit into your Hand the unihiin'd Sword that you
" ufed to bear, remembring you fliil to ufe the lame
" with the like bold, juft, and imptirtial Spirit as
" you have done againft me. There is my Hand )
" you fhaU be a Fatlier to my Youth, and I will
" humble mylelf to your wile Direftions: I will
" mock the Expeftations of tlie World, andfruflrate
" the Prophefies of the Vuigiir : My Tide of Blood,
" that has proudly flow'd lu Vanity till now, fhall
" turn back to tlie Sea, from wlieuce it fhall hence-
" forth flow in State and ibnnal Majefty. The wifell
" of our Nation fhall form our Council, of which
" you. Father, fhall be the Chief, and I will min-
" gle in your folemii Debates 'till Peace and War be-
" come familiar to me, and England is own'd the
" beft-govern'd Nation in the World." It is fur-
ther reported of this Prince, that he was wont every
Day after Dinner to fet apart two Hours to receive
Petitions, and redrels Grievances, which he would do
with wonderful Equity ; and tlwt he fent to Rome to
be abfolved from the Death of King Richard II. (of
which 'tis thought his Father was guilty) tho' 'tis
certain he had no Hand m it.
This Account of the Reformation of King Henry
V. is doing Jultice to the Memory of one of the great-
eft and bert Monarchs th.it ever fate upon the Eng-
Itfh Throne : Befides, it is not altogether foreign to
our Defign, as it makes W.iy for another Story of
our Hero, Sir John Faljlcff. The Knight was in
the Country, at the Houfe of one JuUice S'/'^j/iW,
an old ."Acquaintance of his, when the News was
brought by Pifiol of his Friend //«/'s Adv.ancement.
He was unable to contain his Joy, and fummoning
all his own Gang and the Juftice's Family about
him, he made this Harangue : Away Bardolph, fad-
die my Horfes. '"Mailer Robert Shalloiv, chufs
what Office thou wilt in the Land, 'tis thine
Pijlol, I will double charge thee with Dignities——"
Carry Mafter Silence to Bed Mafter Shallow, my
Lord Shallow, be what thou wilt ; I am Fortune's
Steward. Get on thy Boots; we'll ride all Night
■ ' Oh ! fwcet Pijtol, utter more to me j and with-
al advife fomething to do thyfelf good. Boor,
Boot, Mafter Shalloiu, I know the young King is
fick for me— — Let us take any M.,n's Horles ;
the L.iws of England are at my Commandment-
Happy are they who have been my Friends j and
Wo to my Lord Juftice. Accordingly they all got
ready, and Mr. Shallovj lent Sir John a thoufand
Pounds to maintain his Dignity, 'till the King
loaded him with Riches. They rode poll to London,
and came juft Time eiiough to fee the Coronation.
The whole Company got among the Mob, and Sir
John addrefl'td himfelf to the Juftice in tiiis Mai>-
ner : Stand here Ly me, M.iUer Robert Shallo'w, I
will make tlie King do you Grace; I will learupon
him as he comes by j and do but mark tlie Counte-
nance that he will give me. O if I had Time to
have made new Liveries, I would have bcftow'd the
thoufand Pounds I borrow'd of you. But it is no
Matter, this poor Shew doth better; it infers the
Zeal I had to fee him ; it fhews my Earneftnefs of
AfFeftion ; my Devotion, as it were, to ride Day and
Night, and not to deliberate, not to remember, not
to have Patience to fhift me, but to ftand ftained with
Travel, and fweatin^ with Defi;te to lee him, think-
ing
pirates, H'lghv.hijmenj Murderers^ &Cc.
57
ing of nothing elfe, putting all AfF.iir in Oblivion,
as if there were ftotliing elfe to be done but to fee
him. .
Thus did Sir Jain run on in a lofty Strain, iRdulg-
ing his own Vanity, and the Hopes of all that were
with him, till the Royal Perfon appear'd in all the
Splendour and Magnificence that was fuitable to the
Occafion. Godfavethy Grace, King Hal, my Jh:-eet
Boy, my Jo've, my Heart.' faid Sir Jo/^n with his
wonted Air: But how was he difappointed, when,
inllead of the Warmth he expeaed to be receiv'd
with, his Majefty, with a forbidding Countenance,
:3eliver'd thefe Words ! 1 knonjj thee not, old Man,
v:'>mt is th Meaning? Do thefe 'white Hairs be-
■erne a Buffoon and a Jefter? I ha've long dream' d
'nJcei of fuch a Man as thou art, fofurfeit-fiveWd,
'0 old, and fo prophane : But being awake, I defpife
nv Dream— Make thy Body le/s, and thy Grace more ;
''or Grave gapes for thee three Times ifjider than
■'or other Men.^Do not reply to me "joith a foolijh
Jf/l, nor be fo prefumptuous as to think me the Thing
hat I was : Heawn knows, and the World Jhall
rrceive, that I have turned away my former felf •, fo
uill I thofe that have kept me Company. When
hvu Jhalt hear that I am 'what I ha've been, ap-
roach me, and be what thou, waft, the Tutor and
■eeder of my Riots ; 'till then, I banifh thee from my
Pretence, as I have done the reft of my Mijleadtrt ;
— dare not henceforth, on Pain of Death to comt
•within ten Miles of our Perfon : I i:<iU allow you
a Competence for Life, that Want may not induct yoH
to Evil ; and as ive hear of your Amendment, ive
iviil advance you according to your Strength and !^a-
lities. The King did according to his Word in e-
ver)' Particular, and conquer'd himfelf in a manner
that won the Hearts of all his People.
Habits of \'ice are very difficult to be worn ofF,
even tho' the Occafions that iirft produc'd thera
ceafe ; Henry's Extravagancies were only the Sallies
of a great and violent Soul, not yet fubjefted to
the Government of Reafon; but Sir fohn was grown
grey in Iniquity, he aded his Crimes with Coolnefs
and Deliberation ; neither the E.xample, the Severity,
nor the Promifes of his Sovereign, could have any
Effedl upon him. He continued his difToIute Coutles
'till he was apprehended, and committed to Maid-
ftone Goal for a Robbery at Gad's-Hill. At the
next Aflizes he was capitally couvided, but the
King unwilling he Ihould fufFer Death, order'd him
only to tranfport himfelf in a Month's Time out
of the Engltjh Dominions. It was thought this
Sentance, tho' very mild, broke the Knight's Heart,
for he died before the Time allow'd him was e.x-
pir'd.
The LIFE o/ ARTHUR CHAMBERS.
H
A VINO gone through the L\k of Falftaff,
or r.ither a Series of comic Adventures
peif^rrPicd by him, and his Gang of merry
ows, w^iich we have e.xacled from authentick
lemoirs, and fome Toaches of our great Shake-
ear, we (hall pafs over to latter Days, and prefcnt
if Readers with Tranfafkions of Modem Date, and
hicli Thoul'ands now living may, probably, be no
rangers to. We Jhould, indeed, have premifed
;fore, that our Countrymen were not to expeft a
CceiTive Order of the Perions, whole Exploits (if
,ey may be termed fo) we have determined to
rite; bat on ice otlier Hand, fuch a mix'd Ac-
mnt as might have two Effeds on the Minds of
IT candid Readers ; by which Expreffion we beg
we to be undeiitood, that our .Aim, throughout
e Courfe of thefe Sheets, is, fometimes by fetting
fore them the oddeil Occurences that ever happened
Life, fo to amufe them that they may receive a
ft deal of Pleafure while they read ; and at other
imes, by draw ing horrid and melancholy Scenes of
eath and Murder, fo to awaken them that the/
y detell the like Vicc^ ; and in purfuing this
)urfe, we have reafon think we Ihall do no fmall
rvice to our Countrymen.
The Perfon we are going to treat of, was named
■thur Chambers, One of bafa Extradtion, and con-
iifi juently void of Education, good Manners, or any
"■ her Qualification that was amiable ; from his Iii-
icy he had a natural Propenfity to Pilfering, and,
f^ caufe the poor Circumllances of his Parents deprived
,ll n of acquiring what might fet him oft" in the
i(ri orld, the loofe Way of Living he had contraded
)ik »m a vagabond and la^.y Life, quite turned his
t6
Thoughts to dillioneft U'ays of fupporting himfelf;
'Tis even affcrted that he more than once play'd the
Thief in Hanging-fleeve Coats, and if this be true,
we need not wonder he became fo expert in his Em-
ployment, as he called it.
The firll Step, in his Opinion, to compleat him a
thorough Mailer in the thieving Art, was to have at
his Fingers Ends, all the canting Language (which
comprehends a Parcel of invented Words, fuch as
Thieves very well know, and by which ihey can
diilinguiih one another from the other Clafres of
Mankind) in order to the Attainment whereof, he
put himfelf under the Direftion of an experienced
Teacher that Way ; and what was foon obfervable,
attended fo clofely to the Diftates of his Preceptor,
that he not only out-rivalled him, but became fu-
perior to any of his cotemporary Thieves.
Chambers quickly difcover'd how plealing his new
Language was to him ; for he could not enter an
Alehoufe, but he would be punning with the Land-
lord : Indeed his gay Apparel (for Arthur could not
endure the Thought of being called a Sloven) gain-
ed very often on the Mailers of the Houfes he fre-
quented, to fit down by him, and liften to his jocular
Way of talking : Sometimes, from the Ignorance of
fome of them, he would impudently aflert that what
he now and then mixed with his ordinary Englifr,
was the pureft Greek in the World, and, to convince
them he was fmcere in what he advanced, would fre-
quently pull out of his Pocket a GrtekTtftamtra, and
fay. Sir, this Book luen made by one of the old Phi-
lofophers ; helicve me, I have ftudied it this dozen
Tears, and every Moment 1 look' d into it, I gain' da
T'v:eh( -month's KniKvlfdge. The Landlord would
Q. b«
58
A Ge^ieral H i s t o r v of
be gazing all the while open-mouth'd at Chambers,
and to be fore, he, on his Part, \v;i3 \try intent up-
on fomething befides his Greek Tejiament, for, foon
after, a general Complaint was made of Abundance
of Money being loft, but, which Way, was the
Queftion.
A while after this, our Praftitioner was fent to
Britietuell, there to anfwer, with hard Labour, fomc
petty Abufes he had committed ; but, obtaining his
Liberty he began to refleft, that fome Way or other
was of Neceffity to be found out to make his Life
more agreeable and lefs burthenfome to him, than
it had been of late ; he found that the Town be-
gan to fufpeft him, and having very clear Eyes to
fee into thofe Things that concerned himfelf, he left
it with a hearty Curfe, and went down to Launcef-
tOH in Cornivall.
It feems the Inhabitants here received him with
open Arms for a confiderable Time, and his merry
Difpofition foon procured him the Acquaintance of
Men of Note in that County : He had taken Care
too before his leaving London, to fupply himfelf with
a great Number of falfe Crown and Half-Crown
Pieces, which, on his Arrival, he uttered at all the
Places he frequented, but Abundance of Perfons ha-
ving been deceived with thefe Pieces, and a gene-
ral Complaint made round about. Search was made
ev,ery where for the apprehending of the Cheat, and
poor Chambers was talcen up ; tne Confequence of
which was fending him to Goal, where he remained
a Year and a Half before he could get his Enlarge-
ment.
Carmuall now became too hot for him to ftay
any longer there ; he had forfeited his Reputation
with his Acquaintance ; he found no Relief, nor
no Signs of any ; and what could he do in thefe
Circumftances ? Why, he made the bell Way he was
able to London, where on the very firft Day of his
Arrival, he performed the moll cunning, artful, and
yet barefac'd Piece of Felony that ever was heard
of. The Faft Hands thus recorded.
Having alighted from the Waggon, he went di-
reftly to an Alehouie in Wejl-SmithfieU, where, feat-
ing himfelf in a Box, and c dling for a Pint of Beer,
and a Slice of Bread and Cheefe, he comfortably re-
frelh'd himfelf; then filling into Difcourfe with ibme
Tradefmen in the next Box to him, about the Coun-
try and quiet Enjoyment of a rural Life, the Talk
was infenfibly turned upon Diving or picicing of Poc-
kets (a Circumllance of all others the moft furprizing,
as it 'vas obierved the Company had been reafoning
very gravely a long Time on the Advantages of a
Country before a City Life.) Otambers improved
the Hint, and faid, // luas a thoufand Pities no bet-
ter Pronjijion could be made for the Sufprcjjlon of lit-
tle Villians ; for added he. Death ivas too ample a
Punijhment for a Perfon if he robbed the ivhole H^orld ;
but 'why Jhould I talk thus, continued he, if great
Offenders are fufered, nvell may the poor and Necef-
Jitous fay — Wir mujl li-ve, and ivhere'i the Harm of
taking a fenu Guineas from thofe luho can fpare
them, or ten thoufand to one nvho robbed others of
them ? — Tor my onun Part, J look on a dextrous Pick-
pocket as a very necejfary Man in any Government
nuhate'ver ; as fuch a Perfon draius fo much from
the Purfes of his Countrymen, nuhich othenuife ivould
be fpent in Gaming or ff^haring: Look ye. Gentlemen,
1 can pick a Pocket as •well as any Man in Great-
Britain, and yet, tha" I fay it, am as honefi as the beft
Englilhman breathing ; for an Infiance of luhat I fay,
cbferve the Country Gentleman jitj} nonu pajjing by the
IVindotu rilftep out and take his Watch tho^ it is
nrwfcarce five o'clock.— A Wager of lo /. was im-
mediately laid that he did not perform it ; Chambers
anfwer'd the Bett, and prefently pulhing out of the
\
Door, made a quick Round till he came to the End
of Long-Lane, where he met \\iui the Gentleman,
and courteoufly pulling of his Hat to him, ask'd if.
he could inform him which w; s the nighett Way to
Kna'vc' s-Acre ; — to which the Cicntlem.m replied,—^
Lack-a-day Friend, you ask a very ignorant Perfon,
for I am a Stranger here, aud-ixant to knoit) the near-
eft Way to Moor-fields : Oh ! oh ! Sir, I li-jt
there, and can acquaint you iK-hich Way to take ; eX-
cufe me. Sir, I ivould <zi. i/lingly bear you Companj
thither, but extraordinary yjjfaiis calling me to firn.
out a Place called KnMes-Aae, I muft neceffanly bi
jogging on ; but be pleajed to take my beft Directions .
So faying he pointed with his Hand u^Look you. Sir
you have no other M'ay to go than direSlly along thi
Lane, luhich "vill bring you into a Street called Bajbi
can, that into a dirty Lane over againft it, and tha
into Chifwell-Street, the End ivhereof 'u:ill lead yoi
into Moorfields. All this while tiie Country Gentle
man was ilareing the Way Chambers pointed, who h
the Interim, made fure of his Watch, and after th
Gentleman and he had left one another, returned bac
to the Company, laid down the Spoil on the Tabh
and claimed the Wager, which was accordingly paic
But, faid Chambers, the Gentleman Jhall have h.
Watch again, and I myfelf luill acquaint him ivit
the ivhole Affair : So faid, he trudged after hinr
and coming up with him before he had got qui
through Barbican, after hiving ask'd Pardon for h
Rudenefs, defired him to tcii hiin if he had loft ar
Thing. Nothing I hope Friend, but Tllfearchi
Pockets, to be fure of it, and fee, my good Man ;
fhort, the Gentleman coming to his Fob, found I
Watch gone ; upon which Chambers civilly return
it, but not without giving him a fuccinft Detail he
he came by it, and the Keaion why. The Gentl
man return'd him a thoufand Thanks, admir'd 1
Dexterity, gave him half a Crown, and bad him p
it to the 10 J. and remember him among his Frienc
and io they parted again.
This Action performed in Broad-Day Light, a:
in a Lane where Abundance of People reiort,
confequently where fome muft be piffling and rei^
fing at that Time, argued in Chambers not only
confummate Boldnefs, but the greateft De.Merity
Hand, with refpcft to the obtaining the Watch, tl
can be imagined : But if this is looked upon as fi
prizing, the Sequel will difcover Adventures ofh
not any wife inferior, but I may venture to £
much iuperior to it.
But before we enter into giving an Account
thofe which ;•. e deem valily aftonifhing, we muft t
Leave to fill ti;e next Paragraph with a fharpi
Trick Chambers put on a raw Country Fellow tl
was jufl come to Town. It feems that this Rul
w;'S got among a Company of Sharpers, and gapi
with t.he reft at a Marble-board ; Chambers chant
to come by, dreft in a very handfome Suit of Cloat
and feeing Robin (for fo was the Fellow named)
tent on feeing the Diverfion, gave him a Tap on l
Shoulders, wnxh made him turn f-bcut ; upon t
CJ.ambers tock him r.fidc, and a;.kirjg iijin w!
Countryman he wa?, and how long he had been
Toun, which Robin rxquainted him with, deman<
if he wanted a Ph'.ce, or had any Inclinations V
ferve a Gentleman : To which Rzhin anfwer'd, '■
deed, Majier, that be the very Errand I catr.e to To< '
about. O then, replied Chambers, I can fit you tt
Hair. I believe 1 can afford you myjelf, for the}'
fent, four Pounds a Tear funding Wages, and \\
Shillings a Week Bcard-Wagts, and all my caft V
Cloaths ; vihich, let me tell you, are none of the itia •
This was enough to make Robin ready to jump *
of his Skin; he had never had fnch a fine Prof
made him, and he began to think that good i-
tiJ
■afc
It
Pyratesy H'tgh-waypienj Murderers^ 5Cc.
une was going to fniile upon him. Chambers ob-
erving the Gladnefs Robin was in, bid liiin take his
;;ioali and follow him, which he throwing over his
\nn, away tiiey went together to the May-pale in
he StranJ, where Chambers ordering his new Man
0 cr;!! him a Coach, he llept in and Robin after him.
i)id, hold, (faid Chambers^ you muji kitov:, Robm,
hat Servants ride behind, which he obeying, away
rove the Coach to the Bell-Tavern, in King-Jirect ,
Vcjlminjicr, where Cliambers ahghts, and goes into
3 the Tavern, ordeis a Fowl to be roalled for his
)inner, and when it was ready, fets his Man dov\n
y him, who eat the bell Part of it. During Din-
er, Chambers acquaints Robin with the Ways of
le Town, tells him he mull be very circumfpert in
is Beliaviour, and a thoufand Tricks would be put
poll hirn by the Londoners, who were ever (porting
ui Ferlbns JLi!l come out of the Conuntry, conclud-
vT liis Dii'courfe thui : Robin, I am obliged wait on
Fcifon (Quality this Afternoon, and as I have a to-
rable good Lilcing to you, I thought I could not
) you a greater Piece of Jullice tiian to acquaint
lu, that it is cuilomary for Gentlemens Servants
p get to gaming when they meet together ; now
3u being a Youngller, may eafily be drawn in and
ipoied on ; but to prevent it, if you have any Mo-
■y about you, put it into my Hands, and as you
int it, 'tis but ask and have, Rabin concluding
)m his Mailer's Words, that he had found out one
the ho.iellell Men in the World, readily lugged
t his Leitliern Purfe, wherein were nine and forty
lilings, and gave it to Chambers, who while he
u iiim to ciU a Coach, paid the Reckoning with
1 M.m's Money, and then riding to the Tcmple-
-,tc in Fleet-Street, Robin was ordered to pay the
Kichm;in, who having a llout Oaken Stick in his
Old, beg-.in to lay about his Sides in a terrible
inner ; upon which a fierce Encounter between him
. J tlie Coacnmaii enluing, and a numerous Mob im-
. diately gathering about to fee the Scuffle, Omm-
. -s found Ills Opportunity to move off, and leave
. . Man to provide for himfelf, and bemoan the
jh of fo good a Mailer.
1'" the following Story was not related by Captain
,:ith in his CoUedlion, I would not have inierted
1.; fame here, confidering the Circumllances, when
] : together, difcover fomething of Improbability ;
ij' 1 confefs, that Author afligns a Reafon for the
nil unaccountable Faft of all, that makes the rell
I edit. But without ufing any more Words, we Ihall
i.e it our candid Readers.
A Gentleman advanced in Years, who had a confi-
<rab!e Ellate of his own, married a young Lady
I horn the Captain makes to be none of the wifeltj
• th a Fortune agreeable to the large Polleffions he
I J. His Temper being fedentar)', and devoted to
L Quiet of a Count.y Life, he carried his new
oufe to a Seat of his about a Mile from Ihnting-
I, which tlood by itfelf, and leemed to enjoy a very
ictfid Rccefs. But it feems our Chambers had fre-
ciuly view'd it, to put in Force a Defign he had
ong Time enteriained to rob it ; but llill w.^s dif-
pointed : For the good old Gentleman was too
rcful to let any of his Goods or EfFefts be taken
ira him without ufing proper Means to retain what
had about him. Now, whether he was previ-
lly acquainted with C/iambcrs'i Defign, is not cer-
in, but it feems probable he was; for Fire-Arms
;re Things he conllantly kept in his Chamber, and
was feveral Times obferved to be fitting behind
i Curtain in his Window, efpecially in Moon-
;'it Nights, to watch the Motions of fuch as Ihould
'cT to molell his Houfe.
Chambers perfedly underllood this, yet was fo far
?m declining from his Defign, that he was the ra«
50
ther influenced now to put it direftly in Executien.
According he procured as many Cloaths as would jail
drefs a Man, and with them made up the fidlitieus
Appearance of one, which taking along with him t»
the Houfe, he fets a Ladder to the Gentleman's
Cliamber Window, mounts it with the Scareaew be-
fore him, and nods it full againll the Salh. The Gen-
tleman hearing a Kind of Noife, and prefently, to
his Surprize, feeing the Scarecrow, difeharges his
Piece, upon which Chambers lets it drop, and inWartiy.
betakes himfelf t6 his Companions, who were behind
the Houfe. Old Rttfticus thanks his Stars a thoufand
Times, that he has been fo fortunate as to kill his
mortal Enemy, and one whom he had been obliged
to watch againft {o many Months. He gots to his
Wife who was in Bed, and bids her congratulate with
him for his Succefs, for that now he hoped they had
no farther to fear. / v-ill put on a feiu Things, faid
he to her, go out, and drag the Corps to afecrct Place
in my Grounds, i\.-here I itiill bury it, by 'o.'hich I /hall
avoid the burthenfome Fees oj the Parijh. And having
thus faid, he drell himfelf, took a Pick Ax, Spade,
and .a Cord, which having tied about the Neck of the
imaginary Dead, hehaul'd it a confiderable Way o\'er
his Grounds, dug a Pit, and tumbled it in. Cham-
bers, all the while was hot ignorant of the egregious
Folly the old Gentleman was committing ; but to
make amends for the Lofs of Time, he had frequently
had about the Houfe before, mounted up the Ladder,
and whipt open the Salh, and went, to Bed to the
Lady, with whom c.vprefling his Gladne'fs for what
had happened, but wichal giving Signs of fome Diffi-
dence, that Hill made his Mind uneafy, V/hat, fays
he to her, tnujl ive do, fuppojing tins Rogue'' s Ghojf
Jhould haunt us in Spite, and come and rob us JHil?
This is ivhat I have Reafons to fear, and I pray my
Dear, Lt me take Care of your Diamond Ring xtndtht-
Gold Watch by you. No fooner f-.id, than the Things
were dehvered up ; and, es the Captain fays. Cham-
bers repaid her extraordinary drnplacetcy, v.ith gm-
''/)'"£ ^'^ '" 'f^i ""'ft fcnjible Manner ; after which,
acquainting her, he had only hauled the Body into a
Ft eld behind the Hjufe, he vjould get up again and bury
him, to avoid coming into any Trouble for having hilled
him. Accordingly he got up, drell himeif, took a
Cabinet of Jewels, thro' a Pretence of concealing it
in the next Room, went privately down Stairs, and
made off triumphmdy to his Comrades, who waited
in a convenient Place for him.
AH this while old Riifticus was bufied in removing
out of the World, as he thought, the greatefl Tor-
ment he ever had. The Night being fomething cold,
and his Apprehenfions on one Side, of incurring
Trouble about (hooting the Deceafed ; and his Glad- -
nefs, on the other, for having got out of the Way
the much-dreaded Villain, made him difpatch the
Bufinefs he was about in the quickeft Manner. After
he had finilhed every Thing to his Satisfaflion, he re-
turned Home extreamly cold, and getting into Bed
to his Lady in the chilly Condition he was in, Lont^
lays (he, my Dear, hoiu cold you are ! Ton an't the
fame Man youv:as lately ; hcvi frigid! Lack-a-Day,
■what made you get up again. To which he made an-
fwer, My Love, mj Dear, certainly you muft he in k
Dream ; for I affure you, I have not been in a Bed
f.nce the firft Time I rofe, ivhich, let me tell you; h
above an Hour ago. Nay, my Dear, replied fhe, it
cannot be more than a garter of an Hmrjinceyett
left me, vihen I gave. you my Diamond Rings andGvlS.
Watch, for fear the Rogue's Ghojl fbimld haunt us in
Spite, and rob usftill ; andto con-vi/ae you, that vjhiii
I tell you is no other than the real Truth, yon gave me
that due Benevolence ivhich tve married Women re-
quire, better than ever I had it ef you. Thefe were
Hints th? old Gentleman was confounded at : -He
fwelled
6o
A General H i s t o r v of
fwelled immediately into a violent Paflion, and faid.
By Heaveni, Mainefs poffejfes the Woman ! Hhe
dreami ! What Diamond Rings ? What Gold Watch?
fVhat Benevolence is this you /peak of? For my Part,
I have net touched your Rings^ nor your Watch ; it
muft unavoidably be, that you are befides yourfelf. But
upon my Word, my dear Hif/band, you did, and like-
luife carried the /mall Cabinet there of Goldandjt'w-
tli, for better Security i into the next Room. What an
aftonilhing Piece of News is here ? Rujiicus begins to
think there have been deplorable Things committed,
during his Abfetice j and that, while bufied in bury-
ing one Rogue, he had been robbed by another.
But of all the Evils that perplexed his Mind, the
Word Benevolence gauled him in the molt fenfible
Manner : This was a Circumftance that gave him a
thoufand Mortifications. He fretted, foam'd at the
Mouth, and ftar'd : He calls to his Servants to bring
him a lighted Candle to fee if there was Truth in
what his injur'd Wife had told him. The Candle
comes ; but to his Coft, he finds his Effefts funk fif.
teen hundred Pounds in Value ; but he is refolved to
find the Bottom of the whole Affair ; and, as foon as
it was Break of Day, goes to the Place where he had
interred the fiftitious Corps, digs it up, and finds he
had been fpending his Time in making a Hole for,
and covering a Bundle of Rags ; which unexpedled
Sight, laifed by Turns his Indignation and Laughter
to think he had been fo abominably impofed on,
fo cunningly robb'd, and fo unaccountably made a
Cuckold.
Leave we the Rcfleftions that may be made on this
Story to thoft 'vlio perufe thefe Sheets : Let it fuf-
fice to fay, that the Fafts arc very uncommon ; and
therefore liable to be varioufly conftrued. But proceed
we to foriK other Tranfaftions of the dexterous Man
we are treating of.
Chambers having had a pretty long Merry -Making,
as he called it, about Huntington, and the adjacent
Coutiirj-, -hought 'i2 could not do better, than to
remove into fr me other Place. Accordingly, St. Al-
hans was the To /n he had a Longing for j the Ma-
iler's Wife of the Grayhound-lnn tiiere, had infpired
him fome few Month's before, with a great Deal of
Love : and in fpite of himfelf, he foiuid he was not
able to conquer his Paflion, 'till he had enjoy'd her.
'Tis true mdeed this Dame had an extraordinary
Beauty in her Face, nor were the Charms of her Con-
verfation lefs engaging, which made Abundance of
Gentlemen call or lodge there, purely to have a Sight
of her, or, what was more agreeable, to converfe
with her. The Hufband was a meer Bacchanalian,
devoted to his Glafs and Bottle, and in every Com-
pany muft unavoidably make a Party with them ; du-
ring which. Madam found Opportunities to difplay
herfelf to Advantage, which the Guefts admiring, (he
conftantly improved. Now it happened that Cham-
bers alighted one Night at this Inn, in a very wretch-
ed Condition, having been encounter'd on the Road
by a Pcrfon of his own Vocation, and unhappily be-
ing unfaddled, and thrown in the Road, had received
all the Dirt and Mud about him by that Means. At
his firft Appearance the other Gentlemen that lodged
there that Night, feemed to be forry for him, and
every one through an Aft of Humanity, frankly
lent him fome of their own Apparel to wear 'tiU he
went to Bed, and his own were cleaned and dry.
To requite thefe extraordinary Favours, Chambers
defires the Gendemen, who were about fix in Num-
ber, to bear him Company at Supper, and partake of
fuch Things as he had ordered to be provided for
him, faying. Half a Dozen Bottles of Wine luert at
iheir Service j and you. Landlord and Landlady, I
Beg may make tvit of the Company. In (hort, all ad-
mired the Gcndcman's Cenerofity ; but the Land-
!a
lady, though Chambers had frequently been at hei
Houfe before, thought him an entire Stranger, and
handfomely accepted tlie Proffer. Supper being
ready, our Guelts with tlie htmdfome Dame at the
Top of the Table, and Chambers next to her, fat
down : Every Thing w.is coaJudled with grtat Re-
gularity, and every one were ikti^f/'d extremely witli
each other's Comp:iny ; but Chambers c.irried the
Prize in the Eyes of the Landlady, who, atter Supper,
diverted the Company with I'everal humoroui. Soi!j;>
and merry Catches, admirably adapted to the Occa-
fion. The Glaffes moved brill<ly about, and to be
fure, Chambers made Madam drink very plentifully.
'Twas now about one in the Morning, and all, e.'c.
cept Chambers and the Landlord, were laid fait, (not
even excluding the Millrefs of the Houfe) which m.idt
Chambers think he had a fine Opportunity to put his
Schemes in Pradtice ; ib, Deliring our Landlord tc
call his Servants to help the reft to Bed, (for he tolc
him, it was much better to carry them there, thanfet
them where they were) two or three lufty Fellow,
were called in, who taking them up, one after ano
ther. Chambers •pxttenieA to affiil-tbem, but was ft
dexterous in the Interim, to fecure their Watchei
and Money ; after which, telling the Landlord hi
would fmoke one Pipe more, and drink a ferious Bot
tie with him. They fat down together again ? bu
neither one, nor two Bottles exculed them, thougl
Chambers all the while drank but little, letting th
Bacchanalian Landlord take his jult Dofe, which h
had the Satisfaflion to fee conipleated. Silemis i
now laid along two Chair:, and Chambers improve
the Opportunity to fee the Linings of his Pockets I
wherein he found great Spoil ; but took only a thir I
Share to himfelf, to avoid being fufpefted of havin;
robbed him, if any of his Servants (hould have fearche
for his Money, to luve kept it for him till the Morr
ing. |n fine, every Thing concurred to complet
Chambers^ Wilhes : He went himfelf civilly to Bet
and carnellly dcfired the Servants of the Houfe t
have a llrict Care of their Mafter ; nay, he cam
down Stairs again, and would not go back, 'till h
had feen the true Son of Bacchus laid by his handfom
Wife ; whereby he had Means of obferving tb
Situation of the Room, and every Thing bo ^
fides.
All the Houfe being now in profound Reft, excep '"'
Chambers, who could not fleep for the Succefs thf
had attended him, after having been about Haifa
Hour, orfomcthing more in Bed, rifes up in his Shin
and opening his Chamber-Door very foftly, which vii
againil that of his Landlord's Room, which was open >''''
he ileps in, and gets at the farther Side of the Bei '-^
where Madam l.iy. Scarce w.-.s ne enter'd, but roll *
ing over to him, (not knowing but it was her bc!ove<
Silams,) ftie gra'.ped her Arms about his Walle, an
began to cards him in a very obliging iVianncr. Tni
was what Chambers came about ; He iatisfied his ow
Inclinationo, and prob.ably that of the Dame for tha
7 ime ; for he role up immediately after, and wer
to his own Bed, leiiviiig her calmly repoied, jult lik
a Child fet to Sleep by giving it the Bubby. Th
Clock now l^rikes four, and the Sun invitei our Ad
venturer to be llirring : He rifes, puts on a Suit (
Cloaths, all embroider'd, of a Gentleman's that la
in the next Room ; and being ready to mount, cil
the Holtler for his Horle, who ignorantly brings ih
right Owner's, and delivers it to Clambers. H
mounts, leaves a Couple of Guineas to anfwer hi
Expences, and Half a Crown for himfelf, telling hit
at his Departure, That if any Thing Jhould be luantini
he ivould falisfy his Mafter, luho ivas his intimal
Acquaintance, the next Time he came that Way ; an
having fo faid, rode off diredly : But Chambers, hav
ing rode not above three or four Miles out of 7'owr
wa
±
Pyrates^ Highianymef/^ Murderers, 3Cc.
6i
iv.s agreeably fiirpriz'd at feeing roiiie Guineas tum-
)le out of tile Lining of the S.idule, by the vio-
lent Agitation of his Gallopping : He diiniounts,
Ijcens tne Linings fartiicr v.itfi lus Knife, and finds
•u3 Satisfaction two hundred Guineas ; for whicli
pours a tnoiifand E'cilii'.gs on his fucccfsful E,\-
i:gc, prays heartily that liis Landlord may have
.„ Hou'.e dignified with an Heir of his getting, and
iien rides directly to Loatio/i.
Chambers being now in Town again, refch'es not
0 let his Time be mifpent : To which End, he
r.unts all the Publick Places of Refort, in order to find
.ui his Prey : One Day, being very well dreit, he
pes to the Exchnnve, and mixes w.th iome Italian
/ierchants, and after fome little Converlaticn, which
.in on Trade and Shipping, calls one of them ande,
/ho was a ver\' coaiely and gr.ivc Pedbn : With him
e feeras to be in a clofe and eager Dialog' !c, the
Merchant all the while nodd;na;and bitinjrhi.i Tnunib.
'lean Time one of CLimbe, s\ Confederates comes
p and begins to difcourfe the Merchant much al'ter
le fame Way as he himfeif had done : Upoa which
hambers {'\\'i. Sir, I pcrceiz'C you ha've no Itxiiig ta
y Pi-ofofition, hut fojibly you mafni meet -xvithfuch
nother Bargain as mine. I mean as to Profit.
'a liking, aniWer'd the Merchant, Tcs, Tes, Sir, I'd
1 Heme chap ivith you as the heft Man ali-je, fo I
id but my Advantage in it. Upon this the IVIer-
lant fpoke a fe\v Words to Chambers' i Confederate,
id then calling Arthur to him, faid, Here''s another
entleman has a Bargain much like your' s to difpofe
'; if you can join together, T.'^V/ throw the Conimo-
ties toi^ether, and make but one Lot of them.
<Treed,''xzT^\\ti. Chambers, who ^vithout any farther
'remony, as the Mercaant flood cloi'e to liis Con-
ierate, div'd nimbly into hi-; Pockets, and dreiw
eieout a Purfe of Gold, and his Gold Watch, and
iperceivably convey'd them to his Confederate.
It this Spoil not fiuisfying the avaricious 'l emper of
ir Adventurer, who, feting a very good ILmdker-
ief hanging out of the IVlerciimt's Coat-Pocket,
aps at it, bat unluckily for his firil: Prize. The
erchant, it feems, caught hi.Ti in the Aft ; and,
iz'd him by the Collar, called out. Thief, Thief,
hich Words raifing Abundance of Perfons tiien on
e Walks, about them, tverv one we;e dehrous to
low the Bottom of the Matter. Tiie Merchant was
r having our Adventurer before a M..gi!h-nte ; and
■, on his Part ftrenuoufly denied the Kact (ibr by
is Time the Purfe and Wr.tcli were found gone) and
■en threaten'd the injur'd Tradei'man to punilli him
r defaming his Charafter among the only Perfons
the World he got liis Living by. During tliis Con-
ntion, the Coniederate, wlio hid reccii'ed the Purfe
d Watch from Cha?Kbers, was marched to the
)rter at the Gate, to get Procl.imation to be made
1 die Exchange, That rf .'7ny Terfon had loji a Purfe
ith Gold in it, and a Gold yr'^atch, on gi'^'ing the true ,
'arks, he might ha've it again'. Thefe Words reacli-
ff the Mercliant's £ars, ne, glad of tlie Opportuni-
of regaining his loic Thing-', lets go Cijumbers,
ith a thoufaiid Excufes for liis Kudenefs and n.fh
ccjlfitions, and goes direftly to the Crier; but both
'lamhers and his Confederate procured Means of
ipping away in the mean Time.
I'his Difappointment b'.it tlie more fhnrpened tiie
'it and Cunning of our Adventurer, who was re-
ived to life his Talents (as he called them) to a
uch better Purpofe than his lafl End?a\-our had pro-
iced. To this End he takes a firll Floor of a Houfe
Soho-Squarc , and COiitiads w ith the Landlord to
.y fourteen Shillings a Week for the fame. For a
hile a good Harmony and L'liderilanding was be-
■ee;i Crj.
?'/'y.T
and the Genticnian of ilie Houfe,
who took liiin for a Man of Fortune, as his Drcfs
and Expellees miglit have very well argued him. One
Evening as they_ were at Supper, 1 mean the Fa-
mily of the Houle, our Adventurer came in feemin"--
ly in a vail Uncafinefs, which made the good Folks
importuiie k.ira to let tliem know wliat it was that dif-
turbed him. I have fo much Friendjhip for you, Mr.
Vv'oodville, f-.id the Landlord, (for you mull know
this was the Name he had given himlelf,) that if I
can be of any real Service to you, 'tis but openiii<i
your Mind tome, and you may depend to find i?ie both
your Coimfellor and Benefador. Chambers,
pleafed with the Landlord's frank Kindnels, made
no further Doubt to unravel the great Myllery he
had at his Heart, and thus began : 'Tis i^^iih a thou-
fand Struggles of Soul, that I find my fe If obliged to
fpeak ; Landlord, I am mery fcnfibU of the Obliga-
tions I already o-^e you, and that Thought makes me
decitne being any further burtheifome to y.ju ; you muft
knonv then, that oavi;ig bceii at Hampltead this Af-
ternoon, I'jhcre I frequently ufed to go to di-uert >ny-
fdf ivith an ajfeelioiidte Brother of mine, I ivas
tJjere a mournful' Spedator of his Death. 'Tis too
much for Jiie (here he pretended to weep) to ac-
quaint you ivith every fad Particular about the Strwr-
gles he had before his Soul departed out of his Body;
let it friffice to fay, that hs has left me Heir to his
Poffeffions, (but his Life ivould have been of greater
lvalue to me) and in his Will appointed me to inter
him in the Cloiflers in Weftminlter-Abbv. Kovj,
Landlord, the Favour I have to defire of you is, for-
Convenience of his Funeral, to have his Body brought
here, and carried hence to the Grave. Thefe Tait
^Vords Cljambers pronounced with a deep Groan,
which made the Landlord, and all the Familv com-
palTionate him ; they told jiim any thing they had was
at his Service, and the Landlord ' left him at his own
Liberty to bring the Corps, and cliufe what Room
ever he pleafed to place it in. He thanked him
for iiis Civility, and told him he would certainly re-
pay it very Inortly, in a Way he ihould be very
lenfibie of. Wnich indeed, he was as good as his
Word to perform. Chambers accordingly went out
the^ next Morning, leaving Orders that the Flerfe
with the Corps would be with tlieni about Six in the
Evening. And true he was to his Word. Forjull
upon Six o'clock a llately Herfe with Six Horfes
arrived at the Door ; and A'len fuborn'd to this End
took thereout a beautiful Coffin with fine Hinges
aird Nails, wherein our Adventurer had put himfeif,
tJiere being private Holes in the Sides for Refpira-
tion. The Counterfeit Load was ftraightway born
up one Pair of Stairs, and placed on a Table in the
Dming-Room, where the Landlord, to grace the de-
c-eafed Brother of his Lodger, had fet out a very fine
and rich Side-Board of Plate, befidds other Valua- '
bies. You mull know Chambers was laid in the Cof-
fin in his Cloatlis, and a Winding -Sheet wrapt round
him, and one of his Confederates had taken Care'
to draw tiie Screws. All this Time our Adventur- ■
er was miffing, which made the Landlord ask the ■
Fellows where he was, who faid, he had^ bid thert"
acquaint him, that having a Multitude of Things -
to difpatch about the Funeral, 'twas probable he'.
might not come Home that Night, but fhould be
obliged to Hay with a Friend of his in the Strand. '■
The Landlord took the Excufe for granted, the
Herfe and Men departed, and the Family of the
Houfe, excepting the Maid, at their ufual Hour,
went to Bed, leaving Chambers to rife out 'of his-
filent Manfion of Death, and perpetrate his villain- ■
ous Dcfign. Accordingly, he gets out with his
Winding-Sheet about him, and going down Stairs,
places himfeif ill a Chair over-againft where the Maid -
R was
6i
A General History of
was fitting, wlio, hereby frighted at the Apparition,
as (he thought, fcreamed out, a Ghoft, a Gboji, and,
without fpeaking another Word, ran as fail as could
up into her IMafter's Chamber, and told him and
his Wife the Story. A Ghojl, fays the Mailer, fhoh?
you Fool, there's 7to fucb Thing in Nature ; you ha'ue
been ajleef. Woman, e.nd ivakingfuddenly, ha-ve fanci-
tdyoufa'v} a Thing there ne'ver ivas. Scarce were
theie Words out of the IVIouth of the Landlord,
but in fteps, with a folemn Tread, our Adventurer
Chambers in his Winding-Sheet, and preienting him-
felf and his Face, which was covered over with Flour,
full to the Maid, the Landlord, and his Wife, fets
himfelf down in a Chair in the Room, where he con-
tinued full Half an Hour, putting the three Perfons
above into the greatell Pannic in the World all the
Time. After which the imaginary Gholl ftalks down
Stairs, opens the Door to ilx of his Accomplices,
who, while their Direftor Chambers raps the Doors
too and fro to drown the Noife of more Peribns
being in the Houfe than himfelf, flrip the Dining-
Room of all the Plate and other rich Furniture
therein, and then making a general Search through-
Out the other Chambers and the Kitchen below,
lifle and carry off every Thing of Value to the A-
mount of fix Hundred Pounds. AU this while the
Family, believing a Spirit was aftually in their Houfe,
and making the horrid Noife they heard, kept dofe
hid under the Bed-Cloaths, but the Dawn of Day
foon appearing, their Fears began to abate ; where-
upon the Maid gets up, and has the Courage to go
down and fee the Coniequences of the late BulUe.
She finds all her Pots, and her Pans removed eifec-
tually off out of the Way, and a dreadful Havock
made among the Pewter, which, to the very lail
Plate was all vanifhed. She hallens to her Mailer,
who was ilill in Bed; acquaints him with the Spi-
rit's having robb'd the Houfe, and tells him, that
fhe can't in Confcience live with him any longer,
fmce a bad and thieving Gholl vifited his Family,
wliich proved that his Houfe was neither a good one,
nor the Perfons that compoied his Family fit to be
be lived with. Hereat the Landlord could not for-
bear burlling out into an extream Laughter ; Why,
thou filly Jade, can it be fuppofed, that GhoHs, or
Spirits, who have neither Fleih, Blood, or Bones,
. can rob ; phoh ! banilh thy foolifh Conceits, and
kt me come and fee what has been a working all
this Night. The Maid difpleas'd with her Mailer's
Words, goes down Stairs, and finding fome of her
Fellow-Servants and Neighbours about the Door,
tells them what Ihe had ieen, whereat all ieem'd
aftoniih'd, and fay. They ihould not dare to ilir an
Inch out of their Houfcs in the Night, if the Cafe
was fo as ihe related it. Mean Time the Land-
lord had roufed his indolent Body from his Bed,
and made a drift Search in thofe Places where he
thought the moil valuable Part df his Moveables lay,
which he found entirely convey'd away ; but com-
ing into the Dining-Room, and leeing the Plate gone,
and an empty Shell of a Coffin, he, too late is made
fenfible of the Impofition, which we'll leave him
to mourn, or banifh the Thoughts of, juft as he
pleafes, and proceed to fomething elfe.
Chambers being an extream Lover of a Woman,
Jiad made Choice of a fingular Beauty, to whom he
was in every Thing devoted except in the Cafe of
Jus Secrets, and the Robberies he committed, which
(if it may make to his Reputation) he would ne-
ver entruft to any Female, which he joilly knew to
ie too capricious and changeable to hold always in
one Mind. Once as this Beloved and he were m Bed
together, entirely refigned up to mutual Endearments,
and the Pleafures of Love, Ihe, with a Languifhing
Air, as (he twined about his Neck, addj:eft him thus ;
Dear Chambers (fays fl;e) if I hai-e framed fmcei
to you, or you. ha-ve had any JlffeSiion for mi-, id
may not I partake of your Secrets, ftnce all I kno^
in the World, is re-uealed to youV It muji certain,,
argue extraordinary Diffidence of me in you, to l\
thus deprived of a Pri-uiledge "'.hich e-very Womi,\
ought to enjoy nvho can Jay jhe has cohabited 'with
Man for fome Years. Had you put me to the Triii
once, and found ?ne tranfgejjing the Secret you he,
thought ft to impofe on me, then you had had Plea full
cient to ha<ve thought me an empty Perfon, unfit to hoi
anything committed to me : But f nee nothing of th
Nature has been put to my Experiment, nor you hai
any Ground to fay I am a Betraver of Secrets, it
dulgc tne, my dear Chambers, fo far as to put me .
the Trial, ivhicb if I happen to fail in, then tny Veri
city for ever jhall he renounced, and you he at L
berty to make your Breafi the folc Clofet for your A.
tions. This was a grave Harangue, indeed, to Chat.
hers, who was fo far from him having the lej
Notion of hearing fuch a Dilcourfe that Jie had fu
ly refolved within himfelf to devote that Night
Love ; but he found his Humour croil, and the W
man he loved beil in the World in his Way, u
alterable in her Requeft till, wearied with lier co
tinual Intreatics, lie told her he would fome Tin
or other that Month, comply with her Deiires ai
put her to the Tell. After this Nodlurnal Conft
rence, feveral Days pail without a Word made 1
Madam of being tried to keep a Secret. Chambt
put divers Coiillruftions on her Silence ; fometim
he imputed it to her Want of hearing him fpcak t
fi^il: about it ;' fometimes to a Sullennefs in her f
being reiiifed fo long to partake of his Mind ; bi
as he was too much acquainted with her condelcen
ing Temper, to think Moroleneis h.id any Aicenda
over her Mind, be could not find her guilty in tl
Refpeft. In Ihort fiippofing the whole Affair entii
ly blotted out of her Mind (for he had llrove toe
vert her with other Amufements) early one Mornu
as he was in Bed he feigns himfelf prodigious i §£
which put Madam into much Concern, wiio asl „,
him what he ail'd. — AiPd — fay he. Why, Peggy, o ',;^
of the moji 'u.-onderful and yet terrible Things has b (^
fallen me in the World? if you betray me novj It fj^
an undone Man for ever, for it is a Circumjlance I ca u ^
not keep from you. — Oh ! — What — Another Good Lora fl,
Good Lord help 7ne. — What is the Matter, Love F ci ,,j.
I be of Service to you ? Where is it you are painea \{f
Let me fee ; Oh Laird ! What a Couple of Egg.
furely they cannot be Eggs. • Eggs as Jure as y
are a U oman, and I havejuji tiovj laid them.—
Oh! for Heaven s fake do not ^ay a Syllable abo
them. hot a H ordfor all thr World, my Dea
But pray, can I truji you ? Ah ! I cannot b.
truji you, novj you have fen them Tru/l m jji
Ctuunbers ! fay you. Oh! my Dear, I ivould n
Jalffy myfelf in this Point for ten thou.fand Croivn
Here the Di.tourle ended. Chambers pri
tends to keep his Bed two or three D.iys, and M,
dam, that very Day in the Afternoon, being invite
to drink a Dilh of Tea with a Neighbour's Wifi
amidfl their Cups, tells the whole fecret, and maki
the Number of the Eggs four ; the Neighboi
fome Time afterwards augments them to Eight, as
a third Perfon to twenty : In fnort the Moment Chair
hers appeared out of Doors he heai-d it whifper'd, !
he went along the Streets, There goes the Man the
laid an hundred F-ggs. He curfes Womankind ft
their Folly, and determined never more to reveal
Secret to them, becaufe he has found no Trial, tk
they are a Velftl witli a leaky Bottom, that lets a
the Water uiit.
Cbambu'
k
to
fe
k
llK
ijii
%\
to,
it*.
>^
PyrakSy Htghnioqymeny Murderers^ &c.
63
Chambershz.v'mg tried this EA-perir.ient upon his pre-
! -nded Wife, took a fnwU Journey into the Country;
;, id coming into an open Road, met with a Couple
of Men driving .1 Pair of fat Oxen : He had an im-
mediate Longing for the Catde, and fo to improve a
Scheme he had in his Head as to obtnin tliem, he put
tiie following conceit in Practice. Having a Cord in
his Pocket, he put over the Foot-Path in ths Fields,
and by that means got about half a Mile before the
Countrymen. There was a tall A(h-Tree, into which
C- ambers having climbed, he put the Cord about his
N jcic, and fo entangled himfelf among the Boughs,
tint to the Eye below he feemed as if he had been
really hanging. 'Twas not long before the Drivers
time up, who feeing our Adventurer in this Condi-
tion, put various Conftru(flions upon the Difmal Aft
a rhey thought it. One alledged, that it could be
nthing elfe but Love that had induced him to ib def-
Dcrate an .Aftion, while the other imputed this Piece
)f rafh Conduct in Chambers, to Loffes and Misfor-
unes in the World, conceiving that he had been fome
Fradefnian. In lliort, the hrft who fpoke rbout it,
\d the truell Notions of die Matter, for Chambers
lid it purely for Love ; but it was for Love of the
Dxen, which the Countrymen were driving. By this
rime the Fellows were got at fome Diltance from
'hambers, who defcendnig immediately from the
ree, made the bell Way he could over another Foot-
oad, leading over the IVIeadows, and came again
ito tile Highway. He mounts another Tree, and
uts himfelf into the very fame Pofture as before,
"■he Countrj'mcn came up, fee, and admire this
range Sight, and begin to have fears within themfelves
bout it. At firll they look narrowly, in order to
now whether it is the iiime Man or no, they had left
hind them ; they perceive the fame Cloaths, and
ne of them concludes, it muft be the fame Man :
tereupon a kind of .'Argument began between them ;
ae aflerting it was a different Man, the other infill-
it was the fame. Hoiv can that be, anfwcr'd the
rlt, that a Man can he hatiging in ti':o different Pla-
s at one Time? 1 cannot dl-oe into the Reafon of that,
>■ indeed it is abo-je mf Under]} abiding. At this the
her tells him, 'T/'j to no Purpofe to make more
^ords : for ''twas the fame Man he luasfure ; and,
confirm his Belief, tvould lay him a Wager of a
hilling, and they tivo Jhould go back to the firft Place
•id fee. Hereupon botli, to decide this important
laager, haften back to fatisfy themfelves ; but, com-
g to the Place where they thought to have found
hambers hanging, found nothing at all but the
ree. Mean while our Adventurer was got down
om his fecond Hanging Place, to the Countrymen's
xen, which he drove to a Town in his Way to
xeter, where a fair happened to be at that Time, and
■Id them, and with the Money came up triumphantly
London, i
Chambers, during a few Years, committed Aftions
ic moll daring and artful that were ever known, we
all bring him to a Period, atrer two more of his Ad-
ntures, which lliall conclude our Account of him.—
he firil proceeds thus : Happening to be amongft
me of his Companions, and very Hungry; but hav-
g little or no Money amongft them, they went to-
ther, with what they had, to an Alehoufe by Clare-
Utrket, and our Adventurer immediately borrowed
of the Landlord a blue Apron, which t\ing about
him, he went into the Market, and clieapcn'd a Pig
of a Woman ; fome little difterence as to the Price,
making the Bargain longer than ordinary. Chambers,
whole Stomach was pretty fharp, at lall took the Fig,
and left the Price of it in the Woman's Hands, witn'a
Power of bringing it back, if the Company, as he
pretended, did not like it. Away he returns to his
Comp.anions, who, in Concert with him, took the
Pig out of the Cloath, and put a dead Dog into its
Room, which Chambers pins up in the Cloath, and
carries it back to the Woman, telling her his Com-
pany did not like it : Whereupon he received his Mo*
ney back again. Some little Time after, another
Chapman comes to the Woman's Stall, and cheapens
the fuppofed Pig, who tells him, ^Tisoneofthcwhi-
tcft in the World, and one that fie can 'very 'ivell tut
into his Hands. Hereupon flie begins to unpin the
Cloath ; but coming to open it, finds, both to her
Altonilhment and Lofs, a Dog. The Artifice is foon
blown over the Market, and the People put into an
extraordinary Laughter ; fo that between jeers and
Jokes, and what between Lofs and Difappointment,
the Market- Woman is forced to paclc up her All for
that Evening, go home, and comfort herfelf in the
bell Manner Ihe is able.
The laft Story of him is this : Being at Bri/foljuH
before the Fair there, he hired himfelf as a Chcker to
a Shoemaker, though no Ways skilled in the Bufmefs ;
but contrafted with his Mailer not to enter upon ac-
tual Imploym.ent 'till that Day Se'ennight. Howe-
ver, he continued at the Door of the Shop, in order
to let the reft of the Trade know he belonged to
them. Chambers, who was perpetually forming fome
Stratagem or other, to procure him either Goods, or
Ready-Money, bethought him of an Expedient that
would turn the Shoe-maker's Boots to his Advantage.
Accordingly, he goes to a Neighbour of the Trade,
and tells him. That a Gentleman ivas at his Mafier''s
Shop, ivho i\:anted a Pair of Boots of the Eighth
Size, and that he fiould be obliged to him to let him
hat'C one Boot for the Perfon to try on. The Shoe-
maker, not diftruftingthe Honelly of our Adventurer,
gives liim a Boot of that Size, hopmg to have it foon
returned, if the Gentleman did not like it, or it did
not fit him. Chambers immediately improves his
Scheme, goes to all the reft of the Shoemakers, with
the fame Tale in his Mouth, and procures from each
a fingle Boot of the Size with the firft ; when, on
Computation, he had made himfelf Mafter of forty
fingle Boots, which he pack'd oiF to a Cuftomer for a
Sum of Money fomething lefs than the real Worth of
them. By this Time the feveral Mafters wondered
why their Boots were not returned, and confequently
fent their Men to know the Reafon ; but Chamlers'%
Mafter having loft his Man, in the Interim, and tel-
ling them. He knew nothing of the Afair, nor anf
Boots borrovjed, every one became fenfible of their
Miftake, and found it too late to reftify the Cheat j
for our Adventurer had moved his Quarters, and left
his Mafter and the reft to admire his Dexterity and
Contrivance.
Here we conclude the Scene of this Man's Life,
who, after a Series of unaccountable and very fur-
prizing Robberies and Aftions, received a juft i^f-;
compeijce for his ill-fpent Life at Tyburn,
The
64
A General History of
r/j^LIFEo/^/rGOSSELINDENVILLK
WE have ranked Chnmbers between two
Knights, not to give him any Preference
by luch a Poiition, but only to purfue a
mixt Account, as we have apologiz'd for in the Be-
ginning of his iVIemoirs. , Tlie Gentleman we are go-
ing to give an Account of, was defcended of very
honourable Parents at Noi-thallcrton, a Market Town
in tlie North-Riding of 7'orkfiire. The Family was
very ancient, and came into England with IVilliam
the Conqiieroy, who aflign'd 'em Lands for the Servi-
ces done him in the North of England, where they
lived in great Efteem, and the Succeflbrs after
them, for feveral Ages, till the Time of Sir Gof-
felin.
The Father of this Gentleman being a pious and
devout Man, fent his Son to Peter-ColUdgc in Cam-
bridge, where, for fome Time, he proi'ccuted his Stu-
dies with great Warmth ; and, to outward Appear-
ance, gave Signs of making a fine Man. This gave
the antient Father extreme Joy, who began to think
of placing his Son in the Pricfthood ; but it ieenis Qif-
filin i.it at iiis Books purely to amufe his Father, and
to sain iome Advantacre he had in View bv it. It
was found out afterwards that a religious Life, as his
Father had deiign'd for him, was not the Thing he
rclifned ; but that the Profecution of Amours a.id
Love Intriegues, had the greatcli Afcendant over his
Mind ; nay, he began now to dilplay his natural Pro-
penfjty to a luxurious and profligate Life.
Thcfe Steps creating great Difcontent in the Grcall
of the Father, he took the violent Courfes of liis Son
fo much to Heart, that 'twas not long before he died
leaving our Gentleman in lull Pofllilion bothofi.'ie
Dignity of the Family, and his Elbite, valued at
tv.ehe hundred Pounds per Annum, a conliderable
Fortune in thofe Days. Thus our Gentleman be-
comes a Knight, rolls in a plentiful Fortune, and
givesa Loofe, more extravagant than ever, to his ill
Courfes. He aflbciates a Brother of his, named Ro-
bert, with him, and the)- two together, by their Pro-
fulenets, foon made an End of the Ellate.
Being now out of the Reach of maintaining them-
felves as ufual, and finding the Poverty of their Cir-
cumilances ftill encreafing upon them, they perceived
tliere was no no other Way of fupporting thcmlch'c.%
than by raifmg Contributions on the Highway. To
this End, being Men of extraordinary Valour and
Courage, they equipi themfelves out for a daring
Enterprise, which was to rob two Cardin.alo, fent into
this Kingdom by the Pope, to mediate a Peace be •
tween England and Scotland, and terminate tlie Dif-
ferences tJen on Foot, between Eihuard II. and the
Earl of Lancajler.
One Middleton and Selhy, two Fobbers of thefe
Times, liaving heard of Denville'% Defign, came and
join'd him with all the Forces under tlieir Command,
which were no inconfiderable Number. In fhcrt, the
Cardinals were robbed, and a very large Booty taken
from them, which put our Bravo into a tolerable
Way of Subfiftence for fome Time ; but there hap-
pening fome Difference between Middleton and him,
wuii regard to the Iharing of this Booty, the foinier
left the AfTociation, and went fome Time on ilie
Road by himfelf ; but being loon appreliended, was
brought up to London, and there executed.
All this u'hiie. Sir Go/Jilui purlued his illegal Pr.ic-
tices ; the Valour of his Arm, and the continual Hrt-vs
he and his Men made on all Travellers, put the whole
Country into a terrible Fannie ; for there was no
fuch Thing as travelling with any Safety ; and the
great Number of Perfons, of whom his Gang was
tompofed, plainly ftiewed, that they defied the Laus
and every Thing elfe. What they could not obtair
on the Highway, they fought for in Houfes, Monailc-
ries, Churches, and Nunneries, which were rifiec
without any Diiiinclion ; and the moll valuable ana |
facred Things carried ofF. The Men under Sir Go/-
Ceimi Condui.^ led a moil licencious Life ; and, likt i
their rv/Ialler, committed the worll of Villainies ant
Barbarities. Perions were murdered in their Houfc.
when their Goods might have been taken with..;
ufing Blootifhed : So that killing and doing HaviK
rather looked like Sport or Paliime with ti.el'c Del', c
radoes. Our Countr\'man 'Tom. SLadvucll feccmi ti
point at our Knight, in his Play, called the Libertim
nay, to have foundeJ the main Plot of that Piece ujioi
his barbrirous and licencious Conduft. They whi
have a Mind to be further informed in this Particulni
may, by perufing that Dramatic Periormance, iV
how near the u'holc Conduft of the Libai:,:
Squares with that of the Perfon we are fpc.;l,
ing of.
.'\ while after our Knight and his Aflbciates march
ing on the Road bt tueen Marloiv in Buckinghamjhiri
and Henley upon Thames, met with a Dominica
Monk, namoil A^idreiu Sym/cn, v.ho not only was oh
ligcd to deliver what little Gold he had, to then-
but alio to Climb into a 7'ree, and preach them a Sei
raon, which he did with a great Deal of Judgnici
and good Senfc, though pronounced Extempore.
Ijiis Sermon being at tiiis very Time lecorded i
the Bodleian Library, as a Piece containing foiiii
Divinity, and a great Deal of Wit, we fliallmakcii
Apology to our r..eaders for inlerting it, but give
an inunedi.itc Pkxe here. Mr. S^mp/on h&v'mg gd
into t;;e Tree, choic for his 1 ext li.c foIlovvin|
Words :
LUKE, Chap. x. Ver. 30.
A certain Man i-cent doivn from Jcrufaiem to Jerichil
and Jell among Thieves, ivhich ftript Mm of Z>l
Rayment, and ixounded him, and departed, lea'vitJ
him half dead.
" /~\ U R Blcficd Saviour himfelf pronounci
" \_^ thefe Words to a Lawyer by Way of Parabl
" who can e with a View to tempt him, by puttii
" this Qiiclli.ntohim, Llajler, What Jknll I do
" inherit lie, val Life? Luke 10. 30. The Law)
" is taught by our Lord in the Context both befo
" at
li:;
t
Pyratesy Hhh'ujdjmeH, Murderers, 5Cc.
65
" and after thefe Words, on which I lay the Foun-
•• dacioii of my enfuing Difcuurle ; That, in order
" to obtain Life Eternal, he was to elleem every
" Man hib Neighbour, that Itood in need of iiis Af-
" filtance ; after which, tlie good Somaiitan ia intro-
" duced to fliew the Love to one's Neighbour ; for
" this Perlbn, though a Priell: and Levite, had be-
" fore paft by this poor Man fpoken of in my Text,
" who was fallen among Thieves, had Compaffion
" on him, went and bound up his Wounds, placed
" him on his own Brcail, caiTicd him to an Inn, aiid
" giving Orders to the Hoft to let him ha\e any
" Thing he wanted, promifed to defray all Expeixto,
" fo the poor Man but recovered.
" Having thus explained the Meaning of my Text,
" I ftiAll now go on to a farther lUuUracion of it, by
" Difcourliiig on the three following Heads :
I. The Hazard or Danger of taking a Jouniey.
n. Who it is tint may briiig this fjanger. ■'.■■• -. '
in. What the Danger is, which is two fold, ei-'
ther the Lofs oi Goods, or Lofs of Lifei; and'
fometimes Lofs of both.
" Firfl then. I ihall difcourfe on the firlt of thefe
Heads, namely, the Hazard or Danger of taking a
Journey. Now, this is when a M.in leaves the
City to go into the Country ; in the former of
which a Perfon need not be much apprehcnfive of
liiml'elf, becaufe the Numbers of Inhabitants are a
fufficient Guard to proted him ; but it is quite
otherwife in the Country, I mean on the Road,
where an honeil Man, thro' the few People palling
and repafiing, and perhaps through the Oblcuriry
of the Place, is cxpo.'ed to the Inlults of fuch abau-
don'd Wretches, wiioie .Aclions we (liould by no
Means imitate or agree with. For the Royal Pial-
mift feems to allude to this DoCuine : ]4'l:en thou
fat-vejl a Ihief, then thuu coyifcntejj} nxitb him,
Pfal. i. 18. And I obferve again, that if a M:;n
but goes a few Miles from his H.\bit..tion, he c;',n-'
not affure himfelf that he lliall return unrobbed ;
for it feems that the Perlbn here fpoken of in the
Evangelical Parable, went but to Jericho, which
was only fix Miles South Eaftward from Jeiufalcm.
And what added to the Opportunity of the Thieves
vA robbing him, was the Ueiart that lay betucen die
two Places, which the Inhabitants call liluaraitem,
where great Thieving and egregious Robberies are
committed to this Day.
" Secondly, Who it is that may bring this Danger.
They who willfully give themlelves over to an in-
dolent and lazy Life, and to covetous Puri'uits, or
they who abandon tliemfelves to Drunkennefs, to
Gaming, or following lewd Women ; for iuch as
t.hefe turning Tliieves, through their profligate
Life, put honeil Men into great Diforder, and
commit great Damage upon them. Judai tiias
for Example, coloured over his Ailions, with a
fpecious Pretence of loving the Poor, and with pre-
tending to extraordinary Charity ; when, on the
contrary, he was neither a chantable Man, nor a
Lover of the Poor, but a Thit'l", and a very cove-
tous Wretch. This was his Hvpocrify ; and one
of the Evangelifts witne.les thus much. Why 'u.as
not this Ointment fold for Three Hundred Pence,
and given to the Poor? John xii. ;, 6. I can-
not but fay, that depriving even a Man of an Ad-
vantage is a great Injultice, tho' robbing us of
Things we hold the moil: confderable is much fa-
perior to this. But where both Life and GooJs
too are in the Cafe, then 'tis a moll difmal Con-
fuleration ; for not' only the Laws of Man, but
thofe of God likevvife have ' inade it a Cipital
Crime to take away anv Thing unjuHIy from a
18
" Man, or to detain what of Riglit belongs to ano-
" tlier; now this taking away v.hich I am fpeaking
" of, is brandied out nuo the chree foJiov.i.ig Deno^
■' niinations ; Firil, limple 'i he.*':, Wiiich means a
" private takiugaway of that wluch is another Man's.
" Secondly, I<_pine, by wu.ich V/ord is implied a
" forcible or compuliivc \\ ay of taking away of that
" which appertains to another Bod> '3 Right; And
" Thirdly, Sacriicdge, which imports t.he takiag a---
" way of Things dedicated to holy Uies, or in facied'
" Places. Now the Firll and Lall of t;Kfj Kinds,
" are, for the Generality put in Execution in the
" Night-time, that being the moll convenient Seafon
" to accomplilh the Ends delign'd by them. If[Uyi
" the Propjiec) Tiii^ej comes to thee, if Robbers by
" I^ight, no'ju art thou cut off i 'vjould not they have
" Jlo/ien teil t':ef had enough. Ob.id. v. 5. And our
" Saviour hiinleif compares his coming on Earth to a
" 'J'hief in the Night. 1 he Day af the L-jrJfo com-
" eth as a Thief in the Kight, I The.', v. 2, Sa)s
" St. Paul. Agreeable t j which is the follow ing
" Palfage of St. John the Divine. Behold I come as a
" Thief, Revel, xvi. 15. Which Words, if they
" were paraphjaled, import thus muc.l. Behold I
" come luheu vou hioixj nothing of it. Bjt the other
" Kind of tiiiiug away is generally put in force (as
' you have now done) in the Day:time, puuing Merj
' and Women into terrible Frights, and valt bodily
" Fears.
" But I muil beg Leave to acquaint you, Gentlc-
' men, by the way, that you are not the only Thieves
' in the World, for a great many others come under
' the Denomination ; Iuch as ICings and Princes,/
' when they l.iy Liineccff.;ry I'axes and Excifes upon
* their Subjects ; Subjecls when they do not pay the
' cullom.,ry Fribute to their Princes ; Tradeimen,
' when they uie deceitful Weigiits and Meafures^-
' and unjuitly enhance the Price of Commodities ;
' Mailers, when they defraud Serv.ints of their Wa-
' gCo ; and Sen'ants when tiiey enibe/.zle the Goods
' of their Millers : Na>', Apothecaries, and Ta)'-
' lors, when they make ui)conlcio;iable Bills; Butch-
' ers, when they blow their Veil ; Millero, for ta-
' king double Toll ; Siioemaketj, for ilretching their
' Leather larger than their Consciences ; Sargecns^,
' for prolonging a Cure j Phyficians, for taking away
' the Lives of their Patients ; and Lawyers, ior tak--
' ing Bribes on both Sides ; I fay, that all thefe are-
' no better than Thieves, and fuch as the) , nor Co-"
' vetous, nor Dru".kards, ncr Revilers, nor Extpr-
' tioners, Iball inherit the Kingdom of God, i Car,'
' vi. 10. No.v v.i.at I have al.eady cbferved brings-
' me to the following Inferences. Thou jhalt tut-
' ftcal. This is a pontive Precept delivered to us by
' the Hand oi God himfelf, Wiio has alio declared
' his avenging Hand on thofe tliat intringe it ; yet
■ tills is 10 tiir from deterring jManUind fro.Ti t.le -
' CoiimiifTion of it, that rather t;;an not indulgj
' ) our Headilrong Inclinations this Way, you wi.l
' cut, hack, maim, v.oand, tie Hand and rcor,
' Neck and Heels together ; you will rob, pilfer,
' and plunder any one, io this vicious Defiie -s but
' ferved. What a melancholy Thing is this, an-i
' allonifhing Confiderations does it prelent to an
' honeil and virtuous Mind ! But, lack-a-day, why-
' Ihould I talk at this Rate ; will not Courtiers rob
' People that folicit the.Ti for Fa\'ours ? will not
' Judges pervert the Laws and adminiller Juilic*
' parti.iliy \ Thefe are (hocking Reflcftions, and
' yet they are no more ihockii.g than true. I con-
' fefs they are hard, but true, luUances of Injullice
' and TJiieving. Bat conlidering the Age we live
' in; 'tis not to be wondered at ; for if Arts and
' Sciences are fuffer'd to augment, much lefs is it to
' be admired why Vices and Immorality in all Shapes
^ r " increalej
46
^ General H t s t o r v of
increafe \ Satan being induftrious to plant his
Schools of Wickednefs, as much as our beft In-
ftrudtors there's, of good Learning and Mo-
rality.
" Now tliey who relinquifli the Paths of Virtue,
and will voluntarily purfue the Road of Iniquity
and Ihieviiig, Robbing, and Plundering, every
one they meet, without any Diftinftion either of
Sex or Perfon, expofe themfelves to an untimely
Fate, v.'hich not only proves a miferable Exit to
themfelves, but alfo involves their Families, Friends,
and Relations, in a great Deal of Scandal. And
fuppofing they who purfue this profligate Courie
of Life, do not meet with the Gallows for their
Reward, yet ten to one, they die no natural
Death, for, 'tis poffible, that one Time or other,
meeting with a Prey, as they imagine, they may
find fome obftinate Refiftance from the Perfon
they attack, as may at laft over-power them, and
in the End take away one or other of their Lives ;
then pray what's the Confequence ? Why, being
thus cut oiF in their Sin, they tumble Head-long
into Perdition, where emJleis Torments wait for
them. Probably you are difpatched and fent out
of the World fome Years before your appointed
Time, whilll he that fent you packing cut of this
World, enjoys his Quiet, without bemg accoun-
table to the Laws of his Country for what he did ;
and befides, we have the Levitical Lawjuftifying
the killing of a Thief. If a Thief he f-'und break-
ing up, and he /mitten that be die, there Jhall no
Blood be pcd for him, Exod. xxii. 2. And indeed
all honell Men look ■•inn Theft with r^idi Detefta-
tion, that on s Ttiicf's being apprehended, they
are ready to msflacre him, before no is carried to
Goal And under ti.e Denomination of Theft we
may juftly place Ufury, Bribery, and Cheating in
Gaming. Let us now fuppofe that the Thief may
run on in his Villainous Courfe of Life feveral
Years, without enher being taken from his Ro-
guery, or paying his Recompence to the Laws,
yet v.hat's ihis to the Purpofe 1 All this Time he
has fometliiiig within him called Confcience, which
iiiLcHantly iclls him of his Ways ; his Mind pre-
fents to itfelf terrifying Ideas ; nor can he purchafe
one Night's found Sleep ; he's haunted in every
Corner, nor will Confcience fuffer him to be at
reft ; poflibly his pleafing Sins mny delude his
Thoughts with Gaiety and Mirth for a while, but
this Scene lafteth not long, before a Vulture gnp.w-
eth his Heart, and eternally racks him : For ill
Aftions are conftantly attended with Perturbations ;
and the Punilhment that follows is a thoufand
Times worfe than all the Delight fuch Aftions
produced. Ill-acquired Gains are far more detri-
mental than all the Lofles of an adverfe Fortune.
Thefc latter but difturb us once ; the firft arc per-
petuilly teazing us. And indeed that Man can
never think of adding to his Contentment, who
purfues Ways diametrically againft it, ftill fixing
his Eyes on the Beginning of Things, but has ne-
ver once the Senfe to conilder where the End will
reach.
" Now, Gentlemen, if you are ignorant in this
Particular, I will make bold to tell you, that the
Beginning of Theft is an Entrance into Prifon,
where your chiefeft Companions are Hunger,
Thirft, Shackles, Bolts, Irons, and Vermin ; and
the End Hanging, unlefs you have the good For-
tune to meet with an Adverfary as favourable as
King Ed-juard the Confeflbr. I will produce the
Inftance for your Informations : It feems this
Prince one Morning lying in Bed with his Curtains
drawn, faw a poor Courtier come into his Cham-
ber, and, going up direSly to his Coffer, take as
much Money away as he was able to carry, and
came ag.iin, and was fuffered to convey his fecond
Booty oft" without being fpokc to, but King Eci'
luard finding him advance thither the third 'i'irae,
reproved him for his Covetoufncfs, and command-
ed him to be gone ; for if Hugoline his Treafurer
came and cau;;ht him in the F.id, he would cer-
tainly have a Hope for his Delerts : Now it feems
he was fcarce got out of the Chamber, but the
■ Treafurer, who had left open the CoflFcr, came
' and feemed in a vaft Surprize at the Lofc, but the
■ King bid him not concern himfelf, for he had
' moft Occafion for the Money, tiiat had taken the
• Opportunity to convey it away.
" Now I fhall infer once more from this Difcourfe,
' Perfons of your Profeflion, let your Lives be never
' fo flagitious and enormous, m.iy probably be of Opi
' nion, that the fame Mercy is laid up in Store for
' you, which the penitent Thief on the Crofs found
' and enjoyed : But let me tell you, and be yoi
'' afiured, that you areflir from it, unlefs you cai
■ bring yourfelves to repent as he did. But pra)
' what Man in his Senies would run the Rifque o
' Damnation by fuffering a reproachful Death
' When curfed is every one that hangeth on a Trei
' Gal. xiii. 21. Nay, he that is hanged is accurle
' of God. Ak.s ! no Man alw; ys fins unpunifhec
' Deut. xxi. 23. Is it not a common Thing for u
' to fee the Son punifti'd for the Vices and profligat
• Life of the Father ? I am very well allured thi
■ there are but few Vices of any ^T gnitude, whic
■ are not punilhed in this World. Uod, let me te
■ you. Gentlemen, doth not blefs or punifh all ;
■ once, but by Degrees and W.'inings. So iniic
' Knavery pofTefTes the World at this Time of Da;
' that to be an hojieft Man is reputed Vice, and •
' many Mutations are hourly obferved, that 't
■ very rare to fee tiie completed Race of anothe
' Our Lives are too fhort to take exaft Notice ho
' the moft juft God difpenfes his Judgments, ar
■ how he ftrikes pernicions Mortals. Some of h
' Corrections are perlc/rmed in the D?rk, nor doi
■ every notorious Aft meet *,u:k iti Juii: Puniihmcn
notwithftanding (as I have obferved in the Foregc
ing) private Punilhments fometimes give a Man vs
Uneafmefs within, while Mankind obferving on
the Superficies of Things, fee not how he imaj
in fecret.
' ' Having proceeded thus far, I fhall now come
fome few Exhortations, and then dole my D:
courfe. I muft take the Freedom to acquaint yo
Gentlemen, that the Sin of Theft is obligator
tiiat is, that you are obliged if you are ab,'
to reftore back the Things you Ileal, or fore
bly take from another, otherwife, let me t(
you, your Sins are not forgiven. I fpeak w
this for the Sake of myfelf, but for the Bene
of your precious Souls ; entertaining fo favourat
an Opinion of you, that I believe you to be goO'
humour'd, generous, tender-hearted Gentieme
and fuch wlio, without being fpurred on, ha-
the Senfe to fhcw a compafTionate Honefty. y.
Things 'whatfocver you nuould that Men Jhould
unto you, do ye e'ven fo to them : For this is t
Laiv and the Prophets. Some of you probal
may objeft, and iay, that it is impofTible to ke
the Commandments. I anfwer to this ; that it
becaufe you have no Inclination to oblige yoi
felves to the Obfervance of them, but are mc
willing that God fhould be thought the Auth
of Sin, which is exceedingly blafphemous a
wicksd. FolTibly too you may endeavour to Jul
"i
3C
'pi,
'OtI
'it
"ji
'to
%
"ail
"*
Oca,
•ft
frn,
ifti
Pyfiitesy Migh--wq)>meny Murderers., &c.
67
It)
' fy your iniquitous and fcandalous Lives, by al-
ledging you cannot rellrain yourfelves, liking
this Evafion mucli better tlun acknouledging )'our
Iniquities, and conftiTing your Sins in orJer to
amend, by engraving the Law of God upon your
Hearts.
" It is my fmcere Hope that tlie Words and Doc-
trine I have already delivered, will have the lame
Influence on you, as the Advice once had on the
Thief which the Apoftle St. John gave him,
which reclaimed him from his wicked Courfes.
The Narrative is hot very long, and for your
Information, I will acquaint you with it. St.
John, as foon as the I'yrant was dead, who h:id
banilh'd him to the Ifle of Patkmos, returning to
Ephefu!, and being importuned to vifit the Coun-
tries adjacent, to put the Churche:; in Order,
when he was come into a certain City, and lee-
ing a young Man of goodly Body, handlome Face,
and fervent Mind, among the Brethren; he turned
his Face to him, who was appointed chief over
all the Billiops, and faid, / commend this young
Man unto thy Ciijlody, luith an earneft Defire
to take Care of him, as Chrijl and the Church
bear me IVitr.efs. The Bifhop having received his
Charge, carried the young Man home, and took
extraordinary Care of him. But it feems that
this young Convert, in fpite of the Biihop's Pre-
cepts and Admontions, foon abandon'd hiinielf
to lewd and diilblute Courfes, and affbciated with
young Men of his Years, who were idle, dc-baucn-
ed, and acquainted with all M.ip.iier of Vice
and Immorality. The iirfl Step tiiefe evil Coun-
fellors take with their P. :]■!.', is to bring him to
coftly Entertainments ; afterwards to Ileal and pil-
fer in tne Night, and commit a great many o-
ther Offences. Thus our Convert foon became
acquainted with all Manner of VVickednefs ; he
plunger himfelf into a bjttomlefs Pit of all Dif-
order and Outi.igcs, and in the End, delpairs of
the Saving Grace that cometh of God. He is
pall all Hopes of Mercy ; <uid therefore being
quite regardlefs of the Confequences of his irre-
gular Life, he proceedetli onward in his Impie-
ties, and takes his Lot in common with the rell
of his Companions. It feems that a Gang of
Thieves being gather'd together, he puts himfelf
at their Head, and condufts them in the E.xecu-
tion of their Enterprizes. His Mind is now entirely
bent to Robbing, extream Cruelty and Murder.
A while after this Biihop, being under fome Ne-
• ceflity, fent for St. John, who having declared
the Cauie of his fending for him, the ApolUe
jM ' addreffed him in the following Manner : O Bijhop !
' I require the young Man, and the Soul of our Bro-
ther ivhcm I eommilted to thy Ciijlody. Tlie Bi-
fhop hearing this, with a dejeded Countenance,
and fobbing and fighing, told him that he vvas
dead. Dead, laid iit. John ; ho-tv ? by luhat kind
' (rf Death? The Billiop replied, he is dead to God ;
for he is become a 'very icicied and pernicious
' Wretch ; nay, a Thief, keeping this Mountain o^ver-
againji the Church, in Company 'with his AJfociates.
' St. John immediately tent his Garments, and beat
' his Head, laying to the Biihop, / ha'Ve left a
•wife Keeper of our Brother s €oul; prepare me a
' Horfe, and let me have a Guide. He hallen'd out
' of the Church, and rode Poll to the Place he in-
' tended, but was immediately apprehended by the
thievifh Watch ; yet he makes no Refillance, but
exclaims aloud, and fays. Bring me hither your
Captain, who, in the mean time, as he was arm'd,
faw him coming. As foon as the Captain faw the
Apollle's Face, knowing it to be St. John''%, he
he was ftricken with Shame, and ran away. The
Ba
" old M.an, unmindful of his great Age, purines
" him flying, and ciies, My Son, •-■.>:hy lunnefl thou
'' au'ay from me thy Father, unarm' d, and old ? Be
" not any aivay daunted, as there are Hopes of Sal-
" -vat ion remaining; I 'will plead for thee •with
" Oiriji ; nay, I i{.-ill expefe my Life to Death for
" thee, if there be Occafiox, as Chrijl expofed hit
" for our Redemption ; helie-ve me, that I too it;//
" e-ven hazard my Soul for thee and thine, for Chnji
" fcnt me. Our Thief hearing this warm E.xpoftu-
" Jation, Hood fome Tim.e Hock Hill, with his Coun-
" tenance fix'd on the Ground, treiiibling like an A-
" fpin Leaf, and all the while Ihed a Flood of Tears.
" He took St. John in his Arms, and, with great E-
" motion, embraced him, making him as pertinent
" Anfwers as he could for his weeping ; lo that to
" outward Appearance he look'd as tlio' he had been
" baptiz'd cgain with Tears. After St. John had
" promis'd and alfured to obtain his Pardon with
" our Saviour, and pray'd, and fell on his Knees,
" and kilfed his Right Hand, which Repentance had
" now purified , he conduced him to the Church a-
" gam, where rettifying his late fallen Soul with a-
" bundance of Prayers and Fallings, and confirm-
" ing Ids Mind with feveral excellent Sermons, he
" left iiim fully reilored to the Church, a great Ex-
" ample of true Repentance, a brave Trial of a new
" Birth unto Righteouiiiefs, and a fingular Pledge of
" a vifible Refurreflion from mortal Sin.
" Wherefore, Gentlemen, if your Inclinations are
" to imitate the Example of this great Convert, and
" to put on the new Man, by being good Chrillians,
" alfociate yourfelves with iionell and good Compa-
" ny ; for there is nothing more prejudicial tnan to
" keep that which is bad: Our Fame and our Souk
" arc utterly ruin'd by it ; we receive Wounds by it
" which are incurable .ind pall Remed>' j befides,
" conlider the Difgrace : Was a Man a King, he
" would lofe hisM.'.jelty and Dignity ,b) il ; for pray
" tell me, who would pay Obedience to his Cora-
" mands or Government, when, in Imitation of Kcro,
" he Ihould walle his Time at Taverns with the
" Lewd and Debauched, play with Minftrels in his
" Cliariot, and frolick with common Players on the
" Stage ? Bad Company may be comparc-l very juft-
" ly to the new Trimming of a Ship ; wherefo-
" ever you but touch it, you are all bedaub'd ; and
" iuppoling you are clean when you go .iboard, yet
" the lm.dlell Motion in the World will foon dilco-
" ver the Blotches you have receiv'd. How many
" hundreds could I enumerate, who, going to per-
" form the lall Scene of an ignominious Death, have
" blamed ill Company as the Original of all the
" Failings they have made, as though fome Witch
" had enchanted them into their FoUies ? Bad Com-
" pany is an Engine which the Dev'il always is put-
" ting in Play to remove Man from the Purfuitof
" \'irtuous Ways : Bad Company is the fpiritual
" Whore, that by fond Dalliances and Arts betrays
" a Man into his Deftruftion : Bad Company is
" certainly a.Dalilah, if there be one under Heaven :
" But not to tire you with more of this Nature,
" I lliaJl conclude my Diicourie with this Admoni-'
" tion in Scripture, Let him that Jlole, flcal no more.
This Sermon was vallly well received by Sir Gof
felin and his Aflbciates, who returned the Monk
their extraordinary Thanks for the excellent Sermon
he had made ; in Ihort, they gave back not only
the Gold they had taken from him, but making a
Collefkion among themfelves, prefented him witft a
Purfe (above his Money) by Sir Gof'elin their Spokef-
man, who, after a few Ceremonies on both Side,
left the Monk to defcend out of the Tree quietly j
and go Home in Peace,
One
68
A Gene rill History of
One \*)ul(l have thought that the Doctor's impar-
tial Handling of his Subjed, and the open Manner
in which lie e.\poffd lliieving, and tlie direful Con-
fequences that waited upon it after this Life, would
have awaked our Adventurers to a better Senfe of
themfeh es : But, it feems they were too far plung-
td iil tutir inir;uitous Courfe of Life, to retreat
back and reform. Which will be proved in the Se-
quel. Nay, if .'Vccounts be true tjiat are tranfmit-
ted down to us concerning this Knight and his Con-
federates, whole Parties of Horfe and Foot fent out
to fupprefs their Career, were feveral Times defeated ;
at which the whole Kingdom was put into fo much
Terror and Amazement, that none durll take a Jour-
ney, or appear on the Roads. The King then reign-
ing having acquainted his Nobles of his Intention to
make a Progreis through the North of England, Sir
Gojftlin came timely to hear of it, and accordingly
put himfelf and his whole Gang in Priefts Habits.
Now tlie King being on his Progrefs and near Nor-
luich, our Adventurers, being a confiderable Num-
ber, drew up to him in their venerable Habits; which
making the King halt to obferve them a little more
clofely. Sir Go/Jelin clofed up with him. The King
iipou this Teemed defirous to hear what he had to
lay, which Sir Gqffsliii obferving, after a low Obeif-
ance made to his IVlajefty, he told him that he w.as
not come to difcourfe about Religious Matters, but
Secular Affairs, which was to lend him and his
needy Brothers what Money he had about him,
otherwife not all the IriJulgences he could obtain from
the Pope {!-.ouId lave him from being expofed to a
ver/ hsrd and rigid Penance. The King having but
about Forty to attend him, found it impoffible to
get clear of his Adverfary, to fave his Money, but
was obliged to furrender all, nay, look on while his
Noblemens Pocket; were fearch'd ; after which Sir
GoJJeliii and his Aflbciates left them to perform the
remaining Part of their Progrefs.
Thii Attempt upon the King was highly refented ;
and feveral Proclamations with confiderable Re-
wards inferted, iffued to apprehend any of the Per-
fons concerned in this Robbery alive or dead. In
lefs than Si.x Months above Sixty were treacheroufly
taken by People, in order to obtain the Premium.
Notwithftanding, this Change of Fortune was fo far
-from working any Reformation in our Knight, that
he and his Brother robbed with greater Boldnefs ;
fo that thofe Noblemen and Gentlemen, who had
Seats in the Country, were afraid to refide at them,
and were obliged to fecure themfelves and their Ef-
fefts in the fortified Cities and Towns of the King-
dom.
The lafl Adventure which we have on Record of
this Knight was this : Sir Goffelin and the remaining
Part of his Aflbciates being in the North oi England,
were determined to fee what the rich Bifliop of Dur-
ham could afford them ; accordingly they got into
his Palace, which they rifled from Top to Bottom
of all the valuable Things in it ; and, not content
witn the Spoil they found, bound the Reverend Pre-
late and his Servants Hand and Foot, while they
went down into the Cellar, dr..nk as much Wine as
tiiey could well digclt, and then let the rell run out
of the BarrcL ; aficr which they departed, leaving
the Ecclefiatlick to cJl upon Gud to deliver him m
his Ncceffities.
But fortune now weighs doi\n the Scale of our
Knight's Iniquities : It feeins a Man kept a publick
Houle in a By -place in Yorkjhire, where Sir Goffe-
lin frequently went, not fo much for the Liquors
tliere, as for the Beauty of the Woman of the Houfe :
A freer Acquintance than conf;lfeJ with Decency
had been kept up very openly fome Time between
the Knight and the Landl.idy, which the Hu.^b.uid at
firll connived at, through a Notion his dignified Cuf-
tomcr, and the Comp.my he brought to his Houfe,
would be of conliderable Advantage to his Trade ;
But Sir Goffelin and his Wife purluing their Love
Intrigues in broad Day -light, to the no fmall Scandal
of his Family, and he beginnhig too late to think
himfelf injured, found no other Refource to repair
the ill Name tlirov\n upon him by the People in the
Neighbourhood, than by removing the Knight out
of tae Way : To which End he goes to the Sheriff
of the County, and acquaints him how Sir Goffelin
might be apprehended with little Difficulty at his
Houfe, provided he came that Night. The Sheriff
rejoiced at the Opportunity, but confider'd that the
Knight and his Aflbciates were Men of defperate
Fortunes, vaft Courage, and refolved to hazard the
laft, rather than furrender or be taken ; upon which
he mufter'd up between five and fi.K hundred Men im
Arms, came privately in the Night with them to th©
Houfe, whicii they vigoroufly atiack'd as our Knight
and his Company were revelling o\er their Cups.
Now or never was an important Battle, or rather
Siege, to be determined. The Perfons within re-
iblutely defended themfelves for fome Time, and the
Men in Arms without were not lefs v.iliant. Good
Fortune fcemed to incline to our Knight's Side,
who, in Conjunftion with his Men, laid two hun-
dred of his Adverfaries dead on the Spot ; but being
tired with the Slaughter, and frelh Enemies pouring
in upon lum, he was prefently hemmed in on every
Side, and obliged to lurrender, tho' not without
fighting to the lail. The Sheriff, exafperated to
tnink at lofing fo many Men, took care to put the
captive Knight, and three and twenty of bis Com-
rades, who were made Prifoners at the fame Time,
under a very llrong Guard, who faltly conduded
them to York, where, without any Trial or other
Proceedings had upon them, they were executed,
to the Joy of Thoufands ; the Satisfiidlion of the
Great, and the Deiire of the common People, who
waited upon them to the Gallows, triumphing at
their ignominious Exit.
itra
w
itk
li
lira
nai
«'0!
fen
lli!
»i'lJ
bi
riici
a,
lioi
a.
\\
The
II
Pj-raks, Highasoaymcf!) Afz/rdefers, SCc.
69
The LIFE 0/ ROBIN HOOD.
TH E AccounK of this Man's Genealogy are
exceeding various, and the Stories of him as
fiditioui among the Country People, as the
Tneft of Mercury among the Heathens, the one be-
ing accounted a God for his Dexterity of Pilfering,
and the other being generally reputed a Nobleman.
I (hall only confine myfelf to two, out of the feveral
Accounts we have of this IVIan. In the firft he is i'aid
to be the Earl of Huntington, that his Father was
Head-Ranger in the North o( England, that his Mo-
ther was a Daughter of tne Earl of Warwick, that he
had an Uncle named Gami'.-ell of Gamiijell-Hall iheie,
that his Father and Mother lived at a fniall Village
called Loicy, near the Forelt of Sherwood, and that
he himfelf was born in Henry th- Second's Time.
But in the fecond he is faid to derive his Family ab
origine, from no higher Perfons than Shepherds, who
for fome time had inhabited in Kottinghamjhire, in
which County, at a fmall Village adjacent to the Fo-
reft ofSher-wood, he was bom, in the Reign of King
Henry the Second, and bred up a Butcher ; but being
of a licentious and wicked inclination, left his Trade,
md aflbciating himfelf with feveral Robbers and Out-
aws, put himfelf at their Head, becauie he was a
Vlan of e.xtraordinary Courage, and wou'd never en-
ertain any in iii^ fraternity, but fuch as had been luf-
iciently tried both as to their ftoutnefs and dexterity
a handling their Arms.
But we are acquainted from the former of thefe two
iccounts, that Robin was put to School, where he
nade a furprizing Progrefs in his Books, and could
mfwer to any Queftion put to him by his Mailer with
'M vonderful facility and wit, which gave his Parents no
"mall joy : And that one Chiiftmas he went to fee
liil lis Uncle Gamtvell, at whofe Houfe, in Compan)'
» vith Little Jol'n (who was a Servant there) he per-
nK brmed very unufual Tricks with Cups and Balls ;
Ififfl irhich won the Heart of the aged Gentleman fo much,
cti hat, dying not long after, he left Robin his fole Heir,
Hltii vho now began to be very beneficent and hofpitiible
)f 13 0 all that came to fee him ; relieved the Poor, and
, it lid a thoufand other meritorious Anions, which
*{! pined him the good-will andeftecm of all about him;
put that this open and free way of living did not lall
sng, for, by his Profufion and too great Liberality
aving run thro' the Eibce, he was obliged to fup-
lOrt himfelf as well as he could. That he had abun-
ance of deep Refleflion within himfelf how to main-
lin his ufual Grandeur and Hofpitality, which at
ngth turned upon robbini^ the Rich, and always
veiving kind to the Poor, who were always fending
3 their Prayers to Heaven lor his Profperity and
ng Life, becaufe, if he met any of them, lie would
ot only refirain from injuring or robbing them, but
ive them Money ; na)', wherefoever he heard that
ay were fick or in want, he was fare to fend iiis
ccour and Afiiftance to relieve them in their neceffi-
Circumlhnces.
By this time he and Little John (fo called, tho'
iherwiie of lofty Stature) were become fworn Bro •
ers. They were together in all Parties of Pleafure,
»9
of robbing, or otherwife. And the firfc Adventure.
of theirs which we have on Record was performed by
them, and fifteen more, on the Bilhop of Carlijle,
who had fifty in his Retinue. The account of
this Matter Hands thus : Robin having intelligence
tiiat the Prelate was in his way to London, met him on
the South-fide of Ferr)'-bridge in Torkjhirc, and, not'
withllanding his Retinue \\as io numerous, att.icked
him with his much inferior Number, took from him
eight hundred Marks, and then tying him to a Tree,
made him fmg Mafs ; after which he unty'd him, fet
him on his Horfe again with his Face to the Tail, and
in that Condition obliged him to ride to London,
where he made heavy complaint to the King of the
indignity that had been offered him, who iiTued out a
Proclamation for his being apprehended j but all en-
deavours were ineifeAual.
Some time after this the King having propofed a
Ihooting-match in Finjhury-fields, Robin and his Gang,
notwithilanding their late iniulting the Bilhop, had a
mind to be Spedators of this Divyiion, nay, to make
Parties in it, and accordingly having difguifed them-
lelves, they came up to London, and mi.xed incognito
among the company alTembled on this Occaiion.
Great Commendations were given to the King's Ar-.
chers, who, to fa)- the worll of tiiem, ihot exceeding
well, and large Betts moving about, Robin tteps up,
and offers to lay an hundrea Markf, that he ImgieJ
out three Men who fhould flioot better than any three
others that could bt.- produced to oppofe them ; the
King takes up our Adventurer, .ind the Queen, ad-
miring the refolution of the Strangers, as ihe thought
them, was incited to lay a tlioufind Pounds on tlieir
Heads againfl their King, which example wastollowed
bv feveral of the Nobility. Rabin now bent his
Bow and fhot ahnoft into the middle of the Clout,
beating his Adverfary about a Span ; Little John hit
the black Mark in it, and overcame his Antagoniit,
but Midge the Miller pinn'd up the Bafliet, by cleav-
ing with his Arrow the Pin in two v.hich was in the
middle of the Black, lb that the Queen, and all thofe
that laid on her fide won the Betts. But when the
King came to know afterwards th'.t it was Robin
Hood and part of his Gang, that h:;d beaten his Ar-
chers, he fwcre that he ihould be lianged whenever
he w.zs caught, and, in order thereto, fent out feve-
ral Detachments of Soldiers into the Foreft of 5''v/- -
tuoorf' after him, which Robin having private notice
of, made him withdraw into Yorkjhire, thence to
Ke-itscaJ}le, Cumberland, Lancajhire and CheJ/Jire, and
lart of all to London, till the Heat of the Hue and Cry
was over, and then he returned to his old Place of
Rendezvous, to the no fmall joy of his Companions,
who had been from him fall eight Months.
Robin having a mind to make a Progrefs by himfelf, ■
put into a by-fort of a Hoafe, a little out q{ the
Road, in which he found no body but a poor old
Woman, who was ueeping \-ery bitterly, and in a
flood of Tears. Robin, moved at her extraordinary
crying, defired her to acquaint him with the caufe of
her Sorrow, to v/hich (he anfivered, that Ite was a
T poor
70
poor Woman and a Widow, and being fomewhat in.
debted to her Landlord for Rent, (he expefted him
every moment to come and feize what few Goods
file had, which would be her utter Ruin. Tliis
?iew3 filling Rgbiiii Breaft with . Compafllon, he bad
her reii herfelf contented, and he would make things
e.ify ; fo pulling off his rich laced Cloaths, and put-
ting on an uid Coat, which the old Woman lent him,
and having likewiie fecured his Horfe in an old Eirn,
in a little time came the old miferly Landlord, and
demanded his Rent : Upon this Robin riles out of the
Chimney-corner with a Ihort Hick in his Hand ; and
fays, / undsrjiand. Sir, that my Sijhr hen (poor
IFomanJ is behind hand for Rent, and that yon de-
fign to feize her Goods ; hut, Jhe being a defolate
I'Vido'w, and hailing nothing luherenxiithal to fatisjy
you at prejent, I hope you ivill take fo much pity and
(ompa£ion on her mean Circumjlances, as tiot to he
too fever e upon her ; Pray, Sir, let me perfwade you
to have a little forbearance, to which the Landlord
replied, Dont tell me of forbearance. Til hanje my
Money, I nvant my Rent ; and if I am not paid noiu,
Til feize her Goods forthivith, and tur» her out of
my Houfc. When Robin found that no intreaties nor
perfwaiious would prevail with the old miferly Cuff
to have patience with the poor Woman, he pulled a
Leathern Bag out of his Pocket, and faid. Come let^s
fee a Receipt in full, and Pll pay it ; fo according-
ly a Receipt ivas ginjen, and the Rent paid: Then
the Landlord being upon going aiuay; fays Robin,
^t!S draining to'wards Night Sir, and there's great rob-
bing abroad, therefore I miould advife you to fay
hcj-e till to-morrono Morning, and take the Day be-
fore you. No, «o, replied the Landlord, F II go Home
, noiu, I fhall reach feven Miles before 'tis dark. Pray
Sir, fays Robin to him again, Ltt me perfwade you
to iarry here, for indeed there's great robbing a-
hroad: Idont care, anpwered the Landlord, ivhat
robbing there is abroad ; Fll go home noiu, befides, I
don't fear being robb'd by any one Man, let him he
luhat he luill : So taking his Horfe, away he rode,
and Robin after him, drell then in his fine Cloaths,
and meeting hm at a Pond where he knew he mult
pafs by, bid him ftand and fight, or deliver his Mo-
ney I Whic.i W( rds fo terrified him, that he deli-
vered all the Mjney he had received for Rent, and
and as much more to it. Then Robin riding back
to the old Woman again, and difguifing himfelfas
before, it was not long before the Landlord came
back to the Houfe again, and knock 'd at the Door ;
upon which Robin asks who was there f The Land-
lord anfwers, 'tis I: luhat I? fays Robin ; why
"'tis I, unftvered the Landlord again. At thefe words,
the old Woman cried, O dear I 'tis my Landlord:
So letting him in, he told his Grievance with a great
deal of Sorrow ; as how he was robbed by a Rogue
in a lacM Coat, who fwore a thouiand Oaths at him,
and had certainly knock 'd his Brains out had he not
given him all his Money : Jy^ fays Robin, I told
you there luas great robbing abroad, but you ivould not
take my Adi'ice ; noiu I hope you' II flay here till
Morning : Hou ever he did not ; for, liaving given
an Account of his Misfortune, he made the bell of
his way homeward.
The King having determined to make a Progrefs
into the North of England, Robin came to hear of
it, and was refolved to rob him. Accordingly ta-
king lixty of his Followers, put himfelf and his Af-
fociates in very rich Cloaths, with each Man his
white Horfe, well harnailed and accoutred. They
met the King at a fmall Village, with about thirty
in his Retinue (for the Kings of England in thofe
Days ^veI-e not wont to be attended with Horfe-guards
ii.'i now) whereupon Robin, the foremolt of his Com-
^ Cencral History of
!
t
rades, ftept up to the King, and addreft him in a very
handfome manner. My Liege, fay he, by our extra-
ordinary Garb and Drefs n:e Jhould feem to be Per-
fons of Dignity and Fortune, but I mufi crane leaxe
to be fo fincere njitb you, as to iifonn you n>e are
of a quite different Stamp and Gondii ion to that which
probably you ii>ul your Retinue may take us to be. For
my part, hailing being defended of honourable Parents
and left, ivhen utry young, in Pofjeffwn of a confi-
d^rable EJlate, which for Jeueral Tears fupported me
in a generous and gay manner, I reckon my Jclf a-
mong the Number of thofe your Countrymen [for Sub-
jeii is too harjh a 11:01 d for a Gentleman to pronounce)
who think themfehes the happieji Perfons lining, by
hailing lofi all through generous and polite Lining!
What mean you Sir, by this ?ny/>erious way of Dif-
courfe, anfwered the King ? E.vplain your felf, for
really I am at a lofs to underftand you. Fo which
Robin replies. My Liege, my Anions are already fa
much divulged throughout this Land, that there's n»
need of making enquiry about me; L am only to in-
form you, that, having run thro' all that 1 was barn
to, and double the ^antity, I made my felf Cap-
tain ouer thefe braue Fellows ivhom you fee befort
you. Our Employment is to collet Tribute (not as you
do, to fitiate the hungry Appetites of Miniflers oj
State and Penfioners) of euery one that travels thra
thefe Counties, lohich / have fame time ago annex-
ed to my Dominions. I conftantly take from tht
Rich to gii/e to the Poor, for thofe fiare my Bene-
•volencc hourly, and I cannot think but your Genera-
fity will look upon me as a Perfon deferuing. Wha,
I nxant Sir, is your Money, which will gi-ve yoa i
free Paffport to the Place you are going to. The Kinflj
finding by the Number of .Re^;'«'s Attendance, ths'
there was no fuch thing as refilling iiis Demand, vo
luntarily pulled out a Purfe and ga\ e it him, wh(
found it, by the weight, fufficicnt to anfwer his pre-
fent Occafions, without having recourfc to the No
blemens Pockets who waited upon the King to in
creafe the Booty.
Our Readers are to be acquainted, that it ^vas nc
Difficulty to rob our Kings at that Time of Day
Se\x'ral of our Nobility of the prefent Age appea
more fplendid and numerous in their Attendance thai
they did. Kings formerly ufed to make frequen
FrogrefTes to different Parts of the Kingdom, to dif
fufe among their Country Subjefts their Riches, anc
fee how Matters went among them; but now thi
Cullom is quite varied, and nothing but large Bo.
dies of Life-Guards are feen waiting upon our Kings
though it be but for three or four Miles, whid. ^^
makes it feem rather a Clog upon Majefty than a* '^i
Augmentation of it.
Robin, happening to be out one Morning by him ^
felf, oblerved a young Man, of a genteel Afpefl, anc
well drell, fitting under the Shade of 3 Tree in i
very melancholy and dejefted Mood : The Sigh
preCentiy made our Adventurer Hep up to him, anc
ask the Reafon of his fitting fo difconfolately there
The young Man, after many Sobs and Tears, broki
out frequently into an Exclamation againft Womai>
kind, who, he faid, were the moll perfidious Wretch
es in the World. I this Morning, faid he, had got ai
Things ready in order to be married to the Gentleman
Daughter of that Houfe; but Money being a jtronge,
Perfwajine than the trueji Love, another Perfon in tht
Neighbourhood has fupplanted me by the young Wo
man s o'iun Appointment, though J^e' s mine by all th
f acred Oaths under Heaven, Ay, ay, fays Robin, i
your Cafe fo ? never be afraid Man, but put an 1
more chearful Look, Fll vjarrant you Suicefs ; yo>
fhall not only have the IVoman, hut her Fortune too
Having thus laid, he took the young Man along witi - ';■".
hin ■
ok
mi
b
at
IT. 'a
Vyratesj Highwaymefiy Murderers^ &C.
m to his Comrades, who went back to the Church
igethcr, and meeting the Bilhop, Robin began to
»ijicourfe him on Ibme Points in Religion, till a
^*i ealthy Knight, and the young Man's Millrefs wme
to be married. Upon which Robin faid, 'Tis a
'^ Kit Shame that fuch a young beautiful Woman
oold be married to fuch a fumbling old Man as
'** is, to lie grunting by her Side, and to make a
arfe of her all the r>iys of her Life : No, no, fhe
«« ill have her own Bridegroom, and he his right
h [iftrefs. With that he blew a Blaft, and ftraightway
ipearedthe young Man, and twenty Yeomen. Now,
*« id Robin, \'0U Ihall enjoy the Woman you love
is very Day. No, hold, faid the Bijhop, that's
;ainft tlie Laws of our Church, to marry any Pcr-
fiffn that has not been afk'd three Times. Robin
aring this, immediately pulled off the Bilhop's
obes, and put them on Little John, who went up
reftly into the Choir, and afk'd them feven Times
■fore all the People ; but the young Gentlewoman
folutely refufcd to make anv Rcfpnnfe, till Me-
ces and high Words forced her into a Compli-
ce, when av/ay they carried her to Shir-ivood,
lere they kept the Wedding.
Another Time Robin being at Coventry, and hav-
Mind to play a Prank, which he mightily de-
;hted in doing ; and underllanding that a certain
3rd was to fet out for London the next Day on horfe-
ck, with a great Retinue, he put himfelf in Wo-
m's Apparc! ; and overtaking his Lord(hip on the
«T*)ad, having a tolerable good I'ace, and young, the
%\ ble Peer was pleafed to fcrape Acquaintance with
in, is young Damfel, as he fuppos'd her ; fo after a
ti eat deal of Chat together, his Lord(hip, being amo-
tk jfly inclin'd, was for fulfilling the primary Com-
n md, Encreafe and multiply ; and putting the Que-
51 Dn to her, this Mafculine, Feminine Creature pre-
p iding great Modelly, faid, // became her Sex never
i\) per/nit Dijkonefii to come nearer than their Ears,
i; d then, to fa've Virtue the Labour, Wander and De-
lation ought to flop it. However, his Lordlhip pur-
, g ing his Inclination very clofc, it made her hmper
)^ the Conceit of it ; and at lalt giving way to her
m lamarato's Courtfhip, (he told his Lordfhip, that if
^ ey had been in any Place of I'rivacy, ihe ihould
gg .ve been very ready to gratify his Dcfire ; but to
J pofe hcrfelf before all his Men, fhe would not for
e World. His Lordfliip being very joyful at her
andefcenfion to his Embraces, they had not rid a-
>ve half a Mile further, before a Wood prefented
"elf to their fight, where he ordered his Servants to
It till he came to them : So he and hi? dear mafcu-
le Millrefs rid into the Wood, and there alighting
ith an Intention of having a full Enjoyment of his
ppofed Lady, when his Lordfhip taking up her
tticoats, found under t'lem a Pair of Breeches ; and
id, what's the meaning of your wearing Breeches ;
[adam ? Nothing, replied our Adventurer, but to put
ur Money in, and noia you 7nuft pay for your peeping ;
ith that he beat his Lordfhip, and took above an
mdred f/Iarks from Iiim, and then tied him to a
rec, to cool his Courage, and fo bid my Lord fare-
el till the next meeting. The Servants mean time
aiting the Return of their Mailer, wondred, having
lid an Hour, at his long Abtence ; but at lafl they
itermincd tofeekhim out, and fo entring the Wood,
ley heard a Voice crying out for Help ; they fol-
■wed the found as fall as they could, till at length
ley found his Lordfhip fall ; he bad them untye him,
hd faid, that the Villain whom he had taken for a
■ onian, proved to be neither better nor worfe than
1 Highwayman and a Robber, and had taken all he
jad from him, that was valuable, but that for the
(iture he would be hang'd, if ever he truiled
jimfelf alone with- any thing in the Ihape of a Wo-
lan.
7*
Another time Robin difguifed himfelf in a Friar":
Habit, and traveling from his Companions, had not
gone far before he met a Couple of Priefts, and he
making a pitiful moan to them, begg'd their Charity,
and that they would relieve one of their Funflion, for
the Virgin Mary's fake : That we would willingly do,
faid they, was it in our Power, bat we have lately
met with a Gang of Villains, who have robbed us of
all our Money, and left us nothing to relieve ourfelves.
I am afraid, faid Robin, you are all fo addifted to
Lying, that an honefl Man cannot take your words :
Therefore let us all down on our Knees, and pray to
the Virgin Mary to fend us fome Money to defray our
Charges. Upon which they offered to run away,
but Robin foon put a flop to their Career, and made
them go to Prayers. They had not been long at their
Supplications, before Robin bad one of the Priells feel
in his Pockets for what the Virgin Mary had fent ; up-
on which both, to obey the word of Command, put
their Hands in their Pockets, and pulled out notiiing.
Robin upon this fell into a great PaJion, and told
them, that he believed they were nothing but a par-
cel of lying deceitful Knaves, to make him believe
that the Virgin had lent them nothing, when they had
all prayed fo heartily ; therefore, don't deceive one
another, but each of you ftand a fearch : So Rcbin
began, and fearch'd their Pockets, and foon found
five hundred pieces of Geld. When he law this t^lo-
rious fight, he could not forbear calling them lying
and deceitful Knaves. Soon after this they rofe up
to go, but Robin flopt them and made them take an
Oath never to tell lies to a Friar again, nor to tempt
young Virgins, nor to lie with other Men's Wives.
After which he mounted his Horfe, and returned ta
Sherivood.
Another time a Gentleman as he was riding from
Co-ventry to London, happened to meet with Robin
Hood, and thinking him to be an honefl Gentleman,
defirtd him to turn back, and go fome other way, or
elfe he would certainly meet with Highwaymen, and
be robb'd, for he had narrowly efcapcd them himfelf,
and fo advifed him, if he had any Charge about him,
not to venture that way. I have no great Charge a-
bout me, Sir, faid Robin ; however, I'll take your
Advice for fear of the worll : So as they were riding
along, faid Robin, perhaps we may meet with fome
Rogues of the Gang, by the way, for this is an ugly
robbing Road, therefore I'll fecu're that little I have;
which is but ten Guineas, by putting it into my
Mouth. Now the Gentleman, not in the leail ful-
pedling him to be of that ProfefTion, told him, that in
cafe he fhould be fet upon, he had fecured his Gold
in the feet (»f his Stockings, which he faid was no fmall
Quantity, and that he had receiv'd it that Day of his
Tenants for Rent. Difcourfing thus together, they
had not gone above half a Mile further, before they
came into a very By-place, where Robin bad the Gen-
tleman Hand and deliver his Money. Tie Gentleman
was in a great Surprize, and told him, he took him
for a very honefl and worthy Perfon. However ther»
was no Remedy for the Lofs of his Money, which
was about fourfcore and ten Marks. So Robin left
the Gentleman curfing his Folly for telling him where
he had hid his Money.
Some time after this Rcbin, meeting w ith a Butcher
going to Market to fell his Meat, bought his whole
Cargo, and his Mare with it, which Mme together
to about twenty Pounds : With thefe Robin immedi-
ately goes to the Market, and fells hi; Bargain pre-
fently, making Inch good Pennyworths, that all the
People thought he had Hole the Meat s which now
being converted into Money, he puts into an Inn at
Nottingham, and treats all his Cullomers to the Va-
lue of Five Pounds, whiqii coming to the Sheriff of
the County's Ears, who was at the fajne time in the
Inn,
Inn, and taking him to be fome prodigal Spark, of
whom he might make a Penny, intrudes into his
Company, and after fome fhort Difcourfe, afk'd him
il he ii,id any more Meat to felk Nat ready dre [I'd,
faid Robin ; but I have tim or three hundred Head
of Cattle at Home, and a hundred Aeres of Land to
keep them on^ ivhich, if you'' II buy, F II fell you them a
Pennyworth. The Sheriff fnapt at the Proffer, and
took four hundred Pounds in Gold along with him.
Aw.iy they rid together ; but he was very much fur-
pri/Zdat the melancholy Place XiaX Robin had brought
him to. He told him, he wifh'd they did not meet
with a Man call'd Robin Hood, and began to wifli him-
felf back again, but 'twas then too late; for Robin
winding his Horn, prefently came Little "John, with
fifty of his Companions, who were commanded by
their Captain Robin to take the Sheriff to Dinner
with them, afTuring them he had Money enough to
pay his Share. Accordingly, they got a Collation
ready for the Sheriff, and after Dinner was over, they
led him into tlie Foreil, and there took all his Gold
from him, good Part of which he had borrow'd
of the Inn-keeper, where he iflet with Robin
Hood.
Our Adventurer being another time at Wigton in
Torkfire, and hearing how barbaroufly the Hoftlers
would cheat the Horfes of their Provender, privately
w ent into the Stable, and hid himfelf under the Man-
ger: A little time after came the Hoftler into the Sta-
ble, under Pretence of feeding Robin's Horfe ; no
iboner had he put the Oats and Beans into the Man-
ger, and laid down his Sieve, but he fweeps them all
into a Canvas Bag fix'd under one Comer of the Man-
ger, and fo away he went. Robin all this while kept
Jiimfelf fecretly hid under the Manger, and faw how
the Hoftler manag'd his Matters ; upon which he got
up from his private Recefs, and went into the Kitchen
again. After Dinner he feem'd to be for going, and
calling for the Reckoning, alk'd the Hoftler what
Corn he had given his Horfe? He faid he had given
him what Corn he had order'd him, and that the
Gentleman who din'd with him, faw him bring it
through the Kitchen. To which Robin anfvver'd.
Don't tell f:e a Lye, for I Jhall ajk my Horfe pre-
fently. This Saying put all the llrange Gentlemen that
were with him into Admiration ; but above all, the
Inn-keeper alk'd him if his Horfe could fpeak. Tes,
hid Roiiit. That's impoffible, reply'd the Landlord.
Not at all, faid Robin ; for my Horfe is /aught by Art
Magic ; Se fetch him hither, and yoW II foon fee nuhe-
ther the Hojiler has done him fufice or not. Accord-
ingly, the Horfe was fetch'd, and Robin ftriking him
on the Belly, he laid his Mouth to his Mafter's Ear
(by Cuftom) juft as the Pidgeon did to Mahomet.
Look you there no^v, faid Robin, did not I tell you that
the Hoftler had cheated him of his Corn. Why, faid
the Landlord, What does he fay ? Saf, quoth Rohm ;
nvhy he fays your Hoftler has flung all the Corn into a
Bag placed at one Corner of the Manger; upon which
tlie Landlord and his Gueft went into the Stable, and
fearching narrowly about the Manger, found the
Bag of Corn at one Corner of it ; for which
cruel Villainy he immediately turn'd away his
Hoftler.
It was cuftomary for our Adventurer to go frequent-
ly in Difguife ; fo one Time he pull'd off his fine
Cloaths, and drefs'd himfelf like an old Shoemaker,
and put an old Leather Apron about him, the better
to colour his being one of the Gentle Craft. In this
Difguife he fet out to travel, and coming to alone
Inn in t!ie Road to Neivcaftle, it being near Night,
he put in there ; and being pretty liberal in his Ex-
pences, the Landlord lik'd him, and provided him a
good Lodging ; and Robin went went to bed betimes.
The Houfe, it feems was full of Guefts, fo that all
A General History of
%
%
the Lodgings were taken up ; and a Friar com in i»
very late, they had no Lodging for him : The Fi r
rather than go farther, chofe to accept of a Bed L
low; but there was none that cared to be diftuijji'Bi
at that time of Night ; but Robin (whom they t k
for a Shoemakci) was well enough plcas'd to 1 s
fuch a Bedfellow. Well, Matters being thus acC' j.
modated, and the Fri.ir in Bed, he fuon fell afli
and llept very heartily, being tired with the Fati:
of his D.ay's Journey ; but Robin having got a pr
good Nap before, had no mind to flecp any n e
that Night, but to lie awake and meditate Mifcl '
for he never lov'd any of that Function ; fo he ilui d
how he fhould contrive to cliaiige Breeches v. ith e
Friar, and after having refolvej upon what he wc i
do, he gets up at Dawn of Day, and puts on not c v
the Friar's Breechec, but alfo his facerdotal or cvxv .
cal Garment. Now Robin finding theie facreJ 1 -
bilimcnts fitted him very well, and being thus rig 1
down ftairs he goes and calls the Hoftler, bidding j j
bring his Boots, and make ready his Horfe. ''. ;
Hoftler not in the leaft miftrufting, but that it s
really the Friar, brought him his Boots and al 1
him what Corn his Horl'e muft have : Haifa Peel (;
Oats, fays Robin, which was accordingly given h
Robin ail the while being e.xtrcmely uncafy till
Horfe had eat them ; but that he might be the foe
ready to go, he call'd for the Reckoning, and
anfwer'd that he had paid all laft Night, but for
Horfe. The Horfe having eat up his Corn,
mounted him with all the Expedition imaginable, h
ing paid for his Corn, and given the Holller fo;
thing to drink his Health. Auay he rid as faft as
Friar's Horfe would carry him, refolving to make h
felf merry at the firll convenient Place he came .
The Fnai mean time not dreaming what had h
pen'd, kept crofc witliin his' Bed ; but about fe\ ei i
the Morning (it bein in the Month oi June) he i ;
out of his Sleep, and going to bid ,his BedlLil
good Morrow, foon Ibund not only that the Birti ■ ;
flown, but al:o that he was flown away with his ]•
thers ; for he faw nothing but a Parcel of old Clo;:) ,
which he fuppos'd belong'd to his Bedfellow. C/f
this the Fri.ir in a great Surprize knocks and calls ■
fome body to come up ; but the Servants, who f :
poled it to be only the old Slioeniaker, alk'd h: ;
what a Pox ail'd him to make fuch a Nolle, and 1 ,
him be quiet, or elfe they'd make him fo. T
vex'd the Friar, and made him knock the hardt
upon which the Chamberl.iin went up, and threatei
to thraih him if he m.ade any more Noife. T
Friar not underftanding the Meaning of this ru
Treatment, w:'s amaz'd, and ask'd wiiere his Cloa ■
were } The Chamberl.iin taking him for Sir Hu^
replied. Where a Plague fliould they he, but upon . ■
Chair ivhere you left them? M'ho the Denjil do
think nxjould meddle ivith your nafty Cloaths ; they a
fo much nvorth, that you need be afraid of any baa
ftealing them. The Mans mad, replied the l'>i;
do you kho-u ^uho jou fpeak to; Tes, 1 do, fays I
Chamberlain. If you did, anfwer'd the Friar, yoi '
ufe better Language. Better Language, replied t
Cbamberlaia ■; >ny Language is good enough for a pi
ful drunken Shoemaker. U hat do you mean by drum
Shoemaker f II hy, I am the Friar, faid he, ivho ca
in here late lafl Night. Ihe De'vil you are, repl:
the Chamberlain ; / am fur e the Friar nvent a-u
foon after tjiiee o' Clock this MorrAng. With that I
Friar jua»:|)t out of Bed in his Shirt, and taking I
hold of tlie Chan;berlain, Sirrah, fays he, produce
my Cloaths an^ Money, or F II break your Neck ./j
the Stairs. With this Nuiie and Scuffle up comt:> l
Lapdlordof the Inn, and fome of the Servants, w
prefently difcover'd that this was the Perfonthey h
taken for the Shoemaker ; and upon a littls; Enqui|
iiif
' i
:|.
Pyratesj High-wnymcfi, Nhrdcrersy &c. 73
into file Matter, found that Sir Hugh had made an Bag under his Arm, which he had juft received. The
Exchange with the Friar ; upon which the Mailer of Farmer, it feems, mull needs Hep into this Inn, to
' " ' • r,- _ ^^i...L fee their Mirth and Pallime, inllead of going direi^ly
home with his Money, which was not above a Quar-
ter of a Mile from the Town. Robi?i feeing him ad-
mitted in the Room where the Wake was kept, a(];'J
the Landlord whether he might be permitted to lee
this Country Diverfion witliout any Offence to the
Company. The Landlord told him he might and
welcome J fo he enter'd the Room likewifc j but /Jo-
■ :< Ipretended to know; Jh-! Tom, fays he, Pm glad ^/«'s Eyes were more fix'd upon the Farmer's Bag of
• . . .. T. 1 r '.J r* IV/f.n__.. ^1 »I — r:>_ll_ J_. _• . 11.-
the Inn furnilh'd him with a Suit of his own Cloath
and Money to bear his Charges through his Jour-
ney.
Rob'in Hood another Time \^•as riding towards Lon-
' :i, and being on Dunfmorc-Hrath.mn with William
d.jiigchatnp, then Bithop of £/)■, with a fmall Retinue
lof -about four or live in Number. Immediately he
J jrides up to one of the Biihop' s Servants, whom he
x«?
ills
ic(j
CU
dl
n
w)i
as
II
iin
%
fi]
Fit
\iuith all f>:y Heart that I am come up ivith you, fo
there's ivhipping Doings abroad ; there'': nothing hut
Robbing go 'where one ivill ; 1 ha've got a great Charge
of Money about me mv/clf; but Jince I haue the good
Luck ta fret up luith thefe hoiieji Gentlemen, Fm not in
Money than the young Folks dancing ; and obferv-
ing in the Room where they were, that there was a
Chimney with a large Funnel, he went out and com-
municated his Delign to the Hoftler, who, for a Re-
ward, drell up a great MallifF Dog in a Cow's Hide
fearoflofir.git; ^ Egad let the Rogues come 7toiv if that he had in the Stable, placing the Horns jull on
~ -. . . «, - . jj^g Forehead, when, in the Height of their Jollity,
by the Help of a Ladder and a Rope, he let him
haflily down the Chimney into the Room where they
were all aflembled : Robin was returned before the
adling of this Scene ; the Dog howled liideoufly as he
defcended, and rulhing among them in that frio-htful
Form, turn'd all into a Hurry and Confufion : The
Mufick was immediately filenced, the Tables over-
thrown, the Drink fpilt, the People fcreaming and
ihe-j dare, Fm refoh-ed to ha-ue a Slap at them my-
This Dil'courfe which Robin had with the Man,
made his Lordfhip and his Retinue think him to be a
/ery honell M:«i, ;;nd tliey held a great deal of Chat
ivith him on the Road, till at laft an Opportunity fa-
/ouring his Intention, I'iys he to tlie B;lliop's Atten-
iants, Fm 'very dry, and futce you are pleafed to gi've
ne PrateSiion from Danger as far as 1 jhall go your
fay, F II ride before, jnd Tee if I can get any good
Uquor, to treat you for your ability, and fiiall be glad crowding to get down Stairs as fart as they could,
0 find any 'worth your Acceptance. According Robin
et Spurs to his Horfe, and rid away as fall as if it
lad been for feme Wager, when being out of Sight,
le quickly tied his Horfe to a Tree in a thick Wood,
•■hicli was on one Side of the Road through which
he Bifhop was to pafs ; and Robin making what halle
e could back again to the Company, fays he, O
Gentlemen t I am ruin d and undone, for in yonder s
,ane, meeting "with t'wo Rogues, they ha've robb'' d me
f all I had; they ha've taken abo've forty Marks from
le, but the Villains being but indifferently mounted, I
ori't doubt but that if you luere to purfue them, you'd
W' lan take them. This News put them into a Conller-
ation, and the Biihop pitying Robin i Lofs, as he
* retended, faid to his Servants, Let the poor Felloiu
'Fiu you luhich Way the Rogues took, and go all of
m after them as fafl as you can, and take them ifpof-
ble. They obeyed the Bilhop's Command, t.aking
lobin along with them ; and when they came into a
arrow Lane, he gave them the neceffary Direftions
3r purfuing the Highwaymen, and away they rid as
ifl their Horfes could carry them, to citch the
ogues. But Robin's Bufinefs was with the Biihop,
nd back he goes immediately, and fays to him, Sir,
ty Tune is but I'eryjhort, and 'very precious too ; there-
ire you mujl dell-ver nvhat Money you ha've, or expcd
he 'worji of Ufage. The Biihop was ver\' much fur-
riz'd at his Impudence ; but not knowing how to
elp himfclf, was forced to give him two hundred
ad fifty Marks, and ih-.-n P..obin nK;king all the Ex-
every one llriving to be foremoft, left the Devil (as
they fuppofed this to be) Ihould t^e the hindmoft :
Their Heels flew up, the Womens Coats over their
Heads and Tails, whilll their Back-ftrings loofmg,
gave full Flulhes, and made them in a very unfavoury
Condition : All the inufical Inllfuments were trod
under Foot, and broken to Pieces, and the fuppofed
Devil making his Way over all, got into the Stable,
whither the Holller h.ailen'd to uncafe him. Some
time after, coming a little to their Senfes, looking a-
bout them, and feeing no more of this fuppofed De^
vil, they all concluded he was vanifhed into the Air :
But during this Hurly-burly, the old Farmer being in
as dreadful a Fright as any one of them, and his
Breeches as well befoul'd, dropt his hundred Marks,
and fled for Safety: The mean time /?<;/5;« fecuring
the Money under his Cloak, immediately took Horfe,
and made the bell of his Way ; but as foon as all
Things were in a little Order again, therp was a fad
Outcry for the hundred Marks, which being not to be
found, the Company fuppofed the late Devil had ta-
ken them away, and imputed the Lofs as a Judgment
inflidled on the Farmer, who was a covetous Wretch ;
one whofe Study was how to cozen his Tenants, beg-
gar the Widow, or undo the Orphan, or any body
elfe, fo he could but obtain their Money.
Another Time Robin having been riding for his
Pleafure, as he was returning home in the Evening,
very well mounted, and dreft like a Gentleman,
coming near Turnt on- Bridge in Yorkjhire, he per-
edition he could to tlie Wood, there mounted his ceived from a rifmg Ground a Gentleman walking:
lorfc, and rid off with his Prize. Soon after the Bi-
lop being met by his Servants, they told him they
ould not hear of the Rogues high nor low : Ah ! an-
ver'd the Bifhop, the freatef} Rogue has been itsith
} ie, for he that pretended to be robb'' d of forty Marks,
!'•' ath juft no--w made up the Lofs by robbing me of fix not have the Liberty of taking a Walk in them ?
in his Gardens, which were indeed v^xy fine, and o"f
a large Extant : Then Roh'm rode up to the Gardia
ner, who was Handing at the Back-Door, and en-
quired of him whether a Gentleman, whofe Curio-
lity had led him to lee thofe famous Gardens, might
'mes the Money ; but for his fake Ifhall net'er put
<^^'onfidence in a Man ii-ho pretends to too much Ho-
tfly.
Robin, after coming into an Inn near Buckingham,
eard a great Singing and Dancing ; he enquired the
'.eafon thereof, and found it was a Country Wake ;
t which were prefent moil of the young Men and
'laids for feveral Miles round about. Robin, pleafed
t the Adventure, fet up his Horfe in the fame Inn ;
nd as he was drinking in the Kitchen, an old rich
The Gardiner, knowing his Mailer was willing that
any Perfon appearing in good Fafhion, might walk
therein, gave him Admittance : Then Robin alight-
ing, he gave the Gardiner his Horfe to hold ; and
feeing the Gentleman in the Walks, Robin paid his
RefpeCls to him in a very fubmiflive Manner ; at the
fime Time defiring he would pardon his Prefump-
tion of coming into his Gardens when his Woxlhip
was there recreating himfelf The Gentleman told
him he very welcome, and invited him to fee his WjI-
armer came in with a hundred Marks ty\l up in a derncfs; where fitting down in a Arbour, they began
20 U to
74
to talk very men-Hy together ; and at the latter End
of tlieir Difcourfe, Robin told him. That he heard
he was a very charitable Gentleman, and that he
mull now make bold with him to borrow that lit-
tle Money he had about him ; for he had but litde
himlelf, and that he had a long Way to travel. At
thefe Words the Gentleman began to llartle, and
was very much furpriz'd at his Lnpudence. But
Robin told him he was a dead Man if he made any
RefUtance. Then he tied him to a Tree, and went
away with a large Booty ; but he bid the Gentleman
be of good Cheer, for he would fend one prefently
to relieve him. And accordingly going to the Gar-
diner, who held his Horfe all this while, givinghim
a Ninepenny Piece j fays Robin, Honeft Friend, your
Mafter wants to fpeak with you ; then mounting, he
rode off the Ground, whilft the Gardiner made halle
to his Mafter ; and very much furpriz'd to find him
bound in thatManner; but he immediately loofed him
and the Gentleman returned his Servant many Thanks
for fending a Rogue to rob him in his own Gardens.
Our Adventurer was a Man of great Courage, and
a noble daring and refolute Temper, and would of-
ten feek out for fome new Adventures by himfelf.
He had not gone far before he met the Lord Long-
Jhamp, near Nottingham, with three Servants. His
firft Words were theie : 5/>, / have a great Occa-
Jion for a little Money at this Time ; fo dcli'ver nxihat
you ha've, or expe^ a Knock on the Pate. Says his
Lordlhip, ho'w dare you Sirrah, ha've the Impudence
to Jiop a Nobleman ? let me get off my Horfe, and V II
fight you at garter ft aff. Why truly, replied Ro-
bin, my Lord, that^s a fair Challenge, and I Jhould
be 'very 'willing to accept of it, but I doubt ivhen you
are off your Horfe, inftead of fighting, you II run a-
nxiay, as you did ivhen you betray d the poor Duke
of I miont put it into yow Poix-er to ran a-
ivay ; fo pray. Sir, don't ftc.nd prating, hut dcli'ver
ivhat you ha've prefently. Says his Lordfhip, luhat
the Devil are my Ser'vants doing there ? 'what !
three great cowardly Dogs of you, and all ftand ftill
to fee me robbed by one poor 'Thief? Thief! replied
Robin, I am a Gentleman bred and horn, and you ft e
I live by my 6iuord and Staff ; therefore do"'t rely
on your Siri'ant] jlffiftance ; for the firjt of them that
offer to lay his Hand to his Savord, is a dead Man, as
'you are, if you make any more IVords, offering as if
he 'would ftrike him. His Lordihip cried, out for
Quarter, and gave him a Brace of hundred Pounds,
which he had in his Portmanteau, and then Robin re-
turned to Sher'wood, to make merry with his Com-
panions.
Our Adventurer being endued with a great deal
of Love and Charity for the Poor, infomuch that he
would relieve any poor Family in Diftrefs, was, on
the contrary, a mortal Enemy to Mifers and Engrof-
fers of Corn ; for he would often take from thele to
relieve the NecefTiteous. One Time being at l^Fant-
age, a great Market for Corn, he happened to fall in-
to a Perfon's Company at an I/in there, whom he
knew to be a great Engrofier of Corn, and who had
bought as much Corn in the Market as coll him four-
fcore Marks, which i?5^/« bought of him again, and
paid him an hundred Marks re.idy Money for it,
liking it, ks he pretended, far beyond any he had fern
that Dxy. The Corn he immediately ient to be dif-
tributed amongft the Poor of the Country. Robin
underftanding which Way his Corn-Merchant went,
was foon at his Heels, and demanded his Money a-
gain, and what he had befides. The Countryman
was in a great Surprize, ihaking and trembling very
much, asking him. Whether he thought it fujlice to
take from hiin his Goods and Money too ? Says Robin,
'wh\\ ijUnt I, you Villain, paid you for your Corn ha-
tieftly, and can yon ajfume the Impudence to talk of
A General History of
Jufiice, ivhen there^s none in the Jf'orld a,^s more [■•
juftice than an Engroffer of Corn? Sirrah, there' s m
rermin in the Land like you, 'who f.anders both Hea
'ven and Earth ivith pretended Dearths, 'when t'ij,r-
is no Scarcity at all: So talk no more of your f:!;::,,
and Honefiy, but immediately dcli'ver your Montf, o,
1 fall c> ack your Cro'wii for you. Upon this nc Jc-
liver'd him a Bag, in which Robin ibund his ovu
Money, and as much more to itj fo away he weni
with a great deal of Satisfadion.
As Robin was going one Morning to Nottinaham
he met with a T inker, and civilly afk'd him v.lieri
he lived, for he heard there Vv-as nothing but bat
News abroad : What b.iU News is it, a.Uwer'd th
Tinker? for I live a.t Banbury, and ;,m a Tinker b'
Trade, and as I came along I lieard no bad Kewi
Yes, fays Robin, the News that I l.eird was bad
but true ; for it was only two Tinkcro in the Stock
for Drinking. Your News, fays the Tinker, is no
worth a Fart, and had they look'd you in the F.ice
they would have put you in to bear them Company
for I dare fay you love Betr as well ao any Tinker i
Town. So I do, anfiverd Robin, but pray tell m
what News abioad; for you that go h'om Tow
to Town mull needs hear fon.e News. Why, n
plied the Tinker, I hear no otj-.er News than oft:
king Robin Hood; and I h.ive a Warrant in my Poi
ket for apprehending him, whcrefcever I find him
and if you can tell me where he is, I'll make a Ms
of you for your Pains : Let me fee the Warran
fays Robin, whether it be made llrong and gooc
and I'll go with you and tike him this Night, fi
I know a Houle he ufes at Nottingham. No, a.
fii-er''d the Tinker, I'll let no Man fee my Warrnn
and if you wont't help me to take him, I'll go an
apprehend him my ft It.
So Robin perceiving how tlie Game went, afk
him to go with him to Nottingham, for he iaiu he w
lure to meet with Rolin Hood there ; they where n^
long before they aniv'd at Nottingham, whcie tlit
weiit into in Inn, and uiank fo plentifully, .that tl
'I inker got drunk, and ieil afleep ; then Robin tot
away the 1 inker's Money, and the King's Warr.u
and left him ten Shillings to pay ; but when he awak
it would have mads any one laugh to have beheld tl
poor '1 inkei'b Fright at the Lois of his Money ai
Warrant ; he call'd up his Landlord, and told hi:
what a Mifchance had betiillen him ; that the Stra
gcr who was drinking with him was run away, ai
had robb'd him of all his Money, and had took
Warrant out of his Pocket, which he had from tl
King to apprehend iJo^'n Hoed: The Landlord to
him, tiuit was Robin Hood who had been drinking wi
him all that Day; then the Tinl'er rav'd and iretti
like a Madman, and fwore whpt he would have con
had he but known it had been him. In fine, t
Tinker was oblig'd to leave hi^ Budget to anfWv-;- V
Reckoning.
'l he above recited Stories are fome of the gre
Number told of this Advtiituier, and were we to g:
an Account of all, 'twould I'well his Hiliory to tt
iii;inoderate a Length ; let it fulhce to fay, th; t R
i:n Hood \v2i a very bold Man, of a chariti.LIe D
pofition, generous and open to the lalt Degree. oT.
long Diltance of Time he liv'd in Irom tlufe o
Days make the Generality of People look upon i
Aftions as fabulous. . It may be fo, for wc aie ;.t i
Certainty about them, bccaufe, in ieverai Book.'l
have been obliged to peruic, I find . the very Iei
Stories attributed to liim, which are reported to
done by Falftaff and Glen-ville. Thefe I have pi
polely omitted, not to give my Readers the liu
Things in two different Places. But I might h:
inferted the Story about our Adventurer ai;d the f
ner of //Wi.'yfwV/, this having ai much Veracity in
Pyratesy Higlrjonyme??, Murderers^ SCc>
as any thing that Captain Alexander Smith (who is too
concife) fays about him ; but I have thought fit to o-
jmit it, as I am come to a Length large enough al-
Iready, and lliall only add, that Roii/i Hood hiving
Ipurlued his licentious Courie of Living above twenty
Years, when filling lick, was ftruck with Remorfe of
Confcience for his pall mifpent Life, and urJawfuI
Pradtices, which made him privately withdraw to a
Monailery in Torkjhire, where being led blood by a
Monk, he bled to Death ; aged forty three Years,
7^
and was interr'd in King/ley, with this Epitaph on hi'
Grai-e-llone.
Hc-re underneath this Marble Stone,
Through Death's Jffault, r.oiu lieth one,
Knotun by the Name of Robin Hood,
Pt-'ho njjas a Thief, and Archer good j
Full tnvetity Tears, or fome-Mhat more.
He robbed the Rich to feed the Poor,
Therefore his Grave bedeixi 'with Tears,
And effer for his Soul your Prafrs.
r/)? LIFE 6/ T H O M A S DUN.
T
HIS Perfon was of very mean Extraftion,
and born in a little Village between Kempfton
and Eljio-ui in Bedfordjhire. 'Tis faid he
ad contrafted Thieving fo much from his Childhood,
hat every thing he toach'd ftuck to his Fingers like
lirdlime and that the better to c^rxy on his Villanies,
e ch^ng'd himielf into asmany (hapes as Proteus, be-
^ig a Man v/ho underflood thd World fo well, I
■"; lean the TricKs and Fallacies of it, that there was
'••lOthing which he coulc not humour, nor any Part of
^i'illany that ciT.z arai!^ to Lim. To Diy he was a
lerchant, to Morrow a Soldier, the ne.xt Day a
■entlemaii, and the D.iy following a Beggar: In
Ort he was every Day what he pleafeJ himielf.
When he had committed any remarkable Roguery,
is ufual Cullom was to cover las Body all over with
jufeous and Itinking Sear-Cloths and Ointments, and
is Face with Plaiilers, lo that his own Mother could
3t know him. He would be a blind H;u-per to
>nunit one Villainy, and a Cripple with Crutches to_
ring about another, nay, he would hang artificial
rms to his Body : Befides, his natural barbarity and
uel Temper was fuch, that two or three Men toge-
St^er durft fcarcely meet him ; for one Day being up-
the Road, he law a Waggoner dri\'ing his Wag-
'i^ Dn full of Corn to Bedford, which was drawn by
ire good Horfes, the fight of which inflamed him to
It Sie Driver to death ; accordingly, without ma-
ng . any Reflection on the event, he fells on the
nti/aggoner, and with two ttabs killing him on the
lOt, boldly took fo much time as to bury him,
3t out of any Compafiion for the Deceafed, for he
;ver had any, but the better to Conceal his Defign :
nd then mounting the Waggon, drives it to Bedford
here he fells it, Horfes and all, and march'd ofF
ith the Mony.
Dun at firft thought it the beft way to commit his
obberies by himielf, but finding, upon trial, the
ethod not fo fafe, as where there were a Company
igether, he betook himfelf to the Woods, where he
as foon joined by Gangs of Thieves as wicked as him
!« If.Thefe Woods fcrved them as a Retreat on all Oc-
ifions, and the Caverns and hollow Rocks for hiding
aces, from wiience jM'ignt and Day tliey commit-
d a thoufand Villanies. The report of their barba-
ty ditFufing it feif round about, caus'd .dl the Coun-
y to keep off from them, and more efpecially to a-
Hd the Road leading from St. Albaits to Tocejler,
!twbct which they every Day ailed iniupportabie
ifchiefs, murdering and robbing all Travellers they
ct, infomuch tlwt King Henry tine Firft buik the
Town of Dunjlable in Bedfordjhire, to bridle the
outragioufnefs of this Dun, who gave Name to the a-
forefaid Place.
However, this Precaution of the King was no im-
pediment to Dun's Defigns, who ftill purfued his old
Courfes, and tho' the Age he liv'd in was not fo ripe
for all manner of Villainy as it is now, yet the Gang
under his Command conlilled of feveral forts of Artifts
who were made to ferve different Purpofes and Ufe' ,
jurt as he obferved which ''•Nay every Man's particu-
lar Genius direfted him. Some of thefe being very
expert in makirg falfe Keys and Betties, he never
fuffer'd them to remain idle or without Baiir.efs. O-
thers were ingenious at wrenching off Locks; and ma-
king deai Files, which wafted the Iron \sit.hout Noife
making the ftrongeft Bolts give way for their PalTige
his Fraternity being thus compos'd of Lifterr, Pick-
poc -ets and filers, he refines, cprreds augments and
ellablifties their Laws, and one Day having read to
them fome few Comment;, en the ^\:'~ - ::i Myfteryof
robbing on the Highway, he for a while ;eaves them,
but m a ihort time retuwis, and begins a plealaat Ad-
venture ; f^r beiiig informed that a Company of
Lawyers Wire to diae at . ce.t.in Ii.n a: Bedford, he
hriftens direclly to the Place ,ippointed, where entring
puffing and blowing, as a Man in e;ar.acrdinary_hafte,
he gives Orders, as if deputed by the Company to
make ready a Dinner for ten or twelve Pcrfons ; which
he had no fooner done, but the Company comes to
the Houle, and Dun bullies about as if a principal
Servant of the Inn, and was indeed believed? fo to
be by the Lawyers, fo notably did he beftir
himielf in the Bafinefs ; when being about the Mid-
dle of their Dinner, he packs up the bell of their
Cloaks, and fo marches off. Scarcely had they
made an End, but they began to mils them, de-
manding where they where ; but they might look
long enough before they found them, for Dun ha»
ving done this Work, was got too fir for the Law-
yers to over-take him, or their Cloaks either.
After this Adventure, Dun, with fome of this Af-
fociates, marches fome Miles from whence they were
known, and puts in at the firft Inn he came at,
where asking for a Chamber, the Millrefs of ti;e
Houfe, fuppofmg tliem , honeft Men, fhews them up
Stairs, and perceiving her alone, they intended to
force her, and in effed were ri,.;dy to put their In-
tention into Practice, when the Alafter of the Houie
jull enter'd ; upon which they were forced to wait
a more favourable Opportunity. Accordingly abojt
Midniijht one of Duni Comrades feigns himfelf to
b..
76
A General History of
be extraordinary illi and raifes the Mafter and Mif-
trefs of the Houfc ; but it happening as he Itept
out of Bed, that he efpied a Neighbour of his in
the Chamber, upon which the Holt, being tranf-
ported with Jealoufy, runs after the IM.m, while in
tile niean time tliefe Rafcais laid Hands on his
Wife, who had gotten up Stairs in the Dark into
Dun'i Chamber, where they began to trufs her up
like a Woman of her Profeflion ; but prefently af-
ter the Husband coming to his Chamber, and mifling
his Wife, goes up to them, and finding her with
them, would have put her to Death, but by a ftrange
kind of Perfidioufnefs, fhe caufed him to be mur-
der'd by one of thefe Villains, thinking to come off
well enough herfelf; but Dun would not be con-
tented ; for having underltood of a long Time that
there was Money in the Houie, he comes up to
her, claps a Dagger to her Breall, (for there was
no Pillols nor Ufe of Gunpowder in thofe Days,) and
tells her. That if Jhe Jheitj'd him not inhere the
liloney lav, there ivas an End of her Life ; but fhe
making Refinance when there wa'; a Demand for the
Money, was immediately difpatch'd, and her Houfe
rifled of all the Money and Plate which Dun and his
Confederates could find.
Some time after this. Dun, being very well dreft,
went to an eminent Lawyer'' Houfe near Bedford,
and demanded of the Lawyer a hundred Pounds,
which, as he pretended, he had lent him on Bond.
The Barrifter was furpriz'd at his Demand, as not
k-nowing him, and looking on the Bond, his Hand
was fo exactly counterfeited, that he could not in a
Manner deny it to be his own Hand Writing, but
that he knew his Circumftances were fuch that he
was never in any NecefTity of borrowing fo much
Money in all his Life of any Man ; therefore as he
could not be indebted in any fuch Sum upon the Ac-
count of borrowing, he acquainted Dun that he would
not pay a hundred Pounds in his Wrong : Upon this
Dun taking leave of him, told him, he mull expeil
fpeedy Trouble ; and in the mean the Lawyer, ex-
pefting the fame, fent for another, to whom open-
ing the I^'T-i** -, they concluded it was a forged Bond ;
upon which the Lawyer having got a general Releaie
forged for the Payment of this hundred Pounds ; and
. when Iflue was joined, and the Caufe came to be
tried, the Witnefles to Duns, Bond fwore fo heartily
to his lending the Money to the Defendant, that he
was in a very fair Way of being call, till the Law-
yer's Council moving the Court in Behalf of his
Client, acquainted the Judge that they did not deny
the borrowing the hundred Pounds of the Plaintiff,
but it had been paid for above three Months. Three
Monfhi, faid the Judge, and ivhy did not the De-
fendant then take up his Bond, or fee it cancelled ?
To this his Council replied. That ivhen they faid
the Money, the Bond could not be found, ivhereupon
the Defendant took a general Releafe for the Pay-
ment of it ; which being produced in Court, and two
Knights of the Poft fwearing to it, the Plaintiff was
call, which putting Dun into a great Paflion, he cried
to his Companions, as he was coming from the Court,
li'as ever fuch Rogues fecn in this World before,
to fivear they paid that nxihich ivas neuer borroiv-
ed?
This very Story is related by Captain Smith, in the
Life of one Tom. Sharp, who lived fome hundred of
Years after our Adventurer. We fhall make no Re-
marks on it, but proceed to fomewhat elle.
Z)«« having Intelligence that the Sheriff of .Bcf^orrt'
with hii; Men were in fearch of him, and that they had
determined to befet the Wood, where he then was,
obliged him to put upon his Defence, which however
did not make him lofe his ulual Courage ; wherefore.
to prevent any Danger that might happen, he mnfter'
up his Company of grand Rogues, and retires nuu
the thickell Part of the Wood, t» a Place, in his Opi
nion, the moll 'advantageous ; where hav imi leit nt-
ceffary Orders, he Utm out Scouts ; but judging ii
not fafe to put his Conhdence in Spies in Ca!e of lucj-
Importance, he puts on a Canvas Doublet, anc
Breeches, old Boots v.ithout Spurs, and a Steeple
crown'd Hat on his Head, and fo draws near them,
where taking notice that they v\ere unequal to hiir
both in Number and Strength, he comes'b.ack to hi:
Companions, makes them lland to their Arms, ant
fo encourages them by Words and Example, thatii
fetting upon tliem, as they did immediately, the\
were prefently routed ; and puriuing them clofely
they took eleven Prifoners, whom they ilript of thei
Liveries, and hanged them on feveral Trees in ih
Wood ; after which tliey made, their Coats ferve then
to commit ieveral Robberies in : For Dun goin" on.
Night to a Caitfe near this Wooil, order'd, in th.
King's Name, the Gates to be open'd, pretend in;
that Dun and his Companions had hid tliemfelve
there. Accordingly the Gates were open'd, withou
the leafl Sufpiciou of what afterwards fell out. Du
made a Pretence of fearching into every Corner id
Thieves, bulHing every where throughout the Call'
with the greateit Eagernefs imaginable ; but happsr
ing to find none, he would needs penwade the Wa
ters that they iiad concealed theinfelves in the Trunk
Upon this he gave Orders for tJie Js.eys to be immed
ately brought him, when opening the Trunks, an
having lo.;dcd himfelf and Companions with evei
thing that was any way valuaUc, he returns back i
the Wood. Mean time the Lord of the Callle w,
extremely enraged at this Proceeding, and could m
brook to think that he (hould be thus robb'd, co:
eluding that the Sheriff's Men, under Colour, i
fearching for Thieves, had thus pillag'd him. Upt
this he addrellcs the King and Parliament, giving :
Account by whom he thought he was thus robb'
who immediately ilfued an Order for examining tl
Sheriff's Men, one oi whom was hang'd to fee wh.
Influence it would have on the other ; but they pe-
. filling (as well they might) on their Innocency, ai.
difcovering how eleven of their Companions h;
been ufed by Dun and his Affociates, were let at 1 ""
berty. »«'
A very rich Knight living in the NeighbourhoO'
Dun was determined to a(k his Benevolence, and a
cordingly went and knock'd at the Houfe Door. TJ
Maid coming and opening it. Dun alk'd her if h
Mailer was within, who told him he was. U
this he acquainted her he had earneil Bufinefs, ai
mult needs tpeak with him. Tiie Maid taking D.
for a Gentleman by his Mien and Drefs, admita hi
within the Houfc, and conduits him up Stairs to h
Mailer's Chamber, into v.iiich Dun enters witlio
any Concern ; and after having compliinenlcd t
Gentleman, iits aown in a Chair, and begins a hotc
potch Difcourfe, which the Knight admiiing
Dun fteps up and dema-,,is a Word or two in iiis ¥.;
Sir, fays he, /;;v NeceJJitics anic pretty thick upon
at prcfent, and I am oiliged to keep even ivith my Ci
ditors for fear of cracking my Fume, and torture t
Noiv hailing been directed to you, by fome oj the Hei
of this Parijh, as a ucry canfideratc and liberal Pi
Jon, I am come to petition you in a modejl JManner J
the lending me a thoufand Marks (ivhich are thirtej
Shillings and four Pence a Piece) ivhich luill jufl «
fiver all the Demands upon me at prefent. A thoufi
Marks ! anfwer'd the Knight, wuhy Man that''s ai\
pital Sum ; and ivhere^ s the Reafon to lend you fo tni
Money, ivho are a ferfcSl Stranger to me ; for to
Eyes and Knoivledge, I neuer fai'j you before all
D'
mi.
ft
hi
"Mi
w
pi! 51
!|
PyrateSf Highijijyameny Murderersy ^c.
Dap of my Life. Lord, Sir, you muji he miflakeit, I
am the honeft Grocer at Bedford, ii-ho has Jharcd fo
cfien your Fwvours, Really, Friend, I do not knovj
\ou, nor fliall I fart ivith my Money but on a good
Bottom : Prav luhat Security have you ? Why this
Dr.gger (isysDu'i, pulling it out of his Breall) is my
cjnjiant Security ; and unhfs yor let me ha'-j! a thou-
faiid Marks inftantly, Ifiall dri<ve it into your Heart.
This terrible IVJcnsce fo frighted the Knight, that ra-
ther than expole his Life to any Danger, he thought
it fafer to deliver his Money, and get rid of his au-
dacious Vifiter.
Another Time Dun, having a Mind to make a
Journey feme Miles off to fee an old Aunt of his who
was lUll alive, took Horfe and fet forward ; but un-
luckily mirtaking his Way, and the Night coming
jpon him, he was obliged to put in at the iirft Houfe
le came to. Accordingly feeing a Light at a con-
iderable Diftance from him (for it was quite dark
low) he made tlie bell of his Way thither over Hedge
nd Ditch. When he came to the Houfe, he ob-
LTved a great Buftle in the Stables and Court before
he Houle ; and enquiring of fome of the Servants,
I'ho he faw were bufied in rubbing down feveral
iorfes, as though lately come off a Journey, if he
luld lodge there that Night, having loft his Way, and
fing benighted, fo that be could not purfuc his Journey
n\ farther till the Morning, he was anfwered. That
'£)' helie'ved their Mafter ivould not turn aivay at that
line of Night a Perfon of his Condition, but they
v.tld go andajk. In Confequence hereof, the Gen-
eman of the Houfe was acqu..iriieJ with our Ad-
.'nturer'i being in his Court, who immediately came
' the Door, and after mutual Refpefts paid on both
des, told Du?j, That he nuas forry to think he had
t a Bed t^ fpttre to entertain a Gentleman, hut that
ally his Houfe ivas taken up from Top to Bottom by
me Acquaintance and Relations ivho luere come to
nour him tvith their Prcfcnce at his Daughter s Mar-
age, ivhich luas dtfignd to be folcmniz'd the next
ay. Hozve'ver, he faid, there ivas one Room in his
oufe 'which his Fainilf from Time to Time told him
as haunted ; but he looked upon fuch a Thing as ridi-
loiis, and could not for his Part be e-ver brought to
me into fuch a Notion: That if he pleafed, the Room
as at his Ser'vice, and if he required it, Perfons
mid be appointed to fit up 'with him. No, replied
un, I ha--je fo little Faith, Sir, as to Stories of
unting Horfes, Or --walks of Spiris ; that I chufe to be
tertain^d in fuch Places before any others. Upon
is Dun difmounts, and is conduced by the Gentle-
in of the Houfe into the Apartment where his
uefts were, who receive him with e.\tr;iordinary
vility ; and all drive to banilli out of his Mind the
houghts of Fear. But Dun is above vain Appre-
nfions, and looks on Tales of this Nature as the
oduce of a ronKmtick Brain. He, on his Part,
ives to divert the Company with feveral humourous
lations, wl-.ich gain wonderful Approbation. He
over-ag-iinil the Gentleman's Daughter, who was
figncd for Marriage, and e\ed her with eager
)oks ; nor could all the Reafon he was Mailer oi
train him from wiihing that flie was his. The
ock ftrikes Twelve, and all are immediately defi-
iis of going to reft. They rife up, and with hearty
al wilh our Adventurer all the Ciuict in the World,
r would they leave him till they had leen him in
tW d. The Houfe is now in a profound Reft, and
m by himfelf to refleft on his Adventure. Two
ii* ge Tapers and a good Fire burn by him ; he waits
' ■' ;ry Moment for fomething to appear, which he'
lid not well tell how to devife. An Hour or more
Jalt, but his Curiofity is difappointed ; wherefore
is refolved to compofe himfelf to Reft, and leave
21
77
the Confequence to Fat« ; but foon he is charm'd by
the Appearance oi the fineft Woman his Fyes ever
faw. The Gentleman's Daughter come into the
Room, (for he had not lock'd the Door,) and llalks
flowly to the Bediidc. Dun was in Amaze, and could
not tell what to think: Sometimes he thought 'twas
a Ghoft he faw ; fometimes he confider'd the young
Gentlewoman might be addided to dreaming, and
walk in her Sleep, (as Thoufands have been knowa
to do) and a thoufand to one but that might be the
real Caufe of the Houfe being thought to be haunted:
but he was refolved to find tlie Truth of the Matter
and accordingly reaching his Hand foftly to her, he
gently touch 'd her Shift, and then found how Matters
went. She feem'd earneftly to look upon him ; bi^t
after fome Time tutn'd about, went to the f rther
Side of the Bed, and got in. Here's an Advti-.are
worth Notice: If ever Man hugg'i himfelf on his
good Fortune, certainly Dun did now. He was in a
thouflmd Doubts what to do, but his Surprize was at
length prodigioufly highten'd, by feeing the young
Lady go to the farther Side of the Bed, gently turn
up the Cloaths, and lay herfelf down by him. She
had not lain above fix or feven Minutes, before flie
pulled off her Finger a Diamond Ring, which Dun
no fooner caft his Eyes on, but tranfporting Wilhes
prevailed within his Breaft to feize it. Howex-er, be-
ing determined within himfelf to fee the Iflue of the
Adventure, he lay quietly, without offering either to
take the Ring or incommode the Lady. But this
Surprize now vanifhes ; the Lady rifes up, leaves the
Ring on the Pillow, and goes out of the Room with
the fame filent Steps as Ihe came in. Now our Ad-
venturer is convinced of the Reality of the Gentle-
man's Houfe being liaunted ; he forms pleafing Ideas
in hia Mind about it, and cannot compofe himfelf
to Rell for a long Time, without having a thoufand
Thoughts about his good Fortune. However, at
lafl he falls aflecep, and dreams that the fame Gentle-
woman comes to him again ; and, enquiring for her
Ring, feems folicitous about it. She acquaints him
thatjhe is going to be married to a Perfon that /he can
ne-Tjer lo've, and if he does not ajjift her in the critical
Conjuncture Jhe 'was in, Jhe ivas loft to the Scnfe of all
PL afure and SatisfaBion for ever ; and then 'with a.
Sigh departs. Tlie Morning now appears, and Dun
awakes ; his Dream fits Ireih on his Mina, nnd he is
at a Lofs what to determine, whether to ftay and fee
the Conclufion of the intended Nuptials, or get him-
felf ready, and ride off with the extraordinary Prize
he had made. After fome Deliberation, the latter
Expedient feems bcft and fafefl. Vrhat ha've I to do,
fays he, 'with Matrimony, or the Copulation of Fools i
I haue got fufficient in my Hands to defray my Ex-
pends home'wards, and that^s the fole Affair I came
about : My Aunt noiu may go to the De'vil if /he 'will,
for 'what I care : And fo faying, he rifes up, dreffes
himfelf, and, without once taking leave of the Gen-
tleman his Benefaftor, or fo much as flaying to gra-
tify the Company with an Account of his Nignt's
Tranfadions, leaves them to animadvert on his
fudden Departure, and the Lady to look after her
Ring.
I believe this fame Story has been fixed on ten other
Perfons of modern Date ; but as I find a very grave
Author ferioully attribute it to Dun, I fhall make
ufe of his Authority, and let our Adventurer go
with it.
By this Time the Perfon we are fpeaking of was
become formidable to all ; for not only the Peers
and other great Pcrfonages of the Kingdom flood in
Awe of him, but alio thofe of the lower Rank durfl
not frequent the Roads as ufual. What a melan-
clioly Ciicumfbmce in his Condud was, his general-
78
A General History of
ly committing Murder ; and we find but one Inftance,
among the feveral Particulars of his Life, in which
he refrained from this Barbarity, and that was in the
Cafe above recited.
We Ihall draw now to his laft Period, and only
endeavour to fhew the extraordinary Struggles he
made to obtain his ufual Liberty, and prelerve his
Life, without being called to give an Account of his
Aftions, or anfwer the Laws of his Country what
he was indebted to them for the many Villanies and
Barbarities he had committed. He had continued
in this wild and infamous Courfe of Life for above
twenty Years, and about the River Oufe in Yorkpiie,
was the general Scene where he play'd his pernici-
ous and dellruftive Pranks, where Men, Women and
Children fell a Prey to his Attempts, for he went
conllantly attended with fifty Horfe, and the Men
of the Country round about were fo much terrified at
his inhuman Cruelties, and the Number of his Par-
tizans, that very few had the Courage, or even durft
venture to attack him, in order to apprehend and
bring him to Juftice.
We may venture to affirm, that if his Life contained
many unaccountable and Strange Exploits, yet that
his Death was as remarkable : For having tranfafled
Things beyond Imagination, his Fame, or rather In-
famy, encreafed every Day, fo that the Country
were determined to put up with his Infolencies no
longer. It feems Threatnings againft him came from
all Parts ; but thefe, inftead of working a Reforma-
tion, or making him refleft on his pall Conduft, on-
ly the more enflamed his audacious and villainous
'I'emper. A ftout Fellow, we are told, about Dun,
jiable, had made five or fix of the Sheriff's Officers to
come to his Houfe, with a Defign to apprehend Dun,
who fometimes would venture to walk out by him-
felf. Bit Dun having got previous Information of
this Defign againft him, came in the Night Time
with his Partizans to the Man's Houfe, and filled it
with a thoufand Oaths and Curfes, which prefently
got Wind throughout the Town, and among the
bheriff's Men, who came and purfued him with all
tJieir Forces. The Fellows, his Partizans, finding
they were clofely purfued, divided themfelves into fe-
parate Companies, and fled away to what Places they
could come to, but Dun got into a certain Village,
where he took up his Quarters for that Time How-
ever, the Purfuit Hill continued very warm, and his
Adverfaries arriving at the Houfe where he had con-
cealed himfelf, afked where he was hid, and at lad
found that he was concealed there. Immediately,
on this Report, the People, in Crowds, gathered to-
gether about the Houfe, and two efpecially ported
themfelves in the Threfhold of the Door to .ippre-
hend him ; but Dun with an int'urmountable Couiage,
ftarted up, with his Dagger in his Hand, from tlie
Table, and laid one dead that inftant, and then dif-
patched his Companion, who vcntur'd to oppofe
■ him. But what was the moft furprizing, he had the
Boldncfs to bridle his Horfe in the very midft of
this confufed Uproar, mount, and force his Way out
of the Inn. The People no fomier faw this, but
they fell upon him to the Number of one hundred
and fifty, armed with Qubs, Forks, Rakes, and what
elfe they could next come at. With thefe Wea-
cns, they forced him from his Horfe, but tliis was fo
far from difmaying our Adventurer, that he mount-
ed again in fpite of all Oppofition, and made his
Way clear thro' the Crowd that oppofed him,
with his Sword. The Countrymen, upon this found
there was more Difiiculty than they at firil appre-
hended in taking him ; but frelh Supplies coming
in to tlieir Aflillance, they gave him chafe ftill.
Our Adventurer, now finding the laft Period of
Ks Life drawing on, made all the Hafte he was able.
and got among the (landing Corn, and then taking
to his Heels (for by this Time he was forced to
quit his Horfe) outftript his Purfuers a Matter of
two Miles, a Circumftance that feems almoft incre-
dible. Dun having procured this Advantage, as he
thought, would have lain him down to reft, and com-
pofed himfelf a while, but was prefently, to his
exceeding Suprize, hemmed in with no lefs a Num-
ber than 300 Men. Thus was he brought into as
great a Dilemma as before, but refuming his wont-
ed Courage, he pufh'd valiantly through them, and
got to fome Vallies, where, confidering there was
but one E.vpedient left to fave himfelf, he prefent-
ly undreft himfelf, and taking his Sword between
his Teeth, plunged into the River below, and fell
to Swimming. Inftantly were all the Banks cover-
ed with Multitudes of People, fome of whom were I
drawn together merely out of Curiofity to be Eye-
Witnefles of the Event; while others got ready
Boats with a Defign to give him chafe, and try if
they could take him. 'fwas an aRonidiing Sight to
behold him with the Sword all the Time bet\\eeii his
Teeth, and fwimming fo many crofs and various
Ways, as ftill to elude his Puriuers. At length he
get upon a little Ifland which was in the River, where
iie fat down to get Breath a while ; but his Adver-
faries having determined not to let him have any Reft,
follow'd him in their Boats, but were forced to re-
turn back wounded in the Attempt. After this he
jumps in again, falls to fwimming, and tries to gair
the Shore at another Place ; but ill Fortune attendi
him, and the People cioiiding thither, make at hiir
with all their Oars, when they found it no way pof
fible without Blows : Se\eral 'i'imes they ftruck hin
on the Head, and the Blows ftunning him, it wa
no hard Matter then to apprehend him, which the;
did, and conveyed him to a Surgeon, in order t(
ha\e his Wounds cured, and Care taken of him.
When his Wounds were dreft, he was condufte<
before a Magiftrate, who, with very little Examina
tion, fent him to Bedford Goal, under a ftron;,
Guard, to hinder his being refcued by his Compa
nions. Within a Fortnight after this, being tolet
able well cured, he was brought into the Market
Place at Bedford, without being put to the Troubl
of undergoing a formal Trial, where a Stage was e
refted for his Execution, and two Executioners an
pointed to finifh his laft Scene of Life. Dun, on be
holding thefe dreadful Men, was fo far from givin'
into the leaft Concern or Difmay, that he warnei
tliem, with an unconcerned Air, not to approach hii
for fear of the Confequence.% telling them he woul
never fuffer himfelf to undergo the I'unilhment deter
mined him from their Hands. Accordingly, to con
vince the Spectators round him, that his uiual Intre
pidity and Greatnefs of Mind had not left him, h
grafped both the Executioners, and llrugled fo Ion
with thero, that he was fetn nine Times fuccelfivei
upon the Scaffold, and tlie f.'ien upon him : Howf I
ver, he had ftill Strength to rife up from them, an
taking his folemn Walks from one End of the Stas,
to the otiier, all which Tirr.e he curfed the Di:y of h
Birth, and vented a thoufnnd Imprecations on tho:
who had been the Caufe of his being apprehendet
but chiefly on him who had been the firll to beii
him. But his cruel Deftiny is determined not I
leave him ; he finds his Strength diminifti, and th;
he cannot, in fpite of himfelf, defend himfelf any loi
ger : He yields, and the Executioners chopping 0
his Hands at tiie Wrifts, then cut off his Arms at tl
Elbows, and all above next, within an Inch or tw
of his Soldiers ; next his Feet were cut off beneath tl
Ankles, his Legs chopt off at the Knees, and \
Thighs cut off about five Inches from his Trun!
which, after fevering his Head from it, was burnt
Aftie
' r
' m
rl
J j(iB
\y^^^^/^^/Un^Asmd' ad^^m^lM-3 mU /?^^ (^/^/lurJ^ and^^^^^ ■
Pyrates, Hlghwa^'men, Murderers^ &c.
I ^Ihes. "So after a long Struggle with Death, as dy-
ig by Piece-meal, he put a Period to his wicked and
bominable Life j and the fever.il Members cut off
■om his Body, being twelve in all, befides his Head,
ere fix'd up in thoie of the princip.il Places in Bed-
ndjhire, to be a Terror to fuch Villains as furvived
an.
Here ends the Life oiThotneis Dun, one of the moft
rofligate Wretches that ever lived, and had not fo
79
many Murders ftained his Aftions, our Cenfures ^
him might fomevvhat be abated, but where Blood
was fo plentifully fpilled, and his Robberies attended
with fuch miferable Cataftrophes of the Perfons he
committed his Depredations on, we have no Room
left for Pity, notwithllanding the infamous and ex-
traordinary cruel Death he was put to. But waving
more about this Point, we ftiall proceed to another e-
qually as flagitious.
^be LIFE of SAWNEY CUNNINGHAM.
rH I S Perfon had no Reafon to fay he was
come of me. n Parents, or that good Educa-
tion or Tuition was denied him, whereby
might have avoided the feveral pernicious Adlior.s
i ViUanies he committed, as will prefently be
.vn in the Sequel. His Family lived in tolerable
)d Repute at G/afgoiu in Scot/and, where he was
•n J but, in fpite of all the Learning his Parents
given him, or good Examples they had fet be-
; him, to regulate his Paffions and direft his Con-
1 right, he abandoned himfelf, from his earlieft
paintance with the World, to little Ihuffling and
sring Tricks ; which growing habitual to him, as
advanced in Age, he incrcafed in his wicked Prac-
5, till at lall he became a Monfter of Prophane-
and wicked Living. However, thefe (which
would take to be) great Difadvantages, hindred
I not from making a very honourable Match in
dlock as his Parents could not be blamed with
MifcOnduft, but ftill kept up an honcft and gen-
Chwafter in the Neighbourhood where they li-
Snd as it would have been infamous to have re-
lafch'd them for thofe Mifcarriages in the Son which
f had ftrove all they could to root of his Mind,
Ct)uld not Help, fo an old Gentleman, who had
lerved for a long Time an inviolable Friendlhip
6ie Family, entered into an Alliance with Mr.
\»i>!^iav! the Elder, which at lall terminated in
Ing his Daughter to Sai^ney, and an Eftate in
tiOn with her of above one hundred and forty
\nAs per A)!iiu»i, thinking that Marriage might be
leans to reclaim our Ad venturer from nis ill Courfe
ILilt, and at lall fettle his Mind, to the mutur.!
Isfaftion of both Families, for which he thought
JDaughier's Portion would be a good Purchafe,
Well laid out. But how are ManKind deceived,
in fliort, all our Forefight and Confuhation.
mey no fooner found himfelf in Pofi'efrion of an
Ite able to fupport his Extravagancies, but he im-
li-itHy gave a more violent Looie to his PalTions,
he had hitherto done. He made Taverns and
|ibiifesthe frequent Places of his Refort ; and, not
It idly to walle the Day in Debauches and
mktnntfs, the Night too mull come in to make
Jrhe Reckoning. Thefe dellruftive Steps could
Hb6 attended but with hurtful Confequences, and
'Ht.vas too foon an Eyd-Witnefs of feme of them :
r not having always wherewithal to indulge his
ul- 1 Expences and Method of living, he was forced
tOjive Recourfe to indircft Mcafures, wliich ended
Jniiwning every thing he had, not only of his \^'ife's
but of his own. Melancholy Things were unaViii* •
dably to follow, if fome Redrefs or Care was not ta»
ken to put a Reftraint on this delb-uftive Courfe.
Saivney laughed at his Follies, and could not bring
himfelf to believe he Ihould ever want, while he had
either Hands or Heart to fupport him. He was de-
termined to enter upon Bufinels as (oon as poffible, I
mean fuch Bufinefs as generally brings fo many un-
happy Men to the Gallows. His Wife, who was
vaftly beautiful and handfome, faw this, bat, with a
Prudence that became her Sex, ftifled her Uneafmefs
fo long, till no longer able to bear the Torment upon
her Mind, Ihe firft began with kind Entreaties, fmce
all they had in the World was gone, to fall into fome
honell Way of Livelihood, to fupport themfelves, for
'twas much and more commendable to do fo, than
for iiim to give his Countrymen every Day fo many
Inftances of his riotous and proflife Living. Had
Sa^wney been fo good to himfelf as to have given Ear
to this Remonttrance, without doubt Things had
fucceeded well, and we fhould never have read the
miferable End he fufFered. But all Admonition was
loit on a Man abandoned to Wickednefs, and deter-
mined to fupport his ufual Extravagancies at any Rate.
The poor young Gentlev\oman, inftead of being an-
fwer'd civilly for her Love and AfFeftion to him, met
with nothing but harfh and terrifj-ing Words, attend-
ed with a thoufand Oaths and Imprecations. The
Parents on both Sides obfer\-ing this, were in extreme
Grief and Concern ; and determined, after a ferious
Confultation, to dilTolve the Couple, but the young
and kandfome Wife would never confent to part from
her Hulband, the' fo bafe to her.
Before we enter upon the firft remarkable Tranf-
adlion of Saivney^i Life, we think ourfelves under an
Obligation to lay before our Readers fome Account of
tills young Bride's rare Qualifications. In the firft
place, as I have taken notice above, fhe was extreamly
beautiful, not only in a perfeft Symmetry of Features,
but likewife to thefe were joined an exquifite Perfon.
She \ -as tdll, finely fhap'd, fuU-breafled, and had ail
the otlier exterior Ornaments of her Sex. For her
Temper and the Qualifications of her interior Part or
Soul, fhe was fincere in her Love to the laft, ever pa-
tient under the greatefl Difficulties, and ready at all
times to extricate her Hufband out of the Misfortunes
he involved himfelf in, by lawful and juftifiable Me-
thods ; fhe had a nice Conduft, and an extraordinary
Reib-aint upon every Pafllon that might betray her
into unforefeen Mifcarriages. In Glafgoiv, where
an Uuiverfity was, and confequently young Gentle-
men
So
A 'General Ij i s t o r 7 oj
men of Fortune and Addrefs, it was impoffible for
Mrs. Cunningham to hide the Charms of her Face and
Perfon, fo as not to be taken notice of. Several im-
mediateiy ofFer'd their Refpefts, and Money was not
wanting to promote their Suits ; but all were below
the prudent Sentiments of her Mind : She could not
endnre to think of difhonouring the Bedof her Huf-
band, by a bafe Compliance with the richeft Man in
the Kingdom, and always (he put off her Suitor with
a Frown, and a feemingly difdainful Air. But this
only ferved to animate her Lovers the more, who now
feemed to attack her with a Refolution not to quit
the Siege till (he had either capitulated or furrender'd
herfelf. Amongft the reft was a certain Lawyer,
who was fo frequent in his Importunities, that ihe
was quit tir'd out. However, Ihe was fo difcreet all
the while, as to conceal from her Hufband Sanv/iey the
Importunities of her feveral Lovers ; but their Solli-
citations increaiing, and being detemiin'd to be de-
iiver'd of them as foon as poffible, Ihe, one Night,
as fhe lay in Bed with her Hufband, began to dif-
courfe him in Words to the following Etfeft : Tou
are fenjibh, my Dear, of the inniiolable Lo-ve I ha<ve,
from the Jirji Day of my Marriage to you, prefernjed
for you, ivhich Jhall Jiiil, let ivhatever nuill happen,
he as ehaftely maintained ; for the infernal Regions
Jhall fooner open and recei've me ali've, than I ivill
dare lo break the Laics of your Bed, or bring Dijhon-
our to my Perfon, by a Jhamelefs Projiitution of my
Perfon in the Embraces of any Man alive. /Is a Proof
of njohat I tell you, you need onh be acquainted, that
for thefe fe-veral Months I ha've been Jirongly importu-
ned by Mr. Hamilton the Laivyer to confent to his Em-
braces, but fill I ha've ivarded off from his Addreffes,
yet cannot be free from htm ; ivhich makes me noiv dif-
courfe thus, in order to hear your Opinion in the Mat-
ter, and fee ivhich ivill the fafeji and beji Expedient
to be delivered of his Company. Here (he ended, and
Sa'wmy being thoroughly convinced of his Wife's
Loys.ty and Fidelity, firft anfwered her with a De-
fire fie f>ould forget all his Irregularities, confejjing
their prcfent Poverty had been the immediate Confe-
quences of his too liberal and prof ufe Lining, but that
for the future Jhe Jhould fee a good Alteration in his
Cond^'^f. and he ivould make one of the hejl of Huf-
bands. Ai f. ■ Mr. Hamilton, faid he, it is my Ad-
vice that you. do not gi-ve him an abfolute Reffal, but
pretending a kind of Love at a dijlance, make him think
that a confiderable Sum of Money luill finijh his Ex-
peilations, and gain him tchat he fo much longs for ;
you have Youth and Beauty on your Side, and you may,
confequently, command him as you plcafe ; for I am not
fo much a Stranger to Mr. Hamilton'j Temper, and
Inclination, but that I knoiv Love ivill influence him
to perform generous Things : My Dear, I have no Oc-
ea/Icn to acquaint you ivith our Poverty at this time,
ivhich, to my extreme Grief, has been the Co>ifcguence
of my irregular and profane Living ; but our H ants
and NeceJJities may be amply made up by dexleroi/fly
managing this Adventure, the Profecution of v.hich
I leave to your oivn Prudence and ConduSl ; and for
my Part I Jhall take ejfeilual Care to extricate you
and myfelf out of any Conjequences that may happen
upon it.
Mrs. Cunningham, after this Conference with her
Hufband, had a thoufand Thoughts in her Head, how
to manage this Scheme, fo as to make the moil Ad-
vantage of it: She faw tliat the Want of Money in
her Family muft oblige her to it, tho' never fo much
againft tlie Bent of her Inclination to the contrary,
and therefore determining to put it in Execution as
foon as poifible, fhe compofed herfelf to Rell for that
flight. The next Day ^aiuw^y got purpolely out of
the Way, but not without a longing Expcilation of
receiving extraordinary Matters from his Wife's Con-
duft. Hamilton appeared as ufual ; and, proteflin
his Love for her was the iinceieft in the World, iaic
That it ivas impojfihle far him to enjoy a Moment
Reji ivithuut tajling thofe Joysjke could fo eajity aj
ford him. Mrs. Cunningham, at tirft, reproved hir
for fuch a bare Declaration of his Defires, and faic
That Jo long as her Hujland livd, Jhe could not v:iti.
out the mojl manifcjt Breach of conjugal Fidelity, at,
an eternal Infamy to herfelf give v.:ny to comply ivit
his Demands. Your Perfon Mr. Hamilton, faid fhi
is none oJ the ivorji, neither is your SenJ'e to be defpis\
but alas ! Heaven has decreed it, that I am alreai
another Mans M'ije. and therefore deprived from gri
tifyingyou as I ivould ivere the Cafe olheiivife. A>
I have Apprehenfions of my Hifocmd, ivho is a chol
ric Perjon, and prejently urged into a PaJJion upon ti
mojl trifling Affair, ivhich either he doth not like,
Jquares not ivith his Happinejs or Interefl. Intertj
reply'd Hamilton, Why, if that be the Cafe, neith-
your Hujhand nor you Jhall have any Reafon to co>
plain : for, let ?ne tell you for once and all, I do z
require a Gratiflcation from any one, without maki
a J'uitable Return ; your Circunflanccs, Madam, a
not unknoivn to me, and I am jorry to think that afi
having brought Mr. Cunningham fo plentij'ul a Fi
tune, I Jhould have a jujl Occaflon to Jay that you c
poor ; but mi/lake me not, I J'corn to make a Handle
your Circumftances, neither do I believe Mrs. Cl
ningham would ever confent to jny DcJires on fuch /
vile Terms. Upon this Madam aniwer'd him witj
great de:d of Prudence and Art ; ihe told him, Tt.
he pleaded handfomeli for him/elf, and if Jhe ivas
a married U o/nan, there jhould be nothing to obfli
their Drjires. Mr. Hamilton finding this, gave
long Harangue, in which he endeavour'd to (hew h
weak her Objeftion was, with relpeit toherFIuiba
concluding that what they did might be fo artfi
contrived, that neither Mr. Cunningham nor the Wc
fhould know any thing of it. In fine, the Law
pleaded as if it were for Life, for her Confent, wl
Madam obferving, and not caring to prolong
Time too far, but difpatch a great deal of Buiinels :
little Time, (he artfully told him. That fince
Stars had fo directed the Actions of her Life, that
had no Power of lierfelf to contradift them, Ihe
fign'd herfelf to him, and faid, that it was to no j
pofe to ftifle her Inclinations for him any longer
to be pliiu with him, (he had lov'd him from tl
firil Acquaintance together, before all the Men
had ever feen, and that ihe hop'd there was no Tr
grcfiion in an Affair which her Deftiny over-ru
and if the Wurld proved cenforious, fhe did not c
and left her Caule to bedetermiiiedby the Stars, w
together with Mr. Hamilton i fine Perfon, had
fluenced her to it. To be fhort, an Affigna
was maue, and a Porch of one of the Churchi
GlaJ'gow lieligned to be tue Place where the(e
Lovers were to meet. Nothing in the World ;
the Lawyer fo much Sati'-faftion as the Though
having obtained the Conlent of his fair Milircfs,
had decli'.red her Love to him, and refigned herfei
to his Arms. Hamilton proniiled to make h<
Prefent of a Purfe of a hundred Pounds Sterling
fore any thing was done, and fhe on her Side all'
him (he would plea'e him to the utmoil, and
quainted him, that he might expeft all the Kim
ihe was able to afford him. Here they parted,
the Lawyer thought the Time contained a thou
Days till the Hour appointed waa come, and he i
Arms of his Millreis. It arrives, and both appe
the Porch ; they carefs and toy, but no farther
the Laws of Modelty permitted. Hamilton wan
know wiiere Mr. Cunningham her Hu(b.ind is, a
acquainted that he v/as gone a (hort Journey inti
Country, which however would take him up i
r
of
tie
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Py rates, H'ighzi)j\iwefh Murderers, 6Cc.
8i
Davs ; where as Mndain had polled him, or he had
Idone it hinifeif, in a private Place in his Ch.imlier at
Home. Hamilton icL-ms extraordinarily plealed at
his-^ucccls, and the Kepofe he ihould find in humour-
ing his Appetite, now his Antagoniil was out oi tiie
Way as he thought. In a litde time both theie Lo-
vers came to Sa-M>icii Houle, and having entered
his Bed-cn.:mber, \v;.ere I.e was concealed, and a good
fire burning, Mr. Hamilton pulls out two Purlts ot
Gold and give^ them to her, and then going to un-
drel's himlelf, S-Maitey I'prings out from his I'ccret
Place, and uith one Stroke lays IVIr. Hamilton flat
on the Floor with a Club he had in his H.md ; for,
not contented with his Wife's having received the
two Purfes of Cold, he muil have the Lawyer's
Cloaths too ; and therefore to make fure of them,
he redoubles his Blow.';, till the poor Gentleman g.ive
up the Ghcil at IVlrs. Cunningham^ s Feet. 'Phis
was a Sacrifice to Love with a witnefs : The Law-
yer had contributed handfomely before for a Night's
Lodging, and mull he give his Life into the Bar-
gain .' I blow not how iVIankind may think on't, but
:iie Affair was carried to a defperate Length. Now
VIrs. Cunningham not dreaming her Husband would
lave carried Matter^ to fuch an liFue, feemed fright-
.•d to the laft Extreme at what had been done ; but
Wvanc-s endeavour'cJ to gi\'e her Eafe, by telling her,
iiat he would work himfelf out of the Scrape irr.-
nediatcly, and fo faying, hoilled the Body on his
houlders, and went out at a Back-door which led di-
edlly to Hamilton^ Houie, which e.:iily opening, as
profound Sleep in the Family, and the Darknefs
ji f the Night favoured him, he carried the Lawyer
3 the \'ault, and placed him upright on tlie Seat, to
le end that the finl wno found him there might
onclude lie died in that i iace and Pollure.
Now it feems Mr. Hamilton the Day before had
:quainted a particularPnenJ who lived in his Houfe,
ith his Succei's, and how he was to have a Meet-
ig with Mrs. Cunningham that Night, This Friend
ad had the Gripes upon him for three or four Days,
hich made him have a violent Loofenefs, and being
bilged to untrufs a Point about Mid-night, rifes in
is Night-Gown, and ileps down to the V ault, where
pening the Door, he fpies Mr. Hamilton fitting,
; he fuppofed, and taking it that he was come there
n the very fame Errand as himfelf, Hays without a
■hile to let him have quiet Play ; but finding he
lade no Motion to llir, after having waited a con
derable Time, to his own Uneafmefs, he opens
le Door again, and taking him by the Sleeve of his
'oat, was lurprized to find him f dl down. He hoops
take him up, but find- him dead ; at which be-
ig in a thoufand Perple.xities, and fearing to be
lought tiie Murderer, he brings to mind his ac-
uajnting him with the Affigiution between him and
Irs. Cunningham ; upon wl-.ich he concludes his FViend
id found no fair Pl:;y there, knowing the Husband
I be none of the eanell of Men. VVh:u fhould this
odgcr do in this Cafe ? Wiiy he takes up the Body,
■rows it upon his Shoulders, and carries it to Saii.'-
y's Floufe Door, vvhere he lets it down. Madam,
little after Midnight, hr.ving Occihon to difcharge,
its out of Bed, and opening tliC Door, lets the Bo-
of her late Lover ti-.aible mto the iloufc, which
itting her into a Fright, fhe runs up Stairs into the
hamber, and tells Sa^vmy how that the Law)'er
as come back : Jy, ay, lays he, (jull waking out of
s Sleep) ril nxianant he fiall come hack no more,
II fecure him frefiiuly ; and fo faying, gets iinniedi-
ely out of Bed, puts on his Cloaths, and hoills the
ad Lawyer once more on his Shouldeis, with a
efign to CcU-ry him to the River and throw him
m in, but feeing ibme Ferfons at a Diitance com-
22
tin
iv.
t'ii
iti(
ilis
1
ing towards him, he fteps up to the Side of ti;e
Street, til! they \yere got by, fearing his Defign
might be diicovered, and Confequences were dan-
gerous. But what fliould thefe Penbns be but Half
a Dozen a Thieves, who were returning from r. Plun-
der they had made, of two large Fhtcr.es of B-Ccn,
out of a Ci'ieeieinorgcr's Shop : Ar.d as they came
along were talking of a Vir)t.".er hard by, who fold
a Bottle of extraordinar)' Wine f Saivr.cy w;'.s feme
what reliev'd from his Fears (for Fears he couii
not mil's from having) at hearing t:iis Converfation.
He h.ad not been in his Poll long, beiore he had the
Satisfaction of feeing this Company put their B.icon,
which was in a Sack, into an emj :y Cellar, and
knock the Mafter of the Tavern up to let them in.
The Coall being now clear, SaiK-ncy conveys the
dead Lawyer into tlie Cellar, and t.iKing out the
purloined Goods, put his uneafy Cargo in the Room,
;md then march'd home. Mean wJule the Thieves
were caroufing, little dreaming vyhat a Change they
fliould prefently find in their S.ick. Little or no Mo-
ney was found amongll them, and the Flitches were
to anfwer the full Reckoning, fo that they continu-
ed drinking till they thought the B.icon was become
an equivalent for the Wme they had drank.
One of them, who pretended to beSpokefman, ad-
dreffing the Landlord, told him. That he mujl ex-
ciife him and his Comraites for bringing no Money in
their Pockets to defray, luhat they ha^l expended, ef-
pccially at fuch an unjeafonakle Time of hight, 'when
.he had been called out' of his Bed to let them in ;
but Landlord, in frying this, nxe Ifaie no Defign of
doing you a7iy If rang, or drinking your Wine for no-
thing. For if kuc cannot anfi^er the Shot ivith the
ready Cole, ive 'U-ill make it up by an Exchange of
Goods. No-zv iL'C have got tii-o Flitches of Bacon in a
Cellar hard by, luhich ■vjill more than anf.ver our
Expenccs, and if you care to have' them, they are at
your Seri'ice, othcr^jaife I'je muft be obliged to lea'ut
llord ivith you inhere ive li've, or you lay under a
NcceJJity of trujiing us tilt the f, ^rnir.g, ivhen, on
fending any Body along ivith us, y^:, may defend on
recciuing the Money, Gentlemen, ia.y% the Vintner,
you are all mcer Stt .ir.'gers to me, for to my Eyes and
Kr.oivledge, I cannot jay I e'uer faiv one of you be-
fore i but lue ivill a'void making any Uneafmefs about
my Reckoning: I do not care to purchaje a Commodity
1 never faiu, or, as the faying is, to buy a Pig in a
Poke : If the Flitches of Bacon, ycu fay you hwoc,
are good, P II take them off your Hands, and mat
Scores icith you,fo they hut aiifver my Demands. Im-
medi.itely one of them, who had drunk plentifuller
than the rell, faid he would go and fetch them,
and .accordingly coming into the Cellar, ftrove to
hoill the. Sack up ; Zounds, fays he, i<.-ly I think the
Bacon'' s multiplied, or I am damnably deceii'ed. What
a Pox of a Load is here to gaul a Man s Shoulder s ?
Tom might ivcll complain they avere heaiy, and by
Gad, heavy and large ones they are, and the
I intner luill have a rare Bargain of them ; much
good go along -luith them, and fj faying, he lugs the
Corpfe on his Shoulders to the Tavern. On coming
to open the Mouth of the S.ick, Lord, what a Sur-
prize were all in to fee a Man's Head peep out.
Mr. Dajh prefently knew the Lineaments of the
deceafed's F'ace, and cried out, Tou eternal Dogs,
did you think to impofe a dead Corpfe on mc for t-ivo
Flitches of Bacon? Why, you Rafcais, thu is the
Bodi of Mr. H.^nlilton the Lav.yer, and yc:: have
murthcr^d him, have you, you Mifcreanfs ; hut your
Merits fhall foon be foundly revjarded, Vll v:arrcnt
you. At this all the fi.v were in the faddeil Plight
that could be imagined, nothirig bat Horror tipd
Difmay fat on their Looks, cSnX tbey really sppenr-
Y ed
82
A General History of
ed as the guilty Perfons. But the Vintner, obferv-
ing them buftling to get away, made fuch a thun-
dering Noife of Mutherers, Murtherers, Murther-
ers, that immediately all the Family were out of
their Beds, and the Watch at the Houfe Door to
know the Reafon of fuch an Alarm. The Thieves
were inltantly convey'd to a Place of Durance for
that Night, and in the Morning were ftnt to the main
Prifon, when after a little lime, they took their
Trials, were found guilty (though innocent) of Mr.
Hamilton % Death, ahd executed acordingly.
Saioney came off very wonderfully from this Mat-
• ter, though neither his Wife's Admonitions, nor
his own frequent AiTeverations to her to leave olF
his irregular Courfe of Life, were of any Force to
make him abandon it; the Bent of doing ill, and
living extravagantly, was too deeply rooted within
■ him, ever to fuppofe now that any Amendment would
come ; nay, lie began to fhew himfelf a Monfter
in Iniquity, and committed every Wickednefs that
could exaggerate the Charadter of a moft prophane
Wretch. For 'tis impoiTible to enumerate, much
more to defcribe, the Quantity and Qualities of his
Villanies, they being a Series of fuch horrid and in-
credible Aftions, that the very inferting them here
would only make the Reader think an Impofition
were put upon him, in tranfmitting Accounts fo
fhocking and glaring. The Money tie had obtained
oiyix. Hamilton was a dear Purchafe ; it was foon
play'd away with and confumed, which made him
throw himfelf on other Sliifts to iupport his Pockets ;
to which End he vifited the Highway, and put
thofe to Death who offered to oppofe him. His
Charafter was too well known in the Weft of Scot-
landy to want any further Information about him,
which obliged him to retraft towards Edinburgh,
where meeing with a Gang of his Profeflion, who
knew hirn to be moft accompliih'd in their Way, he
was conftituted Generaliffimo of their Body, and each
Man had his particular Lodging in the City. But
Saiuney, who ever chofe to aft the principal Part in
all Encounters, induftrioufly took Lodgings at a
Houfe noted for entertaining Strangers, wliere he was
not long in infinuating himfelf into their Acquaint-
ance. Saivney, indeed had a moft artful Method
to conceal the real Sentiments of his Mind, and hide
his Aftions, which in a little Time (o gained upon
liie Belief of thefe Strangers, that they could not
help taking him for one of the fincereft Men breath-
ing : For it was his Cullom fometimes to take them
aJong with him two or three Miles out of the City
to partake of fome handfome Dinner or Supper, when
he was fure never to let them be at a Farthing Ex-
pence, but generoufly difcharge the Reckoning him-
felf: The Defign of all this wa^ to make his Ad-
vantige of them, and force them to pay an extrava-
gant Intcreft for the Money he had been out of
Pocket in treating them : For conftantly were Perfons
planted in one Place or other of the Road by his im-
mediate DIreftion, who fell uppn them as they re-
turned to the City, and robbed them of what they
had: But the Cream of all was, that to avoid Suf-
picion they always made Saivney their firll Prize, and
rifled him, who was fure in the Morning to obtain
his own Lofs back again, and a Confiderable Share of
the other Booty into the Bargain.
Some time after this, our Adventurer, with two
of his Companions, meeting on the Road with three
Citizens of Edinburgh, affronted them in a very au-
dacious Manner, and threw fuch Language at them
as plainly difcovercd that either Death or Blood-
fhed was near at Hand. He had the Impudence to
tell the Perfon who Teemed the genteeleft and heft
dreft of the three, that the Hotie he rod* on was
hi,-., and had been lately flolen from him, and tha
he mull return it him : or ehe the Sword he wor^
fhould do him right. Sawney's Companions beia-,
with the others after the fame Manner, and wouli
needs force them to believe that the lioifes the
rid upon were theirs ; The Citizens, atlonifli'd at thi
grofs Piece of Impudence, endeavour'd to convinc
them the Horfes rode on were their own, and the
had paid for them, and wondered how they dur
pretend to difpute an Affair which was fo eilcntia
ly wrong ; but thefe Words were far from havin
any Effett on Cunningham, and the Citizens, in th
Conclufion were forced to difiuount and give thei
their Horfes and Money into the Bargain, bein
fomewhat fatisfied they had fuffered no worle Cor
fequences, for Sawney, by tiiis Time was drenche
in all Manner of Villany, and Bloodftied was no
accounted a Trifle, fo little Value did he fet o
the Lives of any Perfons.
Saivney having run a merry Courfe of Roguery ai
Villany in and about Edinburgh for ibmc 'lime, whe
he made a confiderable Advantage to himfelf, fo th
Fortune ftem'd to have requited him for all the P
verty and Want he had before endured, determin
now to go home to his Wife, and i'pend the Remai
der of his Days agreeably with her, on the Acqui
tions and Plunder he had made on his Countryme
Accordingly he came to Glafgoiv, where, among
few Acquaintance he converfed with, for he did r
care to make himfelf too publick, he g.ave Signs
Amendment, which ftruck thofe that knew him w
fuch Artonifhment, that at firft they could hardly
brought to believe it. One Ninght being in Bed w
his Wife, they had a clofe Difcourfe together on
their foregoing Life, and the good Woman e.xprefi
an extraordinary Emotion of Joy at the feeming Al
ration and Change in her Hulband ; fhe could not in
gine what Realbn to impute it to ; for fhe had be
fo much terrified from Time to Time with his Barba
tics, that fhe had no Room to think his Converfi
was real ; neither, on reHefling on the many Rob!
ries and Murthers he had committed, could fhe p
fwade herfclf, that he could fo foon abandon his lic<
tious and wicked Couries ; for fhe fuppoied, if his
ter'd Conduft (as (he thought) was real, it was mirai
lous, and an original Piece of Goodnefs hardly to
met with. The Sequel will prove that this Wom
had better Notions 0/ her Hufband, than the reil
his Acquaintance, ami thofe that knew him, and tl
fhe built all her F<~ars on a folid and good Foundatic
The Proverb fays, What is bred in the Bone luill nen
be out of the Flejh ; and this will be remarkably ve
fied in Cunningham, as we fhall endeavour to fhew
its proper Place. F"or all the Signs he gave of an
ter'd Conduft, and all the plauiible Hints to red
his former miltaken Steps, were no other than only
amuie the World into a good Opinion of him, that
he miglit make his Advantage, through thi; pretend
Converiion, \v ith the greater Freedom and Impunii
And he was not out in his Aim ; for it feems, whs
ever he committed ;iny thing finifter, or to the Dif;
vantage of any of his Countrymen, and he waspitct
on as the TranfgrelTor, the '1 own would f.y, // coi
not be, for Mr. Cunningham ivas too much reclaiji.
from his former Courfes cjer to give into them ago
I fhall intert a very notable Adventure Sa--u>ney h
with a Conjurer, or Fortune-teller ; To which Enc
fhall trace it up from the Fountain-Head, and give i
Readers the firil Caufe that induced him to it. WJi
Sawney was an Infant, he was put out to Nurfe t'
poor Counir)' woman in a little V ilLige a MiJe or ti
out of Clafgcv.- ; the Woman,, aj the Boy grew i
could not help inereaisng in her Love for him, and
being an excecdi/tg fnotty Child, would often fay
Pyratssy Higlmhiymefty Murderers^ &c.
83
her Neighbours, Oh ' Ijhall fee this LaJ a rich Man
•ye Day. This Saying coming to the Ears of his Pa-
rents, they WQuld frequently make themielves merry
,vith it, and thought no more of it, than as a pure
Remit of tlie Nurfe's-fondling. Sawney having en-
•itii'd himfelf with the Spoils about Edinburgh, aitualiy
rhougiit his old Nurle's Words were verified, and fent
01 her to give her a Gratification for her Predidion.
ihe came, but Sawney liad chang'd his Cloaths, fo
that the poor Woman did not know him at firft. He
old her that he was an Acquaintance of Mr. Cunning-
ham i, who, on her coming, had order'd him to carry
ler to Mr. Peterfo'; the Altrologer's, where (he would
K fure to fee and fpeak to him ; for he was gone there
o get fome Information about an Affair that nearly
oncerned him. The Nurfe and her pretended Con-
;ucror goes to the Fortune-teller's, where defiring Ad-
Tittance, Peter/on thought they were Perfons that
iinted his Affiltance, and bad them fit down, when
:i\vney taking a Freedom with the Reverend old Gen-
e.nun, as he was known to ufe with all Mankind, be-
an to give an Harangue about Aftrology, anj the
ludable Praftice of it. " I and this old Woman,
fu-id he, are t^^'o of the moft accomplidi'd Aftrolo-
gers or Fortune-Tellers in Scotland ; but I would
not. Reverend Sir, by fo faying, feem to depreciate
from your Knowledge and Underllanding in fo ve
nerable a Science : 1 came to communicate a fmall
AfF.iir to you, to the End, that not relying on my
Judgment and this Woman's, I might partake of
yours. You are to know, Sir, that from fix Years
of Age I have led a very untoward Life, and been
guilty of many egregious Sins, too numerous to
tell yog at prefent, and what your Ears would not
care to hi&t ; for my Employment has been to lay
with other Men Wives, make a Sharer o^ other
People's Money, bilk my Lodging, and ruin the
Vintners ; for a Whore and a Bottle I have fold the
twelve Signs in the Zodiack, and all the Houfes in
a Horofcope ; neither Se.xtilc, Quartile, or Trine
ever had Power over me to keep my Hands out of
my Neighbours Pockets ; and if I had not a pro-
found Refpeft for the Perfons of my venerable
Order and Profcifion, I fhould call Mercury the A(-
cendant in the fourth Houfe at this Minute, to lug
half a fcore Pieces of yours. By my exceeding
deep Knowledge in Aftrology, I can perfeftly ac-
quaint all manner of Perfons, e.fcept myfelf, with
every Occurrence of their Lives, and were it not to
' frighten yourfelf, I would conclude from the Ap-
' pearance and Conjunftion of Saturn and Vulcan,
'' that your Worfhip would be hanged for y9Ur Pro-
ieffion. But, Sir, tho' Deftiny hangs this unfor-
' tunate Death over your Head, it is at fome Diftance
frem it, and may be fome Years before it ftrikes
you.
" Is it not forprizing that a Man (hall be able to
' to read the Fates of Mankind, and not have any
Pre-knowledgc of his own \ .And is it not e.xtre.'nely
' afflifting to think, that one who has done fo much
Good m his Generation, and aflifted fo many Thou-
' lands to the Recovery of Things, that \vould have
' been inevitably loll, without his Advice, fliould
' 4»me at laft to meet with an ignominious Halter, as
' a fit Recoaipence for his Services ? Good Heavens !
• where is the Equity of all this.? Certainly, Sir, if
* wc are to meafure the Jullice of Things, by the
' Laws of Reafon, we muft naturally conclude that
• laudable and good Aftions deferve a laudable and
■ ' good Recompence ; but can hanging be (aid to be
I ' this good Recompence ? No, but the Stars will
•' have it fo, and how can Mankind fay to the con-
* trar}?" Cunningham paufed here a while, and the
Aftrologer and old Nurfe wonder'd who in the Devil's
i^ame they had got in Company with. Mr. Peter/oH
couPd not help ftaring, and well he might, at the Phy-
fiogminy of our Adventurer, and, in fpite of himfeif,
began to be in a Pannick at his TV'ords, whicn fo
terribly frighten'd him. The Nurfe was in Expeda-
tion of leting Sawney come in every Minute, little
dreaming the Perfon (he was fo near was the Man (he
wanted. Cunningham's Harangue was a Medley of In-
coniillencies and downright Banter : 'Tis true the Man
had received tolerable Education in his Youth, and
confequently might obtain a Jingle in feveral Sciences,
as is evinced from the foregoing. " Well, venerable
" Sir, fays he, do not be terrified at my Words, for
" what cannot be avoided muft befubmitted to. T»
" put you out of your Pain, I'll tell you a Story: A
" Gentleman had a Son who was his Darling, and
" confequently trained up in all the virtuous Ways
" that either Money could purchafe, or good E.xam-
" pies teach. The Youth it feems, took to a kind
" and laudab'e Courfe of Life, and ga\e promifing
*' Signs of making a fine Man; nor indeed were their
" Expe<flations deceived ; for he led a very exemplary
" Life of Prudence, excellent Conduft, and good
" Manners, which pleafed the Parents fo much; that
" they thought every thing they could do for him
" too little. But the Mother, out of an inexpreflible
" Fondnefs for him, muft needs- go to an Aftrologer,
" and enquire how the remaining Part of his Life muft
" fucceed. Accordingly the Horofcope is drawn, but
" a difmal Appearance refults from it ; it acquaints
" the Mother that her Son (hall remain virtuous for
" two and thirt)' Years, and then be hanged. Mon-
" (Irous and incredible, fays he, but I'll take care to
" fecure him in the right Way ; or all my Care will
" be to no Purpofe. Well, the Family are all foon
" acquainted with this threatning Warning. The
" Perfon determined to be the Sacrifice, is already
" nine and tW'enty Years old, and furely they fuppofe
" they cin eafily get the other three Years, when all
" (hall go well witii their Kinfman. But what avails
" all the Precaution of Mankind ; this fame Son ob-
" tains a Commiflion of a Ship, goes to Sea, and,
" afting quite contrary to his Orders, turns Pyrate,
" .^nd, in an Encounter happens to kill a Man, for
" which, on his Return to his native Country, he is
" try'd, condemn'd and hang'd. What think yoa
" of this, venerable Brother ? Is not he a (ad Inftance
" of an over-ruling Influence of the Stars f But not
" to prolong too much Time on a Di'.'courfe of this
" Nature, let us come to the Purpofe. You are now
"' as I cannot do it myfelf, to tell me my Fortune, and
" this old Woman is to confront you if you tell me a
" Lie : There is no Excufe to be made in the Matter ;
" for by Heavens, on your Refufal, I'il eafe this Room
" of your damnable 'irumpery, and fend you pack-
" ing to the Devil after them. The/e IVords 'were
" enough to frighten any Man cut of bis Senfes, nor
" could Petcr(bn ivcll difcoi'cr the Intention or Drift of
" his talkati'vo and uncafy Vifltant. What would you
" be at, fays the Ajlrologcr ? Why, do not }0u ize,
" what a Terror yoa have put that good Woman
" into, who trembles like an Afpen Leaf? I am not
" ufed. Friend, to have Perfons come into my Houfe,
" and tell me to my F.-tce, that I am to be hanged,
" and then to confirm it, as you pretend, tell me an
" old Woman's Story of a Cock and a Bull, of 3
" young Man that went to Sea, and was hanged for
" robbing, for which he certainly deferved the Punilh-
" ment he met with : As for telling your Fortune,
" I'll be ib plainly with you, that you'll fwing in a
" Halter .is fure as your Name is Sawney Cunningham,
" Sawney Cunningham, ^aoth the Merv-tc, 'who f rait-
" 'way thro'wing her Arms ahout his Keck, hefcr. to
" kit's him fery eagerly, and then looking earnejlly in
" his Face, cry'd aloud, O Laird ! And art thou
" Saiiincy Cunningham I Why. I thought thou come
" to
84
A General History of
" to be a great Man, thou was fuch a Snotty Lad ?
" Do you fee now, fays Sawney, what a damnable
1^ " Lie you have told me, in impudently acquainting
" me that I Ihall be hanged, when my good Pro-
" phetefs here tells me, I am a great Man, for
" great Men never can be hanged. I do not care
'' tor what flie fays nor you neither, for hanged
*' you'll be, and tliat in a Month's Time, or elfe
" there never was a Dog hanged in Siotlami. Pr.iy,
" Brother, how came you to know this without
" confulting my Horofcope? Know it, why
" your very Condition tells me you have deferved
" lianging this dozen Years, but the Laws have been
" too favourable to you, elfe Mr. Hamilton^ Death
" had been revenged before this Time of Day. Now
" to convince you of my feperior Knowledge in
" Allrology, I mean, in telling how far their In-
" fluence extends over any Man's Aftions, I will
" point to you the very Aftion and Peri'ons that
'* will bring you to the Gallows. This very Day
" Month you fhall go (in fpite of all yout Forefight
" and Endeavours to the contrary) to pay a Vifit
" to Mr. William Bean, your Uncle by tlie Mo-
" ther's Side, who is a Man of an unblameable
*' Charadler and Converfation. Him (hall you kill,
" and alTuredly be hang'd." Was there ever fuch a
prophetick or divining Tongue, efpecially in thefe
modern Days, heard of.' For the Sequel will prcfent-
ly difcover how every Circumftance of this predic-
tion fell out accordingly. Saivney, having obferved
the Air of Gravity wherewith Mr. Peter/on deli-
vered his Words, could not help filling into a ferious
Refleftion about them, and thinking the Place he was
in not convenient enough to indulge the Thoughts
Jie found rifmg within him, abruptly left the For-
tune-teller, and giving his old Nurie five Shillings,
returned home.
But what does he determine on now ? After ha-
ving ferioafly weighed on the feveral Particulars of
Pttei-fons Words, he could not for his Heart but
think, thiit the old Man, in order to be even with
him for telling him of being hanged, had only ferved
him in his own Coin ; fo that after a few Hours
ev&ry Syllable was vanilTied out of his Mind, and
he relolved to keep up to his ufual Courfe of Life.
King James I. fitting on the Throne of Scotland
at this 'rime, and keeping his Court at Edinburgh,
the greatell Part of the Scoti/h Nobility refided there,
when our Adventurer ufed frequently to go to make
the beft Hand he could of what Spoil he found there.
The Earl of Jncbequin, having a confiderable Poll
under the King, and feveral valuable Matters be-
ing under his Care, had a Centinel afligned, who
conftantly kept Guai'd at this Lord's Lodgings
Door. Guards were not much in Fafhion at this
Time, and about two or three hundred in the fame
Livery were kept only on the Ellablifhment.
Cunningham having a Defire of breaking into
this Miniiter's Lodging;, and having no Way io
likely to fucceed by, as to put on a Soldier's Li-
very, went in that Drefs to the Centinel, and after
fome little Talk together, they dropt accidentally
into fome milit.iry Duty and E.vecife, which Cun-
ningham fo well difplay'd, that the Centinel, feem-
ing to like his Brother's Notions, and fmile e.xtra-
ordinarily, it made Cunningham ilay a confiderable
Time, till in the End he ask'd the Centinel to par-
take of two Mugs of Ale, and put Six-pence into
Hand to fetch them from an Alehoufe, at fome Dif-
tance from his Poll, giving fome Reafon for it, that
it was the bell Drink in the City, and none elfe
could pleafe his Palate half fo well as tliat. Here-
upon the Centinel acquainted him, that he could
not but know the Confequences that attended leav-
ing his Poll, and that he liad rather enjoy his Com-
I
pany without the Ale, than run any Rifque by fetch-
ing it. Oh! fays our Adventurer, I am not a Stran-
ger to the Penalties we incur on fuch an Action
but there can no harm come of it, if I Hand in your!
Place while you are gone. And with that the Cen-
tinel gives Cunningham his Musket, and goes to the
Place Jirci^ltd for the Drink ; but, o\\ returning, he
mull needi fetch a Pennyuorth of Tobacco from
the fame Place, during which, fome our Adven-
turer's Companions were broke into the Lord's
Apartments, and had rifled the lame of Three Hun-
dred Pounds Value. Cunningham was, however, fo
generous as to leave the Centinel his Musket. The
poor Soldier returns in e.\pcftation of drinking with
his friend, and enjoying his Company fome Time
longer ; but alas ! the Bird is fled, and he is taken
up to anfwer for his forth coming, and committed
Talbooth Prifon, where he w.as kept nine Months
in very heavy Irons, and had only Bread and Wa-
ter allowed him to fublill on. At length he is tri-
ed, condemned and lianged. Thus did feveral in-
nocent Peribns fufter Death for that which ought
to have been the Portion of our Adventurer. W«
draw on to his lall Scene now, which Ihall be dif-
patch'd with all the Brevity we are Mailers of
Sawney having thus efcaped fo many Dangers,
and run through fo many Villanies with Impunity,
mull needs go to his Uncle Bean's Houfe, whc
was a very good Chrillian, and a reputable Man,
as we have before bbferved, to pay him a Vifit,
with no other Defign than to boail to him of hi;
late Succefl'es, and how Fortune had repaired the In-
juries his former Milconduft and Remiflhefs he had
done him.
He went, and his Uncle with his moral Franknefs,
bade him fit down, and call for any Thing hii.'^Houft
could afford him. " Nephew, favs he, I have defi
" red a long Time to fee an Alteration in your Con-
" dufl, tiiat I might fay I had a Nephew worthy o:
" my Acquaintance, and one to whom I might leave
" my Eilate, as delerving of it ; but I am acquaintec
" from all Hands, that you go on worfe and worfe.
" and rather than produce an Amendment, abandor
" yourfelf to the worll of Crimes. I am always wil-
" ling to put the bell Interpretation I can upon Peo-
" pie's Conduft ; but when fo many frefh Report:
" come every Day to alarm my Ears of your Extra-
" vagances and profufe Living, I cannot help con-
" eluding but that the greatell Part of them are true
" 1 will not go about to enumerate what I have
" heard, the Difcovery of Miftakes only ferving tc
" increafe one's Uneafincfs and Concern. But me
" thinks if a good Education, and handfome Fortune/
" and a beautiful and loving Wife could have dont
" any Service with refpett to the reclaiming you, 1
" fliould have i'ten it before now. Your Wife ha;
" been an indulgent and faithful Friend to yon in al!
" your Misfortunes, and the lo'.\ell Employment il<
" Life, could you but hnve confin'd yourielf, wouL
" have proved more bentfici:!l, and fecared your Cha
" racier, and the Elleem of )'our Family and Friend,
" better than the W.ays you now tread in. I am
" feniible my Advice is infignificant, and Men of my
" dechning Years are little valued or thought of by
" the younger Sort, who, in this degenerate Age
" think none v.'ifer than themfclves, and are above
" Correction or Reproof. Come, Nephew, Provi-
" dence may allot you a great many Years more to
" run, but let them not be fuch as thofe already pali,
" if Heaven fhould grant you the Indulgence. Ifi
" could build any Hopes on a good Foundation, thai
" you would }et repent, metl'.inks I could wilh tr
" have VigouT and Strength to live to fee it ; for what
" my Satisfaftion would be then, none are able to de
" clarc, but fuch only as are in the like Cafe with
" mvfel!
&
Dtil
Bi
to
PyrcTtesy H'tghwynme^iy Murderers^ 6Cc.
85
' mvi'elf. Our Family has maintain'd an unfpotted
• CnaniSer in this City for fome hundred of Years,
• and fhould you be the firll to caft a ftain upon it,
• what will Mankind or the World fay. You may
• depend th J t the Load of Infamy will be thrown on
• voiir B ick, for all who know, or have heard the
• ieail of us will clear us of the Dilhojiour, as know-
' Ino- liow well you were educated, how handfomely
• fuctd out for the World, and how well you might
iwve done. If Fame fays true, you are to be
• charged with Mr. Hamilton i> Death ; but I cannot
• bring myfclf to think, you would ever be guilty of
' I'o monllrous and Impiety. It feems he had been
' vouT Benefartor, and I'everal confiderable Sums of
' Monev he had given you, in order to retrive your
loll Ci'rcamrtances ; but was to give him his Death
■ I lie Way to recompcnce him for his Kindnefs ? Fie
un't. Not Pagans or the word of Infidels would
repay their Bcnetaftors with fuch Ufage ; and Itall
we L'liriltians, who boall fo much above diem,
dare to Jo that which they abhor from their Souls .?
It c.innot be, Nephew, but all Thoughts of Huma-
nity and Goodnefs are banifh'd from your Mind,
otherwile fome Tincture would llill have remained
of Chrillian Principles, that would have told you,
you were highly indebted to that good and eminent
lawyer's Bounty. I am more diffufive on this
Held, bccaul'e it requires a particular Difquifition ;
neither millake me in this Matter, for I am not de-
termin'd to reap up Things to the World, in order
to blacken your Character more than 'tis already,
nor to bring you under Condemnation ; only repent
and lead a foberer Life for the time to come, and
all the Wilhes and E.xpeflations of your Friends and
Family are then fully anfwered. Firll endeavour to
reconcile your Paffions to the Standard of Reafon,
and let that divine Emanation conduft you in every
Adlion of your future Life, fo will you retrieve the
Time you have loft, patch up your broken Repu-
tation, be a Comfort to your F'amily, and a Joy
to all who know you. Ill Aftions feem plealing
in their CommilTion, becaufe the Perfons that purlue
them have fome Aim of Advantage in doing them ;
but let me tell you there is nothing in the World
like a virtuous Purfuit, tho' the Roiid is befet with
THorns and Briars, but there are ine.xprefTible De-
lights and Pleafures in that Wildernefs, which not
all the Vices in the World can balance. This E.x-
hortation probably may be the lall that may come
from my Lips; but indeed you have need of Ad-
vice every Moment, and want the Leading-ftrings
of a Child, yet neither want you Senfe or Uuder-
ftanding : How comes it then you make fuch bad
Ufe of them ] Are not all the miferable Cataftro-
phes of profufe and wicked Livers, fufficient to de-
ter vou from your licentious Courfe of Life ? If
Gibbets and Gallows could have any Influence on 3
Mind, unlefs loll to all Senfe of Goodneis, certainly
the melancholy Ends fo many monthly make here,
fhould be a means of opening your F'yes and re-
cl.aming vou. But, alas! the Wound I fear i; too
deep, and no Medicines can now prevail ; your
Enormities are of fuch an egregious Dye, that no
V^^aterc.in wafli it out. Well, if neither the cruel
Confequences of an hiiquitoas and mifpent Life,
' nor all the Advice which either your F'riends and
Relations can give you ; if good E.xamplcs, Terrors
or Death cannot awaken you from your profound
' Lethargy and Inaflivity of Mind, I may well fay
' your Caie is exceedingly deplorable, and vvh:'.t for
" my Part I would not b^ involved in for ten thoufand
" Worlds. You cannot furely but know what yo\i
" have to depend on now your Friends and Relations
" abandon you, for you are Ihled a Murderer ; and a
" Man that has once dipt his Hands in Blood, can ne«
" ver e.\pc(ft Enjoyment of any Felicity cither in thii
" or the next World ; for there is an internal Senfa-
" tion called Confcience, which brings an everlailina
" Sting along with it, when the Deeds of the Body
" are heinous and bl.ack. Indeed fome may pretend to
'' Itifle their Iniquities for a ctjniidcrable T'rn^, but
" the Paufe is but lliort ; Confcience breaks tJiro' all
" the Barriers, and prefents before the Eyes of the
*' guilty Perfon his Wickednefs in frightfd Colours.
" What would not fome give to be relieved of their
" racking Nights and painful Moments ; v. hen freed
" from the Amufements of the D.ay, they lie down to
" Rclt, but cannot. 'Tis then that Providence thinks
" fit to give them a Foretalle of thofe Severities even
" in this Lite, which will be Millions of times in-
" creafcdin the next." Here the good old Man ifljed
a Flood of Tears, which Pity and CompafTion had
forced from his Eyes, nor could Saivncy forbear fhed
ding a Tear or two at hearing ; but it was all Pre
tence, and an Imitation of the Crocodile ; for he w.is
dctcrmin'd to take this reverend old Gentleman out
of the World to get PofFefTion of his Ellate, which, for
want of Male Ilfue, was unavoidably to devolve upon
him after his Death. With this View, after he had
made an End of his E.xhortation, he lleps up, and
without once fpeaking, thrulls a Dagger to his
Heart, and fo ended his Life. Thus fell a \encrable
old LIncle for pronouncing a little feafonable Advice
to a Monller of a Nephew, who finding the Servant
Maid come into the Room at the Noile of her Ma-
iler's f.dling on the Floor, cut her Throat from Ear to
Ear, and then to avoid a Difcovery being made, fets
fire to the Houfe, after he had rifled it of all the valu-
able Things in it ; but the Divine \'engeance was re-
folved not to let this barbarous Acl go unpunith'd ;
for the Neighbourhood obfervinga more than ordinary
Smoke ifluing out of the Houfe, concluded it was on
fire, and accordingly unanimoufly joined to e.xtinguiih
it ; which they effedtuaUy did, and then going into the
Houfe, found Mr. Beana.nA his Maid inhumanly mur-
ther'd. Our Adventurer was got out of the way, and
no one could be found to fi.x thefe Cruelties upon ; but
it was not long before JulHce overtook Cunningbdm,
who, being impeach'd by a Gang of Thieves that had
been apprehended, and were privy to fevcral of his
Villainies, he was taken up and committed a clofe
Prifontr to the T,-jIbooth, where fo many Witnefle.s
appeared againft him, that he was ccnd'emn'd and
hang'd for his Tricks at Leigh, in Company with the
fame Robbers that hnd fworn againll him.
This was the Cataftrophe of this Man, who deferr-
ed the Fate he iuffered long before it happened. We
hp'. e not gi\en o«r Readers a great many Adventures
of hii, becaufe they were commonly attended with
Bloodfhed, an -Account of which only prefents feveral
melancholy Ideas to tiie Reader : But we have this to
fi'.y, that we have far exceeded Capt. Smitf/h Narra-
tive of him. When he went to the Place of Execu-
tion, he betray 'd no Signs of Fear, nor feemcd any
way daunted at his approaching Fate : As he lived, fo
he died, valiantly and obftinately to the lall, unuill.
ing to have it faid, that he, wliofe Ilr.nd had been the
Inltrument of fo many Murthers, proved puhllani-
mous at the lall.
-3
Z
V.
)S
86
A General History of
The
LIFE 0/ WALTER TRACEY.|s
THIS Perfon was the younger Son of a Gen-
tleman, worth Nine Hundred Pounds fer
A,mum, in the County of Norfolk. He was
fent to die Univerfity to qualify him for Divinity,
and had a Hundred and Twenty Pounds left him by
his Father wiien he died : But his Studies not ,ha-
ving a Reliih pleafing enough to his Mind, and his
Eftate being too little to fupport his Extravagancies,
he, to uphold himfelf in his profufe Expences, would
now and then appear well accoutred on the High-
way, and make his Colledions. But happening once
to rob feme Perfons who knew him, he was oblig-
ed leave the College, and direftly went down into
Chejhire, where he put himfelf into the Service of
a wealthy Graiier in the Country. Tracey, having
an excellently well-fhaped Body, and a Face that
had Power to draw a thoufand Admirers after it,
foon found the Country a pleafanter Scene of Life,
than the wrangling and dull College. He had a gen-
tee! Air and Mien, and a hundred Liberties were
given him by his Mailer, which the other Servants
in the Family were not allowed to take : The old
Famer and his Wife, with their Daughters (for Sons
they had none) would divert themfclves, after the
Labour of the Day, with hearing our rullick Gentle-
man play on the Violin, which he did with admi-
rable Skill .!i.d Sweetnefs. His fine Perfon and Face
foon gain' ' him Followers, and Tracey was not infen-
fible to Love, for if ever Man had Opportunity of
indulging his Paifion that way, certainly he had ; for
whenever he took his mufical Inllrument into the
Meadows or Paftures, he was fure to be furrounded
with a Crowd of buxom Laffes, among whom fome
had Beauty enough to make his Wifhes rife. There
was a fprightly brown Girl, who was his conllant
Hearer, that feem'd to touch his Heart more than
the reft ; fhe would walk by his Side from Field to
to Field, nay, accompany him into Caves and So-
litudes, where fhe would liften with Admiration of
his Mufick, Tracey employ'd thefe Moments to
promote his Suit ; for the Lafs was none of the
fairert, yet had a charming Body, and a Delicacy in
tiie plain Delivery of her Words that was irrefifti-
ble. Tracey durft not make an open Difcovery of
the real Intention of his Mind, for fear of fpoiling
nil tlie Adventure ; he was convinced llie admired his
Mufick, and nothing but the Notion of Mufick, he
thought, would gain upon her' So he tells her he
lias another Inilrument that would afford the fweeteft
Melody upon E^rth, and that his Violin was no more
to Hand in Competition with it, than a y^w's Harp
with the Organ of their Church. The Girl is ra-
villi'd till fhe hears it, and begs him a thoufand
Times to bring it to-morrow to the Cave they were
in^ which Tracey complies with, and fo they part
for that Night. The Female Lover, .you may bc-
fure, had little Refl till the Time appointed came ;
nothing but Harmony, and Melody, and Enchant-
ment iiU'd her Thoughts fhe longs to fee Tracey and
his new Inilrument, which Shall not be long before
fhe has her Satisfadlion accomplifh'd. Both mee;
the Cave, and both have different Views ; the <
is at Lofs ftill how to behave in fo critical a Mini
and the other importunes him to produce the Infl
ment and play upon it. I've brought the Inll
ment, my Dear, along with me, which for its fil
Melody exceeds every thing you ever faw or he-
of: But I muft acquaint you, before I fhew it, t
it is no Compofition either of Wood or Horn,
that its Harmony proceeds from the Members of
Body. The unpraftifed Girl was fo fimple as
imagine, that from Gellures and Movements of
Bones of his Bodv, fome agreeable Harmony wo
proceed, or that his Hand by ftriking on the ot
Parts of his Body will raife a tranfporting Sou
Come, my dear Girl, fays he, the Harmony t
proceeds from my new Inilrument, cannot be rai
without your Afiiftance, and therefore if you h:
a Defire of receiving Pleafure, you muft neceffii
be at fome Pains yourftlf; for 'tis a Talk beyi
my fingle Reach to perform, and I beg you'll g
me Aid in it — If it is fo, reply 'd flie, let us
what it is, and inftruft me in the Manner I am
afl. Upon this, Tracey clafped her in his Ar;
and with great Eagernefs embraced her, and then
fered to accomplifti the reft. Oh lie, fays fhe, j
are going to wrong me, let me alone, I can
fuffer fuch Ufage ; you prefs my Breaft too clo
fie upon it, then, what's this you mean I — Do i
be fearful, my Girl, there's no harm, I'll afTi
you in the Cafe ; — For the Harmony and Melody
ib conceiv'd ; and the ending will be much m
pleafing than the beginning — She feels the tingl.
Pleafure, and fwoons away, but foon recovering ,
raptur'd Senfes, and feeing Tracey rifmg up, :
afk'd him, what ! have you done ^already .' you h;
but juft this Minute begun ; fie, you baulk a Bo
of the Pleafure I expeiled — Indeed, fays Tracey,
imagined the Thing would do you no Dam.ige, I
that you would have iuch a longing Appetite, or
you had found the Melody out, as to wifh for
again Ay, truly, faid fhe, 'tis the beft Mufick
World, and I'll come hitlier any Night to enjoy
from you, but 'tis io iliort, though I could r
hear it, yet I felt an
warm'd all my Blood
begin it again 1 can do that, ajU'wered he, b
I Jiad a Mind to give you a Taile bcR-.-e-lianJ,
fee how you liked it ; fuch extraordinary Thingi
this are rare, very rare, my Dear, and too mu
Repetiton but cloys us : And, behdes, fweet Me
is not always fo laid on the Stomach ; you are fe
fible, my Dear, that the Mufick and Hanr.ony
our own two Bodies moving together, are inexpn
fible, and that during the Raptures which they :
forded, all our Senfes were lolt— That's very tru
fays fbe, butmcthinks I've a longing Defire to t.il
once more of this divine Pleafure — and faying, th(
fell to it again, which Tracey performed vvitli mo
Vigour than at lint.
ft-i
io iliort, though I could
unaccountable Sweetnefs tl
pry'tiiCe, what cannot y
Pyraks, Highwaymen^ Murderers^ ^Ci
gf
liili
The young Woman having had a Foretafle of this
;w Inilrumenc of our Adventurer's, returned home
xeeJingly well pkafed, and could not help the
3Xt Night fhe got among fome of her Female Ac-
jaintance, to take one of them afide, and acquaint
r with the Satisfaction Mr. B/un//e/ the Grafier's
Ian had given her, by ids pleallhg Words, but more
ealing Harmony, whicii fIo.ved from a new Inftru-
ent different to Ids Violin. Upon this, both feem'd
I rnell together, and the Acquaintance alk'd her, it
' e might no: be allowed to enjoy the fame Liber-
as Jierfelf, which the other faid ihe might do,
,d accordingly both determined to meet our Ad-
nturer at tlie Cave, who was previoufly acquainted
ith their Defign. Tracey WtH plcafed to think his
s Humour fhould be fo variouily gratiiied, and ra-
er than not keep toucii with his Inamorates, would
.ve facrific'd all he had in the World. Every one
St at the Cave at the appointed Time, but, Hea-
ns ! What a Difference appeared between the two
juntry Girls. The new Acquaintance had nothing
fet her off, which might lland in Competition
til the Brown Maid, and Ti-acey was fo far from
miring, that he entertained at f.rfl View, an utter
/erfion not only to her Pcrfon, but the Enjoyment
her Body. But how to be rid of this Incon-
nicnce was the Queftion ; and abfolutely to re-
!l one or the other might endanger his Happinefs
th the Brown Maid. Betwixt thefe he was in
ne Perpie.xity, but to extricate hirafelf out of the
ire, he acquainted them he was forry he could not
itify them according to their E.xpedtations, but
Jly he was indifpos'd, and the Parts of his Body
compofe the Harmony wifh'd for, were fo much
I t of Order with the Fatigues of the Day, that he
s obliged to defire them tliey would forbear ma-
ig any more Importunities about it then, and he
^^' luld certainly crown their Satisfadlion the next
ght; the Girls could not forbear murmuring, and
:m'd extraordinary uneafy ; but at laft, Itriving to
mbat their Diforder at his feeming Refufal, return-
home, and left Tracej to go another Way. A3
2 Girls returned, the Acquaintance began to ini-
rtune her, what, in the Name of the Stars, th's
irmony was fhe had brought her to hear, that Ira-
/ was fo fond of, not to let her hear it. Upon
is the Brown Girl, out of her native Simplicity,
quainted her as well as fhe could, with the Man-
r of our Adventurer's playing; concluding, that
all her Life, file had never e\perienccd I'uch a
eafuig and enchanting Piece of Diverfion. The
cquamtance, from the Language and Difcovery of
:r Companion, drawing a right judgment how Mat-
rs had gone, told her, that (lie was forry to think
e hi'.d betrayed fo much ignorance and folly ; for
;iat Traccy had done was no more than any other
iin could, and it was too much to extol him for
, becauie flie herfelf, about four Years before, had
ceived as much, or mere Pleafure in the fame Way,
ita her Father's Man Arthur, a ad therefore fhe
:ed not thmk fhe had obliged her in bHnging her
Tracey^i Cave, fmce he h.id no better Capacity
at way than their Man Arthur ; for had fhe known
« Errand had been only about that, fhe would have
>t Arthur to perform his Mufick with her, in or-
:r to fee the Difference, who, fhe alfured her,
Quid have gratified her without making Scruples, or
etending indifpofition. ' A^nd the next Time you
e him, let me advife you to teli him, that he has
rongcd your Virginity, and, unlefs he will make
■me Reparation for it, convince hi.-n by Threats
^id Manaces, that your Father fhall know his vil ■
linous Defigns, and that you can tell how to re-
|;nge an Injury. For if you ^ not follow my Di-
redlion herein, I myfelf will do his Bufmefs, and
fhew him that a neglefted Woman, when rouz'd
up to Refentment, can execute uncommon Things.
What, added flie, my I'erlbn was not lovely as yours,
nor had my Face an Equality of Charms, but I'll
make him quit Scores with me, or I'll know why.
You, my Dear, may pleafe yourfelf with as extra-
ordinary Notions as you pleafe, but for my part, I
cannot help entertaining fuch an Averfion to his Baie-
nefs and ingratitude, that, of all Men living, he
leail fets in my Thoughts. He's handfome, you'll!
probably fay, and has a delicate Face, what's this
to the Purpofe ? There are more fuch in the World,
and, obferve, he's a great deal inferior to you. But
why fhould /name inferiority, whan / myfelf have
been guilty of the fame indulgence, at a far younger
Age than you. Such was the Difcourfe as thefe two
went home together, and a thorough Refentment
feemed to be working up for what Traccy had done,
who was out of the Way of hearing ; or elfe he
had reconciled the uneafy Parties by proffering to
them the utmoft Submiffion.
Lord, fays the Brown Girl, what a Work you
make ? lifracey had no Defire of making his pleafing
Harmony with you, and that I obtained the Prefe-
rence, can you blame the Man, let every Perfon exer-
cife his Faculties as he thinks proper, for I take it,
where the humour or inclination is obllrufted, there
can be no Enjoyment of Happinefs, and it would be a
Pity to make a Man of Tracefi good Nature do a
Thing which is againil his Appetite. You may de-
fend him as you pleafe, but obferve by the Way, that
e're ten Months are pafl, you may probably have an
Harmonilt of your own to play with, and then fay hovV
will it fland with you Why, anfwer'd the other,
exceeding well, for were it to be done over again, I'd
rather be thus pleafmgly deceived again by Tracey,
than all other Men in the World. For it can be no
Scandal to bear a Child by an handfome Fellow, and
all the Counti-y Laffes about us will agree with me in
this, and fuppofing People fhould cenfure, I'll never
dillurb myfelf, or break my Repofe about it, but
rather impute it to Envy, becaufe the fame good -
Fortune has not happened to them. As to your ob •
jeding to me an Harmonifl hsfore ten Months are pafl^
I hope I fhall fee myfelf another long before that Time,
which will not only be extreme Satisfaftion to myfelf,
but to my Parents alfo, and rather than be deprived of
'Tracey''^ pleafing Company, I'll promote a better Un»
derftanding between him and me, v/ith my antienc
Father, whom I'll bring over to a Conlent of giving
me in Marriage to him ; when all the Expeflations I
have a long Time entertained in ir.y Breall will be
amply rewarded, and then the Brown Lafs will be ac-
counted the happiell: Woman and Wife in the whole
Paridi,
For Tracey, I am told for Certain, is a Gentleman,
though at prefent only in the Capacity of a menial
Servant to my Father. The Difcourfe ending here,
they both went home, arid on the Brown Girl's re-
turning to her Father's, Ihe found Tracey fitting under
an Arbour Vv-ith her Father and Mother, and diverting
them with feveral comick Tales and Stories. This
madeher make ohe of the Company, but foon fhe dif-
covered an extraordinary Pleafure in her Countenance,
which the Parents attributed to the Influence of T-O'
ftj's Difcourfe, in which they were no bad Prophets.
All that Night the Girl could rake no Sleep, but her
He.ad ran on the great Pleafure Tracey had given her.
As foon as it was Morning fhe took him afide, and
blamed him heavily for refilling to yield the fame Har-
mony to her Acquaintance as he had done to her ;
which he endeavoured to excufe, by telling her how
impolTiUe it was to give to anothef thelame SatisfatSion
88
A General History of
as he had done her, confiJering the vart Inequality of
Perfons bef.vixt them ; that tlie Charms of her Face
were ao i'liperior to thofe of her Acquaintance, as tlie
Radiance of a Star excelled the Flame of a Candle ;
that he had too long been in Love with her Perfon, to
let anotlier Share his AfFeftion ; and how could tlie o-
ther exped, who was fo much uglier than her, to be
gratilied m the fame Manner ? Let me advife you,
fays he, for the future, to confine yourfelf to me ;
who will conftantly ufe you in the fome extraordinary
Manner as I have already done. And though the I'e-
ciet Place of our meeting has been difcovercd by your
Means, yet, never fear, I'll find another more fuitable
for our Turn, where we may heighten this Harmony
a great deal more. Thefe Words revived the Brown
Girl extremely, who could not but admire the win-
ning Words of our Adventurer, and fix her Love
upon him.
It was necelTary to think now that the Acquaintance
mull be difcarded, who faw it, and confequently was
violently enraged. At firll (he began to fpread Re-
ports no way to our Adventurer's Advantage, and got
it divulged in his Mailer's Family that his Defigns
were di (honourable, and only calculated to ruin the
Reputation and Chaftity of her Daughter. But this
was the worll Way in the World to proceed with Ru-
Jiicus, who was too much a Lover of our Adventurer,
to form in J.ij Breafta fudden Averfion to him; neither
had he any Reafon to raife a Mifunderilanding between
them ; for Tracey had managed his Cards with great
Dexterity, and always took care fo to contrive his
Matters, that no bad Confequences might be gather'd
from them. The old Man was entirely devoted to
him on account of his gay and humourous Difpofition,
which ferved to eafe his Mind and Body after the Fa-
tigues of the Day were over ; nor was the Grafier's
Wife (who was a confiderable Number of Years
younger than her Hufband, being his fecond Wife)
lefs taken with the handfome Mien and winning Con-
verfation of our Adventurer : We fhall have occafion
to mention a very comical Adventure between Tracey
and this Woman prefently.
Tracey finding the Inclination of the Grafier his
Matter fo much attach'd to his Advantage, that all
the Reports fpread to ruin his Credit with him, were
not able to prevail, and that his Millrefs join'd in the
. fame F"riendfhip for him, was extremely pleafed, and
thought one Opportunity or other would foon be
thrown into his Hands, to make a further Benefit of
his Journey to Che/hire, than the obtaining the Good-
will of a Score of Country Girls. But he foon found
himfelf involved in a very troublefome Affair, which
fenfibly touch'd him, and out of which he had a great
deal of Work to extricate himfelf.
The fecond Wife of the Grafier, on weighin in her
Mind the Difference there was between the old fumb-
ling Hufband and our Adventurer, who was young and
fprightly, could not, after (he had receiv'd a Foretalle
of Pleafure from him, be reconciled to leave him, but
fondly betrayed an e.xcefTive Defire for him. Her con-
jugal AfFeftion began by degrees to turn off from the
old Grafier, who was too good-natur'd a Man to im-
pute any Difhonelly to his Wife, for fear of creating
Jealoufies and Alarms in his Family, which he naturally
abhorr'd, being a Man who loved Peace, and had
liv'd quietly till then. Tracey had ftill Generofity e-
nough left not to violate the Bed of his Mafler any
longer, for what he had already done, was at the ear-
nell Importunities of the Wife, who was always team-
ing him to a Compliance. But the Miflrefs had too
little Beauty to infpire a Man of our Adventurer's
Gaiety and Temper with Love ; and, befides, her
frequent Intreaties and fulfome Dalliancies with him,
when her Hufhand was out of the Way, made him
quite averi'e and naufeatc her. However, though it
Vias plain by his Condudl, th;it he hnd not that AfFec'
tion for her whicli fhe wsnied, yet fhe would not de-
fifl, but Itemed rather the more inclined to win hin.
over.
One Saturday her Hufband bting gone to Market
fhe finding all tue Faniiiy at tiieir iiniploymcnts, ex
cept Tracey, Ihe took liim to talk, ;.nd afk'd the Rra
fon of his feeniiiig Coldnefs. H hat, fays fhe, do yo
defpife my Perfon, nvho can be of fo much Jdvantaie t
yoitj What think you? Siippofng the old Manjhoui
die, of ■-n.hich ihtre is fome Piobuitlit\, tucuid not thi
Farm and the Slock upon it, and my Perfon into tl
Bargain, be an equal Pecvmpencc for your Love. I'l
forty, Tracey, to think I f^outd humble myfelf tiui fa
to make Declarations of Love to one fo much keneat
me ; hut 'tis the Misfortune of fome ft'omcn, and tl.i
cannot help if. Tuu have gi-vin me a Foretajie of E>
joyment, and noiu decline gratify me any furthei
luhich makes me long the more. Had I never fcen yoi
Perfon, or been fo much acquainted ii-ith your Conim
fation, I had never been the Fool I noio make myfelj
hut the Remedy is pajl Cure iinlefs you apply the Uleti'
cine, for 'tis you alone that can heal me, and reco-vi
all my Hopes.
Tracey was confounded at this Speech, and kne
not what to anfwer. Here wcie Circumlhnces th
both pointed at his Advancement, and yet threatni
him with Confequences prcjudical to his Repofe. Tl
Farm and the Stock upon it were w orth a confiderab
Sum of Money, which laid out prudently, miajht a
fwer all the Furpofes of his Life ; but then his Millrc ""'j
cool'd his Purfuit ; he could fee nothing in her th »>'
was either amiable or pleafing, for befides her Tei
per, which was none of rhe befl, fhe had feveral £ |"""
fefts in her Body, which together made him uttei
hate her : Yet that the Correfpondence between th(
ir.ight not be broke, he endeavoured to infinuatf | P
feeming Kindnefs, though in Reality, he had mu
ado to comply with himfelf to perform it. He t(
her, " That he fhould from tliat Time, owe her
" finite Thanks, for making a Declaration ofLo
" to him, which his Ambition could never have fl;
" tered him with : That he had nothing to objefl
" gainil fatisfying their mutual Defires, but her Hi
" band, who while alive, would be an eternal Imj
" diment to thtir Wifhes: That he look'd on vio
" ting his Bed as the grofTcfl Abufe in the World, a
*' could not, confidering tiie Rcfpei^t he bore him,
" brought to confent to fo notorious an Injury, tl
" he hoped fhe would think on his Conduit in t
" Refped at Praife-worthy, and not to be blami
" fince, after his Deceafc, he was ready to join Hai hi
" with lier, and be her Partner in her Pleafures » W,
" Pains: That, to confefs his Mind, her Daught
" in-law would make a more fuitable Match, not tl
" he, by fo faying, endeavoured to dcpritiate fn
" her, but their Years were more conformable, 8 "«i
" it was more natural, that like and like fhould '
" link'd togeiiier. However, rather than difobl'
" her by an iibfolute Refufal, he would confent
" embrace her once more, and would be ready to
" ceive her liiat Night in his Chamber."
If any Thing in the World ever gave Woman PI
fure, thefe Words certainly did the Grafter's W ,
who was fo much tr.nnfporteJ with Tracey's pleaf,
Offer, tliat fhe had great Difficulty to contain 1 ■
felf till the Time of Affignation came, till when eV
Moment feem'd an Hour. But Madam will dc:
pay for thi"; Appointment ; for Tracey, acquaint
in the mean Time, the Goatherd and Swineherd, I
that every Night a Spirit tormented him, defircdtl
to watch that Night in his Room to bear him C(
pany ; 'Ihe Fellows were terrified it the Relation, 1
h
•a
21 »
fa
it
•■U
pirates, HighwiTyme>/y Murderer Sy &c.
89
3y no Means could be brought to confent, till Tracey
;elling them they fliould come to no harm, and or-
dering erich to bring a Bundle of Rods to whip the
Ghoit, they g ive tiieir Confent, and laid they would
oine J the Fl1!ows concluded from Tracey\ Words
.b lut the Rods, that there was iome Sport on Foot
liat would give them Entertainment enough, which
.i.iJe them ready to embrace going. Tiacey told
licni, that as foon as the Spirit appeared, they were
0 I'.U to exercifing their Rods, which would mal'e
retire, and probably never haunt his Chamber more.
ill Things were now in a rignt Preparation, Tracey
1 Bed, and the other two Servants polled behind it :
: was not long before the Miftrefs came in, in her
11 )ck,. having double lock'd the Door of her Huo-
mu'i Chamber, who was filt afleep, to prevent
s fudden fuiprizing them together, provided he
;'d and found her mi-fiing. As .oon as ilie was
itred, the two Men rulht out with the Rods in their
inds from their Poll, and fcourged the poor Wo-
an unmercifully ; who durll not make any Noife
I her Husband fhould over-hear, and alarm t.'.e
Djfe ; butw'ien {lie found them fo fir from deiifting
)m their Stiipes, that they laid on the heavier, flie
uld not reitrain her Tongue any longer, but call-
r out Murder, fo alarmed the Family, that the old
m immediately waking out of his Sleep, wondered
lat was the Matter: He put on his Cloaths to go
1 fee what it was that made fuch a Noife; but For-
,e at firll directed him into Yard ; ilill he liiined,
1 Ilill he heard the Noife, and at laft found that it
le from Tiacey'^ Chamber. Up-Stairs he goes di-
;!y, but hi Wi-fe, in the interim, got to Bed. On
img into the Cnamber the Fellows hid themfelrcs
lefore, and aiking our Adventurer wiiat was the
|~aning of all that Noife, was anfwer'd, that he
^ht take his Houfe to himfelf; for he would not
•lamper'd and beat about by Spirits as he had been,
the bell Flace in England. Spirits, fays the old
a ! Ah, dear Mafter, Spirits, and fo faying, the
ows came fuddenly upon him, and pullmg down
Breeches, gave him tlie fame Ledure as they had"
e his Wife. But the Grafier was not contented
1 this Ufage, but lifting up his Hands, he poured
I heavy Blows about the Shoulders of the Fellows,
they no more imagin'd them the Cuffs of a mor-
gan, but of an Hobgoblin, and fo, being terri-
, ran again underneath the Bed. At this the old
1 in a violent Rage cJl'd out to Tracey, and afk'd
where he was, who told him in Bed. Ah, my
• Mafter, fays he, thefe are the Spirits that con -
ally teaze mc ; F've fuffered fuch Ufage as this a
Time, tut being univilling to put your Houfe into
Fears on iry Account, have fubmitted to it luith
eat Deal of Patience. For God's Sake go to Bed,
Td rather endure their Blonvs, than you Jhould
re any Harm. The Wife, all this Time, not-
ftamiirg the ievere S.mart (he felt, was extremely
ced to think that her Husband had Ihared with
nthe fame Punifhment, and when he came to
'eem'd to condole him in a very piteous Manner.
t o' Po.>., f.ys he, are you in Bed, where was
jjlt nou ? What ! are you a Gholl too ? Fgad
ive a handfome Houfe on't, indeed ; and with
he got to Bed, and refted pretty well the Re-
ider of the Night.
the Morning the Grafier could not help bring-
o his Thoughts what had happened to Tracc\ ;
•as very fond of the Mm, and ivanted to know
'articulars that had befallen him. Trace-';, ha-
a ready and copiou.s Invention, made a thoufand
igs more of the Story t.han it reallv contained ;
by exaggerating it with Abundance of Falfuies,
;rrificd tne old Man, that he could not forbear
laffionating him, and ihewing a gre.it Deal of
Concern. But, all the while, the Wife took the No-
tion ot Spirits for a meer Whim, and concluded with-
in heri'elt that it had been .all Tracey ^ doing ; for ihe
obferved a more tlian ordinary Coolnefs in his Be-
haviour, and, if at any lime (fie but ijjoke to him
at Diin.T or otherwife, was anfwered with a plain
Negligence and Dilicfpefl, which fo e.xafperated her,
that Ihe was relolved to be even with him for his In-
concern and Indolence. She had a thoufand Thoughts
what Expedient to make ufe of, in order to accom-
plifb her Defign in the furelt Manner, and, on long
Deliberation, found the only Way to ruin him, was
to charge him before her Husband, with a Defign
upon lier Honour, which flie was not long before
fheput in EACCution.
Truiey was not a Stranger to her ill Temper, but
was determined to fee the Upfhot of the whole
Aft'.iir ; fo one Evening feeing the old Man walkinc
in his Orchard alone, he goes to him, and after fome
Chat on indifferent Matters, begins to Lay open his
his Birth, Parentage and Education, by acquainting
him, that he had been Mailer of a fmall Eflate of
Si,\fcore Pounds per Annum, but, living too profufe-
1)', had run it thro', wliich he was forry for, becaufe,
had he known the fame Frugality then as now, he
had Hill been Mafter of it, or more ; that his Fa-
ther had lent him to the Univerfity to qualify him
for the Minillry, but he had frul'lrated the Expec-
tations of his Parents, who repofed all their Hopes
in him : That his former Extravagancies had oblig-
ed him to commit Aiflions he was now forry for,
and, to keep up his ufual Way of Life, he was forced
to fupport himfelf by indired Me.ans ; but, th.at his
coming to his Houfe h.ad entirely wiped out of his
Mind the Defire of committing the like Follies, and
thought that Heaven had favour'd him, in giving
him the Grace, after having been brought up fo well,
and lived fo liberally, to take to fuch an honell,
painful, and laborious Life : That he efteemed the
Happinefs of the Country much above that of the
City, the Extravagancies of which he had feen, and
the Ways the Men there purfucd to fupport them-
felves ; that the hard Bed he laid upon, was more
foft to him than all the Down ones at his Father's
Houfe, and that to rife by Peep of Day, and go
to his daily Employment, was more healthful and
fatisfadlory, than to fleep fnoring till Noon, and
have no other Bufmefs than poring over a Parcel
of wrangling Books ,• I beg, continued he, that
you would mind my Difcourfe, becaufe I have fome-
thing to fay that may be to your Advantage
Now, Sir, you are to know, that after I had fpent
my Eftate, I came into this Country with no other
Mind than to do Penance for my former Mif«
carriages, by hiring myfelf to be a menial Servant to
anv Gentleman that wanted one. Fortune has fa-
vour'd fne in throwing me into your Family, among
whom I take it, I have behaved with fome Degree
of Modefty, Honefty, and Diligence ; my Converfa-
tion. Sir, has already drawn feveral Perfons to co-
vet my Acquaintance, and, if I may be indulged
the E.xpreffinn, the Laffes round about are ready
to run mad for me ; and I am forry to have the
C)bligation to fav, that your Wife, is not the leaft
among them that iollicits my Favour — Hold that, not
a Word more — My Wife run mad after thee ! Blood
and Wounds — I'll cure her of her itching, Jl'at
Why, Sir, that would do exceeding well, but give
me leive to make a Conclufon of my Difcoarfe,
and then fay and objett what you pleaie. Your
Wife, indeed. Sir, has n.ore than onre dcfired the
Favour of my Bed, and to convince you that what
I fpeak is true, fhc was the Perfon who raifed the
.'Spirit the Night you came into my Room ; 'tw.as
llie her own felfwlio walk'd, which may be verified
A a by
A General ofH i « t o r y
90
by your Goatherd and Swineherd, who faw her in
her Smock. For my part, I have hitherto refrain-
ed violating your Bed, for Reafons which all Mas-
kind ought to allow the jullefl in the World. Bat
if you don't reilwin her, Flelh rr.ay be frail, thougn
I had rather quit your Service a tlioufand Times
over than commit ib much Ingratitude againll my
IVIailer and B^.'pcfidor. But w;iat is the real Occa-
iion of all theie VVords of mine, is, that my Mil-
tiefs is determined at Sapper- 1 ime to charge me
witli feveral higli Crnnes agiinft her Chaftity, which
are entirely groundlefs, and which I hope you'll give
no Credit to. And there is but one Thing more,
which is, tiiat as [ was born a Gentleman to an E-
ilate, and trained up at the Univerfity, and through
my own Default, 'r.m now defcended to the low
Condition you fee mc in, you would bleis me with
an Alliance with your Daughter, who is a dcferv-
ing young Woman, and one whom I have tenderly
loved, ever fmce my lirft coming here.
There will be no Scandal in this Match, for, was I
not convinced of herfmcere Aftedlionfor me, I would
never preiume on wliat I have faid ; and with her, to
be a Servant, to be a Slave, nay, to be the woril of
Mankind, I mean, in the lowell Degree, will be the
greatert Joy, Happinefs, and Cont(;ntment. What
could be more lurprizing than tliefe Words to the old_
Graiier, who was fo t.ir from imputing any kind of
impuder.cc to our Adventurer, tuat he feem'd vauly
rejoic'd at tire Tidings he had given him, and told
him, that he th.mk'd him a thoufand times for the
Difcovery he had made both of his Wife's Villainy
and himfelf; adding thus, Wat, " I have along
" Time conhder'd you in a very promiiing Light,
" and bee.i determin'd to put the Queftion to you fe.
" veral Times, to know if you entertain'd any
" Thoughts of Marriage ; judgmg that a Wife with
" a little Money would be no unacceptable Thing in
" your prefent Condition, which I have frequently
" wifll'd for the better ; but now. Mat, for the
" timely Service you have done me, perhaps it may
" be in my Power Ihortly to recompence you hand-
" fomely, and repay your extraordinary Care and
" Induliry, fuitably for your confulting my Repofe,
" and for your furprizing Modelly and Self-denial,
" in refilling fuch Temptations as might have enfna-
" red others ; but my Wife's Conduft is no more
" than ufual long before you came into my Service ;
" and whenever I am told of it, the Confideration
" gauls me in the moll fenfible manner, as a Man in
".the like Cafe would, you know, fret and tume :
" But, lack-a-day, Jrat, my Wife is not the only
" Thing that dillurbs my (.Juict, and molefts my
" Slumbers ; I h.ave other Caufes of Diilurbancc,
" which Time and another Opportunity, if vou and
" I hit in joining Horfe: together, may make youac-
" quainted witli. Never mind all Ihe can either fay
•' Or invent againft you ; 1 am Mailer of my Family,
" I believe, and who, tell me, dare pretend a Supc-
" riority in it, befides myfelf? Zounds, U'af, I
" heartily love you; and had you been fo free with
" me a (jiiarter of a Year ago, you had been a bet-
" ter Man behalf than you are now : But, liowcver,
" I'll endeavour to requite you as you defervc, and
" my Daughter, with three hundred Pound.';, (liall be
" yours, Man, in fpite of all the fecond Wives in
" Chriftendom If I fay it, who's the other to
" controul me ? Here's my Hand, that fhe's yours
*' before eleven o'CIock to-morrow Morning : But,
" methinks, good irat, I have a Mind to reftore
" you in fome Degree to what you have loft. I do
" not qucftion but your former Extravagancies have
" fet all your Relations and Friends you have entirely
" againliyou ; to reconcile whom, aad make up the
" Breach between thern and you, I ta.ke the beit E.\-
' pedlent to be, to fend to the moft confiderable a-
■' mongU tliema very fubmiihve Letter, worded dex-
■' trouily, but.above all, containing your hearty Re-.i
" pentance for the Oniiflisns you have formerly beer i
" guilty of, and acquaintirig them, that havinsr ti-on '
" a Gentleman's Life delcended to the low Condilioi
" of a I'eafant, you have forced yourfelf to a mi '
" hard and laborious Penance for )Our Mifclcii'..-,
" which you now fuppoie you have julllv perforin d
" and that Fortune Imiliiig upon your E^deavou^^
" has, to reward your extr.iordinary Humihtv, m.id
" your Mailer to think well of you, nay, to oiVc
" you his Daughter in Marriage, provided they xvi
" anfwer three hundred Pounds he defigns to gue i
" Portion with her : This, ll'at, 1 take lor a tokr.
" ble good Beginning to fucceed ; and if you he.u .
" no Anfwer loon, you and I will then take L\>i i
" go and negociate the whole Affair with them oli.
" felves. Let me tell you, fix hundred Pound;, w
" purchafe a pretty Farm Ibr you two, and aiifwei -
" Necelfaries fo long as your Wife remains wit'iui n
" Children ; but when thole come on, and I find yc
" diligent, 'tis very bkely I may add to your EUat
" and gratify you v,ith a Prefent of thirty or for
" Acres more, which will effectually do vourBuune
" Oh ! methinks, I congratulate you now on the f
" hcity you'll enjoy, fb you mind yourfelf, prove
" endearing Hufb.md, and a laborious Fat.'ier
Here the old Grafier ended greatly to the Satisfacti
of our Adventurer, who began to entertain a gr<
many different Thoughts in his Head, how he Ihoi
contrive to make the moll Advantage to himfelf, a
ftill keep a ileddy Harmony in the Family : He h
frequent Thoughts how to accomplifh his Enc
fometimes he was determin'd to throw for ever aw
his Deiire of making Plunder on his Countrym.
and to embrace the generous Offer which his IVIal
the Graiier had made him ; thinking if he did
his Life would be made eafy, provided he could I
conform himfelf to the Rules of Wedlock, and p
ferve the fame good Thoughts he had all along
tertain'd during his Abode in Chejhire. Valt \
his Defire to be reconcil'd to his Miftrefs, whom
look'd on now as his implacable Enemy ; but
had fo much Faith in his Mailer, that he could r
without doing him an Injullice, think he would
againll his Interell. Supper-time now comes, and
thing but Anger and Relentment glare in the Com
nance of the Grafier's Wife, who feem'd refblv'd
do as (he had determin'd, tho' to her own Difadv
tage, and even Ruin. Ti-acey endcavour'd by all
external Signs he was Mailer of, to convince her t
he had ftill left a dutiful Reiped for her, and that
might expetl to win him, provided the old Man
out of the Way.
But Refentment rooted in the Breaft of a '
man whofe Love has been rejeded, admits of
Bounds, nor had our Adventuier any room to h
(or Succefs : He dr;uik to her, but (he return "d
Compliment with a Difregard that plainly dil'covt
he vv.is dillalleful to her. So, laid ihe, ij' m\ I
band is ike Fool to humour you, it Jhall /u-ver he
that I ivlll ; you ate ai: ungrateful }>lan, >ia\
V'sUain, Tracey, ftjoiv I am fore d to of in my Mi
ajter all the Ciiiilities you ha-ve rcce!%i\i in this
?»il)\ to ufe me, ivho ought to hai'e fome S-zva)
my oiMH Houfe, in the manner you hai'e done,
not ihe receiving you poor, mean, and admitting
to fuch Pri'-vilcges as feiu Servants can ooajl
a Kindnefs defer-ving of fome Acknoivhdgcmi
M as not preferring you to be thefirj} of our Serva
vohen another, ivho had fernj^d under us federal Tl{
and better dcfer'v'd it, a Favour ivhich any one
you lAjould have requitted? But it I'eems our Kina
and Gcnerojitj turn d your Brain, and made you gi
hea
si
1!
as
:fii
)t
%
w
\k
mile
\k
IS!
H
it:
II
Pyratesy H'lgh^yamen, Murderers, SCc.
aded, fo that forget ling the Obligations you lueye un-
r to us, you hat'e had the Prejumption not only of
eping up a clofe Communication ivith our Daughter,
t alfa to addrefs me luith your fulj'ome Speeches,
'ich my Virtue hath conftaxtly guarded againjl ;
inking that the Fame you Jo much hoajl of, could find
Refui'ul, and that I, as I fear my Dr.ugbtcr-in-la'w
■s already, fiould fail a Sacrifice to your inordi-
■te Defires. Had not my Husband'' s Peace and Tran-
ility been firuck ; had not my Honour and Omfity
in openly attack' d by you, and an Infamy endea-
ur'd to be laid on our Family, lixould hu-ve fcorri' d
hai'e made this Difco'very ; but as I am tied by the
'cmn Rites of Religion to obey another Man, I in as
■c\l, even tho' againft myfclf, to puhlilh the In-
.-.M'iice that has a long ti/r.e been dfignd him : For
i s not once or twice that is enough to exaggerate
:!i)i tr Crime fo as to deprii'e you of the Fa--uours you
. » ioy at frefcnt; but, Tracey, you knoiu hovj often
\i\\ lie been the Times of this infulting and difonoura-
t Way of yours ; had a thoufand other Mifcar-
jges proclaimed your CcnduSl di/relpeilful to me, 1
mid have put up nvith every of them ; but an open
tack a^ainfi my Honour, my Modejiy and Fame, had
Excufes, nor ever /hall nxiith me.
Tracey, who heard this all tr.e while with an at-
itive Ear, was iurpriz'd at the Woman's Prefump-
n and Boldnefs ; he could not help llaring upon
r with an Eye full of Relencment, equal to that
lich llie had in her own Breaft : He could have
i(h'd all fhe had : d.'anc'd ir. a Minute or two, had
been fo minded ; but he was in Expectuion to
ir his Mailer fpeak firft, who, he depended on,
s to vindicate him : Nor, indeed, was he long
"ore he did ; for putting the Tankard he was
nking out, out of his Hands, he beg.in to queftion
Wife about her Infmcerity and Baienel's in tax-
; Tracey, whom he look'd upon as one of the
it Friends he had, with a Crime he was no way
ilty of, and which properly was her own Fault,
t he need not be any way furpriz'd about it,
iin ce he had for fome Years part receiv'd fo many
)mplajnts, which he had been unwilling to give
,r to, purely beciufe he loved his Eafe and Quiet :
]|ji! It now there was no longer room to dillruft her Per-
y, fmce Tracey, who was fo bafhful a Man, had
ought all Things to light : That for the future
would make himfelf very contented, and only t^-
'd her to return back to her Friends, for ftay with
;t m (he ihould not, and all the Money fhe brought
m was at her Service, to carry and difpofe of juft
(he pleas'd. Here the old Grafier ftopp'd,
.d then Tracey took his Turn to fpeak, fa)'ing. The
lling Goatherd and Swineherd would foon put an
id to the Dilpute, who would fwear they faw her
me into my Bed-chamber in her Shift, with a De-
;n of procuring me to do that which you ouglit
perform ; but far be it from me to create any
■j liiunderlbmding in a Family unjuftly, to which I
y under lb many Obligations Mifundt-r.h.nd-
reply'd the old Grafier, none at all, for \ou
all be my Sun, and I your Father ; and having fo
id, the Oiipuie broke up, and in a httle time the
imily retired to Bed.
All this Time the Grader's Daughter, who w-as
,., as the brown Lafs above-mention'd, was full of
)y and Gladnefs at tlie good Fortune of Tracey,
hom fne look'd upon now as her real Husband :
le found herielf with Child b;- him, and was glad
;r Father was fo confiderate to join them toge-
ler, in order to wipe off her Diigrace ; but the
d Man little thought of the Intercourfe that liad
en betwixt his Daughter and his Man ; elfe 'tis
|:ry probably all his intended Kindnefs had vanifh'd
91
to Air. In Ihort, the Morning came, and the old
Man, to make fure of a Son-in-law, rode to the next
Rural Dean, and got a Marriage-Licence ; when a-
bout II o'clock they were join'd together. The
remaining Part of the Day was dedicated to Mirth
and Jollity, the Neighbourhood being invited to par-
take of the Mirth.
Tracey was now in the Poffeffion of a Bride already
with Child by him ; and what made more to his
Happinefs, was, the old Father's putting him imme-
diately into part of his own Eftate ; out of which he
referv'd, a fmall annual Rent as an Acknowledgment :
A Stock fuflicient to live upon it was bought, and e-
very Thing manag'd according to Tracey^ VVifh, who
finding himlelf at Liberty to do and aft juft as he
thougnt fit, had feveral feriousRefleftions v. itjiin him-
felf, Jiow to make the bell Advantage of all under
his Core, and make the Father believe him a labo-
rious and pains-taking Man : After he and his Wife
had liv'd about two Months together, he often inti-
mated to her, that 'twas true, the Country was a
very pleafant Place, and a Life fpent there valtly a-
greeable ; but neverthelefs. Society, to which he had
always been ufed, was wanting, which made it not
fo recreating ; that a Walk into the Meadows, or by
the Side of fome River, was a delightful Way to wipe
off tiie Mind its gloomy and melancholy Ideas ; and
that murmuring Streams, rifing Hills, and Ihady
Woods, w ere the Recreation of Fhilofophic and con-
templative Minds ; but that they two, who were very
young, had briiker Notions, and lov'd Gjity and an
humourous Way of living ; and that the Plough,
Rake, and Sickle were too vulgar Things for fuch as
they, and that the Means of obtaining what both
earneftly delired, was to fee London, where all the
Pieafure which the World afforded, was to be found :
That in Order to this, they were to get their Fa-
ther to a Confent of felhng their Farm, and with
the Purchafe-Money buy fome Place or other of Pro-
fit, able to maintain them in a genteeler Way than
at prelent, which he knew he would foon comply
with, as he himfelf advifed him to write to his
Friends to obtain an Equivalent for the three hundred
Pounds he had given him with her. That his Re-
lations liv'd in Korfolk, and would comply with any
reafonable Requelt, and would be fo glad to fee him,
after fo many Years Abfence, that they would not
know how to do too much for him : That he men-
tion'd this with no manner of View, to leave his
Father-in-law defolate, after he had, on his Account,
lent his fecond Wife back to her Relations ; but
that he might fee his Defire was no other than to
honour his Family, fay being preferr'd to a Poll of
Life more agreeable and profitable than the maintain-
ing of a Farm.' '■ The Wife having all her Life-
time been ufed to a rural Life, had little Thoughts
of the Pleafures of a City fo numerous and popu -
lous as London was, fo that fne was at a Lofs how to
anfwer her Husband. Hov/ever, Tracey''s Importu-
nities, and the thoufand Charms he told her was in
a City Life, foon won her over, infomuch that no-
thing but London ran in her Mind ; nothing now
but Gaity and Fleafure ; nothing but Drefs and Ac-
quaintance; nothing but Tea-tables and Plays; no-
thing but Gallantry and Appointments ; and nothing
but Madam and Madam would now plcafeher. Hence
arofe an Averfion to the Country ; no more the
Psrtures and Meadows ; no more the Woods and
Hil^ ; no more the Rivers and Fount.iins ; no more
the Shades .md Haycocks ; no more Wakes ?.nd rural
Dantcs ; and no more the Inhabitants in Chcjhire de-
lighted her. She is determin'd, the firft OpportuniLy,
to lav open her and her Hufcind's Mind with regard
to tjieir feeing Louden, and follicit him to take a Jour-
ney
92
A General History of
ney into Norfolk to fee his Relations. Tiacey ap-
proves well of his Wife's Conduit, and ftrives to
heighten it ; and it was not long e're (he found a fea-
fonable Conjuncture one Safi/riiay Evening, when the
old Man retired from I\'larl;et fomewhat fuller with
Liquor than ordinary : She laid open the whole Af-
tan- with a gre .t del of Perfwalion and Addrefs ; the
Father rcaUil) gr..i.tL\! all, and a Day was appointed
for their Jourriey. lVle:;n time, Tracey made all the
Advantage fecietly he could of his Effeds, and the
old Gralicr in about a Fortniglit's Time got a Purcha-
fer for Traceyi, Eami, who g:ivc Bilh in the Room of
Money.
Every thing was now got ready, and our Adven-
turer, Witc, and Fatner-ni-law on the Road. When
they came to 'inntiiin in Sttiffortijhire, they put up at
an Inn there, in order to llay two or three Days to
refrcfli the old Man, who was already weary with his
Journey. During their Abode they happened to have
a good deal of Company, among whom Tracey al-
ways found. Admittance ; for having a fmooth
Tongue, and a tolerable Voice for fmging, every one
were^gliu! to get into his Company. 'Twas here that
Tracer was dcterinin'd to put a finilhing Stroke to his
long Adventure with the Grailer ; he was retolved not
only to leave him his Daughter with Child by him to
keep, bu: alfo to ni::!:c himielfMailer of the Bills e're
the Morning ; and to that End, getting his Father to
carouze that Night a littie freer than ordinary (his
Wife being already gone to Bed) he dextrouily con-
veyed the old Man's Pocket-Book, wherein the
Bills were, out of his Pocket, and then to colour
o\cr his Villainy with fome Pretence, wrote the
following Letter, and left it in the room of the Pock-
et-Book.
Dear Sir,
IMake no If'omier of your being furpriz^ d at finding
the Inclos'd ; hut I ha've innumerable Reafons for
my doing thus, ixhich I Jhall lua've at this Time, and
acquaint you ivith at my Return. When my Wife and
you read this in the Morning, be fure to think that I
ha've done both of you the bejl Afiion in the World,
'ivhich I could prove, lucre it not that I ivas in too
much Hajle luhen I nvrote this : For finding you fati-
gued luith your Journey before ^ve had got half Way, I
thought I could not do a better Deed than lea've you
ivhere yowjuere, tvith your Money in your Pocket, and
in the midft of Plenty and gooA Company. As for the
Bills, I take them to be properly mine, as they J) and in
the room of the Purchafe-Money for the Ejiate ivhich
came to me by right of Marriage, and I hmnhly con-
cei've I can make as right a Ufe of them as any Man
living. As for going into Norfolk, / apprehend the
'Journey is ufclefs, till I have made myfelf certain of a
Place in London, tvhen probably they may do fomithing
for me ; till ivhich Time adieu.
W. Tracey.
Mean time the old Man and his Daughter were fall
adeep in (eperate Beds, and our .Adventurer, to make
fure of what he had, got up early in the Morning ;
and, under a Pretence of riding out half a dozen
Miles till Breakfaft-time got his Horfc faddled,
mounted, and rode off. About Seven o'clock the
Father and Daughter rife, and miifing Tracey, en-
qui.J of the People in the Inn if they had feen him,
who are told by the Holtler that he went on Horfe-
back at Three, and would return by Breakfall-time.
But no Tracey appears at that Time, nor all that
Day. This allonifhes the old Man ; but mure the
Daughter, who began to lament his Abfence. They
have diiferent Thoughts about liim, but all are in
vain. Sometimes tliev are afraid that fome Mifchance
has befdicn him ; at other times, that having ;
Mind to view the Country, he had rode out for tha
Day ; but at length, the old Man finding no Signs c
his returning, guts and kes how Thillg^ Hand abou
him. The firit that prclents itfeif is the Letter
which being perufcd, put the oid Man iiilo a violei
Fit of Trembling, which ended in a kind of convul
five Pangs. Drops are appl.ed, which luon recovei
ing the old Gentleman, every one aie defirous t
know the Caufe ot his Uneufir.efs. They are ac
quainted from the Beginning to the End, and all feewi
ed concerned at his Sorrow. What fliould the ol
Man do in this Cafe .? Why, he is detcrmin'd th
Minute to travel after him, the ne.xt to leturn homt
but before he does that, lie gets it proclaimed roun'
about, that fuch a Man and luch a Horie was inifTinc
and if any one could inform him where they were h
(he or they making fuch Information, fiiould receiv
from liiiii the Sum of five Pounds. 'J his was a toler:
ble good Way of Proceeding ; for the Money induce
feveral to make Enquiry ; but in fhort all was to ii
Purpofe, for our Adventurer was by tiiis Tinie got t
Coiieutry ; and the old Man and his Daughter, after
Week's Stay at Trentum, thought belt to return hoir
to Chefhire, to fav e more F..\pences, and wait the.
the Return of their hopeful Son-in-law.
Tracer, in the mean time, was got to Coventr
where he put up at the Rofe and Ciov.n, one of tl
belt Inns in that City. On his going into the Inn, 1
obferved a more than ulual Stillntfs, which he cou
not tell well what to attribute to. He placed \
Horfe in the Stable, and then goii.g into the Houl
he heard a Difpute carrying on in ihe Room over h
Head, which railing his Curiolity to know what ;
meant, he went diredlly up Stairs into the Chambe
On his entring, the People within were fomewh
aftoniih'd : He look'd about him, and i.\\y in tl
Bed a Man with only a Sheet over him, and near tl
Fire-fide a Woman, the Miftrefs of the Inn, and
young Man. Tracey afk'd them wltat made the
take fo little Care about the Houfe ; for had hebe(
an ill-difpofed Perfon, he might have run away wi'
half the Things in the Kitchen. Upon this the M:
in the Bed, whom he took for dead, (being laid oi
as dead Men are) ftarted up on his Backfide, at
addrefs'd him in the following Manner : " Sir, I',
" heartily glad you are come in, fince, you beir
" an impartial Man, I may venture to lay open m
" Cafe without Offence. You are to know then thi
" the Woman fitting there is my Wife, which Woi
" I wifh I had never known ; for from the Time th
" matrimonial Knot was tied between us, I mai
" fafely fay I have not had a Day's Reft, put
" together, and now we have lived together feve
" Years wanting but a fingle Month. I believe
" may alledge, without any Jnjuftice, that durin'
" that Time I have been one of tlie moll aifeftionat
" Hulhtndb to her ; for I have never debarr'd hfr
" from any thing, nor has ihe had the leall Pritenc
" for Complaint, occafion'd by nie; wherever ft
" wanted, I readily gave her more than ihe afk'
" for: Whenever Ihe was willing to goabioid,
" Servant and a Chaife was at her Command, na)
" whenever any new collly Falhion cauie up, l vv.i
" the firll to promote it, I mean in Ihcwing it upol
" her ; and yet all thefe Favours and Conlidcratior
" would not do. My Life upon this became une.lfy
" and I had a thoufaiid nlllefs Moments about it.
'■ communicated nv/ L'ncafmtfs to a particular Frienc
" -who told me that Ihe did not love me, and the onl
" Way to difcover it was to feign myfelf dead. Ac
" cordingly I pretended myfelf dead, and prelcntl
" this \\ retch brought that old Woman, who togt
•' ther with her laid me out, as vou faw meat yot
'■' fir
'A
)f£
Pj/ratesy H'/orhwyamef?, Murderers, 5Cc.
" firft coming in. During my de::d Penance, 1 had
"■ an Opportunit)- of iiean.ig iiow tlie Cale went,, and
" ibon found uul Love, or rather Lull, was tiie real
Caiile of all my late Mii'eries. Ti^e young R.if-
c.'.l there is her Liall nt, who I am iure li is l.ai'iled
" above five hundred Pounds of ni) Sjbii.rce, which
' from. Time to I'ime I have found miliii.g. This
" is a miferabie C;:ie, Sir, and dei.rrve;, Comp-iifion.
But t:;:s is not ail, flic has alreidy giver. Orders for
my i-'uneral, for miking of mouniing Cloaths and
Rings." — •Ji-accy al! t.iis while Rood g-;zing with
due Attention, and conk! not but reflect on tlie Jncon-
ftancy, Prcfulion, and Artifice of iome Momen. He
told ti;e Ptribn in Bea iic was extieir.ely lony ror his
iMiifortune in being wcrtued to fuch a S.iC-Devil, who
was a tho.iianJ i ii.ies '.^orle to him tii..ii a'l h;s Mo-
ney ; but lie u'juld give iiim a feafonr.ble x<c;itr by-
and by.
Tl-e Hufcmd hercupor. t.'-.~nk'd him, "nd c.vprefs'd
his Gladi c.;. tor his coming into his Cii."mbfr lb op-
portune'v. But 5-ir, ia)s ne this VVretca held a
pretty long Conluhation xvith the other two how (he
ihould behave in io nice a Circuinltance; for, fdd (he,
I cannot i\eep, ai>d the 1 own mil admire at iv.y not
ihedding a 1 e^r over his Grive, «ho, they know
was fo tender and lovir.g a Ki:(band. Oh ! aoded
(he, I'll put Oi.ions into my Hand! trchief, ana by
tkit Means I fhall deceive trie World with a forc'd
Lamentation. Ay, ay, replied Tracey, this is worie
than all ; but Til Ipoil her of her .-irtifices preiently ;
ind To faying, he pulls a loaded Piaol out of his Breaft,
md con-.iiianJtd, on pain of Dc',t;i, ev ry one of
hem, not excepiing tlie Mm in Beu, 'o deliver what
VlOiiey tUey ft; d ; for, fiid ae, 'tii Money that has
Hade this Confunon, and I'm refolv'o to Cidb you of
t, in orutr to make you 'ii'e togeti;er moie quiet for
:he future. — — '.Jpon thi.- gnmg up to the Wife, he
•eceived foia her fitty G lines, fiom the Gallant
thirty, and troin the'oL; Wcman iive. :n hand-
fome Spoil i'i,.ith, tavs he, and pray, L.",ndlord,
ivhat can you <iffaid ir.t > Nothii/g in the World, re-
ply'd he, lor I iiuinb y conceive I h:;ve given you
eighty five Guineas .already, which is a tolerable good
Fee for your Advice, Sir Say you fo, Mr.
Buffler — Well, 1 Ihall call mis Day Se'nninght a-
fiin to fee how Aff-iirs go, and if I do not tind your
Wife reconciled by the Lofs of this iVioney, I'll then .
remove double t.^e Sum, and fo everv W eek in Pro-
portion, till I have made a thorough Cure, and with
that he bad them fare-.vel.
Tracet, after this Adventure, made hi; Way to
Ware, where taking up his Lodgings for that Night,
he got into :ne C-np-iny of a young Oxonian, who
had farougiit a large Pormanteau belinid him. The
Stuoent itemed vciy well plealed at his Friend'-s Con-
verlation, as lie t.ioug'it, and, to encreafe a better
Unuerlunding betwi.xt them, they fupped together,
and dr.'.nk a Co::p!e of Bottles of W'ine afterwards.
They lay together in the fame Btd, and, an Hour or
two bc-foie tiiey went to flecp, had a great Dekl of
Convtriation -ihu-.M the Ways of M.inkind, which
terminated at laft ibout t.he UnivL-rfity, whicii Traay
pretended to be : r. entire Stranger to. In the Morn-
ing both drank S cK Pouet, mounted and puifued their
Journey together. Tc/ify enciea\oiir'd to amule his
fellow Tr..vel!er with a Series of Foie'gn Adventures,
which he h.-.d never j-crforio'd ; the Scholar, on his
Part, laid ope.i ti.e wic'.ed Fr..tticcs of the Coiiegea,
fo ih.it both let Hi 'd to Lc fit and choice Companions
for eich other.
Tracey would novi? ar.d then t.ake hold of the Stu-
dent's Port;iianteau, and tell him 'tsvas very heavy,
and wonde: 'd he did not bring a Servant along \\'\x\\
him, fo much undervaluing ms Profeluon, by being
Mailer anu Man iiimfelf ? 1 iie Student coniianti)- an-
Zt)
93
fwered, th t the Times were exceeding hard, and he
tT.iveled by hin.f If to f.'.e Charges. How, replies
the ct.ier. Charges ! Why, the Ch.rges of a Servant .
are valdy iniigp.ihc.^nt in Loniparilbii of the Lois you
may prob ib!y fuiu in on the road for Want of one ;
I hope. Sir, you ha.Te not got any great Charge of
Money within your Pormanteau, for I think you aft
a very un^vife Part, if you carry much about you,
witliout having fome one or other in Company with
you : The Student told him, he had no lefs than
Threefcore Pounds within it, which he was carrying
to ti.e Univerfity to defray the cuifomary Fees for ta-
king up his Degree of Mailer of Arts. Ah, fays Tra-
cey, that's a roand Sum, o' Tay Word, and 'tis a
thoufind Pities fo much fhould be given away to Per-
fons that i-o w; y dei'erve a Farthing of it
If I had '-noun of your having j hreefcors Pounds
about you, >-hen we were at the Ina, I could have
procured yoa .i Ci^ap that would hare fold you a
Pl.;ce for it much more be.ief.cial th.an any 'I'hing
)C^w ho, e tor, by being a Mailer cf Arts, but as we
aie too far a Dillance oiF from IVare to retarn in
Ti.r.e, yoa Ihill be eas'd of ^ our Money and Port-
man:e lu prefer.tiy ; for I h .ve an Occanon at this
very Conjuntl r^ iur f..ch a Quantity of Aloney, and
there's no better Per:on.rh.;ii myielf you can lend it
t"> ; alter vv hi h •V'ofjs ftacej ualoofes tlie 3t.'-.ips,
takes the To m -.ti-au, anci pits it on his own Hone.
I'he Stud.;nL obfjivii.g th , imir.edir.tcly cried aloud,
O'' Ht.,r Sir, I hope your Diji^n is not to rob me ; /
Jhall lofe a pretty good Pajonage l^:at is offered me
in EiTex, if you .ake aivay my Monty from me. Pray,
Sir, confidcr tlie Crime you are going to afi, for the
Lofs of my Three [core Pounds ivill not o'lly defi I've me
of a competent Means cf Li-jelil.ood, but alfo the Al-
mighty lui/l lofe a Minifer of his If'ord. And for the
Sake of Heaven, I bcfeech you to he compajjionate, and
not fo feveie on a poor Man that ivas obliged to horroiv
this Money of f-jcral Perfons, ivha ivcuLi net hai'e
lent it, biet thro:i.gh a Fieiv of being foon repaid. Sir,
you cemmit a Thing agninjl the Laius of your Country,
and the Precepts of Humanity, to fjreji tf.us by Force
luhat belongs to a-notJjer Man, and I dare Jay yen are
not fo nuch a Stranger to the Injufiice of it, but yoie
knoiu Ui' tin Error, and it great one. The Sin tQO is
I'c.fly enlarged, ivhcn afpecioiis Pretence of Fritndjhip
is made ufe offorjitch a dijhonourable Deed ; for hovj
toil I any Man knj^.v he is fafe in traijelling, ij every
one he jneets •u,ith on the Road, ccn-jerfes ivith him in
ti.e Jincere Manner ( 1 mea?! out-Mardly) as you ha've
pretended to m.e. Put, Sir, not to enlarge fmther, let
me intt eat you oier and over again, not to take my All
fi om me, for iffo, 1 am ineiitably ruined, a>.d am ayi
undone Man for tier.
Tracey leemed to mind the Student's Defire of hav-
ing his Portmanteau again with a grave Attention,
but the Thougiit of having obtain'd luch a confidera-
We Booty, made him b.inilh every compaffionate Sen-
timent out of his Bicall, till no longer able to bear
with the tedious Importunities of the Scholar, he pul-
led out of his Bs-eechet Pockets a Leathern Purfe with
Four Pounds odd Money in it, and gave it the Col-
legian, ftyirg. Friend, J am not yet fo much loft to
the Senfe of Ccmpaffion, but I can extend my Charity
and Grnnojity ; ^tis not ciflomary for a Gentleman of
my Fortune to give Money, but your httercefjion has
iLon me o'ver to it. Here are Four Pounds odd Mo-
ney to bear your Expeuces to t.'.e Uid-'verfty, fo that
you it:ill not be all the Lofcr, and nxhen vou come to the
College, acquaint all thofe I'.'hom it may concern, that
yiu have paid yuur Mtijler of Arts Fees already to a
ColleSor on the Road, ivho had a thoufand Times more
Occnjinn for the Money than a Parcel cf eld Mollies,
that li-ve by -ojhoring, and ftealing out of other Authors
H orks. And fo laying, he bad the poer Collegian
B b farewel,
94
'A Genenil o/"H i s t o r v
farewel, leaving liim to purfue his Journey, and ob-
tain his Degree as well as he could, while himfelf"
made the neirell Way to the next Village, where o-
pening the Portmanteau, he found nothing but two
old Shirts, half a Dozen dirty Bind?, a thread bare
Student's torn Gown, a Pair of Stockings without
Feet, a PAir of Slioes, but with one Heel to them,
feme other old Trumpery, and a great Ham of Bacon,
but not one Farthing of Moiiey ; which fet him a
fwearing and curHng like a Devil, to think he
{houlJ be luch a prcpoflerous Afs, to give Four
Pounds and more for that which was not worth Forty
Sliillings.
We have but t'.vo Adventures more of Tracey
which we find on Record i the firit relating to a Rob-
bery he comaiitted on the famous Poet Ben Johnfon ;
tlie otr.er to another on the Duke of Buckingbain, who
was flain by Fcl'.on, as he was gJing to embark at
Porifmoitt'.i i for which he was hanged, both which we
Ihall be very brief in.
Ben Johnfon had been down in Buckingham/hire
to tranfift lome Bufmcfs, but in returning to London
happened to meet with Tracey, who knowing the
Poet, bad him ftand and deliver his iWoney. But
Ben putting on a courageous Look, fpoke to him
thus:
/"/)' yUlain hence, or hi thy Coat of Steel,
r II make thy Heart my leaden Bullet feel.
And fend that thrice as thir'vijh Soul of t hint
1o Hell, to lucan the Deiiil's Valentine.
Upon which Tracey made this Anfwer :
Art thou, great Ben ? or the revi'ved Ghoji
Of famous Shakefpear ? or fame drunken Hoji ?
Who being tipfy ivith thy muddy Beer,
Dojl think thy Rhimes itiill daunt my Soul ivith
Fear ;
Nay, knoiv, hafe Slave, that I am one of thofe.
Can take a Purfe, as luell in Verfe, as Profe,
And ivhen thou art dead, lurite this upon thy
Herfe,
Here lies a Poet luho ivai roii'd in Verfe,
Thefe Words alarmed Johnfon, who found he had
met with a refolute Feiio.v ; he endeavoured to fave
his Money, but to no Purpofe, and was obliged to
give our Adventurer ten Jacobus's. But the Lofs of
thefe was not the only IVlisfortune he met with in this
Journey ; for coming within two or three Miles of
London, it was liis ill Chance to fall into the Hands of
worfe Rogues, who knock'd him off his Horfe, ilript
him, and tied him Neck and Heels in a Field, wherein
fome other Paflengers were enduring the fame hard
Fate, having been alfo robbed. One of them cry-
ing out, tiiat he, his Wife and Children were all un-
done, while another, who was bound, over-hearing,
faid, pray, if you are all of you undone, come ami
undo me. '1 his made Bin, though under his Mis-
fortunes, burlt out into a loud Laugh, who being
delivered in tlie Morning from his E.;.qds by fome
Reapers, made the foUov.ing Veries :
Both robbed (tnd hound, as I one Night did ride,
II ith tivo Men more, their Arms behind them tfd,
The one lamenting ivhat did them bcfal,
Cryd, I'm ur.done, my hife and Children all;
The other hearing it, aloud did cry,
Undo n;e then, let me no longer lie;
But to he plain, thofe A'!en laid on the Ground,
I'yere both undone, indeed, but both faji hound.
Tracey might have, made a good Man, had he turn-
ed tjiole Taicnts Providence had given him to bet-
ter Uie;> than he made of them. For he had a fine I
Way of Delivery, a Volubility of Speech, extenfivel
Memory, and was well verfed in tlie Books of the]
Antients. We may very well fay , that hi;
irregular Life was owing to the firll immode-|
man) I
rate Courfeshe leiirnt at ti.e College, where fo
young Gentlemen, by running beyond their Salaries
are iorc'd on dilhonourable Artifices to fiipport them
fdves. And Tracey happened to be one of thefe
While he rcmain'd in Chcjhire, he gave Signs of be
ing a frugal and provident young Man, and to de
fccnd fo low as to hire himielf, who had been born ;
Gentleman, to driioge into the fields and Meadows
was what ten thouland, except himielf, would hav
fcorn'd to h:.ve done ; but this heightens his Cha
rafter, as it aigues a real Sign of Humility, whic}
had our AUventurer continued in the Country wit
liis Father, iiad made him one of the happielt of Men
Tracey had amafled together in Money and Gooc
fufhcient to fupport him handfomely during Lift
and determining with himfelf to take up betin;es, an
live peaceably on what he had got, he placed h
Money in a Friend's Hand, who made off with i
and left our Adventurer to pucfue his old Trad
towards obtaining more. He was heard to fpeai.
the following Words on this Occafion, 'Tis trt
that at this Time we are almofl grown a Nation <
Cheats; but that which i; worll of all is, that Me
will not cheat upon the Square ; one engrofles moi
Knavery than the other, for if it went round equall;
there would be nothing loft.
The laft Robbery he committed was on the Du:
of Buckingham above-mention'd ; but fome fay,
only endeavoured to commit one. Now as we ha
neither the Place, nor in what Manner this Attem;^
was made, nor how much he took from his Graa
nor any other Circumltances to help us to a Difo
very of this Adventure, vvc are obliged to be fileni
arid only fay that he fuffered for it a: Winchejler.
^■^1
■:,^5>;,i
'ari.^^//<7m/^yru-^'a?/iyk'afe f/M^mn Q)'^/rf?/^r m///oe?r/r^'
Pyratesj Highwaymenf Murder^rSf &c.
95
The LIFE 0/ ANN HOLLAND.
THIS was her right Name, tho' fhe went by
the Names of And, eix>s, Charlton, Eihoards,
GoJJaid ?.r\A Jackfiu. This Practice, is very
la^i with Thieves, becaux falling oftentin:ies into
le Hands of Jullice, and being often convided of
'rimes, yet tlieieby it appear^ lometimes, that when
icy are arraign'd at tue B ir ag lin, that is the firll
"ime that tliey have been taken, jnJ the firll Crime
hereof they have ever been acciis'd : Moreover,
tiicy (liould happea to be C3.% People, by not
aoiving their rigl"it Names, caiinot iay tiie Son or
laughter of fuch a Man or Wom^n is to be whipp'd,
arnc, or hang'd, on fuck a Day of the Wontii, in
ch a Year ; from wlier.ce would proceed more
)rrow to them tliat fufFer'd, as well as Difgrace to
.eir Parents, for this Reafon an ahas is prefixed
feveral Names, when fuch Perfons are indidled,
we have obferv'ed before, whok Jelight is to be
endemen and Gentlewomen with; at Rents, to have
her Folks Goods for their own, and difpofe of
em at their own Will and Ple.-ilure, without coil-
g them any more than the Pains of fteiling them.
As to A>i?ie Holland, hei". ufu:il Way of tliieving
as what they call tiie Ssr-vicc-Lay, which was hir-
g herfelf for a Servant in any good Family, and
len, as Opportunity ferv'd, (he robb'd them.
Thus living once with a Mailer Taylor, in Tork-
uildings in the Strand, her Millrefs was but jull
3ne to a Chrillening, when her Mailer aime home
DOted and fpurr'd out of the Country, and going up
ito his Chamber, where Ihe was maldng his Bed, he
id a great Mind to try his Manhood with her, and
xordingly threw her on her Back. Nan made a
efillance, and would not grant him his Defire with-
ut he puird off his Boots. He confented, and at
is Command (he pluck'd one off; but whilll Ihe was
ulling off t.he other, fomebody knocking opportune-
at the Door, fhe ran down St.iirs, taking a Silver
'ankard off the Window, which would hold two
uarts, fa)ing, ilie muft draw fome Beer, for fhe
'as very dry. She not returning preiendy, poor
titch was fwearing, and ilaring, and bawling, for his
laid iV.;« to pall off his t'other Boot, which was
alt" on and half off; but being e.araordinary llrait,
e could neither get his Leg fitrtlicr in nor out. And
lere he might remain 'till Doomfday for Kan, for
le was gone far enough off with the IFedge, that's
iay, the Plate, which fne had con\-erted into an-
ther Shape and Faihion in a (hort Time.
Another Time Nan having been at a F:dr in the
Country, as ihe was coming up to London, fhe lay
t Uxiridge, where being a good Pair of Holland
heets to the Bed, ihe was fo indullrious .is fet up moil
art of the Night, and make her a Couple of good
mocks out of one of them ; fo in the Morning, put-
,ng the other Sheet double towards the Head of
ne Bed, fhe came down Stairs to Breakfall. In the
Tnterim, the Millrels fent up her Maid to I'ce if the
' heets were there, who turning the fingle Siieet a
tde down as it lay folded, fhe came and whilper'd
in her Miftrefs's Ear, that the Sheets were both
there ; fo Nan difcharging her Reckoning, (he
brought more Ski/rs to Tov/n than fhe carried out
with ner ) and truly (he had a pretty many before,
or eli'e (he could not have liv'd as (he did for fome
Years.
This unfortunate Creature, at her firft launching
out into the Region of Vice, was a very perfonable
young Woman, being clear-skinn'd, well (hap'd,
having a (harp piercing Eye, a proportionable Face,
and an exceeding fmall Hand ; which natural Gifts
ferv'd rather to make her miferr.ble th.an happy ) for
feveral leivd Fellows flocking about her, like fo ma-
ny Ravens about a Piece of Carrion, to enter her
under C»/<;Vo Dinner, and obtaining their Ends,
fhe foon commenc'd, and took Degrees, in all man*
ner of Debauciiery ; for if once a Woman palTes the
Bounds of Modelly, (he feldom flops till fhe hath ar-
riv'd to tiie very Height of Impudence.
However, it was her Fortune to light on a good
Husband ; for one Mr. French, a Coifib-maker, liv-
ing formerly on Snovj-HUl, taking a F.'jicy to her in
a Coffee-houfe, where fhe was a Serv.int till fhe had
an Opportunity to rob her Mailer, fuch was his Af-
fedion, without in the leail knowing fhe had been
debauch'd, that he married her, and was better fa-
tisfy'd with his matching with her who had nothing,
th.an many are with Wives of great Portions. But
the Comb-maker's Joys were foon vanifh'd, for his
Spoufe being brought to Bed of a Girl within fix
Months after Hymen h.ad join'd them together, it
bred iuch a great Confufion betwixt them, tiiat there
was fcarce any Thing in the Kicchen, <3r other Bart
of the Houfe, which they did not continually fling
at one another's Heads. Whereupon her Hufband
confeffmg a Judgment to a Friend in whom he could
confide, all his Goods were prefently feiz'd, and fhe
turn'd out of Houfe and Home, to the great Satis-
fiiftion of Mr. French, who fhordy after went to
Ireland, and there died.
Nan Holland being thus metamorphos'd from a
Houie-keeper to a Vagabond, (he was oblig'd to
(hift among the Wicked for a Livelihood ; and to
give her what was her due, the' (he was but v oung,
yet (he could cant tolerably well, wheedle mod cun-
ningly, lie confoundedly, fwear defparately, pick a
Pocket dexteroufly, diffemble undifcernably, drink
and fnioke everlallingly, whore infatiably, and brazen
oat all her Adions impudently.
A little after this Difaller, fhe was married to one
James IVil/on, an eminent Highwayman, very ex-
pert in his Occupation, for he never was without
falfe Beard-s Vizards, Patches, Wens, or Mufflers,
to difguile the natural Phyfiognomy of his Face.
He knew how to give the Watch-word for his Com-
rades to fall on their Prey i how to dired them to
mike their Boots dirty, as if they had rid many
Miles, when they were net far from their private
Place of Rendezvous"; and how to cut the Girths
and Bridles of ^hem whom they rob, and bind 'em
(aft
96
A General History of
fall in a Wood, or ibme other obfcure Place. But
thefe pernicious Aftions jullly bringing him to be
h.mg'd in a little Time, at Maidjioni in Kent, Nan
was left a hempen Widow, and tbrc'd to Ihift for
herielf agun.
After this Lofsofa good Hufb'.nd, Nan Hollatid
being well r'ppirell'd, ihe, in Company witli one
Tiijtram Savage, who hid laid under a l''ine for cry-
ing th'j (currilous Pamphlef, entitieJ, The Black Liji,
a v-)ut the.Streef), a long Time in Neivgate, where
t jy bccune firit acquainted, went ta Dr. Trotter
i.i MofiifeiJs, to have ner N.-.tivity calculated. When
they we.e admitted into the Conjurer's Prefencc,
who too ; them to be both of the Female Sex, becaufe
Savage was aho drefs'd in Women's Clothes, and
being infoim'd by Nan what fhe came about, he pre-
fcntiy drew a Scheme of the twelve Houfes, and fill-
ii.g them with the infignificant Char-iftens of the
Signs. Planets, and Afpeiits, difpl.iy'd about the Time
and Pi.-.cc of her Birth in the iVliddle of them, the
following Jargon.
That the Sun being upon the Cufp of the tenth
Houfi", and Saturn withm it, but five Degrees from
tae Cufp, it denoted a Fit of Sicknefs, wnjch would
ftortly afflift her ; but then Merairy being in the
eleventh Houfc, jull hi the Begin«ing of Sagittarius,
near Aldebaran, and but fix Degrees from the Body
of Saturn, in a Mundane Square to the Moon and
Mars, it fignified her fpeedy Recovery from it. A-
gain. Cancer being in a Zodirxal Trine to the Sun,
Saturn, and Mercury, fhe might depend upon havmg
a good Husband in a fhort Time j and moreover, it
was a fure Sign, that he who married her Ibould be
a very rich and thriving Man.
Thus havir.g gone ti.rough this Afirological Cant,
quoth Tiijiram Savage to Doctor Trotter, Can you
tcil !.:e. Sir, '-x'hat I think? The Conjuror replied,
with a furly Countenance, // is none of/ny Profef-
JtT! to tell Peojiles Thoughts. IVhy then (faid Savage)
ni Jheiv 'em you. Whereupon pulling a Piftol out
of his Pocket, and clapping it to the DoQor's Brea.l,
he fwore he was a dead Man, if he made but the
leall Outcry ; Vv-hich ib furpriz'd him, that, trembling
like an Afpen Leaf, he fubmitted to wii;;tever thiy
dcfir'd. So wliilrt Nan was buiy in tying him Neci-:
and Heel.s, Savage liood over him with a Penknife
in one Hand, and his Pop, (that's wh.U they call any'
Thing of a Gun) in t'other j ftill fwearing, that if
he did but whimper, his prei'ent Punilhmeut fhould
be eithtr the Blade of his Penknife thrull into his
Wind pipe, or elie a Brace of Bills convey'd thro'
his Guts. To be ftill more fure of the Conjurer's
not cackling, they gagg'd him, and then rifling his
Pockets, they found a Gold W^tch, taenty Guineas,
and a Silver Tob-.cco-Box, which they cany 'd away,
befides taking two good Rings off his Finger.
After thele good Cuitomers were gone, the Con-
jurer began to make what Noife he could for Ri-licf,
by rowling about the Floor like a Porpoife in a great
Storm, and kicking on the Boards with fach Vio-
lence, that tlie Servants vtrijy thought there was a
Combat indeed betwixt their M.ilier and the Devil.
But when they went up Stairs, and found him ty'd
and gagg'd, they were in no fmaJl Allonilhment ;
and quickly looling him, he told them how he was
robb'd ; wheieupon they made quick Purfuit after
Nan Holland, and the other Offender, but to no
Purpole, for they were got out of their Reach, and
the Knowledge of all the Stars.
Akho' (he had receiv'd Mercy once before, yet
flie took no Warning thereby, but when at Liber-
ty flill purfued her old Courfc?, which in 1705
brought her to Tyburn ; where, inllead of imploring
for Mercy from above, ihe cry 'd out upon ti.e h:ird
Heart of her Judge, and the Rigor of the Laws;
alfo curfing the Hangman ; but forgetting to repeni
of the Fad which brought her into the Executioner';
Hands, and would, unrepen-ted of, deliver her Sou!
into the far Icfs merciful Hands of another licieafter
tti
Hii
cki
iril
11;'
The L I F E 0/ D I C K MORRIS.
WE have no Account of this Malefadors
Birth and Education, which ue may there-
fore conclude were obfcure enough : Bat
be t,iai as it will, his Adions were as extraordi-
nary, and indeed as extravagant, in their Kinds, :s
any we have related, borne of taem follow.
One Time Dick Morris drinking at an Inn in U'in'
chefter, and over-hearing a couple of Gentlemen de-
claring 'their Misfortunes in loving two Gentlewo-
iner:,"by whom they were utterly flighted, lie pat-
ting V..1 a bold Face, which he always had, forc'd
hlmi'elf into their Company, which was not unaccep-
table to them, by reafon, he pretended, that they
fhould obtain their Sweethearts thro' his Means ;
for having liv'd with an .'\llrologer, who wus alfo
a great Magician, he had learnt of him many Se-
crets m matters of Love, which were lb infallible,
that if the Ladies Hearts, whom they lov'd, were
harder than an Adamant, yet would he make them
fofter than Wax : But then they muil help him to
fome of the Hairs of the Parties beloved, with which,
and fome Ceremonies that he would perform, he
would engige that botli the Gentlewomen's HeartI
Ihould be put in fuch a Flame, that they ftiOu]i[
never reft, Dxj nor Nigiit, till ti.'ty granted then|
their Delire.
This News pleas'd the Gentlemen to that Dcgreel
that, between them, th y kept Dick Ma. ris verf
fplcndidl/, both at Bed and Board, and alio witli
Money in his i'ocket, till he performed his Promilcl
which was to be within a Wetkj when ti.e Moof
w.asjurt encrcafmg, as the moft proper lime for liJ
Uniiert.iking.
Next, according to Dick''!, Orders, the two Gen
tlemen bought a new Sack, a fmall Cord, anothel
hempen one bigger, and four Ells long, a new Knifef
a Chain, and a Brulh, wJiicii were delivered into hif
Cuftody ; and they thcugiit every Minute an Agejj
till the Time of Conjur,.iion came.
Long look'd for being come at laft, and thj|
Night approaching wherein the Gentlemen were t '
be made forever h.ippy,, they were dreft, accordir
to Dick's Direiifions, in their richeft Apparel, givin
each of tiiem a Look of their fcornful Lover's Hal
intT
Pyrjks, Highvkiymen^ Miirdci'crsy 6Cc.
97
nto his H in is With w'vV', (q'loth our Conjurer,)
f -x'tll fuhdae your Mijireffes ; fa that "uere their
■arts more fraZiH than the Alps, 1 luill turn them
1 Mountains of Fire, hotter than thofe sf Veluvi-
or ever-buriiirtg &\v\. Then all three taking
line, thtV rid r.buut two Miles out of IVinchcfier,
lid alio^'iting at tiie I'lace .vhere this magical i riil
\as to be put in Execution, and tying tlicir Horles
I Tree, Dick making itrange four races, which
> ed as CKibbed as the Letters of xXiR Arahick Al-
iibet, iie drevv a Circle on the Ground, in which
1 uttering many, cramp VVords, and turning Jiimfelf
1 llrange Foiiures, I'ometimes toxvards tne Eaji,
nd fometimes towards tl.e Wefi, withal ufmg moft
;rorizia,' Ceremonies with his H.mdj and Feet, lie
iiije tiie Gentiemen no lefs aftoniih'ci than fearful.
After tiiis, Dick began with tl;e fint Spark, ma-
:ng
him to flrij-' hinneif, and at the fame 'i'ime
aciiing him to fay certain inllgrific.'.nt Words in
ullin» oft" each P :rcel ot' Jus Cloaths, wnich he pro-
ouncea \o cxaclly, tnat iie ioit not one SylL.ble,
s believmg tnat if ne ;i..d fail'd m one Jot, he (houid
ave fpoilt all tne Buhnei.s. Wit.i tliis Ceremony
')ick Itiipt him to his Sr.irt, and tno' it was in
he Depth of Winter, yet he order'd mm to pull
fF that aho ; then giving nim a Knife in his Hand,
e commi.nded him to make fome Stabs towards
le four Quarters of the World, and to go into tne
ack ; whicn he did, as quiet as a Lamb.
Thus having done wit., the hrft, after he had ty'd
ne Mouth of the SacU taft, ana bia mm not to lUr
land nor Foot for haJf an Hour, for then the En-
hantment would be at an End, nor to fpeaica Word,
ir if Jie di J, ne would be in 3a,bary in the t .vink-
ng of an Eye : He tiien adureis'tl himfelf to ti.e
tlier Gentlerr.an, who, in a great C;iafc, faid to
"Hck, ni he hang'd if thou hnfl not forgot fome-
hing of my Bufinefs, for here I fee neither Sack nor
Cnifeforme, as for my Friend. Whereupon, Dick
Did liim t.icre was no net a of a Sack lor uis fviat-
sr , becaitfe iiis m gical Operations were made
:ronger or v,ea;;er, according to the greater or
dfer Cruelty that Gentle vorucu have.; tnd under
tandmg his Friend's MiJirefs was the moit difdain-
iil of L leir two SAcet-iiearts, he made the Inchmt-
nent of lae Sack for her, as being the ib-ongelt of
11. O! dear. Sir, (reply 'xl the Gentleman) what
s this that thou i}aji d-j.^:;? My Miftrefs is more dif-
lainful and hard hearted than any lyger or Licnejs.
"eace, he quiet, (quotb Did.) "juith thefe Hairs of
nr Head, and thefe Cords, 1 --juil! tnjuifi fudi a Knot,
bat ticef /hall ha-ve as much Force as your Friend'' s
]ack; and though your IAift,efs is fo cruel as you fay,
<tt luill I add thereto, that Charm '•johicb ivill mdke
ler never be able to take any reft till foe fees you in
her Arms. Said the Gentleman again, Uis that
vhich I 'want ; therefore let us martyr her in fuch
1 .Manner, that my Lo-ve may torment her Thoughts
IS much as jhe hath mine.
Then Dick bringing tim to a Tree, where his
Snchantment was to be m:ide, he in an Inilant drew
t Circle, and making the Gentlemen go into it ftark
laked, becauie he thought two Shirts better than
jne, he took theHurs of his Miftrefs, and twift-
ng them with the Cord, he ty'd his Hands to the
Tree, at the fame Time telling him the Myftery
that was hid in every Ceremony which he 'us'i;
ind Dick would .ilfo have ty'd his Feet, but that
(le fear'd the Gentleni.m would have Kilpetted this
Ceremony to be rapier the Faft of a Robber than
M.igicMn ; however, as lecuring his Hands was
enougii for his Puipofe, he took all their Cloaths
nd tnree Hori'es, and was in Lcndnn before break of
Day: In the ax.z.\\ Time the Flames of O.ipid,
which rnged in thefe Gentlemen's Sreafl.s were pret-
ty allay 'd by the next Morning; for when they
were releas'd from their Encliantments by fome
Pallir.gers that happen'd to pafs that Way, tltey'
were almoft perifh'd with Cold. When thev got
home, tliev fwore the Poets had a very good Region
to feign Love blind, bccaufe if they jiad not been
fo, tiicy ihould have perceived all the pretended
IVi.igician's Promiies to be nothing but Wind and
that the Means which he propounded to them for ob-
taining their Sweethearts Favours, was only to ob-
taining for himfelf their Cloaths and Eq'ilpacre.
Another Time Dick Morris being at 'Northamp-
ton, within half a Mile of which Place was a Meet-
ing-Houfe, and not above a quarter of a Mile far-
ther dwelt a rich Presbyterian Parfon, who was a
fmgle M:in, he had once or twice attem.pted to rob
him, bufprov'd unfuccefsful in his Def gn. How-
ever Dick thin'ting ;;e could not go to London with
a lafe Confcience, unlefs hecould outwit this dilTent-
ing Pre.acher : He procures a Waggoner's oL Lin-
iieu Frock, and dawbingit thick v.ith Faiie, he o-oes
on a Saturday, to the Meeting-houfe, and had the
Opportunity of getting incognito into the Pulpit,
whilft an old Woman was cleaning it a"?.\n[\ Sun-
day. Then putting on the frock, ilucl: full of Card
Matches, he let them all on Fire, by the heb of a
'i inder Box which he had in his Pocket ; then ftand-
ing upright, quoth Dick, Woman, Woman, hearken
to my Voice .'
1 he old Woman feeing thi'; bb.zing Spefiicle, was :
running out in a great Frignt, but upon Dick", call-
ing atter her anu laying, Woman, unlefs thou comefl
back and hearken to my Voice, thou /halt prefenlly
ferifb, fee return'd', and, in a trembling Condition,
gave great Attention to Dick'?. Words, who bid her
not to be fearful, for he was an Angel come to or-
der her to go forthwith to the Mmiller of that .
Meetmg-Houfe, and tell him, that he was come to
require his Soul of him that very Day, and th.it ne
muft bring all his Money and Plate a'iong witii him,
but to be lure mull not come with a i.ie in his Mouth,
for if he did, it would be the worfei for him.
The poor old Woman droppitig a low Church
Courtifie to this dark Angel, Ihewent with all Speed
to the Prefhytcrian Parfon's Houfe, and told him all
that had happened in the Meeting-Houfe ; but to be
certain that the old W oman dehvered her Meffage,
Dick, having^ laid afide his flaming Garment, fol-
low'd at a l3iilahce, and foftly Itepping . into the
Houfe after her, he heard the Parfon, fetching a Sigh,
fay to his Maid, who was with Child by him, Vrell,
my Dear, my appointed Time is come, I find, fo ta-
king 'v:hat Money and Plate, I ha've alo/jg avith me,
I muft hid you fare-wel for enjer in thu M'orld. Quoth
the Maid, J hope. Sir, you ivill not lea-ve me in this
Condition, you knot'.' my Reckoning is almoft out, and
I ha've nothing to keep me in my Lying-in. That's
true, (reply'd the Parfon) and I pity you 'with all
7ny Heart There is ten Pounds in that filver Tan-
kard, go take it, for perhaps, as it is an Afl of
Charity, it may be forgiven.
Then the Parfon tying his Riches up in a Napkin,
and putting it under his Cloak, he made the beft of
his Way to the Meeting Houfe, where he was got be-
fore the Parfon, in his former fiery Poilure ; which
the P.irfon beholding with great Altonilhment, he
made his Obeifance to him ; and the.fiippoied Ano-el
telling him he was come to fetch into anoti.er World
tint Night, he ask'd. Whether he had brought all
his Money and Pfite along with him ? The P.-non, in
a very faint Voice, ?.nfwered, Tcs. quoth Dick then,
Where's the ten Pounds that ivas in the ftlver Tank-
ard? .4h ! (reply'd the Parfon trembling,) I fee noiu
C c " tkou
^8
A Qt^nii'iil H I s r o R y oj
thou art an Angel, foi" thou knoiuej} the Seoets of
Mens Heart. So telling Duk lie would go ami fetch
it, he nn itraight home to his iVLud, (aying to her,
Oh! Hannah, Hann.ih, joa muli let me have the ten
Pounds again, f^r the Angel knew I had not biou\^ht
all my Money. The Maid rellor'd it him, for fear it
fiiould be 1 hindrance to his S Jvation ; and lie bring-
ing it to Dick, pat it \\ itii tlie relt of the Money and
Plate into a B:g ; and then opening a great Sack,
quoth he. Come into this, and if lou meet iiith any
Dijjiailties in your fpiritual Join ney, you muft not com-
plain, ttecaufc Narrow is the Way which leads to
J^ife, and few there be that find it.
Then tying him clofe up, he throws him over his
Shoulders ; but many a hard knock had the poor
Parfon, as he carry'd him over Gates and Stiles j and
about a quarter of a Mile from the Meeting- Houfe,
he thiew this Lump of Iniquity into a Hogily, and
there left him.
Not long after, fome of the Servants going it, and
feeing fomewhat llir in the Sack, they were atfriglited,
and r.'.n to tell their Mailer what they liad feen in the
Hog-lly ; who alfo coming thither, and finding the
Report true, quoth he to one of liis Servants, Take
the Pitchfolk and run through it. This Comm.and
made the poor Parfon cry out for Quarters ; where-
upou, finding it was a Man, they open'd the Snck,
and out he came, quaking like one with a Tertian
Ague. The Farmer alking him how he was brought
thither in that Manner, he told him an Angel tiad
brought him thither. An Angel ! (reply'd the Far-
mer) a D I you mean ? God knonvs ivhat 'tivas,
but I'm Jure'' tivas no Man, fays the Parfon ; and fo
he went home to his Maid Hannah again, above one
hundred and twenty Pounds woder in his Pocket than
when he left her.
In fine, Richard Morris one Day going to Can-
terbury, witlun a Mile of the City, he accidently lit
into an old Woman's Houfe, to refrelhhimfelf witha
Piece of Bread and Cheefe, and a Pint of Ale; and
looking very dejefted, the old Woman took Notice
thereof, and afked him the Caufe of his fad Counte-
nance ; fo tliaking his Head, he told her that Mouey
wai very (horr with him, and that he Ihould be very
glad if Ihe could help him to any Work, he being a
Stocking- Weaver by Trade.
The old Woman taking Compaffion on him, help-
ed him to a Mailer at Canterbury, where he had a-
bout five Months Work, at eleven Shillings per Week,
leaving all that while, his Wages in his Matters
Hands, becaufe he would receive it all at a Lump,
and then would pay the old Woman together, who ail
that Time found him in Viftuals, Drink, Waftiing,
and Lodging.
At length, when the heat of Bufinefs was over,
'Richard Morris was paid off, and going ftraight
Home to his Landlady, he told her, with a great
deal of Joy, that he had received all his Money, and
the firft Thing he did in the Morning, fliould be to
pay her what he owed her, to a Farthing. Ay, Ay,
I
(quoth the old WoiP.ai.) / dont qnepion thy Hovejfyt
Richsrd ! So bidding ti.e old \Voni:;n good Nighr,
he went to Bed. F.fuly in the ?v'Iorning, he comes
down St.iirj, in a Difatile, as lii: Coat and Wafte-
coat unbutton'd, and havnig no Garter*, VVig, nor
Neckcloth on, for lie had tlicm in Ins I'ockets : Come
Landlady, lays he let's do nothing roj'lly, nve'll have
a full Pot of hmnming Ale before lue reckon, and a
Toajl. ']"he old Woman, no uoubt, was well ple.as'd
at this, and going into the Cciler to draw the
Drink, Dick liept foflly to the Door, on the outiide
of which was a Bolt, and bolted her m, where {he
was fquawling and bawling lor ionic Hour^, before
any Body came by to let lier out of her Confine-
ment.
But Dick was got quite cff of the Ground ; but
betwi.\t Settitigborn and Roclcjler, overtaking a Cart
of Hay, which was going to be fold in Rochejlir
Market, he follows the T'ail of it, Iwaying on the
right and left thereof whenever it yielded more to one
Side than the other, as going thro' a Rut, Slough, or
hollow Place ; and benig in a great Country-like
Coat, and having a large oaken Plant in his Hand, an
Inn-keeper, as pafling tiiro' Chatham, caji'd to Dick,
(as iuppofing him to be the' Owner of the Hay) to
know the Price of it. The Man that was driving on
before, not hearing the Inn-keeper, keeps driving on,
\\ hint Dick llept up to his Ch;;pman with a handful
of H..y lor him to fmeil to, telling him it was as good
a Load of Hay as any was in Kent. The Inn-keeper
lik'd it very well, and after lome Pro's and Con'% a-
bout the Price, he paid him one Pound eight Shillings
for the Hay, out of which he fpent Si.\-pence ; and
then faying to the Inn-keeper, 1 fuppofe you luilt
knonxi my Cart again from the reji in the Market, go
and hid my Man bring the Load of Hay to your Hou/ii
and make hajte home ivith the Team, he went aboul
his Bufincis.
The Inn-keeper goes to Market ftraight, and find-
ing out the Cart, ordcr'd the Man to bring thai
Load of Hay to his Houfe, lor he had paid his Maf
ter lor it : S' bleed, (quoth the Fellow) Vdena Maftet
come ivith me to Dai. In Ihort, the Inn-keeper re-
folving not to lofe his Money, nor the Bumpkin his
Hay, from Words they came to Blows, till having
blooded one another pretty well, they went to decide
the Majter before a Jullice of the Peace, where the
Inn-keeper proved, by two or three Witneffes, thai
he paid a Man eight and twenty Shillings for thfr
Load of Hay which his Antagonilt had now at Mar-jK
ket ; but the Servant pioving his Mailer to be verjijs'i
fick at Home, and that none came to Market alonj o!
with him to fell the Hay, but himfelf, the Inn-keep- |ul
er, by the Magiilrate's Order, was obliged to lofe hii '. \
Money. ii
But Richard Morris not making good ufe o{ tht 11
Mercy he had received once before, he Hill purfu'C Bl
his villainous Pradices till he was again condemn'dj i;
for his Life, and hang'd with Arthur Chambers ztA'Vi
Jack Good-jAn, alias Plump, at Tyburn, in 1 706. 11
Pjrates^ Highis^wjiettt Murdersrs, 5Cc.
99
The LIFE 0/ JACK GOODWIN.
w
HEN filver Tankards were more in
vogue in the Alelioules than ti.ey r.t p:e-
knt, this Fellow going ir.to one to drink,
i ; c Jl'd for a Tankard of Ale, wi.'cli being brought,
.e drank it ofF, and having cut out the Bouom ot'it,
aid the \'iftualler for his Liquor, whj feeing ti.e
"ankard on the Table, had no Sjipicion that ^ny
)ainage had been done it. But ftiordy after foir.e
ther Company came in, and the T pik-r running
ito the Cellar to fill tnem that Ti.nkarc', y-ikc-.i Mr.
ood-Min had been fingering, the Feilow vvon.'Ier'd to
e the Cock run and the Tankard never tiie fuile'r,
hereupon, turning it up, he could find no more
ottom in it, than Mariners c-.n in the Ocean.
Another Time Jack Good-Min being in the Coun-
V, as far as Durham, and deititute of Money, he
ippen'd to meet with another idle Companion,
ith whom he made a Bargnin to beg their Way up
London ; and in order to excite People's Pity the
ore, his new Companion was to act the Part of a
ind Man, and he was to be his Guice, inilead of
Dog and a Bell. So getting a Penny-worth of
iring Wax, witfi which T aylors ftar int Edges of
!ks and flight Stuffs, Jatk G^'jJ\jtn jr.oliilying it
er a Candle, he dawb'd his Comrade's Fye-
I5 therewith, infomuch that he could not open
em.
Our Couple thus proceeding on their Journey, they
d by their cruizing or begging thro' tiie Countries
ck'd up about the Sum of four Pounds ii.xteen Shil-
igs, by that Time they had got up to Ware:
ext making the bell of their Way up to London,
ithin ten or eleven Miles of the fame, being to crofs
- fmall brook over a narrow wooden Bridge, with a
lil but on one Side of it, for the Conveniency of
)ot Paffengers, when they were upon it, Goodivin
rew his blind Comrade into the Water, where he
lod up to the Neck, but movirg neither one Way
r t'other, for fear of being drowned. In the mean
i.nie his Guide made ftraight to London. Soon af-
"wards fome Paflengers coming by, who took Pity
the Fellow, as fuppofing him to be really Blind,
• help'd him out of the Brook, and fetting him on
rafirma, he prefently, by their Direftions, sr-
ed at a Houfe, where getting fome warm VVater,
wafh'd his Eye lids ; which being then open'd, he
irch'd »fter his Fellow Traveller to Loi:don, where
nught hunt about long enough before he found
him out, for Jack was got into fome ill Houfe
or mother, where he was as fafe as a Thief in a
M:ll.
1 he Duke of Bedford being vifiting a Perfon of
C'u lity cne Night vtry liite, whilft the Footrnen
were gone to Qiink at lome i'djacent Boozing-Ken,
or Alehoufe, ti.e Coachman was tpl ing a Nap on his
Bex ; ar.d Jack Goodwin comi. g by at the- fame
Time uitr. io.T.e ot his thieving Cronies, they took
t .e rwo hir.d Wheels off the Co. cp., -ind fupported it
up w :b two Pieces of Wood, which they g ^ out of
a Houie which was builtimg hard by. bu .laving
carriec them aw ay. His Gr ce not long after going
into his Coach, and the Footmen getting up be-
hir.d in a lufy, no foonei did the hories begin to
draw, but down fell His Grace, Footmen and all ;
who looking to fee how the Accident came, thejr
found the hind \^^heels were ilolien ; whereupon the
Duke was oblig'^ to go home ina hackney Corxh.
Thi' John Goodwin, alias Plumf, was condemned
when ne wr.s bvt eleven Years ot Age, for picking
a Merchant's Pocket of one hundred and fiiity Gui-
neas, and «:' afterwards feverai limes in great dan-
ger of his Liic, before Jullice too.^^ hold ot him in
Earneft.
At laft, committing a Burglary in comp^.Tiy with
another, when he was but eighteen Years of Age, he
was apprehended and carried before Sir Thomas Stamp,
Knight and Alderman of London ; where, after he was
exaniin'd, being fearched, levsral Cords were found
in his Pocket; upon which, his Worfhip aflcing Go«</-
•vAn what Trade he was, he reply 'd, J Taylor ; Tnen
Sir Thomas taking up the Cords, and looking very
v.illly on their., quoth he, Youufe, melhinks, ijcry big
Thread. Yes, Sir, (f id GoodiiinJ for it is generally
coarfe Work 'which Fm employ" d about.
Next fearching his Comrade, Henry Williams, %
Piftol was found loaded in his Bofom ; upon which
Sir Thomas alking what Trade he was, he reply'd,
a Taylor too : What both Taylors (faid his Wor-
(hip) and pra^i what Implement is this belonging to
your Trade ? Quoth Williams, That Piftol, Sir, is my
Needle-Cafe.
To conclude. Sir Thomas was fo aftonifli'd at their
Impudence, that he immediately made their Mitti-
mus for Newgate, and being try'd at Juf ice-Hall
in the Old-Baihy, they were both condemned to
die, and foon after executed at Tyburn.
i(X
lOO
A General o/"H i s t o r v
The LIFE o/WILL. ELBY.
THIS noted Malefaftor was bot-n at Deptford,
in tlie County of Ke^nt, of very }:Onelt Pd-
rentt; who bound Lim Apprentice to a Block-
maker at Ratherhithe ; but he was no fooner Out of
his 'i UTie, tiian inllead of fetting up, or working for
himfelf, he went rambling abro:id, and dehghting in
bad Company, he foon grew in love with their Vices.
He went firlc of all upon the Waterpad, which i;, go-
ing on Nighl with a Boat on board an/ Ship, or otlier
Vcflel lying down the River of Thamet, and finding
therein no Porfons to watch the lame, or elie c.tcli-
ing the Waich ..fleep, breukoptn the Padlocks of the
Cabbms or Hstches, and rob 'em.
li'illinm Elby, alias Du,i, having been like to fuf-
fer twice or thrice for tiiis fort ot kcibbery, he kept
Company witjrievcralriOtonousHoule-brc?ki',s ; par-
ticularly with one Ptter Bennet, alias Pettr Floiver,
but commo:iiy calleu French Peter, t^om the Place of
hi5 Birth, as being born at Niort, in tne Province of
Poidou in Fiance. This Fellow, in the 25th Year of
his Age, wai nang'd at Tyburn, on IVedncjday the
2.i^x!a.cA Ocioker, 1 704.
Eini ii_d alf 1 broke open feveral Houfes with one
Samuel Scotland, a G rainer, who was condemned
for 23 Fellonies and Burglaries, and hang'd for thent
on Wednejeay the 30tn of Deceinber, 1702, at Ty-
burn ; Wi.ere pulling off his Shoes, and flinging 'em
"among the Spectators, he irid, My Father and Mo-
ther often t'jU me that I Jliculd die imth my S/.^ocs on,
hut you may all fee that no-M I have made them both
Liars. Thii impudent Speecii has been uled by more
than one.
At the fime Time with Scotland, was one John
Gofe executed there, with whom, and fome others.
Will. Elby having taken a Houle in Bofivcl Court,
in Cary-ftreet, near Lincolm-Inn-felds, in tiie Name
of a Lady whofe Steward Goffe pretended to be, he
had the ivey ti.ereof delivered to him ; then he went
to feveral Goidfinitas about Town, and telling tliem
a pl.ufible Story, that his Lady wanted feveral Pieces
of Plate, asfiiver Tallers, Spoons, Forh^, and Cups,
they, by his Appointment, brought what he befpoke,
to tiiis empty Houl'e, where they expected to be paid
for their Goods.
But when thefe Tradefmen came thither, and were
one after another let in by a genteel fort of a F\'IIow,
with a green Apron ty'd before him like a Butler, and
introduc'd into a back Parlour, they found no other
Furniture but about half a dozen Rogues, who clapt
Piilols to their Bieaib, and told ttoem, they were
certainly dead Mta, unleis they quietly parted with
their Plate. Whereupon, Lile being iweet, tucy
furrender'd, as tiiey came one after another, what
they had, and fufter'd themlelves to be ty'd Hand and
Foot into the Bargain, and thrown into a Cellar,
where they were found by a Porter's Wile, to whom
Goffe (who loll his Life for this Fatt) had given the
Key of the Street Door, with Orders to make a Fiie
in the Houfe ; tho' wlien llie went into the Cellar for
Coals, fhe perceived nothing there to burn but tliree
Goldfmiths, who, by this Means, efcnp'd perifliing
by iianger and Cold.
Again, William Elby had committed many Burg-
laj cs with one fatnesHacktt, a 'i'aylor's Son, livine
in hxeter-ftrect, htximA Exctir-Change, in X\\t Strand,
who w . h. ng'd wiiea 24 Years ot Age, at Tyburr,,
on Fridc.y the 6th of June, 1 707, for breaking and
roDoing ;he Houfe? of IVJr. Churchill, Mr. Battcrfby,
Mr. Hayi, and Mrs. Yalden. Moreover, he had
done .1 !e\i' Felonies and Biirg'.aries, with one Tooth-
leis Tow, fo caird, from having moll: of his Tcetl
knock'd out, by a Perfon whole Pocket he was oncf
attempting to pick, in St. Margaret's Church, a
J'l e/iminjter ; and who was hang'c in the 23d Year 0
his Age, at Tyburn, on Wedncjday the 22 d oi March
'703 4.
Will Elby was once concerned with ore John Ej
trick, in robbing his Mailer Thomas Glomer, Efg
at Hackney, of as much Pl.ite a^ came to eight
Pounds, for which, one Sufannah Barnixcll an he
neft Servant, was wrongfully accus'd, and turn'd 01
of her Service ; but when Efrick (hortly after cam
to be hang'd for other Crimes, at Tyburn, on Jfedne
day xhe loth of March, 171:2-3, he there confefs'
his coming to that untimeiy End, was occafioned b
John Proffer, his Brother-in-law, and the D.iy befoi
he iufter'd Death, fent the following Letter, to h
former Mailer Thomas Glo-vcr, Efq;
March the nth, 1702-'
SIR,
I heartily beg God's Pardon for all my Sins, and a
you forgi'vcnefs for the Damage I ha've done yo
jiut as I am a dying Man, Sulan knonxis nothing
your Plate, tho'' I falfrly accnfcd her of it, Godforgi',
me I
JOHN ESTR ICj
Afterwards he went upon the Foot-pad, with oi
William Standley, a Siioemaker, who having robb
two Men in Stipmy-fields, from one of whom he h;
taken a Watch, the Perfon wJ-.o loft it, put next
an Advertifcment thereof, in tiie London Gi zetti
and not long after, ll'ill Standlsy, goil.g to pawji
to Mr. Chambers, a Pawnbroker, living at the O
tier of BlacliKtore-lin-ct, in DruriLane, he, knO'
ing it to be tliat delcribcd in the ISiews-Pupers,
to llop him, but then running out of his Shop as
as he could along Drurv-Lane, and being purfu'd
fome wliocry'd Stop Thief one John Lliiot, a Wal
uian, going tl.en on cis Duty, and endeavouring
ielze Stanley, he ran him tliro' the Body with Ij
Swora, lb tliat he dy'tl on trie Spot ; and the Mi
derer was hang'd for it iii the 28tli Year of his A[
at Tyburn, on Wednefday the 26th of Jaiauf
17CJ-4.
But tho' Elbf had feen fo many terrible E.xamp
of his wicked Companions being cut off before, ;E
c.king no Warninjj
haiden'd in his Sui.-',
tiiertby, he rather grew mif '
and never thougnt Jultice wo I
ov-
Pyrak^j^ Highv.Hijf^ie??-, Murderers^ &c.
loi
•vertake him. He and bis AiTociatcs one Evening,
meetintr \\\i\\ jourig Pontack, the famous Mutton
Chop Seller, by Oiii,} Church Hcf^-ita!, as con-.ir.g
iVo.Ti l<c=i.i:bigtsr., they leaped unaw:ires upon him,
o:;: of r. iji^ch, .intl having firft tai;en four.eeu orfif-
.Ljii Sl;;ilir.gb m Money from him, they then Itriped
' ;;i ftiiric n..iced ; then tying hib Hands behind Inni,
:r..V hung 5 or 6 Mutton Chops, which t.'iey had
bought .'or Supper, about his Neck, and fent him
hi;ii ; la.ying, at tnc fame Time, Since your Impudence
.. ^T.irr.es a French Name, to put off boiVd Mutton and
i..jth, sur 'Jufiice dirells us to fend you home in a
c.nch FajhioK ; that is to fay, imthout Shoes or any
. '^'ng die.
Will Elby never pretended to be an Artlft at pick-
ing Pockets ; nevertiielefs, when Mr. 'Thomas a Shoe-
::..^l-:er, being drinking at (he Dog Tavern 'n Nexv-
•:e-Jirect, laid a Wager that he would defie the bell
.:!i pocket in the World to get h's Money fro.n
rim, he was felefled to manage Crifpin, wlio, to fe-
c-je a mark'd Guinea which ne was lo lofe, had put
ic HI his Mouth. So following him from P'acf to
Place, till lie came into the Piazza't in O.-vent Gar-
den, Hill Elby pall'd a Hankercaief out of his Pocicet
in which was fonie old Shillings, ana dropping ti'ie
Money, a Mob came prefently roand him, among
whom was Mr. Thomas, to help him to pic!: up his
Money. Afterwards the Rabble afkin- Vfill w..e-
ther he had all .? he fiid, I have all >,•: Idoney, thank
\ou, except a Guinea mark" d ^o and 'o, luhich I fan-
rv the Gentleman there [pur.'.tirig to t.'ie Shoemaker]
has in his Mouth, by i.'.bat I p^rc^i-ve of him. Where-
upon, the vindidive Mob fcaitui: g the Shoen ai.ers
Aiiiuth by force, and finding luch a Guinea tiiere as
Eluv leicribed, they did not only give it him, but
had like to have knock'd Mr. Thomas on the Held ;
who return'd back Ibait to the Dog Tavern, where
the Guinea was got before him, and he was well
laugh'd at befides, for lofing a Wager of two Guineas
mote.
But once this Fellow meeting with one Lieutenant
Job Lord, as he was coming from Cheljea, he at-
temped to rob him, at firll the Lieutenant was at a
Lois whether he (hould Itand on his own Defence, or
no, as imputing the Refillance would turn to no bet-
ter Account than of one Pirrte fighting another, when
nothing is got betwixt them but niows and empry
Barrels ; but rather than lofe what he had, he engag'd
the Foot-pad, and obtaining the Vidory, gave him
feveral Cuts over the Head ; and then tying him
Neck and Heels, did not only take about eighteen
Guineas from him, but left him there bound to afiault
the next Paflenger which came that Way.
After this great Malefadlor received this Mifchance,
being very poor a long Time, he was fo prophane
as to fay to fome of his Comrades, that he would fell
himfelf to the Devil for Money, who (as wicked as
they were) exhorted him to the Contrary, telling him
that Wizards and Witches were never rich ; when
they had any familiarity with infernal Powers ;
but he faid, I am refol-ved ta doit, to better Adnjan-
tage.
Being in a little Time after in Ne-icgate again, and
one Sunday up at Chapel, when feveral Strangers
were there, to he.j a Sermon preached to fome con-
demned Perfons, among whom was a Country Far-
mer ; .'.s tije Buir.pking was leaning agiinll tie wooden
Grates, t.ro' uhich the Felons peep, Tike the Lions
in the ToMer, and taking a N;'.p with the high ftifF
Collar of Ins Waficcoat unbuttoned, Elby was fo
aextrous as to take off a Cheat wnich he wore in the
Room of a Shirt, from under all his Cloaths, which
. was not miffed at all by the Country Hick, till he came
home, and then he h>cre and raved like a mad Man,
to think which ^uy he (hould lole that, without lo-
fing his Coat and Waftecoat.
Anotlier Time Elby, and fome as good as him-
felf ai Roguery, being at Bartholomeiv Fair, where,
among tuE Crowd, a Country Fellow on Horfeback
waa llaring at a merry Andrew playing his Tricks,
two of them fupporting the Saddle on their Shoulders,
Elby privately cut the Girts and Bridle, and led away
the Horfe unperceived, fo that the Mob dlfperfing,
after the Fcoi had diverted them a little from the
Gallery of the Booth, the Country Fellow tumbled
dov n in the Dirt, m a great Surprize at the Lofs of
his fellow Creature, anu was obligeu to go home to
Enfield a-foot.
Mr. Abel, that had once the Honour to fing be-
fore the King of Poland's Bear, keeping a Confort of
vocal and inftrun.ental Mulick in Tork Buildings,
Hill Elh,, who had been a Thief a long 1 ime, and
was refolved to be one till he dy'd, being welldrefled
in an emDroid 'red Coat, and a long Wig, and get-
ting .omitt?nce^j-n/;V, among the Quality there, (for
now a-aays a rac.e Mountebank, or a Pkyer, the two
worft Profeffions upon Earth, in his laced Suit, fliall
be more refpeded than a Gentleman of Merit, in one
that is oat of Fifliion) whilft the People were in the
heighth of their Jollity and Paftime, he privately
fiole above half a Score gold Watches, which he car-
ried clear off, without feeing the Conclufion of the
muiical Entertainment.
Bat, at lall, this bafe \^illain, tho' he had receiv'd
both the Sentence of the Law, and the Mercy of his
Prince before, breaking open the dwelling Houfe of
Mr. fames Berry, at Fulham, and killing therein
his Servant, Nicholas Hatfield, he was committed to
Nezvgate. Whillt Sentence of Death was paffing on
him at the Sejfioas-Houfe, in the Old Bailey, his Im-
pudence was fo great, as to curfe the whole Bench ;
nor was his ill Behaviour lefs remarkable under Con-
demnation, when, being perfwaded to difco^er his
Accomplice or Accomplices in the faid Murder, he
faid, That if any one fhould afk him again, any fuch
^efiion, he luould prefently knock him doiun. In
this Refolution he continued till he was executed,
and hang'd in Chains at Fulham, in the County of
Middlefex, on Saturday the I -^itl o{ Seftemitr, 1 707,
aged^ 32 Years.
1 'y
Dd
Ths
102,
A General History of
The L I F E 0/ THOMAS WITHERINGTON.'
THIS Perfon was the Son of a very wor-
rhy Gentleman of Carlijle in the County of
Cumberland, who pofleffed a plentiful F.ilate,
and brougiit up hi; Children hnnd'omcly, and fuita-
bly to his (.oudition. Thomas, of whom we are go,
iiig to Ipeak, had extraordinary Educr.tion given liim-
and was defigned for a Gentleman, to live at his Eafe,
free from the Toil and Hazard of Bufinefs. Ihepood
old Gentleman dying, Thomas came into Poireffionof
a confiderable Eftate, which foon procured him a
rich Wife, but fhe proving loofe, and violating his
Bed, pulh'd him on, in Revenge, to Extravagancies,
which otherwife he had no Inclination to; ha;,Faf-
(hood to his Bed was a Mortification to his Thoughts
he could never reconcile to his Mind, and being re-
folved to requite her Perfidy and Treachery, he aban-
doned himfelf to the Company of all Manner of Wo-
ftien. Thele by Degrees perverted all the good Qua-
lities he pofleifed ; nor v.':is his Eib.te lefs fubjeft to
Ruin and Decay, for the Mortgages he made of it,
in order to fupport his Profufion and Luxury, foon
J-educed his Circumftances to a low Ebb, and made
him miferably poor. What fliould a Gentleman of
Mr. Witherington\ late affluent Fortune, do in this
wretched Cafe ? He ■« as above the mean Submiflion
Of ftooping to either Relations or Friends for a De-
pendance ; .wd to a(k Charity or crave the Benevo-
lence of his Brotlier-Men, wasaCircumftance his Soul
abhorr'd. One way he muft do to live ; to ftarve
prelenied nothmg but frightful and melancholy Ideas
to the Miiid. '\ iie collefting Money on the Ro.ad
was ji'dged the beft, though not the fureft Expedient,
of railing liib Forrune. And with this View he com-
mitted Robberie: in moll Parts of England ior fix or
fever Years with admirable Succefs. As none, or but
very few Booi;s of Robberies have given any Account
of Whifheringfoni, Tranfaftion, we fhall infert a few
here, with a View to humour our Readers, that they
may not fay they have the Life of a Man without any
Adv.\'iiure in it.
Witkerington, having left his Wife, on Account of
her Faliliood to his Bed, and being refolved to
maintain himfelf by the Work of his own Hand',
borrov.'ed the Sum of forty Pounds of a Neighbour-
ing Gentleman of his Acquaintance, pretending fuch
a Sum of Money would do him an infinite piece of
-Service, as it would fet him up in fome little honeft
Way, to fupport him at prefent. The Gentle-
man, glad to find his Friend's Temper fomewluit
altered from its vaft Prodigality, and being willing
to redeem a vicious Inclination at fo fmall a Purchafe,
readily lent him the Money, and pronounced ieveral
BlelTmgs along with it. But Witherington frullrat-
ed the Expeftations of his Friend, and with the Mo-
ney bought him a Horfe, and otlrer Necellaries fit
for his future Enterprizes ! He happened to lie one
Night at the ^een s-Head Inn in Kcjivick in Cum-
berland, where Dr. Fkmming, Dean of CarllJIe, was
alfo. Our Adventurer, being no Way inferior to
the Dof^or, either in Learning, or Point of Conver
f^tion or good Manners, fcrapcd Acqu.iintance pre
fently with the Clergyman, who was glid to havi
any one to converfe with, as he was alone. Sup
per being iet before them, Witherington, to amufi
the Doftor, told him he was but arrived a Fort
night in England, having been abfent a matter 0
feven Years in the Enjl-Indes, where, th:mk God
he had got, by liis Indul'uy and good Fortune to
gether, a competent Ellate, ab'e to maintain him lik
a Gentleman all his Life, and that now he w.:s go
ing to fee his Friends at Carlijle, from w horn he hai
been abfent fo long. The Dodor hearing hir
mention Carlijle, was defirous to know who thof
Friends were, acquainting him that he himfejf be
longed to that City, and he ihould be glad of hi
good Company thither in the Morning. Upon thi
our Adventurer mention'd the Family of the IFither-
ingtons, and told the Doflor, that having heard hi
Uncle was dead, and had left a conf;derab!e Ellati
behind him, he had hnften'd his Return to Englana
and was come to fee what he had left him. H»
had a Son, faid he, named Thomas, a 'very hopefu
young Man, ivhen laji I left him ; but the Lette,
ix'hich informed me of my Uncle'' s Death, told m
likeii:ije that his only Son nxias at the Point of Death
and J hiorv the Ejlate can di'vohe (if e'very on>
has his Right) on no other but me, luho am /lexn
Heir at Lazv. The Doftor being perfeftly acquaint
ed with Mr. Witherington i Circumllances, as hai
ving made his Will, was furprized to think he hat
got into the Company of fo near a Relation of tha
Gentleman, and began to open his Mind to hin
with greater F'reedom. Sir, fays he, / hat'e beer
acquainted fe'veral times iiith a Relation of Mr
Witherington'f, being in the Eail-Indies ; but the Fa-
mily, I can ajfure you, had frequent Letters (frotn
ivhom I cannot tell) of his dying at Fort St. Georgej
and ii'hat Prejudice this may ha've done your Affair)
at Carlifle, to Morroiu ivill be the beft Witnefs. Ai
for Thomas, the only Son of Mr. Witherington, J
can ajfure you, that he is alive, and has run through
the Ejlate his Father left hi?n fery proj'ujely : In-
deed, at his coming into PoJfeJJion, he gave the World
great Hopes of meding on excillent Husband, niihici
foon procured him a ii ife 'ixith a conf.derable Fortune ;
but the Lady, I am told, not proiiing fo lirtuous aS'
Jhe ought, forced him into a quite contrary courfei
of Life, for inftead of li'ving frugally and temper-
ately, as ufual, he abandon'' d himfelf to the Embraces
of leivd Women, kept high Company, profecuted Gam-
ing, and a thoufand othor ivickcd Courfes, ivhich
foon ruin'd his Eftate, and brought hitn to Want:
And if I am not mijlnforni d, to fupport his ufual
Extraiiagancis, he frequents the Road, and takes
Purfes. Our Adventurer pretended all the while to
liften with a world of Attention j and when tiie Doc-
tor acquainted him with his Coufin's Extravagancies,
feem'd in the deepell Melancholy imaginable : Re-
•vsreni
PyrateSf Highwyamefjy Mirrderersj dCc.
verendSir, fays Witherington, 1 infinite Obligations
to yoa for the Difco-very you ha-ve made about my
Uncle Witherington and his Son; and pojfibly you
made be of extreme Service to my Affairs. I can-
not impute our meeting together to any other thing
\'.han art Ail of Pro'vidence, ix:hich is n/jilling to in-
iulge me ; and, J p> ,iy. Sir, let me beg to be a Bottle
if Win( for more Acquaintance. The Doctor, who
vas a true Bacchanaliar., readily accepted the Prof-
er, and Witherington and he m^de it up four Flafiis
efore tiiey went to Bed, wiiere they rc-pos'd very
bund till eight tne next Morning. They got up
ogether, eat tlien- Breakfui. mounted, and tooii
heir Journev ; wiicn the t.'octor, to make their Tra-
eliing as pleaiing as poiliblc-, rr.n over a great many
iverting btories ; and Witherington, to make his
art good, was not backward in producing Tales to
nfwer his. All I'eem'd in good Harmony ; the Doc-
jr pleas'd with his Friend, as he fuppos'd, and
ur Adventurer with his Traveller : But we fhall
on fee the Clergyman's Tone chang'd ; for Wilh-
ington being arnv'd, with his Companion, at the
oraer of a Wood, rode up to the Dodor, and
hifper'd in his Ear ; Sir, tho' the Place we are at
very private, yet willing what I do Ihoald be
ore private, I take the Liberty to acquaint you,
at you iaave fomething about vou that will do
i an infinite Piece of Service. Wliat's that,
)/>'V the Doctor? You fliall have it withal my
;iut, if 'twill do you fo much Service as you fay.
:hank you, Sir, for your Civility, fays Withering-
< ; well then, to be plain with you, — 'tis the Mo-
•! in your Breeclies-pocket tiiat will be infinitely
viceable to me. Money, reply d the Doctor ;
hy. Sir, you cannot w.ui Money, your Garb
i Perloa both tell me } ou are in no Want. — Ay,
: 1 am, for tae Ship 1 c.inie over in h .ppen'd to
wreck'd, i'o tliat 1 .lave loit all 1 brought ;
I 1 would not enter Carlifle for the whole ^Vorld
:hout Money in my Pocket. FricnJ, I may
;e the fame Plea, and fay, I would not go into
t City for the World wuiiout Money in my Poc-
;s but, what then? If you are Mr. Wit'hering-
's Nephew, as you pretend to be, you would not
IS peremptorily demt.nd Money of me ; for Car-
t being lo fmall a Uiltance from us, it cannot be
ich that is wanting tj defray yourExpences thither,
ere, on repreicnting your Cafe, you'll find Friends
Jagh to (upport yuu ; and I declare, if you have
cfemg, I'll difburie for you io far. Witherington
de Anfwer, Sir, the Queftion is not, whether I
It any or no Money, but what you carry in your
:kets, for you fay my Coufin is oblig'd to take
I-fes on the Road to fupport himfelf, and fo am I ;
fithit if I take your's, you mny ride to Carlife, and
r tae Inhabitants, that Mr. Witherington met you,
a. demanded your Charity.- — The Doftor plainly
u icrilanding by this the Drift of his Companion's
Icutions, told him. He was amaz'd to think,
t c a Pcrfon who had pretended fo much Honeity
I uld deceive him in tnat manner, by requiring
r Money, to whicii he had no Right. — Right, rc-
F "d the other, why, I tell you. Sir, that whether
I.ve Right or no Right to it, 'tis my Cullom
t lay hold of it, if fo be that I can but get it.
I iie was fpesking thefe Word?, a Country Higgler,
ft ng between two Panniers full of Poultry, rode
u to them, upon which, fays Withrington, You
I left Fellow, I have a Caufe of Confcience to put
t you, \yhom I take to be fitted Pcrfon to decide
i Here is a Clergyman, and a fat one let mc tell
) ■, who has foar Livings, which bring him in an
a ual Rent of a thoufand Pounds ; yet for all this,
I ias not the Sincerity or Heart to give a Far-
103
thing of his Money to the Poor, tho' he has now
above fifty Guineas in his Pockets. What fay you.
Countryman? DOth not Chrillianity the Rich that
ttiey are to give to the Poor, or ell'e their Way to
Heaven is as difficult, as for a C.imel to go through
the Eye of a Needle. — The Countryman feeming
confounded at the Sight oi Witherington^ Pillols,
whicn he now began to fhew, was in a Dilemma
what Anfwer to make, till our Adventurer forcing
liim to fpeak ; he fpoke thus. Why, Sir, lie teU
you my Mind, 'tis laid, indeed, tnat the Rich
ihoukl give to the Needy ; but who t-nows what
Occaiions the rich Man may have for Jiis Money ;
If there be an Objcit of Pity that' really has no-
thing, there I take it, tiiac the rich Man ought to
give CO the Poor. — 'I'han, my friend, I tell thee,
1 am that Objefl: of Charity, for tiie Devil a far-
thing have I aoout me, and it coll me ten Shillings
lall Night to treat this fire-nofe Son of a Whore
of a Parion. — Conic, my Lad, determine quickly,
for I mull proceed on in my Bufinefi. Then I
pronounce, reply'd tiie Countryman, 'i nat tJie Rich
ought to gi\'e to the Poor,— —Whereupon, Wither-
ington dra-.ving up to the Dottor, tiie Reverend
Clergyman dcliver'd him his Green Purfe, witli fifty
Guineas in it. Witherington was rejoiced at the
Sighi;«fend taking thence a Guinea, gave it the
Countryman for the Equity of his Awai'd, and then
rode off, leaving the Doitor to purfue his Journey
to Cartijle, and there tell his Misfortune.
Witherington another time being at Ne'ivcafile,
tooK up hio Quarters at the Sign of the George
Inn, which was then in a Street ciU'd the Broad-
Chair. It happen'd, that abundance of youirg Cler-
gymen, and otiier Scholars were come to follicit for
a Schoolm^lkr's Place in the adjoining Country,
worth about a hundred and fifty Pounds per Ann.
It feems, the Gift went by Eleftion, and he that
could give the bell Proofs of his Capacity and Learn-
ing, was to have it. Several Gentlemen were pre-
fent to gain Votes for their refpeiltive Candidates,
and 110 more than five and twenty Freeholders had
Votes to difpofe of this Benefice. Our Adventurer
finding how Matters were likely to go, procured the
Landlord to lend him a coarfer Suit of Cloathes than
what he had on, faying, he was fure to obtain the
School, provided Merit was to take Place. The
Cloathes were inllantly procur'd, and Witherington
appear'd in the Kitchen, where he ftt down with
his Mug of Ale by him, and fmok'd his Pipe. One
of the Freeholders, who was alfo a Truftee for this
School, obierving fomething in our Adventurer's
Countenance that infenfbly pleas'd him, plac'd
liiiiilelf down in the ne>:t Ciiair to him, and began
to teJI him every Circumllance abo.i> chufing a new
School-malter. Ky \ fays Witherington, I hope that
Merit will take Place ; but I am afraid fome one
or other of thefe fine Sparks will carry the Day,
by the mere Intereft of the Friends they have brought.
Nay, nay, replies the freeholder, as long as I have
a Vote, Jultice fhall be done. What, did thou
come hither to put up ? Ay, fays the other, but
I'll return Home, for I believe my Journy's loll.^
Not at all yet, Man ; never fear, for egad, I fay.
Merit Ihall take Place, and if thou be found the beft
Scholar, thou fhall certainly have it. : And to con-
vince thee, that I have fome Refpeft for thy Per-
fon, tho' thou art a Stranger to me, I here pro-
mife thee my Vote before my Landlord, and wi^l
not only do that for thee, but gain thee fome o-
thers to thy Intereft. Witherington thank'd him
heartily for his Civility ; and the old Man was as
good as his Word, for, till the Time of the Elec-
tion's coming on, ■ the good and Jiaiik Eietholder
took.
104
took feveral of his Neighbours afide, and procured
their Votes, in Oppodtion to the reft. Tlie Llec-
tion now is begun, and each by tiJrns are examin'd.
A fierce Conteit arofe between two cf the lall, (for
our Adventurer was concealed all the while) who
feem'd to have equal Abilities for the Imployment,
and the Examiners and Freeholders were going to
determine in flivour of one of them, when our a-
bove-iiicntion'd Truftee, tpeaking to the Gentlemen
affembled on the Occaiion, told tliem he begged they
would defer giving Judgment for a quarter of on
Hour, till they had heard a Friend of his, a poor
Man, examin'd him, and who was lo modeft, that
he had declin'd appearing among a fuch guady Com-
pany.
All upon this were importunate to fee him. He
was brought, and feveral abllrufe Queftions was put
to him, in order to puzzle his Underllaiiding ; but
he anfwer'd all with a furprizing Facility and Judg-
ment, lb that the Company could not help it-inng
upon one another. Came, faid he, you are my Anta-
gonifis, let us decide this Contro-verfy by Dint and Force
of Argument : for ''tis not a Parcel of Greek and La-
tin Sentences cuWd out of ancient Authors, that ought
to punhafe a hundred and fifty Pounds a Year \ let^ s
fee ij you thoroughly unacrftand nxihat you read ; or if
you are Artift enough to difiinguijb betivixt good tind
bad ll'riting.
The Books which he defired were immediately pro-
duced, but within half an Hour he made both the Ex-
aminers, Freeholders and otlicr Gentlemen affembled
on this Occafion, fee clearly, that all the Candi-
dates, who had been fome Years at the Uuiverfity,
except himfelf, were fo far from having an/ real
Knowledge in the Books, out of which they had
made tlicir Citations, that they had only gone thi-
ther to Ipend their refpeftive Parents fixty or feventy
Pounds a Year. This unexpected Succefs of our
Adventurer made the reft of the Company ftare on
one another ; the feveral Gentlemen who came to
follicit for their Friends were contounded, and obh-
geo to return re itfeSla ; and what was moft furpriz-
ing, Witherington, who appear'd at this Eleftion
purely to gratify a rovmg Inclination he had, obtain'd
the School with little or no Difficulty, while the o-
thers, who had been at conf derable Expences in tam-
pering with the Freeholders for their Votes, found
themlelves and their Hopes intirely frullrated. In
fliort, Witherington was invelled in the Juriidiftion
of the School with the ufual formalitie-: ; and happen-
ing to behave in his Place with a great deal of Mode-
ration and Humility, the Churchwardens of the Pa-
rilh taking a greater fancy for him, put their Books
of Account in his Hands, and made him Overfeer and
Tax gatherer of their Parifh ; nay, fo fond were all,
and fo believing in his Juifice, that the Redlor com-
mitted to his Care the colleding his Rents and
Tythes. Witherington finding himfelf in a tolerable
Way of Subfiitence, was very well pleas'd with his
Condition, which afforded him Opportunities enough
to make his Advantage. The Truftees of the Parilh,
and the Parfon himfelf were, if we may ufc the Ex-
preffion, over credulous, and Witherington^ Words
and Advice were fure to pafs current when all the reft
failed : So that never Man had better Opportunities
(I mean one who had advantageous Views in prof-
jjedl) of enriching himfelf. Witherington faw how the
good Humour towards him difFufed itfelf through the
Body of the Parifhoners, and was refolved to make a
fine Handle of it. To this End he infinuated what
Honour it would be to the Memory of the prefent
Heads of the Parilh to have a new School ereited in
the room of the old, which was in a very ruinous
Condition ; telling them at the fame time, that, to
A Gaieral'Yi i s x o r v 0/
promote fo laudable an Undert.iking he would fink a
Year's Salary himfelf This generous Propolition
wa^ received with Chearfulnels, and it was unani-
moufly agreed to have a new School eretled. Wither-
ington feeing his Propofal lik'd, got the Affair to
be carry'd on with a great deal of Brifknefs, Con-
tributions came in pretiy thick from the neighbour-
ing Gentlemen, and a bum of above feveii hundred
Pounds u as immediately rais'd. Tiiis ciiiiven'd Wi-
thciington'i, Hcpes, who, finding he was d:fco\er'd
by two Gentlemen who happened to come from Car
life to fee a Friend of theirs in this Place, he made of
tiie following Night with the Money that had beer
given for rebuilding the School, and went di
rciitly into Buckinghainjhtre, where he comnutteci fe-
veral Robberies ; the principal of which we IhJ
fet down in the Sequel.
Being one time at the Town of Buckingham, h
fell into the Conipriny of fome Country Farmers, wh
who were come to pay tneir Rents, having all on
Landlord : The Ruftics were in a hot Debate t
bout the Price of Corn, and unanimoufly iaid, th.
if their Goods brougkt them no more IVioney, 'tw,
inipollible to maintam their Farms any longer, niut
lefs to pay their Landlord his Rent. M itheringto.
willing to have fome Difcourfe with diem, fat do»
in an Elbow-chair by the fiie-fide, and ChU'd for
Pint of Wine : tiie Ruftics imagining by the Dr«
of our Adventurer, that he was ibme Gentlem.
who was travelling fiirther, ask'd him how forwa:
the Corn was in thofe Countries he had travell
through. This was what our Adventurer delir'
God bethank'd, faid he, there has not been thr
Weeks finer Weather than the laft theie fix Yea
as I know of, and if it continues much longer, '
to be hop'd the Fields will be quite clear'd.—
Ay, faid the Countrymen, but the fame fair Weatl
has not blefs'd Buckinghamjhire, for wc have h
large intermiffive Rains round about us for the
fix Weei.s paft, which has done our Corn confidi
able Damage, and I fear will do more, if the iai
uncertain Weather continue ; yet our Landlord (
pefts his Rent a fortnight after Quarter-day, n^
withftanding all the Misfortunes that attend us
prefent. Pray what Rent may you pay, refi
Witherington ? For having all the fame Landlord,
you fay, the Sum mull be pretty confiderable.—
Coiiliderable indeed, anfiver''d they, for to tell y
a Word of a Lye, we commonly bring him hitl
once every Quarter a matter of three hundred Poun
I hat is a round Sum upon my faith, refl
U ithrington : and, pray, does he make no Alio
ances m Cafes of bad Weather or otherwiie ?-
Not a Souce, Sir ; for he's one of the mofl; mif
ly Fellows this Day in the whole Land ; he .
upward of twelve hundred a Year, and yet grud;
to allow himfelf Ncceffaries. — Ay, he's a covetf
Wretch, indeed, and 'tis a thoufand Pities he fhoi
be Mailer of lo much Money: Is there no Way
reclaim him d'ye tiiink ? — What do you mean S
— I mean, is there no Way to make him a bel
Man than he is > — We apprehend there is vaft I
ficulty in that. Well, Friends, if you'll le;
the Affair to me, I'll manage the Payment of yi
Rents fo well for you, that fliall only pay hall
the three hundred Pounds for this Quarter j k^
true I'm a Stranger to you, but you may dep if
on my Sincerity in fervingyou : The Countryr t«i
hearing this une.xpeftcd Speech from their new . '^i
quaintance, feem'd extraordinarily glad at the Ne ,U
but wonder'd, as they knew their Landlord's £pil
ricious Temper, how he would pretend to fele*
them fo beneficially: Pray, Sir, faid they, ac^m't
us how you into do us this f articular Piece of
I
Pyrafi^S) Highways C!f?i Murderers, &c.
Z05
■icr, for '[xe jha'.l be rccdi to embrace it. JVhf,
till y'jU, as Joan as your Landlorct comes., if he makes
r: Hefiimion at feeing me in j-jiir dmpasy, you
•a!! tell him, that being a Relation to one of you,
■:!i bte.i uj> in the La-Mi, I had a Mind to conic and
Micit a Favour from him in your Behalf. This was
Tinriediately ogreed to ; and the Landlord appear'd
ii a Quircerotan Hour, who fat down among his
''ennanti, without leeming to take Notice of our
uvcnturer. Witherington obferving this fpoke to
.; Farnters, Gentlemen, I prsfime this is your
milord; and noiu he'' s come, your Bujinefs may be
:patch'd prefently. Accordingly the Mailer of tlie inn
.. :ili'd to Ihew them to a private Room, becaufe
.'Y i)aJ Bufinefs of the laft Importance to tranfad to-
:t.icr. Mr. Bufier (fo was the Perfon's Name) or-
■r'd one of his Men to conduft them into the
jir chdniber, which was over the Brewhoufe, and
foaie Diftance from the overhearing of the reil
the Hoiife. Hither they were convey'd, and all
: down round a large Table. The Landlord was
ier'd to produce his laft Receipts for Rent?,
lich IVitherington, as a pretended Lawyer, feem'd
read over with a world of Care. Well, Mr.
■ r.dlord, fays he, I find by the Receipts which thefe
■r.tiemen, my Acquaintances have from time to
le had from you, that they have been extraor-
larily exafl in paying their Rent every Fortnight
er the Quarters became due ; and I think you
:y blefs your Fortune that you have fo many ho-
i and good Tenants, who, were they other Men
:ri they are, would have left their Farms a confidcr-
^ ume ago. I fhall be very ihort in what I have
\.-y, for abundance of Words are but unnecefT.iry.
I J mull know. Sir, then, that thei'e fix good Men
;iat you, have, as I am informed, been Tenants to
u a confiderable number of Years, which, I take it,
kes for them. It feems that none of them owe
■ Money they have acquired, to the Produce they
■it made of your Land, but to other Contingencies,
uch Fortune has thought lit to throw in their Way.
hence comes it, then, that they preferve fuch an
/iolable Efteem for you and your Farms, in pay-
l your Rent fo pundually, that no others will pleafe
;m ? They tell me, they are come this Day to pay
lU three hundred Pourids for a fing'e Quarter's
:nt; Pray, what would it be. Sir, to throw them
ck this Money, as a fmal! Gr.uuity for the Loifcs
•:y are likely to fuftain this Year, through the Rains
.u continue to fall in this Country : Tenants, of
other People, ought to have peculiar Indulgencies,
ce, by ftieir Labour and Induilry fo rainy mifera-
; Wretches like yourfelf are iapported. And if
evidence thinks fit to viiit one particular County
a Kingdom with an almoll continusd Tempe'i,
that tiie PofTeiTors of the Ground become Lofers
lereby, 'ti« my humble Opinion, that the Head
mdlord ought to abate of his Rent in Proportion
■ the Loffes of his Tenants. The avaricious
"ilord look'd on his Tenants with a gi'im Afpecl,
iying thereby the ill Opinion Jie had of tlie Stran-
r ; and after fome Pauie broke out into the foi-
.ving Exclamation ; Friend, you are an entire
rar.ger to me, and I cannot lee what Bafmefs yoa
•re ;j intermeddle in the Affiirs between me and
,' I enants, who are all of them honcil Men, and
■■■ nie my Rent without grumbling. Have you a
ini to create a Variance betwixt us, and break
t: good Underllanding that has fabfifted among
for fo many Years ; if fo, dsciare your Mind,
.t I may know what I have to do. As for Lof-
they are likely to fuftain ; is it in my Power
correft the Weather, or lay Co.Timands on Pro-
isnce, to make the Seafon wet or dry juft as I or
they pleafe? When a Compaft is made between
Lindlord and Tenant for a Firm, the latter core-
n.int3 10 pay a ftated annual F.ent, without any Di-
minution Tor occaiional or accidental Rains, for by
the fame VV.iy of arguing, you may as well fay,
thit provided a Farmer's entire Crop happens to
blighted with Lightning, the L.j.dlord, in fuch Cafe,
ought to abate oi his Tenant's Rent in Proportion
to the Lofs he fullain'd. Was ever fuch a Thing
heard of? Suppofing now, that the Houfes my Te-
nants dwell in fhould be blown down by the high
Winds that whiftie about them at this prefent, pray
who is to ereft them again .? Why, icy.'elf; might
not I have juft Reafon to lay, that my Lofs and
Damage was coniiderable, and therefore according to
Equity, my Tenants ought to augment their Rents
in Proportion to my Sufferings. This, Sir, is fair
Reafoning ; and how you can controvert it, I can-
not fee, produce all the Laws of England on your
Side, if you will. 1 have nothing farther to fay on
this Point, but infill, in behalf of my Friends here,
that you remit them a hundred and fifty Pounds of
this Quarter's Rent, for I am told you have more
than enough to fupport yourfelf and Family.—
Not one Souce, repl/d the Landlord. — We'll ty
that prefently.— But pray Sir, take your Pen, Ixk.
and Paper in the mean time, and v/rite them their
their Receipts, and the Money (halJ be forth coming
immediately. Not a Letter tell the Money is
wijhin my Hands. It mujl be lo then, anfwer'd
Mltherington ; you will force a gcod-natw'd Man
CO ufc Extremes with you : and fo Aying, he laid a
Brace of loaded PiftoL on the Tabic. Immediatel/
the Landlord was on his PZnees before fVitheringtcn.
O dear Sir, fweet Sir, kind Sir, loving Sir, for God
of Heaven Sake, Sir, be merciful. Sir, aid don't
take away the Life of an innocent Man, Sir, who
never intended you or any Perfon elfe any Harm \a.
the whole Courfe of his Life.— Why, what Harm
do I intend you, Friend .? Cannot I Jay the Piftols I
travel with on the Table, but you muft throw your-
felf into this unnecefiiry Fear > Fray proceed to the
Receipts, and wriie them in full of^aj] Accounts
and Demands from the Beginning of the World to
this Time, or elfe — or elfc — Dear God, Sir, 70U have
an Intention. Pray dear Sir, have no Intention a-
gainll my Life. To the Receipts then or by
7-< — pi — tir Am— man, I'lI — "'
Landiotd wrote full Receipts
to the reipechve Farmers.
Come, lays Witherington, this is honeft, and to
fee that you have met with Peribns as honeil as
yourfelf, you ihall have a hundred and fifty Pounds,
which is a hundrea and fifty Times mpre than you
deierve ; and, I promife you, if Things fucceed well
with thefe fix good Men, you Ihall iia\"e the other
Half made up tne next Quarter. And having thus
faid, he ordered the Countrymen to give him their
Money, and he vvouid pay him, which was accord-
ingly done, and he paid him a hundred and fifty
Pounds. Whereupon the old Landlord feeming ex-
tremely cloudy at his Difappointment, but not dar-
ing to utter a Word about his Lofs, nor the CoUn-
trymen venturing to fpeak a Syllable about what
had befallen him, left worfe Confequences might
attend this odd Proceeding. The other People in
the Houfe plainly difcovered an unufual Sadnefs dif-
fufed over the Countenance of the rich Landlord,
but could not tell what to impute it to.
Our Adventurer having made an End of this An-
gular Tranfaftion, ordered his Horfe to be faddled
immediately, and, walking into the Stable to fee bow
the Hoftler perform'd his Duty, alk'd him feveral
Queftions about th« rich Landlord, as how much
E e Land
With this the o]<i
and deiiver'd them
i'o6
A timer al History of
Land he poflefled, and where he lived, and having
got i fuccinft Account from hiin,. lie mounted and
^ ^ rode off, with aii Expedation of feeing his Twelve
hundred Pounds a Year Landlord in a little Time.
He had not rode abpva a Mile out of Town, when
^when wanting to eafe Nature a little, he efpitd the
-^ old Gentleman coming towards him on a gentle Trot,
'-.'being followed by a Servant with a PortiTi:;nteaa be-
hind him. On their feeing one another, the old
Gentleman feemed very willing to turn back, but
. IVilheringtoii^ taking hold pf his Horfe's Bridle, de-
fired' nim, not to ittule him his Company, fince he
had an Affair of gieat Importance to communicate
to him. The old Gentleman, without making any
Anfwer, fet Spurs to his Horfe, and itemed deter-
min'd to wrell himlelf by mam Force out of the
.Hands of one he had Reafon to hate the worll in
the World. Our Adventurer feeing him a little
j-efolute, told him, that fince it was fo, he was
obliged to ufe fome Violence, which he was forry
for, upon his Perfon, and tlierefore, as he tcndred
the Safety of his own Life, bid him give him the
Ijtmdred gnd fifty Pounds, vvhich remained of the
Rent he had lately receiv'd ; for, faid he, I ha\'e
infinitely more preffing Occalions for f'uch a Sum of
Money than you, who, out of Twelve hundred
Pounds fer Annum, cannot find in your Confcience
to allow yourfelf Neceflaries. What, d'ye thmk
that Money was defigned for no other Ufe than
to hoard up for a whoring Son, or fome dillant
debauch'd Relation, wlio, after your Death, will
curie your Memory a tl.oufand Times a Day, and
triumph over your Grave. No, Money is a BleiTing
fent us by Heaven, in order that by its Circulation
it may afford Nourilhment to the Body politick,
for if fuch Ralcals as you, by laying up your
'Jf'houfands in your Coffers to no Advantage, caule
a Stagnation, there arc Thoufands in the World
that feel the Co;iiequences, and I am to acquaint
you of them ; to tliat a better Deed cannot be done,
than to betlow what you have about to me, for to
he plain with you, 1 am not to be refuled, and fo
faying, he rode up with his Piftol in his Hand to
^e Footman, whole Portmanteau he having un-
ty'd, and put on his own Horfe, he then went up
to the old Gentleman, who, extremely afraid of
his Life, delivered him his green Purfe with the
hundred and fiftr Guineas, and fome old Medals.
Witherhigton having receiv'd tlie Spoil, told him,
that Ch.irity extorted irt that Manner was of no
Signification, for if the Heart was not inclined na-
turally of itfelf to give, all the Money he had in
the World was but a Plague to him, and tlicn turn-
ing hii Horfe about, he march'd off, leaving this
Admonition behind him, to be affable and generous
to his Tenants, for they were the Pcrlons that lup-
ported him ; lor had he Eyes to obierve with what
Difficulty they obtain'd their Money, he svould o-
per> his Heart a little more, and faid, if he heard
them fpeaking .igainll him any more, as he had done
i/i Buckingbavi, he might depend on teeing him at
his Houfe, and partake there of fuch Liberality as
his Apartments woald afford him, and then he left
him.
But Wkheringtan after this Adventure found the
Countr-y too hot for him to flay any longer in it :
For the old Gentleman fent a Hue and Cry after him,
and the Defcription of his Horfe, Drefs and Perfon
was fo truly given, that he was obliged to ride round
about the Country for a matter of two Days and a
Night. The firll Houfe he put up at was at Nnnt-
nuich in Chejhire, at tiie George and Vulture there,
where coming in all of a miick Sweat, and his Horfe
m a weary Condition, the Gentlewoman of the
Houfe, who was a V/idow Woman, thinking he
come off a large Journey (as indeed he ^v.i^} tot
more than oriiinaiy Cue about him, for tear
fliould catch Cold, and ordcr'd him ibniethino war
to drink. The Landlady was. reinark'd all rou;
the Country for her e.xtraordmar;. Civilities to Stra
gers, which drew Abundance of Travellers to h
Houfe. Siie was not quite pall the fi\'d 'I'ime
her Mourning, having loll a very good nu>b.-;'
about eight Months before ; flie liad Vouth ou h
Side, and a tolerable good Face to iLt her o;7, b
what was the principal of all the retl, was, that!
Husband having lud a rolling Tijide while he liv'
Ihe v-fas left in very good Circ.miltances. U-'ithi
ington, though very mucli tatigu'd with ids lourne
could not but turn iiis Eyes upon her, auj thai
her a tliouland limes for the Care llie Ihcw'd ov
him. She aiilwer'd him always with a lii'ely Brii
nefi, that he was not Mailer of himiVlf to go
Bed, but, in fpite of all the h'atigue of his long joi
ney, would make a Party among lome. Gendein
that came to tup there that Nigiit. Thele (w
were four) it feems, made Preteniions to the Dan
tliough in a private Way,. M'itheriiigton had t
good Eyes not to obferve it ; and he would now a
then fmartly point in his Difcourfe to the Lar
lady, that the might think herttlf vailly h.ippy a
great, in making a Conquell over fo many Heai
AH was carried on with a wonderful deal of Mir
but flill the Widow, as the fpoke, drew the Atti
tion of the whole Company. After Supper v
over, the Widow addrefJing herfelf to our Advi
turer, begged him to give the Company a Song,
fhe was iuie he could ling, having to clear and f
a Voice. M'ttherington wanting no. further Imp
tunity from a Perfon he had .already Ex'd his /
feftions on, began thus ;
While rofy Charms, and gay Delight
Sit in thy blooming Looks confej},
1 trt'mble ; yet admire the Sight,
And feel the Rapture in my Breaflt
Oh ! J'ooth my Flame
Thou killing Dame,
And lull my Seul to balmy Reft.
Can gazing, am'rous Man, behold
Thofe beauteous Eyes, di'vineli gay.
Or i/ieiv thy '1 irff'es all of Gold,
And not Love'' s mighty Hand obey ?
Come, and i?y'pire.
Or .quench my lire, \
For f on my Soul ivill melt ai-j.iy.
Come fair Venus, ^een af-Plea/ure,
And fair IVidoiu, endlefs Ireafure,
Fold ivithin my Anns^
For in Lone their is ho Afeafure,
When encircled luitb thy Charms.
Thefe Verfes, and the .\ir our Adventurer di
vered tliem with, were enougii to warm an Iraa^r
tion like that of the VVidow'r. ; llie was too pel
ting not to un'ierlland who the Fer.on was tiiey wj
addrell to ; ihe-wa. at Lois how to admire the Sinj
of them too much ; artd was even going to perfwa
herfelf fome good Fortune was drawing near her,
having io charming a Gallant under lier Roof :»S'
confidered the relt of the Company hngly for a wh
within her Breall, but found, on a clofe Examinatic
tiiat our Adventurer had the Afcendant over them 1
a great deal. But to make Tri;J of the Abilities oft
Rell, file defired them to favour her with each a Son
which was complied witb^iutiiow diftalleful and fail
he
Pyratesy High^jojaffie??, Murderers y dCc.
how dirtant from the fine and genteel Mr.nner, wliere-
\v;di PI' ifheiingtoH pronourxed his Words. / cannot
.;,.• thi:.k, laya ihe,. that as you have faiour^ d rae ix-ith
fiUiuili &ing,jO:i can aljo gratify nie ii:it)jjbnte Ad-
-rure rjfyour's, for you>- Perjoit end Mein plainly
.::-'t.o-jer there is Jome thing extraordinary in you, »iore
• an a thsufaiid other Mo: can pretend to. Hither
Mother, who before fhe died, made her Will, and
dcclaicd therein my own Uncle her foie Executor,
\vi:h ;. Power of dilpofiiig of her Daughter to whom
he pleafed. I had beh-ived myfelf hitherto witli
great L'lrcumfpeftion, fofer as my tender Age would
permit me ; and nothing I thought in the World
coiild hinder me from coming into the Arms of a
ton tbar.k'u t:er for tl;e Honour ihe did him, but beautiful Bride with an exteiiiive Portion, and enjoy-
i.red no i'u; tier Comnundation, as he very well ing my Uncle's Ella te after hli Dece;de ; but Expe-
-iv tiiere Vv.i- notiiing in him but what almoll every rience tellb Mankind.tnere is noCerciinty to be found ;
,,r. ir.igi:
!t tl im as well as he. To pleafe you, Ma
v...ri, ;-r.d if it be no Offence to the Gentlemen in
C'-;i.p?.i",y here, I lli.ll beg Le.ive to jive a Recital of
r.v cci.:i:ig iiiti.tr, whicli may afford feme Circum-
ic.iices ot ;;n Adventure not unwortiiy to be related.
.\:\ tlie Company he.iring this, were by lb much the
more i'j.lxitous to make him proceed, as they conjec-
For during my being at thejCoUege, where I had al-
ready liudied fix Ye.irs, my' Uncle, though feventy
Years oi Age, takes her, who was mine by all the fa-
crcd Ties of Truth and Love, and no more than fe-
venteen Years old yet, to be his Wife. The firll
Newi of this Revolution came inclofed in a Letter, a
Correfpondent of mine m the Country fent me. I
tureu tfiey lliOLda he;;r ib;ue Hints v\ hich had been a w.is confounded and bewildered, wholly unable to re
A?vdery to thfin. VVitberington finding this, began
:.ius : \ v\as bom. Gentlemen and Lady, on tJie Con-
hues (ji Scotlai.d, of. Parents not to be defpifed ; for
:n ray Family have b>;en Perfons of Dignity and Re-
pute, ibine of wiiom have facrific'd their Lives in the
Bed of Honour, in Defence of their Country and Re-
Ii;;ion ; while others, trained up in tne different
Br.mches of a liberal and tine Education, have been
aavaiiced to confideiable Polh in the Kingdom, wiiich
tliey conilantly maintained with Integrity and Up-
nghtnefs of Mind. At five Years of Age I was put
under the Tuition of an Uncle of mine, who, hav-
, g a large Eliue and no Children, tooi^ a particular
..ing tome, inlomich that I bec.me his favourite,
r.nd wiiereibever he went, I w.iS iure ot being carried
with l.im. As niy .'\ge adv.aiced, I was put under
the C-i'e of Schooi-m-.illers, eminent for their Learn-
ing, and before I was full eleven \'ears old, I could
make a 1 heme, or a Dozen Latin Hexameter and
Pentameter V eries tolerably well. £ it coming into
my Fourteenth Vear, my Notions of I'hing. bcgiin
to extend themiiives fartner ; pnd I thought the
School a meer Confiiiement. Lovl thenbtg^n to ac-
tuate wittiin me, and, ififpite ot mylelf ana School,
found the Power of Cupid too much luperior to all my
findeavours to fuppreis it. It happened that a ntigh-
bouring young Lady frequently made V ifits at my
Uncle's Houte, in Company with her Mother ; who,
as the Neighbourlicod reported it, was defigned for
him. 7 hey had a thoufand Interviews together, but
to what End no Body could ever yet di. cover. Va-
riciis '.'.ere the Diicourfcs about them. And amidil
^he.different Seritirr.cnts of the Parifhioners, the old
Gentlewomiin died ; upon which the fur and young
Daughter was removed to my Uncle's Houfe. I had
r.frsv. an Opportunity of ditlinguifning more Charmes
than I had'tver done, before ;- 1 .had an intimate Ac-
qusintance with her, and ti'.ough a Scholar, had the
-Art to giin her .'ift'edions. We loved one another
with, a PaSon that is too diliicplt to deicribe : For
neither of us could ever endure to be a Moment ab-
ff^ut frcni each other's Converfition. We kifs'd one
another, and tov'd out thofe lialf Da;.-s, v. hen we had
play, in little but iaicere Dalliances. 1 made her
V'eries, and Ui.-g her Songs. We ui'cd to walk toge-
tder in the Fields, and fit two or tha^e Hours at a
lime under the Shade of ibme Tree, while 1 diverted
her. with reading Tales of Love, or Romances. But
. alas I when w e thought our Happinefb the moll fe-
cure, we were unhappily fepai ated ; for being at an
Age capable of proiecuting nobler and genteeler Stu-
tjies, my Uncle fent me to the Univerfity, to the
greateft Regret lever found in the Wprld. My Un-
de was not ignorant of the Love that was between us ;
he gave us rather Liberty to indulge, it, tk.n any
Way , hindred us in tiie carrying on of our Amour.
The Lady had a confiderable Fortune left her by her
contile myfelf to a Belief of it for feveral Days : But
when I found the Thing too true, what Tongue can
exprefs the Anguifh of my Soul. . I wrote to aiy Un-
cle, andfign.fied to .-.im the In}uftice he had done me
in depriving me of the only BieihngI had in the World,
and fuggeited the monfbous Inequality there was be-
tween ills and her Age, but my Letter was perufed in-
deed, and afterwards torn to pieces. This I wa^
told of I was now determined to leave the College,
and leaving all the Satisfaftion I had received in Books,
vindicate mylelf before my Uncle, and try, fince he
had done me io much Diihonour, if he hud Any In-
clinations to ferve me otherwife. Accoro ngly, I
provided myfelf with a Horfe, and went do'.\n uito
the Country, where he received me with all the out-
ward Marks of extreme Civihty. But 1 could not get
a Sight of his Wife for a Fortnight or more, and what
were the Reafons of this Conduct I could not find out.
One iJ.-y I took my Uncle afide into his Clofet, and
warmly e.Kpollulated the Matter with 'him. How
could you. Sir, oftL-r to deprive me of tne greatefl
Jewel in the Univerfe > had not Love of a long Hand-
ing cchiented our tender Hearts together, you might
tlien pretend fome Plea for what you have done.
Your gre.U Age ought atleaft to have convinced you,
that a Mitch between you and her was prepoile-
rous, and what all the World would efteem a down-
right Compulfion on the Liidy's Thoughts : For
how could it be otherwife ? Is it to be fuppos'd
that a Virgin in the Bloom of her Youth, can re-
ceive any S.itisfiftlon from the Embraces of a Body
witiicr'd like yours ? If Perfons are but left to chufe
fur themfelves, diey'll match together a thoufand
Times more equally than either Parents or Guar-
di.ans will do for them. Your marrying her has
depri',''d her of all the Happinefs her Thoughts fug-
geited to her; and to take Advantage of my Ab-
ieiice, was doing me and her the greatefl Injury that
can be imagined ; but whrit can Vi'omen guard a-
g.iinil, when the Temptations of Money and Rich-
es arc conilantly fet before them ? And lb faying, I
left him to ruminate on niy Words.
After this, I ilrove to divert myfelf in the moll
agreeable manner I could, fometiraes by peruflng the
choicell Books in my Uncle's Library, and fometimes
by walking in his Gardens, which were vaft'y iinear.i
beautiful. One Evening, as the Sun was go . g to f"t,
I happcn'd to take -c foLtaiy Turn in Lis W..dernei": ;
and a Thrufh finglng veiy melodioufly, I -.at dc ■" n,
in an Arbour to enjoy ti.e Ma!:ck the Bird rr.ade. I
had not been there long before I heard fomet ing
tread tbftly among t.'.e Tree': ; which at fill pu'.ting
me into fome Confufion, 1 itarted from Ti^y Sohtude,
and calling my Eyes around, what ft^oaij I efpy but
my once dear Love : I ran to her wit.K" n Emotion cf
Mind not to be exprefs'd ; and throvving my Arms a-
bout her Waile, condudled her to a more i'eciet Pkce
to8
A General H i s t o r i'^ ^"
in the Wiliiernefs ; where fitting down, we at firft
gazM on one another with all tlie Joy imaginable,
and then burlVmg out into Tears, our Tongues by
degrees found Vent. I beg:m to exprefs my Con-
cern tliat I had been depriv'd from teeing her ever
fmce my Arrival, and could not well tell what to im-
pat it to. At this £he pauz'd a while, and then be-
gan thjs : Oh ! fays (he, luere I to begin at the Ori-
ginal of my Troublei and anxious Hours Jincc your firjl
going to Cambridge, I Jhould fwell the Narration to a
Day's Length, luhich the Shortnefs of the Time 'will
hot permit me to relate ; but take a Part : Tou are
fenfible, my dear Witherington, ho'w pleajingly ive
iinj'd and lo'v d together for fome Years, till your Ab-
fence broke the Alliance betiueen us, and reduced me to
the miferable Condition I amnoiu in. No fooner tuas
your Back turnd, but 1 became too fen/ible under ivhat
a Mafier I njjas got ; for I -wanting to -write to you,
I luas denfdthe Ufe of Pen, Ink, and Paper, and
cottfind to the Limits of your Uncle's Houfe and Gar-
dens, -with a Woman Servant, one of his o-wn procu-
ring, to attend me. If I /poke at any time of the Ref
peSl I had for you, I -was anf'weir'd, that my Refpeff
-was unfeafonable , and I -was no-w under the Care of
one -who had the abfoliite Difpofal of my Perfon. At
this 1 'would pour out H thoufand Tears, andfeem'd
dro-wnd -with my crying, till footh' d-with fome flatter-
ing Promifes he made me, I luas made eajy for a Jhort
Time: But, alas! my i/cfar Witherington, the Re-
tnemhrance of you jlill -was uppermoji in my Thoughts,
and 'while that poffejl me, all the Pltafures he allo-w'd
tne fwere tajielefs and injipid. Finding this, he bought
mt rich Cloaths, as if he deflgnd to luin me o-ver by
this, but his Aim -was fruitlefs . At length, ajter a
thoufand Applications to no purpofe, in order to -wear
your Idea out of my Mind, he propofed Marriage, but
•without naming the Man. I told him I had entertain' d
Thoughts of that honourable State a long Time, hut
none except his Nephew could make me happy. My
Nephe-w, reply'd he, 'why, my Dear, he has nothing
tut -what I fupport him 'with, and that^s but -very
little ; 'tis true, I have a large Efiate, and fome tell
me he is Heir at La-w to it, nay, I ha-ve promifedto
learje him it ; but 'tis all on a Proiiifion that he a^s in
Obedience to my Commands, -which in courting you he
does not.
■ I found now how Things were likely to go, and
therefore to make my unhappy Condition as pleafing
to me as I could, I fancy'd a thoufand romanticlc
Dreams in my Head, purely to divert my Melan
choly. Sometimes I flatter'd myfelf I ftiould Hill fee
you, and compleat my Happinefs, but I found I was
only amufing myfelf with ImpofFibilities. One Even-
ing your Uncle taking me in his Chaife, put the Que-
ftion about Marriage to me ; I feem'd aftonifh'd at
the Relation, and told him, I wondered at his mak-
ing fuch an Offer to me, when he knew the Engage-
ments between you and me. He feem'd offended at
my Prefumption in acquainting him fo, and told me,
he had a Right to my Perfon and Fortune above all
other Men in the World. I generoufly reply'd to
this, that if it was fo, he mull never expeft to have
either my Love or Duty. This home Speech feem-
ingly made no impreffion upon me ; we return'd
Home, and fupp'd together. In the Morning the
Parfon of the Parifh came to Breakfaft with us, and
during the Time, he attack'd me with all the Force
of Reafon in order to induce me to comply with my
Guardian's Commands ; he reprefented to me the Ad-
vantages of fuch a Match, and the Superiority fuch an
Alliance would give me over the low Circumllances of
a poor Collegian, who was forc'd to acknowledge all
he had to the Benevolence of his Uncle. I return'd
fuch an Anfwer as I was capable of giving ; for what
could I do, who was only myfelf, and unaffifted b/
any body. In Ihort, I found I muft be marry'd to
the Perfon I hated the vvorft in the World ; and mar-
ry'd I was within a Week after this Interview be-
tv.ecn the Parfon, my Uncle, and me.
Here ihe wept abundantly, and both of us, for
fome Time, were loft in Pity in one another's Arms.
I ftrove to divert he^with all the Power of Language
I was Mailer of, but was not able to recover .Ser from
her Unealinefs for a confiderable Time ; fhe hung
upon me, and kifs'd me ; I rc-tuin'd the Salutes with
tlie fame Warmth, till fired witii uneommon Dcfiie,
we aftcd that together which nothing but the greateil
Difhonour in tho World could hsvc promptec me to
had I been in my Scnfe; : But alas ! 'tw;.s too late
to repent, and the dear Creature began to love m.e the
more. We continiied in the Bower together till 'twas
almort dark, tho' the rifing Moon gave us Hill an
Opportunity of feeing and gazing upon one another.
ID fortune attended this amorous interview, for her
Maid having mifs'd her, had been fearching :.lt over
the Garden for a long Time for her, but to no Pur-,
pofe : At laft, Curiofity leading her into the Wilder-
nefs, ihe came near the Place wliere we were fitting
together, and overhearing two Perfons talk, Ihe
filently drew nigher, and difcover'd us together.
What were the Confequences d'ye think.? Why, the
old Man was acquainted with the whole Aifair, and
to make the Accufation heavier againit me, the Maid
confronted us in every Particular. My Unc.'e rav'd
and llorm'd, and appear'd like a mad Man ; he repri-
manded me very feverely. I ftrove :o vindicate the
Lady's Honour, and juftify myfelf j but he was above
ConviQion, and plainly told me, that I muil never
cxped one Farthing from him ; and for his Wife, he
would take Care to ftcure her Condudtfor the future;
adding, that the World was wide enough for me, and
and I was at Liberty to fee what my Learning could
gain me: And having thus faid, he flung out of the
Room and left me.
Here was a fad Mortification to gaul a Man's Spi-
rits; I found I was inevitably rejeiied by my Uncle,
and that there was no Recourle left me in the World
but to put myfelf into the Arms of it. Accordingly
I made ready in the Morning to depart ; wlicn tak-
ing Leave of my dear Creature, fhe convey 'd into my
Boibm a Purfe of fifty Guineas, and bxd me think of
her. Thus i left the Family, with a Refolve lo feefc
my Fortune fome where or other ; and Chance has
thrown me into this hofpitable Houfe, where I cannot
but own, I have found as much Beauty as I have been
fadly depriv'd of.
Our Adventurer here put an End to his fi-Hitious
and artful Tale, wliich fo wrought on the Minds of
the Company, efpccially the f;ir VVidow, that lie
plainly faw he Wts no unwelcome Gueit. Ke drcyt
his Chair dole to her, and ci.refl lier in a verv mov-
ing manner, which put one of the other Gentlemen
into fome Confufion. Witherington found he had a
Rivol to deal with, and (hould he flay and profecute
his Suit with Warmth, he would fee dearer into the
Affair. This Confideration dctermin'd him to re-
main a Month at Nc.rtujich. Ail now withdrew, the
Gentlemen to their Homes, and the Widow and her
Family to Bed.
Next Morning our Adventurer being with the Wi-
dow, they had a clofc Difcourfe together about the
the LofTei and Profits of Inn keeping. Witherington
feem'd to hint, as if the Care that attended fo large
a Family, was too much for a Woman to bear, and
judged that a Man was the ftrefl Perfon to bear fo
large a Burthen on his Back. Ihe Widow return'd
him Anfwer, that what he Lid v/as very true, and fhe
fhould think herfelf happy in finding a Man proper
for it. Why, fays Witherington, I cannot think but
there are Men enough to be found. ^— Methinks I
obferv'd
PyrrJes, HlghtDjameHy Murderers ^ 6Cc,
obferv'd one in the Compiny laft Night difcover
how v.ell lie loved yoa. 'ro tiiis flie reply'd, That
•fhe was too i'e:i!';ble of it, but could not recurn hisAf-
feftion fuitabiv ; taat ("he had had r:nce her Hulband's
Deceale abundance of Suitors, but that not one a-
niongll them all could pleale ; that llie had a Jeli-
-cate Palate with rei'peft to Man, for which the
World ought not to cenfure her, fince flie fuffi-
.ieient to mai;e the Perfon fne took for her Hulband
exceeding happy, provided he was frugal and tempe-
rate.
This Difcourfe mightily pleafed our Adventurer,
■ who finding he had room enough to fpcak forhirnielf,
zfe'd if thtre was any tiling in Jiis Perfon that could
win her. The Widow, confounded at the Advances
flie had made, knew not how to retreat, but putting
on a fmiling Countenance, told him. That as he was
fo generous m fpeaking for himfelf, he might goon,
.and doubtlefb Profpenty and Succefs would attend
him ; that to be frank, (he could let her AfFeftion on
him as foon or fooner than any Man in England, but
Decency and the Cenfure of the World made her flop
her Dciires, which otherwife flie (hould think no In-
jury in gratifying. Withcrington praifed the Choice
and Preference fhe feem'd to make, but told her,
" That he could not impute the Declaration fhe had
" made to any thing elfe but a Motive of Female
" Gali.mtry. Vou may impute it to what you
" will. Sir, replfdjhe, b'lt I can alTure you, if ever
" Mari h.id an Afcendant over my Heart, you may
" prcLcnd to foine Part of the Conquefl ; your Nar-
" ration lall Night too warmly engrofs'd my
" Thojghts, to let it or the Idea of your Perfon die
" fo foon in my Memory. What I now fpeak is
" from the Reality of my Heart, and the' you may
"■pretend to an eafy Conqueft over me, yet. Jet me
" warn you to improve it moderately and with Dit
" cretion, for, tho' a Woman, I can tell how to re-
" venge an Injury, or requite a Xindnefs.
What an Ecclaircijfement was here ? Sure JVither-
ington wifh'd a tliQufand Bleffings on his propitious
Stars, who had thus befriended him in the Opinion
and Sentiments of the Widow. AH now was Rapture
and Emotion ; if the Widow lov'd the Perfon o(
Witberingto':, no lefs w.is he taken with her Monev.
Since this licentious Courfe of Life, he had abandon'd
a great many of his good Qiiditics, for Money was
the only Thuig he had any View to.
We ihall tind in the Sequel a very barbarous Mur-
der clofe the End of this Courtil^iip, which was at-
tended with lo promifmg a Beginning. By this Time
the Gentleman, who, the Night before leem'd con-
eern'd at the fudden Familiarity between our Adven-
turer and tne Widow, was acquainted how Things
were going ; he was confounded at the News, but
knew tiiat it was no more than heexpeftcd ; he,vov/'d
Revenge not on the Perfon of Withcrington', but the
besutiiul Widow j his Intentions iquar'd in ^\tr^
Article with thofe of our Adventurer; for 'twas her
Money, that iriide him offer Love : He had been in-
ibrm'd by ieyeralof his Acquaintance, who knew her
Deligns better than hirafilf, th^m to wed her, was
:he lure and ready Way to his Defirudlion :. That (lie
lad been tax'd with fending her late Hulb.and out of
be World by Poifon, and it might be his or any o-
her Per4on6's ill Fprtvaie, who (hould chance to
narry her, to meet with the fame inhuman Fate : As
he Gentleman had courted her for fome Time, and
ler bewitching Carriage had influenc'd him to a great
degree, it was not eal'y for him to wipe away fo foon
he ImprclTion he had receiv'd ; he began to think
'ithin himfelf what he was going to do, and ferioufly
mfider'd all the Confequences that might attend
im, was fhe really as reprefented : He had but too
agrant an infun<;e of her fluftuating Temper and
29
10^
Inclination from what he had feen pafs the Night
before between him and our Adventurer ; therefore he
was determined to reward her inconltancy by a juft
Punifliment, and do a Piece of Service to the Stranger-
Gentleman, (as he term'd our Adventurer) by open-
ing his Eyes againft her.
With this View he fent a written Note by his Ser-
vant, diieded to the Perfon that came in tiie Night
before to the Inn. Withcrington received it, and at
lirll, feem'd confufed, not knowing what the Deiign
was. He perufed it over three times before he gave
anyAnfwtr, and then told the Man that he would
wait on his Mafter prefently. They met together
at the Gentleman's own Hoale, and the Widow was
amufed with this Tale, that Mr. having took
a Fancy to the Travellers Company and Converfatlon,
mull needs have him to dine with him th„t Day . Ihis
was a fine Artiiice to make her eafy. When they
were fat down together, the Gentleman excufed him-
felf for lending for him in that manner, by acquaint-
ing him that he had an Affair of the lall, Importance
to communicate with him, and that it was purely to
do him a Piece of fignal Service, that made him fend
for him.
" Vou muft know. Sir, that the Widow of the Inn
" where you lodge now has bury'd her Hulband a-
" bout eight Months ago : TheJVI.an was an excellent
" Perfon in his ^\'a}•, and a great Oeconomill, fo
" that by his Frugality .and candid Behaviour to hfs
" Cuflomers at all Times, he acquir'd a competent
" Eftate ; and leaving no Ciiildren behind him, he
" bequeath'd every Penny of it by his Will to his
" Wife. I am forry to think I have jufl Occafion to
" fpeak what I am going to acquamt you with con-
" cerning this Woman. I am told by a Abundance
" of Perfons, whole Veracity may be depended on,
" that flie poifoned' the poor Man to make way to
"his Eft'eils,' tho' he had before fecured them to her
" by his Teilament. 'Tis true, I courted the Wo-
" man, and have done fo almoll fince her Hufband's
" Deceafe, thinking her Money fufficient to make
•' nie happy in my Ciicumilances ; which, without
" hiding tJiem from you, are a little involved stpre-
" fent ; but having a.iVLnd to p;efer my Eafe before
" any o:her Coniideration, I have thought £t, at my
" Friends importunities i-nd Sollicication>, to wipe
" her Memor) out of my i.lind, and be no longer a
" Slave either 10 the Love of her Perfon or her AIo-
" ney. Now the End of my fending for you is this :
" 1 had frequent Opportui.icies of difcovering her
" waveiing inclination kit Night, while you. wa^ re-
" citing your Adventure ; not. Sir, that I harbour'd
" the leail Jealoufy in the Worid about it ; for I
" fcorn io ignonjinious a PafTion ; but I am lorry to
" think I huve m.tde \T,y AddrefTes to a Wom.in lb
" abominable, if Report be true ; Befides, I am ac-
" quainted fhe is m.akiiig all the Halle (lie can to draw
." you into Marriage, which, howconlequential, the
'' Lord above can only tell ; but 1 am afraid of the
" worft, and would warn you as a Friend, to avoid
" her inhnuations and artful Ways. I cannot help
" thinking, but that both our Defire^ are alike ? I
" mean, that we want Money, and I think, I could
." put us into a Way how to fqueeze every Ivrtning
" from this W'oman, who values herfeif upon her
" EfFefts."
Withcrington for fome Time could not tell what to
reply ; however, he return'd the Gentleman a great
many Thanks for his timely forw..ining Itim in fuch
an important Cafe ; and told him, it he would leave
the Alfair to him for two or thiee Da, s longer, and
not come to Extremes fo foon, he'a warrant to find
out all the Bafenefs that lurk'd within her Breaft,
and then, if they had a Mind, they might make
what Ufe of her they thought proper. The Gentle-
I' f man
no
A General History of
man feem'd fatiify'd with this, and fo they parted for
this Time,
Our Adventurer returning to the Inn, called the
Widow aiide, and then acquainted her with the
whole Proceeding between him and the Gentleman.
She (eemed in a Kage, and proteiled the World was
very ceniorious, and declared flie would have her Re-
venge on him, coll what it would. Wkherington
foret'eeing a Rupture was going to break out, thought
k high Tmie to make his Advantage of the credulous
Woman, who was ready to believe any thing he
faid : So th^it Night taking lier alide, he told her,
that the bell Way to revenge herfelf on him, would
be, it" fhc had any inclinations of marrying him, to
give him fome Mark of her Favour that might dillin-
guifh him above his Rival. Glad of this Opportu-
nity, IVie conveys him into a Clofet, where iliewing
him all her Money and Plate, flie acquainted him,
that all thofe were at his Service, provided he did her
fo much Service as to deliver her from the Importu
nities of the Gentleman. Witheriagton laid (he miglit
depend upon him, and fo they withdrew for that
Night, which was indeed the laft of their fceii-gone
another He retired into his Chamber, ;ind tliere
taking Pen, Ink and Paper, he wrote the following
Letter.
My Dear,
Er E li miniiful ofiuhat a Woman fays, e/peciaHy
one luho has been pleased to Jet her Affediotis on
me, I have 'wrote this Letter purely to acquaint you,
that being obliged to go to London, and the Journey
being pretty long, I could not do better than make Ufe
tf the Money in the Clofet, 'which you 'was fo good as
to fay ivas at my Ser'vice. I 'was in exceeding Hafle
•when I began to "write this, fo that I cannot fpare
tnore Time, than to tell you to be fur e of thinking upon
me till my Return,
Witherington.
After he had wrote this he went privately into the
Clofet, and fecured all the Widow's real Mone)', which
amounted to above Three Hundred Pounds, and re-
turning into his Chamber, got all his Things ready,
and gomg down Stairs into the Yard, got into the
■ Stable, faddlcd his Horfe, mounted and rode out at a
back Door, leaving the Family fall ;.fleep, and the
Widow and her Gentleman Lover to profecute their
Amours as they thought lit.
Uitherington having obtained this large Booty of
Money, purfued his Journey within twenty Miles of
London, when between A.don and Vxbridge, not be-
ing fatisfied with his late Acquilitions, he committed
a Robbery on the Highway, for which he was lent to
Nenvgate, wliere he lived a very profligate Life to the
very Day of his Execution.
At the fame Time flourilh'd one Jonathan IVood-
rwardsxA James Fhilpot, two molt notorious Houl'e-
breakers, who, in the Cities of Lo?:don and M'e/lmin-
Jfer, the Suburbs thereof, Southivark, and moll
Towns and Villages in the Coanues of Middlefcx and
Surrey, had committed daily Robberies for fome
Years, for which they were lent to tlie Majjhalfea,
and condemned to be hang'd upon St. Margaret'^i-
Hill, in the Borough of Southwark ; but )LmgJames
I. happening this Year to come to the Throne of
England, they were both pardoned upon an Adl then
put for all Criminals, e.vcepting for High-Treafon and
wilful Murther. Howcer, thefe Villains not mak-
ing good Ufe of this Mercy, ilill purfued their old
wicked Couifes, committing frequent Burglaries and
Robberies, till at lall being apprehended again, and
fent to Neivgate, they were try'd with the above-
Bientioned Uomas Witherington, at the Se£ioni-Ho«fe
in the Old-Bailey, and with eight other M.ilefaflors
were condemned, but thefe three being moll notorious
Offender:, were only appointed for Deatli. And
while they continued in the ConJcmned-Hold, thev
led abominable Lives, abandoning themfelves to all
Manner of curling and fweariiig, notwithltanding the
extraordinary Pains and Care of the Ordinarv to re-
claim them.
At the fame Time there was living one Mrs. Eli-
zabeth Elliot, who having a Son, that about two or
three Years before, was condemned to be hanged for
the like Practices, but received Mercy, and became
a goodM.nn, in Compaifion for other Criminals, and
in Acknowledgment of the King's Royal Favour, on
her Death Bed willed Two Hundred and Fifty Pounds
to the Parilh of St. Sepulchre's in London, to find a
Man who Ihould for ever, betwixt the Hours of Ele-
ven and Twelve of the Clock of the Night before any
Prifoners were to die, go under Neivgate, and giv-
ing them Notice of his being come by a folemn Ring-
ing ot a Hand-Bell, Ihould then put them in Mind of
their approaching End, by repeating feveral godly
ExpreiTions, tending to inltruft them for a true Pre-
paration for Death: After which he fays to the Pri-
foners appointed for Death — Gentlemen, are you
A'wake ? Who from the Condemned-Hold, anlwer-
iiig Yes he then proceeds thus :
Gentlemen, I am the univelccme Mrjfenger •whs
brings you the fatal News that you mtijl to-morroiu
die. Tour lime is hut port, the Hours fide a'way
apace, the Glafs runs fuft, and the lajl Sand being
upon dropping, 'when you imiji launch out into houndlefl
Eternity, gii'e not yourfel'ves to fleep, but 'watch and
pray to gain eternal Life. Repent fooner than St. Pe-
ter, and nveep before tie Cock cro'ws, for no'w Repen-
tance is the only Road to Salivation ; be feriient in
this great Duty, and'without doubt to-morro%v you may
he ivith the penitent Thief on the Crofs in Paradifi.
Pray "without ceaftng. ^ench not the Spirit. Ab-
fain from all Appearance of Eiil. As your cwn
H'ickednejs has caujcd all this E'vil to fall upon you,tind
brought the Day of Ttibulation near at Hand, fo let
Goodhcfs be your file Comfort, that your Souls may finit
perpetual Reft ivith your blefftd Sairiour, ivho died for
the Sins of the World ; he ivill tvipe all Tears from
your Eyes, remoue your Sorroivs, and ajfuage your
Grief, fo that your Sinfick Souls Jhall be heeled for e-
•vermore. 1 exhort you earnefllv not to he negligent aj
the Work ofyciur Sc.lilation, "uhich depends upon your
ftncere Delation bet'u;ixt this and to-morroiv, ixhen
the S'woid of Jujiice /hall fend you cut of the Land oj
the Lilting. Fight the good Fight of Faith; and lay
hold oJ eternal Life ivhilji you may, Jor there is «♦
Repentance in the Grnue ; ye hafe pierced yourfel'ves
through 'with many Sorrons ; but a fe'w Hours 'will
bring you to a Place i:here you ivill knoiu nothing but
Joy and Gladnefs. Lone Rightcoufnefs, and hate Ini-
quity, then God, even your' God, 'v.ill anoint jou ixith
the Oil of Ghidiiefs, abcvc your Felloivs. Go »o<M)
boldly to the Throne of Grate, that je nay obtain
Mercy, and find Grace to help in Time of Need. The
God of Pence fanSiify you ujholly, and I pray Goi
your 'while Spirits, and Souls, and Bodies, may hi
prefer'ved blamclefs unto the meeting of your Bleffe
Redeemer : The Lord ha've Mercy upon you ; Chriji
haue Mercy upon you ! Siveet Jefus receine your
Souls ; and to-morro'Vj may you flip 'with him it
Paradife. To all which tiie Speftators cry, A-
Next Day on which they are to die, the Bell ii
the Steeple is to toll for them, and under St. Sepid
chrc'i Church-yard Wall, the Cart or Carts ftopi
pingi
PyrateS) HtghajoaymetJi Murderers^ £Cc.
Ill
ping, the aforefaid Man, after ringing his Hand-
Bell again from over the Wall, repeats again fome
relicious Exhortations to the Prifoners, which are as
{"ollow :
Said by the Bell-man over St. Sepulchred Church-
WaU
Gentlemen, conftder notu you are going out of this
Ji'orld into another, 'where you luill li've in Happinefs
tr If oe for e^'ermore Make your Peace ivith Gnd
Almighty, and let your nvhole Thoughts be etttircfy hent
upon your latter End. Curfed !;■ he th'it hangeth on a
Tree; but 'tis hop' d the fatal Tie will bring your pre-
cious Souls to an Union nvilh the great Creator ofHea-
'vcn and Earth, to ivhom I recommend your Souls, in
this your final Hour of Di/irefs. Lord ha've Mercy
upon you ; Chrijl look doivn upon you, and comfort yon.
Siveet Jefus receiiie your Souls this Day into eternal
Life. Amen.
I thought inferting thefe Particulars would not be
unacceptable to tl.c candid Reader, fmce the three
Perfons .jbove-mention'd were the firll to whom thefe
E.\hortations and Warnings were given. And thus
ended the Life of our Adventurer Thomas Wither-
• ington.
The LIFE of THOMAS RUMBOLD.
t*TpH HIS Thomas Riimbold was defcended from
I honed and creditable Parents at Ipfiuich in
.M~ Suffolk. Ill his Youth he was put Apprentice
;o a Bricklayer, but evil Inclinitions having an A f-
:endant over his Mind, he went from his IVlafter be-
c he had well ferved two Thirds of his Time.
This Elopement obliged him to purfue iome Irregu-
arities to fupport himfelf : He abfconded from his
leather's Houfe, and having a Defire of feeing London,
lie came up to Town, where getting into the Com-
jany of a notorious Gang of Robbers, he went on
ibe Highway, and frequently took a Purfe. This
Courfe he continued iome Time, in Conjunftion
Ijifitli Confederates ; but having a Mind to make Prizes
by himfelf, he ventured by himfelf, committing
feveral Depredations on his Counti) men ; the follow-
ing whereof have come to our H iiids.
The Archbilhop of Canterbury being to go from
Lambeth to Canterbury, Rumbold was determin'd to
Way-lay him ; and accordingly getting Sight of him
between Rochejler and Sittingbom in Kent, he gets
into a Field, and fpre;iding a large Tablecloth on the
Grafs, on which he had placed feveral Handfuls of
Gold, he then takesa Box and Dice out of his Pocket,
and falls a playing at Hazard by himfelf. His Grace
riding by that Place, and efpying a Man ihaking his
'Elbows by himfelf, fcnt one of his Footmen to know
the meaning of it. The Man w.is no fooner come
up to Rumbold, who was Hill pla)'ing very eargerly,
fwearing and llaring like a Fury at his Lofles, but
he returns to the Reverend Prelate, and telling him
*what he had feen, his Grace ftept out of his Coach to
liim, and feeing none but him, afe'd him who he was
at play with ? Damn it, fjid Rumbold, there's five
hundred Pounds gone : Pray, Sir, be fdent. His
Grace going to fpeak again, Ay, faid Rumbold, there's
a hundred Pounds more loll. Prithee, faid tl;e Arch-
bilhop, who art thou at play with .? Rumbold re-p\y'd
with ; And how will you fend the Money to
him ? — — — By, faid Rumbold, his Ambafladors ;
and therefore looking upon your Grace to be one of
them extraordinary, I Ihall beg the favour of you to
carry it him : According, giving his Grace about fix
hundred Pounds in Gold and Silver, he put it into
the Seat of his Coach, and away he rid to Sittingborn
to b^t. Rambaldtid thither alfo to bait iu another
Inn ; and riding fome fhort while before his Grace,
as foon as he had Sight of him again, he had planted
himfelf in another Field in the lame playing Polhire
as he had before ; which his Grace feeing as riding by,
went again to fee this ftrange Gameller, whom he
then took to be really a Madman. No fooner was
his Grace approaching Rumbold, who then had little
or no Money upon his Cloth, but he cry'd out — •
Six hundred Pounds, What, faid the Arch-
bilhop, loft again. No, reply'd Rumbold, won, by
Gad ; I'll play this Hand out, and then leave ofF. Sa
Eight hundred Pounds more. Sir, won ; I'll leave off
while I'm well. And who have you won of, faid his
Grace ? Of the fame Perfon, reply'd Rumbold that I
left the Six hundred Pounds with you for before you
went to Dinner. And how, faid his Grace, will you
get your Winnings.? Says Rumbold, of iii: Ambafla-
dor too : So riding up with Sword and Piftol in Hand
to his Grace's Co.ca, he took Fourteen hundred
Pounds out of the Seat thereof over and above his
own Money, which he had entrufted in his Hands to
give to and rid olF.
When Rumbold had got this large Booty by play-
ing, whofe Happinefs it was never to fee, without
becoming a very great Convert indeed, he bought
him a Place, but did not leave off robbing on the
Road ; and in order for his better Advantages, he
kept in Fee with moll of the Hoftlers and Chamber-
l:uns of the chiefell Inns in the Country for forty
Miles about London: So that having one Day a Blow
let him at Colebrook, that is to fay, being inform'd
that a Couple of Travellers lay at a certain Inn in the
abovefaid Town, he rofe early the next Morning,
and way-laid them in their Journey, to Reading, fa
went before them to furprize them at Maidenhead'
Thicket i but the Travellers being cunning, they had
given out in Publick the wrong Road they were to
go ; for inftead of riding to Reading, they went to
U'indfor, fo tlmt Rumbold miffing.,<tthis Pray, rode
back again very melancholy ; when meeting with the
Earl of Oxford, who was attended only with one
Groom and a Footman, he clapt his Hair into his
Mouth to difguife himfelf for his intended Defign, and
attack'd his Lordfliip with the terrifying Words,
Stand and Deliver, withal fwearing, that il he made
any Refiftancc he was a dead Man. The Expoftula-
tions
A Ccneral History o
III
"ions the Karl ufed to fave what he hr.d, were as
much in vaiiij ns to pretend to walh a Biackamore
white; however he fwore too: th;;t fmce he niuft
lofe what he had, 7?;«;;^o/^ fhould fearch his Pockets
himfelf, for he would not be at that Trouble.^ Upon
this our Adventurer commanding his Lordfhip's Ser-
vants to keep at above a hundred Foot Diilance upon
pain of Death, he took the Pains of iearching the
Earl ; when finding nothing but Boxes and Dice in the
Pockets of ins Coat and Waiftcoat, he began to rend
the Skies with many Firft-Rate Oaths, fweariiig alio,
that he btlicvM he was tiie Groom Porter, eHc fome
gaming Sharper going to bite the poor Country Peo-
ple at tlieir Fairs and Markets, till iearching his
Breeches, he found within a good gold Watch and hx
Guineas; he ciianged his angry Countenance into
fmiling Features, and giving his LordlTiip eighteen
Pence, bad him be of good Cheer, go up to his Regi
ment then at London as fail as he could, and do his
Duty as he ought, and when he next met with him,
he would give him better Encouragement.
Rumhald and an Acquaintance of his being one
Tixfi.lCa)iterbury, in the Dreis of a Country Fel-
low, they went to a Tavern to drink a Quart of
Wine. It feems the Mailer of a Houfe was a com-
plete Sharper, who, taking his two Guells for ig-
norant Fellows, was determined to put the Chouie
upon them, as he call'd it ; accordingly he brought
them a Wme Qu irt Pot, but it was little more than
half full : He intended they (hould have it raw,
but it being a cold Morning, they bid liim roalt it :
The Vintner was at a Lois in filling out the firft
Giafs, but not knowing how to help it, he fet it
• down before the Fire, and, as was fuppos'd, intended
to fill it up afterwards; but he forgetting that, and
our Adventurer and his Acquaintance being bufy in
Difcourfe, forgot to look after the Pot ; when on a
fudden they look'd, and the Pot was melted above
have way down, which was as far as there was no
Wine in it : The Maid obferving the Pot melted,
call'd out to them, What .? honeft Men do you
melt your Pot ? Not we, faid they, it was the Fire :
But are like to pay for it, reply'd the Wench.
That is when we do, iaid they. Upon this, the
Mafter of the Tavern appears, to whom the M.-.id
tells how tiie two Fools had been telling their Can-
/^•ia)^ Tales together till the Pot was melted.
Then they mull p.n' for it, anfwers the Vintner, for
it was given into their Charge and Cullody, and
that therefore they ought to look after it, and fince
it was damag'd to pay for it. They reply'd, they
took no Charge of it, neither did they touch it,
but only order'd him to burn the Wine well. The
Vintner infilled to be paid for his Pot. They told
him, they woi:ld not. Upon this he threaten'd
them with a Juilice of Peace's, Warrant. This Me-
nace fomewhat troubling them, and unwilling to
have any Difpute in the Affair, they told the Vint-
ner they were content to pay for the Wine, and al-
low Sixpence more for mending the Pot. _ The Vint-
ner told them that would not do, for it could not
be mended, and he mull have a new one. Our
Adventurer and his Comp.anion feeing the Vintner
fo unreafonable, were content to have the Juilice de-
termine the Controverfy, wherefore before his Wor-
fliip they went, and the Vintner made his Com-
plaint, how that thofe two Men had melted his
Quart-pot, and refufed to pay for it. The Juilice
perceiving hcv/ the Matter lay, and that he told his
Tale wron>, defired the Men to fpeak, who, in
plain Terms, told him they took no Charge of the
Pot, but only defir'd the Drawer to caufe the Wine
to be burnt ; that he had accordingly fet it down
ty the Fire, and that without their Jiandling or
'/
toucliing it, the Pot was melted. So, faid tl.e Juflice,
and did neither of jou drink of the Wmc? No
not one Drop, reply'd our Adventurer, and yet we
ofFer'd to pay for tiie Wine, and give Six-pence to-
wards mending the Pot. 1'his is more tiian yoi»
{hall need to do, anfvver'd the Juuice, and then he
thu^ proceeded with the \'ir,tner.
Friend, ivith ivhat Coiijidoice can you demand
any Money of thife Mm, ix^to lad nothing of you f
Since you ixill tiot do them fujUce, I 'v.ilL I do
hereby acquit them from paying any thing for Mine
becaufe they never had any, and for the ii,c!ting the
Pot, hoiu did they do it ? It i.':as not they, iul.
your Sefvant ivho dreiu the Wine, iiho, had he
fir d the Pot full of It inc, the Fire could not have
melted no farther than it -iiaj empty j and farther
contiiju'd the Juilice, this jhall not feri-e \-our Turn.
for I fiall fne you for not filing your Pot : ToU}>
Crime is i:cry apparent and evident, and fo Jhall yout>
Punijhment be ; and I order you, as a Fine, to pay
do^^<.n fwenty Shillings for your MifdcTncanour, oi
elfe I Jhall make your Mittimus, and fend you tt
Prifon. Thus was the Cafe alter'd, and the Tain
now was of another Hog, for the Vintner, y/Ym
expefted Satisfaftion, was forc'd to give it, and tha
immediately, or elfe go to Prifon. Thi.s went a
gainll the Hair, but NecelTity had no Law, am
therefore down he paid the Money, and c;.me Hom.
fieartily vexed, no fo much for the iV'loney he hai.
paid, as for the Difgrace he recciv'd, for he wa-
now become the Tov.n-talk.
As Runihold w.as riding along the Road he met;
young Girl v,ith a Milk-pail on her Head, but wa
amaz'd to fee fo much Perfcftion in her Face ; h
rode up pretty dole to her, purpofely to entertai:
fome Difcourfe with her, introduflory to a ne\
Acquaintance: The firit Quellions he put to he
were frivolous and indifferent, which Ihe feem'd ti
anlwer with abundance of Modelly. Rumbold fee
ing her open a Gate to milk a Cow, followed her
and tying his Horle to a Hedge, defir'd her Par
don for his Rudenefs, and begg'd her to entertah
a favour.nble Opinion of his Aiflions, for he wouli
not offer the leall Injury or Prejudice to her Chai
tity. Being over periur.ded with his Protellation
and Vows to that Purpoi'c, flie admitted him to fi
down and difcourfe with her, whilft fhe perform'i
the Office of a Milk-n:aid. Rumbold had much a
do to contain his Hands within Bounds when h
viewed her llrokirg tie Cow's Dugs, which fi
heighten'd his amoious Paflion, that tiie Vows ani
Proteliations he had fo lately made foon vanilh'c
out of his Memory. In (hcrt, after fome Dalli
ances, Intreatics and Love-perfuaiif,onE, and ufin
corporal Strength, lie obtai.a'd his Defires. Aftei
this they grew more familiar together, but the Ba:
then of the Song w.is, that Rumbold had undon:
her ; but let the Reader judge the Truth of thii
It was concluded tiiat fhe ihould go home to hi
Father's Houle, and that towards Night our Adj
venturer would come thither likewife fccording t
the Time appointed, as if he had never feen he'
before, and that he accidentally rode that Way i
order to be inform 'd what Courfe he was to take t
purfue his Journey right.
The Maid went cunningly in, and acquainted hi
Father and Mother, that there was a Gentiem;
without, who appear'd fuch by his Cor.ntenancel
Garb and Drefs, that fearing to travel farther, bein;
Nigiit, and not knowing the Way, he defir'd to re'
himi'elf until the Morning. The Parents of the youn
Woman had more Refpeil for our Adventurer tfaant'
let him travel farther, whereby he might be expos'dt'
DIfRcultie*, civilly admitted him into their Houfe
Rumbol
PyrateSf High^joyajnen., Murder ers-^ SCd
113
Rumbdd being handfomely entertain'd, was refolv'd
to Jedicite t:i..t Ni^'n to tue Charms of his ftir and
young Mii'reis ; bat Heaven croIsM his amorous De-
iign, and 11 the Stars were againll him.
Nc:vt Morning our Adventurer feign'd himfelf very
ill, purely to liave a Pretence of iLymg, which he
acquainted the Daughter with. rhe uli People were
valtly loving and courteous, fo that as foon as they
he;ird of it, they came to fee RumboU in his Cham-
ber, and expieb'd extraordinary CoHipalfion and
Pity for him. They provided every Tiling they
thoug.it neccllary for him. Our Adventurer uiFer'd
them IVlouc)' for their Se'vices, but they absolutely
rcfufed it ; and to make them entertain the better
Opinion of him, he Ibew'd a great Quantity of
Gold.
Rumbald lay at the Farmer's Houfe at lead a Fort-
nigiic in tins pretended ill State of Health ; feveral
Doaori had been with him, but not one of tnem .ill
had Knowledge enougii to dive into his DiUemper.
During this 'I'lme he nad the charming Daughter
ever) isig^it, who, contrary to the Cullom oi molt
Vv'omen, did not leem coy and nice in gratifying nis
Paliion which was the Centre of fier Hopes. RumboU
fearing too long an llinefs mig.it give tiie old People
foms ijneafnici:>, or caul'e 'em ty luipect i.im, left
oft couiiterfi-iting any longer Indiipoiitiouo, and ihew'd
thtm ibaie Recovery of nis Strengtli. Wiien tne old
People at any time came into tiis Ca.u.;ber, the in tin
Subjed of our Adventurer's Diicourie C0i;anoniy
turn'd on the many lignJ Favours he h.-.d rectiv'd,
and that if he liv'd he would gratefully rep y tnem.
Being reitor'd to his ufual S.rcngtli, ne told them
that .ae could never well enough recompence the Care
and Love they had over t.im, uiuefs it were by mar-
rying their Daughter, who had alreidy won his
Heart. The Parents made many E-xcafes upon this
Article : The hrft Objedion was, that ihe w as bat a
poor Country Girl, and the like. However, Rum-
hold was not lb backward to himfelf but iie made fe-
veral Enquiries in a neigiibouring Town about the
Circumftances of the Farmer, whom he found by the
Report ot every Body to be a very wealthy Perfon ;
andthat Time had not been more careful in furnilhing
his Head with Silver H.drs, than he mduitrious to
maintain them by the Procuration of a plentiful
Eftate. The Girl he prerended to love was tiie only
Darling of the gjod old People ; for tac Father fur-
row'd the Surface of the E.'.rtli, and ciiofe ratner to
fell than to eat liis bercer Sort of Provilion, in order
lu augment and increife i.er Portion. Tiie old Far-
mer tnought he had belto'.v'd .lis L ibour to a good
Ptirpofe, lince he had met with a blelt Opportuni-
ty, wherein he ibould add Gentility to his Daugh-
ter's Riches. O ! the Slaughter 01 Pigs Gceie and
Capon, which, as to fome idol, were lucriliced daily
to procure our Adventurer's Favour. As he was
not fpiring of his Food, fo was he liberal enough
in fending for vVii-,e, waicn he did to the Q^jantity of
fix Bottles at a time ; fo that tne old M.in w.i:- brought
to tills P..is, that he car'd not whether he fpent his
Ellate on Rum'oolii or gave it him ; and the Daughter
was lo pie.is'd with tne Perion and Embraces of our
Adventurer, that above all other Satisfidions in the
World Ihe lov'd his Company tlie bell. The Endear-
ments F.umboLi and the Daughter had together are
inexpreffible, and the old Parents were never more
pleas'd than when they faw them together, which
gave our Adventurer more Opportunities of being
with his Mhtrci; than he could reaion: bly hope for or
exped. Rutnbold^i main Deiign was to hft the young
Woman in relation to the Quantity of ivioney her Fa-
ther had, and wneie it lay. She told him that heiiad
Bot above five Pounds in the Houte, Itaving two or
30
three Days pall laid out all his ready Money in a
Purchalc. This was no ihiall Mo,-.:lication to our
Gtnlieman, who thought it Labour lo:< to ilay any
longer, when he could not glean tiie lather's Har-
veit, the' he had cropt the Mother's Labour, and fo
refolv'd to be going, but not without on'- folemn
Night's taking Leave cf her. Tlie Night being come,
Ihe purpolely ihid up till all the relt were gor.e to
Bed. But FortJne now had a Mind to play oar Ad-
venturer an ill Turn; for lie and his IVliuieis being
too imprudently hal'ty in the Kitchen, both of them
ftumbicd agaimt two Barrels piled one on the other,
and tell, and bom were fo en:aiigied that they could
not diicng.'ge themii-lves lb loon, but that her Father
came oat crying — In the Name of Goodnefs what
is the Matter ? And groping ..bout, caught Rumbold
by the n.»ked Breech. Seeing there was no Remedy,
he uelu'd iiiiii to be filent, and not fpread his Daugh-
ter's Diigrace ; if io, he would fhortly make her a
Recompence. The old Man was very much per-
plex'd, and couid not forbear telling his Wife of what
nad pall. They both cry'd out, that tiieir Daughter
wa-, undone ; and the Danghter was in the fame '1 one
unlefs Rumbold would marry her.
Rumbold, to colour the Matter, ilay'd about three
or four Days longer, and at lall march 'd off incognito,
lending her twenty Pieces of Gold, and a Copy of
Veries, which, as too plain and pertinent to the Ivveet
Tre.'.tment that had pals'd between them, we lliall at
prelent here omit.
Rumbold taking his Leave thus abruptly of the
Farmer and his loving Daughter, rode a long Time,
but met with no Body vvcrtny ^f his Notice : Being
weary, he ftruck into an inn, and by the i ime he
had thoroughly refrelh'd himfelf, the i,yening began
to approach. Upon this r.e uiouiited, ai.d lo put on.
Pafllng by a fmail Coppice in a Bottom bawten two
Hills, a Qentleman (.0 our Adventurer lu^^poj'd hin.)
well armed, and h.aidlomcly .iccoutred, uaited out
upon him, and bid him deliver inftantly. Kumbold
hearing him la) fo, told him, if he would but iiav«
Patience he would, .^nd with that drew out a Pocicet-
pillol, .md fir'd at him witnout doing any Execution^
\i you are for a little Sport, rcply'u the Gentleman,
Til Ihew )ou fome iniLnti) ; w Hereupon drawing a
Phiol he Ihot our Adventurer into the Leg ; naving
fo done, with nib Sword, that hung ready at his
Wriil, he neatly cut at one Blow the Reins oi Rum-
bold\ Bridle, fo that he was not able to manage his
Horfe ; but ne being good at Command, and ufed to
the Charge, he gave aim to unuerlLnd >vita the wind-
ing cf his Body what he was to do. Come, Sir,
faid the Adversary, have you enougli yet ? In Faith,
Sir, anfwer'd our Adventurer, Til e.xcnange but one
Pillol more, and if that proves unluccefsfui, I'll then
inbmit to your Mercy. Lpon this he fuot but mils'd
his Mark, however he kill'd his Horfe, widen in.
llantly fell. The Gentleman, notwithllanding this
Lofs, was fo nimbie, that, before Rumbold could
think what to do, he had (heathtd his Swora in his
Horie's Belly, which ni..de oar Adventnrer come
tumbling down too. Ciice niore, laid n.y Ant-:go-
nift, we are upon equal 'i erms, anc fince the Obitu-
rity of the Place gi\ es us Freedom, ict us try our
Cour.age, one mult fall : And upon t.i.it with his
Sword, which wis made for Cut and Thri.d, he m..de
a full Pais at h'.s Body, but i.e putting it b/, clo.ed
in with him, and upon the Hug thiew iiim wu. much
F'acility. Our Advent .icr was furj.riz'd at fnl,
vvJiich he needed not ...ve done, fi.nce hisN^ure
{as he underllooc .afterwarcs) was fo prone to it.
Having him down. Sir, faiu .le, I Ihall teach you for
the future to be careful on whon. )0u fee ; where-
fore aow yield, Sir, or I fliall compel you. With
G g piuca
iif4
'A Gem'ral History of
much ReluiElance he did, and ty'd his-Handsand Feet
with Cords he had for that Purpoie, and lb fell to
rifling him. Unbuttoning his Coat to find if tlieic
was no Gold quilted therein, he wonder'dto fee a
Pair of Breads fo unexpeftedly greater and Vvliiter
than any Man's ; but being intent upon his Bufinefs,
his Amazement foon vanilh'd out of his Tlioughts.
Coming, after this, to his Breeches, which he laid
open, his curious Search omitted not any Place, in
which he might fufpeft the Concealment of Money ;
at laft, offering to remove his Shirt from between
his Legs, he fuddenly cry'd out, and ftiove to lay
his Hand there, but could not. 1 befeech you.
Sir, to be civil, laid he. Rumbold imagined that
fome notable Treafure lay conceal'd there, and there-
fore he puird away his Shirt, {alias Smock) and
found himfelf not much millaken.
This unexpefted Sight fo furpriz'd him, that he
look'd as if he had been converted into a Statue by
the Head of fome Gorgon ; but after a little Paufe
he haftily unbound her, and taking her into his
Arms, faid. Pardon me mojl courageous Amazon, for
thus rudely dealing ivith you ; it nxias nothing but Ig-
norance that caufcd this Error, for could my dim-
Jighted Soul have diftinguijh' d luhat you ii.ere, the
great Love and Refpeil I bear your Sex -would have de-
terred me from contending luith you, but I ejleem
this Ignorance of mine as the greatefl Happinefs,
Jince Knovolcdge in this Cafe ivould have deprived
me of the Benefit of knovjing there could be fo much
Valour in a H oman. For your Sake I Jhall for ever
retain a very good Ejieem for the iiorjl of Females.
Here our Adventurer paufed, upon which Ihe begg'd
him not to be too tedious in his Expreflions, nor
pump for eloquent Phr.afes, alledging where they
were, was no proper Place to make Orations in :
But if you will declare yourfelf, faid Joe, let us go
into a Place not far diftant from this, better known
but to few befides myfelf Rumbold approv'd well
of her Advice, and returning what he had taken
from her, foUow'd her through feveral obfcure Paf-
fages, till they came to a Wood, where in a Place
the Sun had not feen fmce the Deluge, Hood an
Houfe. At our firll Approach the Servants were all
in a Hurry who (hould obey Mrs. Virago'% Com-
mands, for they all knew her, being no Strangers
to her Difguife, but wonder'd to fee St. George
and his trully Efquire on Foot, neither durft they
/hew themfelves inquifitive prefently.
After fome fhort Time they were conduced into
a ■vtry fine Apartment, where embracing one ano-
ther, they nit an indiflblvable Tie of Friendfhip. Ha-
vmg refrclh'd themfelves with what theHoule afford-
ed, they began to difcourfe together with the fame
familiarity as if they had been born together. Rum-
hold obferving ]ier Franknefs, prefs'd her to tell him
what Ihe was, and what manner of Life fhe led. Sir,
faidfje, I cannot deny your Requeil, wherefore to
fatisfy you, know I was the Daughter of a S.vord-
cutlcr : in my younger Days my Mother would
J|iave taught me to handle a Needle, but my mar-
tial Spirit gainfaid all Perfuufions to that Purpoie ;
I could never endure to be among Utenfils of the
Kitchen, but fpent moft of my Time in my Father's
Shop, taking wonderful Delight in handling the War-
like Inftruments he made : To take a Sword in my
Hand well mounted and brandifh it, was reckon'd
by me among the chief of my Recreations. Being
about a dozen Years of Age, I ftudied by all Ways
im.iginable how I might make myfelf acquainted with
a Feiicing-Mafter. Time brought my Defires to their
Compliment ; for fuch a one as I wifh'd for acciden-
tally came into my Father's Shop to have his Blade
furbiflied ; and Fortune fo order'd it, there was none
to anfwer but ni)relf. Having given him that Sii-
ti^fai^iion he delircd, tiio' not e,\pcding it from nic,
among oclicr Queitions, I ask'd Inm, whether he
was not a Profelfor of that noble Science .? (for I
guell lb much by Ills Pollures, Looks, and Expref-
lions.) He told me, he w^s a Well-wifher to it. Ll--
ing glad of this Opportunity, defr.ing him to con-
ceal my Intentions, I begg'd tlse Favour of him to
give me feme Inllruftions how I Ihould m.in ige a
Sword. At firit he feem'd am:iz'd at my Propo-
fal ; but perceiving I was in Earneii, he granted my
Petition, allotting me fuch a Time to come to Inra
as was moll convenient. I became fo expert at Back-
fword and Single Rapier in a little Time, that I need-
ed not his Ailillance any longer, my Parents not in
the leaft millrulling any fuch Thing.
I fhall wave what Exploits I did by the Help of
my Difguife, and only tell you, that when I arriv'd
to the Age of fifteen Years, an Inn-keeper married
me, and carried me into the Country. For two
Years we liv'd very peaceably and comfortably to-
gether, but at length the violent and imperious Tem-
per of my Husband made me Ihew my natural Hu-
mour. Once a Week we I'eldom mils'd of a Com-
bat betwixt us, which frequently prov'd fo fli.irp,
that it was a wonder if my Husband c.ime off with
a fingle broken Pate ; by which the g .ping Wounds
of our Difcontents and Differences being not pre-
fently falved up, they became in a manner incura-
ble. I was not much inclin'd to love him, becaule
he was of a mean dalhndly Spirit, and ever h-tcd
that a Dunghill Cock fliould tread a Hen of the*
Game. Being Hinted likewife of Money, my Life
grew altogether comfortlefs, and 1 look'd on my
Condition as infupportable ; wherefore as the only
Remedy or Expedient to mitig.ite my vexatious
Troubles, I contriv'd a way how I might fometimes
take a Purfe. 1 judged this Refolution late enough,
if I were not taken in the yery Faft, ibr who couid
fufpett me to be a Robber, wearing Abroad Mens
Apparel upon fuch Defigns, but at Home tiiat which
was more agreeable and fuitable to my Sex ; befides
no one could have better Encouragement and Con
veniency than myfelf, for, keeping an Inn, who is
more proper to have in Cuilody what Charge my
Guells brought into my Houfe than myfelt i or if
committed to my Husband's Tutelage, I could
not fail to inform myfelf of the Richnefs of the
Booty : Befides, the Landlady is the Perfon whofe
Company is molt delircd, before whom they are no
ways fciupulous to relate which way they are a go-
ing, and frequently what the Affair was tiiac led
them that Way.
Courage, I knew, I wanted not (be you my im-
partial Judge, Sir) what then couid hinder me from
being luccclsful in fuch an Enterprize ? Being thus
refolv'd, I foon provided my necefiary Habiliments
for thele my Contrivances, and never mit(:arried in
any of them till now : Inltead of riding to Market,
or travelling five or fix Miies about fuch a Bufinefsi
(the ufual Pretences with which I blinded my Huf-
band) i would, when out of Sight, take a contrary
Road to this Houfe (in which \\c now are) and mC'
tamorphofe myfelf, and being fitted at all Points-,
pad incontroulably, coming off always vidorioufly.
Not long fince my Husband k'.d about one hundred
Pounds due to him about feme twenty Miles from
his Habitation, and dcfign'd fuch a Day for receiv-
ing it. Gild I was to hear of this, refolvingnow
to be reveng'd on- him f()r all thole Injuries and
churlilh Outrages he kid committed againil me:
I knew very well which Way he went, and under-
flood the Time of his coming Home : Upo«i
which X Way-laid him at his Return j and fortu-
nately.
Pyrntesj Highwayme?!^ Murderers^ 6Cc.
115
latelv, as I would have it, he did not make me
vait above three Houri for him.
I let him pals by me, kniiWing that by the Swiftnefs
if my Horle I coa'd "eahly overtake liim ; and lb
did, riding witn him a Mile or two before I cou'd
o my intended Bjiinei's. At laft looking about me,
faw tlie CojII cle.ir on every Side, wiierefore riding
p dolt; to him, and taking hold on iiis Bridle, I
lapt a Piitol to nis Breaft, commanding him to de-
ver, or iie was a dead Man. This nnperious Don
reing Death before nis Face, had like to have iav'd
le the L-ibu.ir, by dying voluntarily witnout Com-
ulfion, and fo amaz'd was he at !iii being fo iud-
jnly i'urpriz'd, that he look'd like an Apparition,
• one lately riien from the Dead. Sirrah, faid 1,
■ expiditious ; but a dead Pally had ib ieiz'd every
irt of him, that his Eyes were incapable of dired-
g his Hjndi to his. Pockets ; but I foon recall'd
s Spirits by two or three Blows with the Flat of
y Sword, wiiich fo awaken'd him out of the deep
;tiurgy he was in, that, with much Submiffion,
deliver'd all his Money. After I had dilmount-
h;m, and cut the Reins of hi> Bridle and Girts,
juiited him ib foundly, tiil I hud made almoll Jelly
his Bones, and Egyptian Mummy of hii Flelli.
iw you Rogue, faid I, I am even ivith you, have a
re the next time hoiv you ftrike a Woynan, (your
■fc I mean) for none but fuch as dare not fight a
2n will lift up his Hand againjl the -weaker Veffcl.
IV you fee ivhat it is to provoke them, for if irri-
ed too much, they are rejiUfs till they accompUjh
ir Revenge to Satisfacfion ; / ha-ue a good Mind
end your ivicked C'lurfes tviih your Life, inhuman
■let, but that I am loth to be hang d for nothing, 1
in for fuch a tvortl-lefs Man. Fareivel, this Mo-
ji. :ill fert'C me to purchafe Wine tt drink Healths ta
C-jnfiifion of fuch rafcally and mean-fpirited Things.
d lo i Icll liim.
)he was ubout to proceed on fercher with her Ren-
.nters ..nd lixploils, when Word was brought her
that two Gentlemen beiow delircd to fpeak with
; and .Q begging our Adventurer's Excufe, fhe
at down, and in a little Time return'd with them :
; made an Apology to me for doing ib, adding,
t It ihe I'Sd con.n.itted a Crime herein, my future
owltdge of ttiofe Perfons wou'd extenuate it :
their etFemin.ite Countenances I cou'd not mils
udgiiiw who tiiey were, I mean Fem;iles.
,;s vViKit tne female Warrior had advanc'd was too
e, for having difcourfed to her fome time, Rum-
fjfygrevv lb utll-plei^'d with his new Acquaintance,
t he reioiv'd to fpcnd lome Time in their Con-
fation ;:nd Company. At the Time of going to
o 1 they were all condufted into one Chamber, where
:sj 3 Beds v^ere ; but what Satisfaftion they enjoy 'd
re, we leave to the Thoughts of our candid
.iders, who, we hof>e, can conftrue as well as we.
ihie, our Adventurer riling betimes in the Morn-
, and finding his three Females fall afleep, exa-
I'd the Pockets of the two laft, out of which
ing a dozen Guineas, the very Sum he had re-
n'd to tiie firft, he got his Horfe, and rode oiF.
Rumbold having a long time oblerv'd a Goldfmith
Loabard-Si eet to be very intent in counting fe-
al Bags of Money, was refolved to have a Share
of fome of them ; but, hovmg tried feveral Ef-
, ftil! came off dlfappoi.ited. He had feveral
igs about him which he had got by robbing,
; of which had a very fine Diamond fet in it.
incy being wanting, and lb many Difappointments
fling his Defires, he went to the Goldlmith's to
him the Ring, in Company with a Serv;int he
)t. On cntring the Shop, he pull'd the Ring
his Finger, and afic'd him what it was worth ? Tiie
Ufinith looking on him, and then on the Ring,
hoping to make the Ring his own for a fmall Mat-
ter ; and feeing our Adventurer (who had dilguis'd
himfelf in a plain Country Drels) believ'd that he
had little Skill in Diamonds, and that this came ac-
cidentally into his Pofleifion, and that he might pur-
chafe it very eafily, wnerefore being doubtful what to
anfwer as to the Price, told the Countryman that the
Worth of it was uncertain, for he could not direftly
tell whether it v/as a right or a counterfeit One. As
for that, laid our pretended Countryman, I believe it
is a right One, and dare warrant it ; and indeed I
intend to fell it, and therefore would know what you
intend to give me for it. Truly, reply'd the Gold-
fmith, it may be worth ten Pounds ; yes, and more
Money, faid tiie Countryman ; not much more, an-
fwered the Goldlmitn, for look you here, faid he,
here is a Ring, which I will wamant is much better
than your's, and I will alio warrant it to be a good
Diamond, and I will fell it you for twenty Pounds.
This the Goldfmitii faid fuppofing that the Coun-
tryman, who eame to lell, had no Skill, Inclination,
or Money to bu) ; but our pretended Countryman
believing that tkeGoldlmith only laid this, tliinking
to draw him on to part with his own Ring the more
eafily, and by that IVIeans cheat him, relolved if he
could to be too wife for the Goldfmith, wherefore
taking bot!. tne Rings into his Hands through a Pre-
tence o( comparing tnein rngether, he thus faid, I am
lure mine is a right Diamond, and ib is mine replied
the Golufmith, and faid the Countryman ftiall I Ji.ave
it for twenty Pound ? yes, replied the Goldfmith :
But faid he, 1 fuppole you came to fell and not to buy;
and fince you ihall fee I will be a good Cuiiomer, I
will give you fifteen Pounds for yours : Nay, replied
the Countryman, fince I have tne Choice to buy or
fell, I will never refufe a good Pennyworth, as I
think this is, therefore mailer Goldfmith I will keep
my own, and give you Money for your's, where is
it, laid the Goldimith hailily ? and endeavouring then
to feize on his Ring, hold a Blow there faid Rumbold,
here's your Money, but the Ring I will keep : The
Goldfmith feeing himfelf thus caught, fluttered and
flounced like a Madman,, and Rumbold pulling out a
little Purfe, told down twenty Pieces of Gold, and
faid, here Shopkeeper, here's your Money, but I
hope you will allow me eighteen Pence a Piece in
E.xchange for my Gold. Tell not me of Exchange,
but give me my Ring, faid the Goldfmith. It is
mine, faid the Countryman, I have bought it, and
paid for it, and have Witnefs of my Bargain. AH
tills would not lerve the Goldfmith's Turn, but he
curs'd and fwore that Rumbold, the pretended Coun-
tryman, came to cheat him, and his Ring he would
have, and at the Noife feveral People came about the
Shop, but he was lo perplex'd that he could not tell
his Tale, and at length a Conllable came, and altho'
the Goldfmith knew not to what Purpofe, yet before
a Juliice he would go. Rumbold ktml' A content, and
therefore before a Juliice they went together; when
they came there, tne Goldfmith, who was the Plan-
tiff, began his Tale, and faid, that the Countryman
had taken a Diamond Ring from him worth one hun-
dred Pounds, and would give him but twenty Pounds
for it. Have a Care, replied Rumbold,fo'c if you charge
me with taking a King from you, I fuppofe that is
ftcaling, and it you fay fo, I Ihall vex you more than
I have yet done ; and then he told the Juliice the
whole Story as here related, which wa- then a very
plain Cafe, and for Proof of the Mi'.cer, our pre-
tended Country Gentleman's Man vis a Witnefs.
The Goldfmith hearing this, alledged, that he be-
lieved the Conntr)' Gentleman and his Man were both
Impofiors and Cheats. To this our Adventurer re-
ply'd as before, that he had bell have a Care he did
not make his Cafe worfe, and bring an old Houfe over
his
!16
A General H i s t o r y of
his Head by flandering him thus ; for it was well
known that he was a Gentleman of Three Hundred
Pounds per Annum, and lived at a Place not above
twenty Miles from London, and that he being delirous
to fell a Ring, came to his Shop for that Purpose, but
he would have cheated him, but it prov'd that he only
made a Rod for his own Breech, and what he iiitend-
«d to him was fallen upon himfelf : Thus uid our Ad-
venturer make good his Cafe and the Jultice feeing
there was no Injuftice done, diimifs'd nim, but or-
der'd that his Neighbour the Goldfmith (houid have
the twenty Pieces of Gold for twenty Pound, though
they were worth more in Exchange, and this was all
the Satisfaction he had.
Rumbold had a mighty itching after the Goldfmith's
Money in Lombard-Street ; he would not pafs thro'
that Street, and hear thote Tradefmen telling their
Sums, but his Hands longed to be feeling of them.
He had a Boy that conllantly attended nim, who,
every Time his Mafter had a Mind to make fome
Advantage to himfelf, went into a Goldfniitr.''i Shop,
took up an handful of Money, and then letting it all
fall down on the Counter, ran out. Once on a
Time this Boy performed this Trick, the Servants
in the Shop ran;{iter him, and taxed him with fte^Jing
fome of the Money. Rumbold, who always vindica-
ted his Younglter, bid theni take Care what they
faid, and pofitively affirm'd that his Boy had not ta-
ken a Farthijig, and muft be fo plain with them, as
to tell them, that the Goldlraith ihould pay for it.
Hereupon they fell to hot Words, and the Gold-
finith calling our Adventurer a Ihirking Fellow, faid,
he would h; ve both him and the Boy fent to Neiv-
gate for robbing him, and that in Conclufion, he muft,
and (hould pay for it. At firft our Adventurer defired
to know with what Sum they pretended to charge the
Boy ; they faid they knew not, but that he had taken
Money from a Heap they were telling, and which
was a hundred Pounds.
.Raw^o/*/ hearing them fay thus, told them, that he
would Hay the telling of it, and then they might
judge who had the Abufe. They were content with
It, and accordingly went to telling Half an Hour
had difpatch'd tfiat M.'tter, and then they found all
their Money was right to a Farthing ; the Goldfmith
feeing this, alk'd our Adventurer's Pardon for the
Affront they had done him, faying it was a Miftake.
Rumbold anfwered to this, that he mull pay for his
prating ; and that being a Perfon of Quality, he would
not put up with the Affront, and that he mull e.xpeft
to hear further from him. The Goldfmith feeing
our Adventurer hot, was as cholerick as he, and fo
they parted for that Time. Rumbold, the next Day
got the Goldftnith to be arrefted in an Aflion of De-
tamation, and the Serjeaat who arrefted him being
well feed by our Adventurer, told the Goldfmith,
that he had better by far compound the Matter, for
the Gentleman he had injured was a Perfon of Qua-
lity, and would not put it up, but make him pay
foundly for it, if he proceeded any farther. The
Goldfmith being defirous of Quiet, hearkened to his
Counfel, and agreed to give ten Pounds ; but that
would not be taten, but twenty Pounds was given to
our Adventurer, and fo the Bufinefs was made up
for the prefent.
Rumbold having got fome of the Goldfmith's Mo-
ney, was determined to have more, or venture hard
for it ; wherefore having again given inftrudions to
his Boy what to do, he made feveral Journeys to the
Goldfmith's, walking by his Door to watch an Op-
portunity ; at length he found one ; for feeing the
Servants telling a confiderable Quantity of Gold, he
gave the Sign to the Boy, who prefently went in, and
dapping his Hand on the Heap, took up. and brought
away a full Handful, and coming to his M.^fter, gm
it him : neither did the Boy make lo much H.Ule oi
the Shop, but that he could iie:ir a Stranger who w.
ill the Shop receiving of Money, f;y to cue Apprei
tice. Why do not you fiop the Boy ? No, laid the A|
prentice, / do not menn it, I hno-M him iL-ell enou^
my Mafier faid Sauce tately for flopping of him ; m
fo they continued telling of their Mune/.
Rumbold hemg intim.itcly acquainted with a ]e\
eller m Foftcr-Lane, whom he uften helped to tl
Sile of Rings and Jeutif, wliich made his Crec
good with him, went one 1 ime into his Work-Roor
and chancing to i'py a very rich Jewel, h.e told hii
that he could help him to tlie Side thereof My L.u
fuch a one having fpoke to me, laid ne, abojt I'ui
a Thing. The Jeweller, gljd of tiie Opportunit
delivered it to our Adventurer at fuch a Price to |i
for him. But Rumbold only carried it to anoth
Workman, to have anotlier made like it with cou
terfeit Stones. Before he went, he alk'd if the Li
diflik'd it, whether he might leive it with his W
or Servant : Ay, ay, fays ne, either will be iufficiei
Rumbold was forced to watch a whole Day to lee wh
he went out, and being gone, p;e'.erit'y went to t
Shop, and enquired of tiie Wife for her H.iftj.nd, 1
anfwered him that he w-'S but jjft gone. Well, iV
d3m, fiid he, ycu can do my Bu. ntf as well as I
'tis only to deliver thei'e Stones into your Cultoc
and fo he went hib w:'y.
Not long af er, Rumbold met the Jcv. eller in I
Street with diirile.hng Looks, Sir, faid he, I thouj
a Friend woula not have ferved me fo, but our
venturer deiiy'd it ftifly; whereupon he was v(
angry, and told him he would profecutc hira. Ru
hold I'eem'd not to v::lue his Threats, and io left hi
Rumbold was not gone m my Paces before he iiict w
a Friend, who complain'd to him, that he had Io;
very valuable Locket of his Wife's, it being llo
from her. Rumbold was glad to heir of fuch a C
cumilance that had fallen out fo favourably to hisp
fent Purpofe, he alk'd him to give him a Defcript
of it, which he did punctually. Now, {\iid Rumbi.
what will you give me, if 1 tell you where it is. A
thing in Reafon. Then go to fuch a Shop in Foft
Lane, (the fame Shop where he had cheated the IV
of his Ring) and there alk'd peremptorily for it, fc
was there at fuch a Time, and fiw it ; nay he wo
have had me help'd him to a Cuftomer for it : M'
Time, I'll ftay at the Star Tavern for you. Av
he went and denrnded his Locket. The Jeweller
ny'd he had any fuch Thing (as well he might.) Uj
this, Rumbold adviled him to have a Warnint
him, and to fetch him before a Jultice of the Pen
and that he, and the Perfon who was with h
would fwear it. The Goldfmith was inllantly fei'
on by a Conftable, and as foon as he law who ti
were that would fwear againll him, deiired the G
tleman to drink a GLifs of Wine, and then ordi
him Satisfuftion. But Rumbold had fo oidcied
Bufinefs that it would not be taken, unlefs he wo
give all three general Releafes. The Goldfnrj
knowing the Danger that might enfue to Life
Eftate if he peifiiled, confented to the Propofal
Rumbold walking one time in the Fields with:
Attendant or two, who Ihould be conltantly bare
fore him, if in Company with any Perfon of Qui'
but otherwife, kind Fellow ivell met : He was go
fir as Hackney befuie he knew he was, for
Thoughts weie bulied in f jrming Defigns, and
Wit was contriving how tc put them into Execut
Cafting his Eye on one Side of him, he faw the p(
tieft built and well fituated Houfe that ever his
beheld. He had immediately a covetous Defire ti
Mailer thereof; he was tlien, m Fortune wc
I
Pyratssy High'wajmefiy Ahrderersy &€.
have it in very handfome Drefs. He walk'd but a
little Way Erther before he found out a Plot to ac
complith his Defires ; and thus it was : He return'd
and l^nock'd at tlie Gate, and demanded of the Ser-
vant vvlietiicr his Mailer was withni ? He underllood
he was, and thereupon delir'd to fpeak with him.
The Gentleman came out to him himfelf, and de-
fir'd him to walk in. After Rumbold had made a
general Apology, he told him his Bufmefs, which was
. only to reqaclt tiie F^.vour of him, that he mignt
have the Privilege to bring a WorKman to furvey his
Home, and to take his Jjimenfions tnereof, becaufe
he w.is fo well pleas'd witii the Building, that he
carneilly deiir'd to h. v>.' another built exaftly after the
Ume Pattern. The Gentleman could du no lefs than
gr.mt him fo much Civility. Coming liome, ne
wc.it to a Carpenter, telling him he was about buy-
ing a Houle at Hackney, and that he would have
mg a nouie at nacuney, ana cnac ne wouia nave ""u«u iciurii, tiumooia repaired to him again, and
him go along with him, to give him (in private) the underftood from him by tlie Sequel, tnat he had re-
117
rowed. Upon this he went to the Scrivener agsin,
and told him that uo.v he had a f-ir Opportunity of
benefiting nimlelf very much by a Purciiaie, pro-
vided he wou'd afliit him with two hundred Pounds
more: But, Sir, faU he, take Notice (,n .. c^relcfs
and generous franKiie.:) that it is out ol a p.irti-
cular Kegard and Kefpett to you tiiat you might nave
profit by me, that 1 come again, neither wu. i give
you any other Security than my own Bond, tno'
1 did otherwife before ; but if you will be iatisfy'd
as to my filiate, pray let your Servant go to luch
a Place in Surrey, there is a Piece of Gold to bear
his Charges, and I will fati fy you farti.er for the
tne Lois ot lime occalion'd by iendin^ him. He
being very greedy of Gain, very officiouflv promiled
to GO wnat I reqair'd, and would ipeedliy give me
an Aniwer. Imagi:.ing what Time his servant
would return, Rumbold repaired to him again, and
Eftimate. Accordingly they went and found the
Gentleman at Home ; who entertain'd our Adven-
turer kindly as a Stranger. In the mean lime the
Carpenter took an e.xadl Account of the Buts and
Bounds of the Houfe on Paper, which was as much
as he defired at that Time.
Paying tne Carpenter well, he difmifs'd him, and
ceiv'd as much Satisfaction as in Re.ilon any iA^n
wou'd defire. Upon tnis he procured the trt o Iwn-
dred Pounds upon his own Bond ; wnich was accord-
ingly paid liim.
kumbdd lupported himfelf by thefe Cheats a con-
fiderable Time, tno' unlike hi. Companions, he was
never known to be very extravugmt. He h..d a-
by tliPt Paper had a Lede drawn .vith a very great mailed togetner a matter of eignt hundred Pounds
Fine (mentioned to have been p^id) at a fmall Rent, clear, and relo.vnig to leave off m Time, put the
'W'itni.iies he could pot want to his Deed ; and Ihort- Money into the hand of a B inker a Friena of his
ly after he demanded Pofleffion. The Gentleinan
thin'.ing our Advenurer- put of his Wit^, only
laugii'd at him. /?«//;^o/<!' commenced a Suit of Law
ag^unit nini, and produc'd his Creatures to Iwear to
hii italing and Delivery of tiie Leaie, and the Car-
penter's Evidence, witn ra iny othtr prob ble Circuir.-
it-nces to corroborate his C iufe ; whereupon lie had
a \ crdifl. . The Gentleman by this Time under-
fianding who our Adventurer was, thought it fafer
to con^pound with him, and lofe lometning rather
than all
m order to live the Remainder of his Days com-
fortably on the Interell tnereof; he had tlie Morti-
fication, within a Month or two, to hear that his
Truftee was marcn'd off not only with His Money
but a great many thouiand Pounds more of otner
Peoples ; ia tnat being reduc'd to an impoverilh'd
State, he was forc'd, tno' iomewnat againlt his In-
chnation, to betake himlblf ag ,in to Ids former ir-
regular Courfes, feveral merry Pranks of whom the
Sequel will loon diicover.
Rumbold having a Delign of robbing a Gentleman's
Another Time putting on one of the beft Suits of Houle near Uxbiidge, put up at an Inn in that Town
Cloaths he had, he went to a Scrivener in Bo^u-tane, j" order, on tiie firli: Opportunity, to put his Scheme
anu acqu.-.ujteri . him how i.e had a prelent Occ:'fion in practice. Several Companies were in the Houfe
for an hunJred Pounds. He demanded the IS'ames
of hi.-, •"•cciinties. Rumbold li-AA him where the) liv'd,
being feiions of eminent Worth, (but our Adven-
turer knew t.i'.ey were out of Town at that Junc-
ture) and defiv'd to make Enquiry, but to be pri-
vate .n ni;;n.'.ging of it. The. Scrivener accordingly
went as he iu-A Oelired him, and, found them by Re-
port to be what they were, really able and luffici-
ent Men. Two or three Days after Rumbold call'd
upon him to know wiiether he might have the
Money upon the Security propounded? He told
him that he might on bringing the Perfons, and
iix'd a Day for meeting. According to the Day
he came with two of his Accomplices, drefs'd like
rich Citizens, who perfonated fuch Perfons to the
Life, that the Scrivener could not entertain the leaft
and lodg'd there; and it being the 1 ime of long
Niglus, much of that tedious lime was ipent in
C-aimng and merry C<3nverlation with one another.
All Companies join'd with Paltime ; but it growing
late, tiiey that were weary and fleepy dropp'd a°
way to Bed; among the relC, a Man who had a
very liandlome Wife went to Bed, and his Lodg-
ing was m a Chamber where there was another
Bed. The Man being in Bed laid his Wearing-
Cloaths upon him, and putting out tiie Candle went
to fleep. A little Time after our Adventurer, who
was to he in the Bed in the fame Chamber, came
up, and walking about, a Conceit came mto his
Head, that it was probable he might have a She-
beatellow. and in order thereto he tnus carry'd on his
put off his own Cloatns, and laid
Device ; he
Sufpicion. The Money being ready, he told it over, thein very orderly on the Bed where the Man was
and put it into a Bag; upon which our Aaventu'r- afleep, firtl taking off thofeofhis Chunber-fellows
,er and hit infignificant Bonds-men fealed the Wri
ting, leaving the Scrivener to anothi;r Enquiry after
them, whom, if he did not mean, 'twas very con-
fidently to be believ'd that he could never find them,
by realbn of the feveral Names they v;ent by. It
dianced that Rumbold\ forged Name was the fame
with that of a Gentleman's in Surrey, who was a
freat Purchafer, which our Aaventurer came to
now by being accidentally in his Company the
next N ight after he had cheated the credulous Scri-
vener, unaerlhnding likewiie the ex:!ct Place of his
Abode, and as the D 1 would h;.ve it his Chri-
ftian Name was the Lume as well as his Sirname
with that of our Adventurer's, wjjcli he had bor-
7,1
and when he had done, he very f;iriy Ipread them
on the Bed he was to lie in ; and having done taus,
he went to Bed and put out his Candle, and c^peft-
ing the Event, v/hich fell out according to his Hopes,
for not long afier up came the V/oman intending
to go to Bed to her Husband, undrefs'd herfelf, and
feeing, and very well knowing iier Husbmd's Cloaths,
be.icViiig that to be a fufficient Sign of her husband's
being tiiere, not looking on the Face, whicn was
p.rpol'ely hid;^ Ihe put o»Jt the Candle and went to
Bed to our Adventurer ; who altho' he pretended to
be thfen afleep, yet lie did her Right before Morn-
ing, for fhe Hill fuppofing it was her Husband, gave
Jum free Liberty to do v/hr,t he would. Her Bed-
H h fellow.
ii'8
A General History
»/
fellow, tho' lie 'had taken mijch Pains, and was
vve.iry, yet to'.vards Morning, conlldering that it" this
Mattt:r was dil'cover'd, lie might have lower Sauce
to his iWtt Meat, ■ Ihidied and contrived how to
come otFas well as he had come on, and therefore
turning to his Bedfellow and kiifing her, l^c. as a
Fareuel, he, pretending to rife and make Water,
went out of the Bed ; he foon found his Way to
his Chamber-fellow's Bed-fide, and there took off
his Cloaths, drefs'd hirnfelf and departed. The Wo-
man niiifing her Bedfellow, whom all the while
file had took for her Husband, wonder'd much what
was become him, and by and Ifudied in great Con-
fufion without knowing either what to do or fay ;
at lengtii Ihe begm to miilrudt we had wrong'd her
Bediellow, efpecially when Ihe began to confider
with iicrl'eif that her Husband was not wont to be
fo kind : Wnen fhe was partly fenfible of the Mif-
take, fhe could not tell how to think of a Remedy ;
if fhe fhoulu arife and go into the other Bed, ihe
might chance to be miftaken again ; and therefore
in this Confufion ftie knew not what to do. While
fhe was in tliefe Thoughts, a Maid with a Candle
appear'd, who pafling through the Room, gave her
a clear View that her Husband was in the other
Bed J accordingly Ihe refolv'd to take her Cloaths
and go to Bed to her Husband j but he who had
flcpt hard all Night, was now awaken'd with the
Isioile of the Maid's paffing through the Chamber,
and tlierefore he crept out of Bed, and felt for a
Chamber-pot ; at length having found one, and us'd
it, and going to return to Bed where had lain, his
Wife tiien took the Opportunity to call to him, fay-
mg. My Dear, 'whithcr are you going ? Tf ou mijlake
your Bed. No, Jure, laid the Man, Where are you?
Here, reply'd ihe. He hearing her Voice, loon
found out where Ihe was, but could not prefently
be perluaded that he had lain there all Night. You
ft/all fee that by and by, faid fhe, luhen you can fee
your Cloaths on this Bed, If it be fo, then you are
in the right, aniwer'd he. In fine, getting him to
fleep again, fhe, in the Interim, got his Cloaths laid
on the Bed : and Day-hght coming on, and he feeing
them there, was fatisfy'd. Thus was this Chrijlmas
Adventure ended. She, towards one in the Morn-
ing, made great Enquiry after her Bedfellow, but no
'I'ldings could be given of him.
Another time Rumbold coming early one Morning
to an Inn in the Country, called for a Flaggon of
Beer, and defir'd a private Room, for, faid he, I
have Company coming to me, and we have Bufinefs
together. The TapUer accordingly fhews him a
Room, and brings him a Flaggon of Beer, and with
it a Silver Cup worth three Pounds. Rumbold drank
off his Beer, and call'd for another Flaggon, and
at the fame time defir'd the Landlord to bear him
Company. The Landlord feeing him alone, fat and
talk'd with him about State Affairs till they were
both weary, and tlie Landlord was ready to leave
him. JFell, faid our Adventurer, I fee my Company
ivill not come, and therefore 1 ivill not fay any long-
er. Neither did he ; but having drank up his
Beer, he call'd to pay : Fourpencc, iaid the Tapller ;
There it is, anfwer'd our Adventurer, laying it down,
and fo he went out of the Room. The Tapller ftaid
behind to bring away the Flaggon and Silver Cup;
yet tho' he found the Flaggon, the Cup was not to
be found ; wherefore running hallily out of the
Room, he cry'd, Stop the Man. Rumbold v.d.s not
in I'uch iialte but that he quickly llopt of himfelf ;
he was not quite gone out of the Doors, and there-
fore foon return'?, to the Bar ; where when he was
come : H'eH, faid he, ivhat is the Matter F What
luould you hwiie ? The Cup, anfwer'd the Tapller,
Room, replv'd
ti.e Tr'piier j
that I brought you. I left it in the
Rumbold, 1 cannct fir.d it, aniwci'd
•and at this Noiie tr.e Landlord appear'd, who lieiir-
ing what was the Mattel-, faid, / am fire tie Cup
•was there hut jujl no-M,. for I drank cut of it. Ay,
and it is there for ine, reply'd our Adventurer.
Liok then farther, faid ti'-e Li.ndlord. Tiie Taplicr
did fo, but neither high nor low could he find the
Cup. Well then faid the Landlord, if it -he gone
you miift pay for it, Countrynictn, for you rr.uft either
ha've it or hioiu of its going, and therefore you mujl
pay for it. Not I indeed, reply'd our Adventurer,
you fee I ha've none of it, 1 ha-ve not been out of
your Houfe, nor no Body has been nj.-ith me, hotv then
can I ha've it ? You may fearch me. 'i he Landlord
immediately caus'd him to be fearch'd, but tntre
was no Cup to be found : However the Landlord
was refolved not to lofe his Cup fo, and therefore he
fent for a Conllable, and charged him with our Ad-
venturer, and threaten'd him with the fullice. All
this would not do, and Rumbold told him, That
threaten d Folks li've long, and if he would go be-
fore a JulHce, he was ready to bear him Company
to him. The Landlord was more and more per-
plex'd at this, and feeing he could not have his
Cup, nor nothing confefs'd, before the Juflice they
went : Wiien they came, the Landlord told the
Story as truly as it was, and our pretended Country-
man made the fame Anfwer there as lie had done be-
fore to the Landlord : The Jullice was perplc.x'd,
not knowing how to do Juflice : Here was a Cup
loll, and Rumbold did not deny but he had it, but
gone it was, and altho' Rvmbold was purfued yet he
aid not fly ; he had no Body with him, and there-
fore it could not be convey'd away by Confedera-
cy ; and for his own Part he had been, and was a-
gain fearched, but no fuch Thing found about him,
and he in all relpei.^s pleaded innocency. This
tho' confider'd and weighed in the Balance- of Juf-
tice, he could not think that our Adventurer had it,
and therefore to commit him would be Iiijuflice :
He confider'd all he cou'd, and was inclin'd to
favour the Countryman, who was altogether a Stran-
ger, and he believed innocent, efpecially when he
confider'd what a kind of Perfoii the Landlord was,
of whofe Life and Converfation he had both heard
and known enough, and caufe him to believe that it
might be poffible that all this might be a Trick of
the Landlord's to cheat our Adventurer, and there-
fore he gave his Judgement, tiiat he did not believe
by the Evidence that was given tlii.t the Country-
man had the Cup, and that he would not commit
him, unlefs the Landlord would lay and fwear point-
blank Felony to his Charge, and of that he defir'd
the Landlord to beware. The Landlord feeing how
the Affair was like to go, faid no more, but that
he left to Mr. Juflice, who being of the Opinon a-
bove-mention'd, dilcharg'd Rumbold, and advfed tne
Landlord to let him hear no more of fuch Mattcn,
and if he couid not feciire his Plate, and know what
Company he had deliver'd it to, then to keep it up,
Tne Landlord thank'd the Jullice for his Advice, and
fo departed, our pretended Countryman going about
his Bufinefs, and he returning Home being heaitily
vex'd at his Lofs, and the Carriage of the v.'hofel
Affair, which was neither for lus Profit nor Ciecit,,
but he was ipic'd to fit down with the Lofs, bein
extremely uiieafy at thinking which wiy hfi ilioul
lofe the Cup. He threw away fome Money'-^^on'ai
Cunning-Man to know what was become of it, bui
all he could tell him was, that he wou d hear of ii
again, and (o he did fliortly after, t'.o' it was to Ml
further Cofl, and to little Purpofe.
He had fome Occafion to go to liie M irl et
Town
Pyratcs, H'igJyjoaymen, M/irckrers, dCc.
Town during the Time of the Afllzes, and tl-*ere
feeing tlie Pnioners brought to their Tryals, among
others he elpied Rumbold, whom he had charged
with the Silver Cup. He enqaired what was his
Crime, and was toid it was for picking of a Poc-
ket. A'^/y, then, faid the Landlord, probably I may
hau- of my Cup again ; and therefore, when the
1 nal was over, and the Priloners^ earned back to
the Goal, he Hc-nt and enquired for our Adventurer,
to whole Prefence he was foon brought. O Lard,
ilafter ! hoiv do you do ? Who thought to have fcen
y;u here? I belie've you have not fiiet ivith fo good
Friends in this Countiy as you did in our loiun of our
'julliee, hut let that pa/s.- Come, let Ui drink together.
Hereupon a Ju^ of Ale was .call'd for and iome To-
bacco, whicn they very lovingly arank off, and fmok'd
together ; wJiich done, f ;id the Landlord to our
Adventurer, / n.vould gladly he refolnid in one Point,
•which I que ft ion not but you can do. I fuppofe you
mean, faid Rumbold, about the old Bufinefs of the
Silver Clip you loji. ■ Tes, faid the Landlord ; and
the lofing of it does not fo much vex me, as the Man-
" beaten me, asd thofe Things we of our Quality
" mull venture : You know the old Proverb, Nothing
" venture, nothing have ; and a faint Hc-.rt never
" won a iair Lady. And wc have thi- other P.overb
" to help us ; Fortune favours the Bald, as it com-
" monly does thoie of our Qualit), .nd ihe did n.e, I
" thank her in that Attempt." A'awco/i/chus delcant-
ed upon Jiis Actions, and the Landlord finding no
likelihood of getting his Cup or any Thing elie ot our
Adventurer, return'd Home.
We ih dl give our Readers now the hft Adventure
of Rumbold which he perform'd upon tl-.is mortal
Stage. It is this :
Our Adventurer in Company with two or three
more Cheats going together, fiv.' a Countryman v,ho
had a Purfe of IVloney in his Hand ; ' t:.cy had ob-
ferv'd him to draw it out to pay for fome Gingerbread
he had bought on the Road ; wherefore ti.c_> clos'd
with him, and endeavour'd to nip his Bung, pick his
Pocket, but could not, for ne knowing iie wa- in a
dangerous Place, and among as dangerous Con;p: uy,
put his Purfe of Money into his Breeches, \.;ncli bm'.g
ner hoiv it ivas loft, and therefore, continued lie, if clole at the Knees, fecur'd it from falling out, and
you vjould do me the Kindnefs to give me Satisfa£2ion
what becam, of it, I do proieft I vjill acquit you
ab.ho' you art diredily guilty. No, that ivill not
(ij, repl\'j Keiiiiho'ui, there is fomenvhat elfe in the
C.i'e. ii-'tll then, ii.\d the L^mdlord, if you ivill tell
me, I v.:ll give you ten Shillings to drink. Ready
hloney does very voetl in a P. ifon, faia our Adven-
turer, and -.xill previil much; but hovj Jhall 1 be
■ifured that you ivill not profecute me, if I Jhould
ijance to be concern d: i'is/- /Aa/, reply 'd the Lmd-
01 d, I can give you no other Warrant than my Oath,
which I luill inviolably keep. Well then, faid
Rumbold, dtivn luith the merry Grigs, let me handle
'he Aioney, and Fll be very true to you, and us
'or your chaiging me ivith it 1 fear you not.
1 he Landlord being big with Expedlation to know
low this clean Conveyance was wrougnt, ibon l.'.id
io«vn t.ie ten SniUings, and t.Hen our Countryman thu .
woceedeii : " I multconlefs that I know which Way
your Cup went, but when you charg'd me with it
I had It not, neither was it out of the koom, and
I miift tell you thu.% .th;.t if you had fought nar-
rowly you might have found it, but it was not ti.ere
fortg airer. We wiic) live by our Wits murt aft by
■Policy more than downrigiit Strength, and tnis c<;n-
not l,e done vvithout Conieoeiv.tcs, and I h;.d fuch
in the Management of this Affair, for I left the Cup
faitnt..! witio fot't Wax under the Middle of the
Board o! the Table where 1 drank ; whicii PLice of
the fi.ble, by realbii it was cover'd with a Cloth,
as you may rtinember it was, it could nor uell be
icen, and therefore )0u and your Servants mifs'd
it : You knov.' that very willingly I went with you
to tfie Juilice ; and whiill we were gone, thofe
Fritnds and Confeder:ues of mine, whom 1 had .ap-
pointed, and v.'ho knew the Room and every thing
elfe, went into the Hoide, and into the f .me Room,
where they found the Silver Cup, and without the
ieail Suipicion went fairly off with it ; and at a
Pl'ice appointed we met, and there acquainted one
another with our Adventures, and what Purchafes
»c h.'.d made ; we equally fhared them between us.
ihe Landlord at the hearing this Difcffurfe was ex-
tremely furpriz'd, altho'' fully fatisfyd ; but yet,
faid he, I would be refolv'd ore Queftion, which
is this ; Kow, if we had found it where you had
put it whillt you were there ? . Why, truly, faid
Rumbold, then you could have charg'd me with
nothing, and I would have put it off with a Jelt ;
arid if ti.at would not have done,the moll you could
have done would liave b^enonK to have kick'dand
I
befdes he was very fly in having any Body come too
near him. Our Prr.ftitioners in ti;c Art of i nieving
feeing this would not do, let their Wits to wording
farther, and having all their Tools ready about them,
taking a convenient Time and PLce, one of them,
goes before and drop, a Letter ; anot.^.er of our Ad-
venturers who had joined himfelf to the Countryman,
feeing it lie fairly for the Purpofe, fays to him. Look
you what is here ? But altho' the Countryman did
floop to take it up, yet our Adventuier was too nim-
ble for him in that, and, liaving it in Hand, faid.
Here is fomevjhat elfe bef.des a Letter : I cry Half,
faid the Countryman. Well, faid RumholA, you ftoop
indeed as ivell as 1, but I have it ; however I will
be fair ivith you, let us fee vjhat it it, and whether it
is luorth the dividing ; and thereupon he breaks open
the Letter, and there fees a fair Chain or Necklace of
Gold. Good Fortune, fays Rumbold, if this be right
Gold. Hovj frail we know that, reply 'd the Country-
man, let us fee what the Letter fays i which being
fliort, and to the Purpofe, fpoke thus :
Brother John,
Have here fent you hack this Necklace of Gold ton
have feat me, not for any Difike I have to it, but
my Wife is covetous, and ivould have a bigger; t is
comes not to above /even Pounds, andjhe would have
one often Pounds, therefore pray get it changed for one
of that Price, and fend it by the Bearer to your kvng
Brother, Jacob Thornton.
Nay then, we have good Luck, faid the cheating
Dog our Adventurer ; but I hope, continued he 10
the Countryman, you will not expeft a full Share, for
you know 1 found it, and belides, if we (hould di%'ide
it, I know not hov/ to break it in Pieces, but I doubt
it would fpoil it, therefore I had rather have my
Share in Money. Well, faid the Countryman, /'//
give you your Share in Pi'loney, provided I may have
a full Share. That you (hall, faid Rumbold, and there-
fore I muft have of you tnree Pounds ten Shillings,
the Price in all being as you fee feven Pounds. Ay,
hut faid the Countryman, [thinking to be too ciinni.igfor
our Adventurer) it may be worth Icven Pound in Mo-
ney Faftiion and all, but we mull not value that, but
only the Gold, therefore I think three Pounds in Mo-
ney i' better than half the Chain, and fo m;.cn I'll
give you if you'll let m.e have it. Wei!, I''^, con-
tented, {.t.\di Rumbold, bat then you fhall gi,. n.e a
Pint of Wine over and above.- To this tht >^o ,>-
tryman alio agreed, and to a Tavern they wtr:-,
wi.eie
iio
A General H i s t o u y of
n i 77 rprciv'd the three Pounds, and the
where ^«'«f»f /^"'JiJ '^ho behev'd he had riien
done with hnn. .ntended to g";y^\°;;"^:,i,h tu'e
from him. offered h.m h s l^"' "^^'^ ' j^^j d,,„k
Countryman accepted "^ ' Jf j.°^° Tribe^ who alkcd
it off, in comes another of the lame i ""'^' ^
wbet'ner f-^ a Man nammg one. we-J^-^^ iV..
fa.d the Bar keeper, i?«^W|^ nd^^^^^^^
£j^r^no;"^^';et^h^M-^
L comes hul>er, for I met h- ^ ^ ^^^^.^^V^^^^^
conunued he, it would be more P-Pej - -.^^ ^t'
ahrgerRoom for we can ^^ -Sg-P-d,
ot C-tras, wmi.li Countryman, and
Kth^ fh:;etund\ome Tools, noi: we may
g'o to work and fpend our Time if y--»^P^^
lot I faid the Countryman, I'll not PW » 'hen 1
win flid J?««W</, but not for Money ' Why th "
Countryman bemg made Overieer °' '' ; ;,^^.e
*n nhvinc and the Countryman s hrlt AcquamwiiLc
Foul -pence ary. )o,v Gaming /?«mioW had,
IK' won of'l^ cJnfeierate ten s'hiUu.gs in Mo-
^ey Tte Loofer feem'd to be angry, and tnevefore
,nd therefore to it they went, and Rumbold^^
gr?tJn£-;rSi-W^
""Z KhTcountryman. You need not play, faid the
ply d the Coun tym ^^^ ^ ^^^^^^^ ^^ ^ j
other ; 1 U J^^ha^'J;^^ ^,, ou know we have both
had Fortune wrchhope'Jll contmue propioous to
ftiU Wei content, laid the Countryman, and
rttvnr^c-dedrftill J^umbold had good Fortune,
S>d he Td he Coumryman won ten S.^lrngs ap.ece
^nre of the other, which made them merry, ana the
other wa extremely enraged ; he t'-efo.e told them
he would ekher w.n the Horfe or lole t.e ^^ddlj' J_
venmrcallnow : and diaw«>s out abo«t thirty biul-
lings, Come, take it all. win it and wear .t, and To
thevplay'd; but tliev had now dr,.wn the Countiy-
manmluihciently, and he was flun,, but >t Idled not
lon<T thus, before he was taken down a Button-nole
lo^v1;r for the Fortune chang'd. and th^t wnat he had
won was loit, and forty SluUmgs more. He w.s now
anorv but to no Purpofe. for he did not ducover their
foul Play; and he, m Hopes of his good Fortune,
ventur'd. and loft the other forty Sl;ilnr,gs and thett
he faid he would go Halves no longer, tor he thought
he would be merry and wife, and it he couid not make
a Winning, he would be lure to make a lecuve Bar-
eain ; whTch he rcckon'd he Ihoula do, bec.ule ahuo
he had loft four Pounds in Money, and giving Kum-,
bold three Pounds for his Share of ti.e Cham, that yet
he ihould make leven Pounds of the Chain, and lo
be no Loler. , r rr j i,»
They feeing he would not play, left off, and he
that had won the Money, was cument to give a Colla-
tion, which was called for ; but i?/.'^;*./^ pretending
much Anger at his Lofs, was relolv d to ventme
more, and to playing again he went, aiidin a Ihor
time he recover-d a gre.t deal of his Loiles This,
vexed the Countryman, that l.e had not join d witlt
him; and in the End, feeing his good Fortune con-
tmue, and that he won, he agam went Halves, but it
was not long that they thrived ;. The ^-O'^ntryman was
obliged to draw his Purie, and in the End loit vl' h>
Money, which was near twenty Pounds. He did nol
thmk his Condition to be fo bad ;s it was, bec.ufe h«
believed he had a Chah. worth *even Pounds in hii
Pocket, and therefore he reckoned he had not lol
all
By this time feveral other Confeder.'.tes (having beei
Abroad, employed on the f .me Account, couzenm;
and cheating of others) came into the I avern. whic,
was the Place appointed for their Rendezvous, tte
they acquainted one another o ti.eir feven Gam I
and Prizes, afterwards fell to drinking, which they di.
very plentifully, and the Countryman lor Anger ca,
led up^he Landlord to make one ot the Company
He (oon underftood what kind of Guefts he had i
his Houfe, and how they had cheated the poor Cour
tryman, and therefore he was relolved to ierve the.
inthel^^e Sort: Accordingly he. put forward
Affair of Dnnkmg ; and fome being hungred, caUf
for Viftuals: he told them he woulu get tiicm wh;
they pleas'd ; and they being dctermm'd to take u
their Quarters there for that Night, a Supper w,
befpok^for all the Company, 'acii as the IvMer .
the Houfe in his Difcretion Ihould think fit: He tO:
them they (houldhave it. and accordingly wentdow
to provide Supper: He foon return d, and hclpe
them off with their Liquor till Supper-t.me ; by tb
Time they were all perfectly drunk ; he then co»
Lnds up Supper, and they tall too with a ShouU
of Mutton and two Capons; they Eat and Dri.
hard, and calls for more, he tells them ; "'"''"»&
But Jhey now having let ftili a s^hhe, were aU fall.
afleep; he makes Ule of this Opportum:y. a,
brmgs up half a Dozen empty foul i^dhes, or at le,
full of Bones of leveral Pov^ls, as Pigeons Partiidg<
Pnealants, and all the Remains of V iduals that b
b en left in the Ho.fe that Diy. which he ftrew
and placed on their Plates. ^"^ 'o '^ft taem. So.
oftiLfleep.ng. and htting "n^afily fed from tr.
Chairs, and lo^vaked thenae ves. undt.x.rCom
ni^n,, bemg thoroughly aw.k'd, they again feU
Lmg and^dri.Kng, fome toinmg over the Bo.;
that were brought, i la, Ho^ came thefi here? i
'l: elUer L'/ / eat a.y /f /'^-^^^ ^"^ l
faid another; upon which the Mafter of the Ho ■
wascMPa, and t.e Q.ueluon wasafkdhun_«
furely, GmtUmen, you ba'^'i forget your^ehes, fam
■sH
' -■^■i^-'-^^^,-
— i--*;KV?^Si^spieK---
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XDaM.yUncl L/iov{'inri^ (9cr/:c/ca?'t
//
y'Lfff77 in . /fM/y
/amnsad - «_Vy
Pyrafes, Highvjajmeu^ Murderers^ SCc.
121
you have Jlept found avd fair indeed, I believe you 'will
forget the Collar of Bi a-ain you had too, that eoft Me
fix Shillings out of my Pocket. Hov.', Braiun, f.-.id
one. Ay, Brawn, anfwer'd the Lordlord, you had
it, and are like to pay for it ; you II remcmler r^othirlg
prefently, this is a fine drunken Bout indeed. So it is,
reply'd one of the Company, fure ive have been in «
Dream, hut it fignifes nothing, my Landlord, you mufl
and Jhall be paid ; give us another Dozen Bottles, and
bring us a Bill, that ive may pay tie Reckoning vje
hav^iun up.
'liiib Older was preftr^tlv obeyed, and a Bill
broagnt, which in all came to ("even Pounds ; in which
'tis taken tor granted, that he mif-recLon'd them a-
bove one Halt, tho' he acquainted them, that he had
nfed them very kmdly ; they were bound to believe
him, and therefore every Man was call'd for to pay
his Share : The Countryman (lirunk behind, intending
toefcape ; which one of the Company feeing, call'd
him forwards, and faid. Come, let us tell A'o/es, and
every Mian pay alike. The Countryman defired to be
exculed, and faid he had no Money ; whidh they
knowing well enough, at length they agreed to acquit
him : Tkisdone,they went to their feveral Lodgings to
Bed, and it was time, for it was paft Midnigiit ; they
all flept better than the Countryman, who could hardly
deep a Wink for thinking on his Misfortunes, and
having fuch good Fortune in the Morning, it iliould
prove fo b'^d before Night.
But Morning being come, he and they all arofe,
and the Countiymm's Money being all fpent, he
knew it was to no Purpofe for him to (lay tlicre,
vvherefore he refolv'd to go to a Goldfmith in the
City, and fell, or pawn his Chain, that he might
haxe ibme Money to c.irry him Home : B^mg come
to the Goldfmith's, he produced tlia Chain, wjiich
tho' at liiilSigiit he took to be Gold, yet upon 1 rial
he found it ot..erwife, and that it was bat Brafs gilt;
he toid the Country m.^n the fame, who, at this heavy
News was like to break his Heart. The Goldfmith
feeing the Countryman in fuch a meknchcly Taking,
he ei.quired of him how he came by it. He foon ac-
quainted him with the Manner, and every Circum-
ftance ; the Goldfmith, as foon as he underilood the
Clieat, advifed him to go to a Juftxe, and get a
\V';'.rr<int tor him that h.iu thus cheated him ; and the
Countryman telling him that he had no Money, nor
Friend, being a btrangcr, he himfcif went with him
to the Juliice, who, foon unJerftanding the Matter,
grar.ted his Warrant, and the Goldfmith procured a
Coiiftable to go with him to the Tavern or Night-
Floufe, wliere Rumbold was apprehended, but he
found Means ibme Way or other to make his
El'cape out of the Houfe, as did the reit by main
Force.
Alter Rumbold had loft the Money he had put in
his Friend the B.;nker's Hands, he was forc'd to fhifc
after this manner, cheating and cozening any one
xvliom he took for a Prey. He narrowly elcap'd be-
ing appiehcnded at his Lodging in GoLlcn-laue near
Buihican ; but at length, ftill purfuing his Courfes of
Liiquity, he was taken, and fent to Neivgate ; when
after ti\e or fx Days Impiifonment, he receiv'd his
Triid at the Old Bailey, was condemned, and execu'
ted at Tyburn.
The LIFE o/Capt. JAMES HIND,
■■
TH E Father of Capt. Hind was a Sadler, an
Inhabitant oi Chipping-Norton in Oxford/hire,
where the Captain was born. The old Man
ived there many Years in very good Reputation a-
nontr his Neighbours, was an honeft Companion,
nd a conllant Churchman. As fames was his only
on, he was willing to give him the bell Education
was able, and to that Purpofe fent him to School
ill he was Ulteen Years of Age, in which Time he
;arned to read and write very well, and knew Arith-
letick enough to make hiin capable of any common
ufmefs.
After this he was put Apprentice to a Butcher in
IS Nati\'e Town, where he ferved about two Years
F his Time, and then ran away from his. Mailer,
ho was a very morole Man, and continually find-
g fomething or another to qu.irrel with him about.
When he made this Elopement, he applied iin-
ediately to his Mother for Money to carry him
) to London, telling her a lamentable Story of the
ardlhips he fuffer'd from his Mailer's Severity,
lothers are generally eafily wrought upon with
ories of that Kind ; (he therefore very tenderly
[pplied him with three Pounds tor his Expences,
d fent him away with Tears in her Eyes.
He had not been long in London before he got a
:lifli of tlie Pleafures of the Place (Pleafures I call
32
them in Compliance with the Opinion of Gentle-
men of the Captain's Talle) I mean, the Enjoyment
of his Bottle and his Millrefs ; both which, as far
as his Circumllances would allow, he purfued very
e.arnellly. One Night he was taken in Company
with a Woman of the Town, who had jull before
picked a Gentleman's Pocket of five Guineas, and
ient with her to the Poultry Compter till Morning,
when he was rele.:i'ed for want of any Evidence
againll him, he having, in Reality, no Hand in the
Affair. The Woman was committed to Ncnvgate,
but what became of her afterwards we are not cer-
tain,' nor does it at all concern us. The Captain by
this Accident fell into Company with one Thomas
Allen, a noted Highwayman, who had been put into
tlie Compter upon Suipicion of feme Robbery, and
was rcleafed at the fame Time with Hind, and for
the fame Reaibn. Thefe two Men going to drink
together, after their Confinement, they contraAed
a Fricndihip which was the Ruin of them both, as
the Reader will obierve in the Perufal of thefe
Pages.
'i heir firft Adventure was at Shooters-Hill, where
thev met with a Gentleman and his Servant. Hind
lieins pcrfedly raw and unexperienced, his Compa-
nion was willing to have a Proof of his Courage ;
aiid therefore Itaid at fome Diilance while the Cap-
I i uin
121
A Qaieral H i s t o r v c^
tain rode up, and fingly took from them i; Pounds ;
but returned the Gentleman twenty Sniiiings to
bear hi; E.\pences on the Road, with fucli a pleulant
Air, that the Gentleman protelled he wouiU never
hurt a Hair of his Head, if it fiiould at any Time
be in his Power. Allen was prodigioufly p'.eafed
both with the Bravery and Generolity ot his new
Comrade, and they mutually fvvore to iland by one
another to the utmoll of tiieir Power.
It was much about tfee Time that the inhuman
and unnatural Murder of King Charles I. was per-
petrated at his own Palace Gate, by the Fasaticks of
that Time, when our two Adventurers hign their
Progrefs on the Road. One Part of their faigage-
ment together was like Capt. StaffonCi Refolutiun,
never to fpare any of the Regicides that came in
their Way. It was not long before they met the
grand Ulurper Cromivell,d.s he was coming (romllioi:-
ingdon, the Place of his Nativity, to Lonii'm. O-
li'ver had no lefs than feven Men in his Traia, who
all came immediately upon their flopping the Coach,
and over-power'd our two Heroes; lo tn:.t poor 'fora
jillai was taken on the Spot, and foon after e.xecat-
ed, and it was with a great deal of Difiiculty that
Hind m ide his Efcape, w ho reiolved from tliis Time,
to aft with a little more Caution. He toald not,
however, think of quitting a Couric of Life which
he had jull begun to talte, and which lie foui.d fo
profitable.
The Captain rode fo hard to get out of Danger,
after this Adventure with Crom'u.ell, that he killed
his Horfe, and he had not at that 'lime Money e-
nough to buy another. He icfolved, therefore, to
procure one as foon as poflible ; and to this Puipofe
tramped it along the Road on Foot. It was not
long before he law a Horfe hung to a Hedge with
a Brace of Piftols before him ; and looking round
him, he obferved, on the other Side of the Hedge,
a Gentleman untruffing a Point : This is my Horfe,
fays the Captain, and immediately vaults into the
Saddle. The Gentleman calling to him, and telling
him, that the Horfe was his : Sir, fays Hind, you
may think yourfelf 'well off, that 1 ha've left you all
the Money inyour Pockets to buy another, nxihich you
had hefi lay cut before I meet you again, lejl you
• fhould be ijuorfe ufed ; fo he rode away in Searck of
new Adventures.
There is another Story of the Capt.ain'i getting
himfelf remounted, which I have feen in a printed
Account ot his Life. Whether it be only the f .me
Aftion otlierwife related, or another of our Adven-
turers Pranks, I fhall leave the Reader to determine,
and proceed.
Being reduced to the humble Capacity of a Foot-
Pad, he hired a common Hack of a M.an who made
it his Bullnefs to let out Horfc-s and took the
Road on his Back. He was overtaken (for he was
not able to overtake any Body) by a Gentleman
well mounted, with a Portmanteau behind him. They
fell into Difcourfe upon fuch Topicks as are com-
mon to Travellers, and Hind was very particular
in praifing the Gentleman's Horfe, 'till the Gentle-
man repeated every Thing his Horfe could do.
There was upon the Side of the Road a Wall, over
which was another Way, and the Gentleman told
Hind, that his Horfe could leap that Wall. Hind
oiFer'd to Jay a Bottle of it j upon which the Gen-
tleman attempted and accompliihed what he propof-
ed. The Captain confcfied he had lot .lis Wager,
but defired the Gentleman to let him try if he would
do the fame with him upon his Back, which the
Gentleman confenting, the Captain rode away with
his Portmanteau, and left him to return his Horfe
to the Owner.
Another Time Captain Hind met the celebrated Re-
gicide, Hxgh Peters in Enf eld-Chafe, and command-
ed him to deliver his Money. Hugh, who had his
Share of Confidence, began to Lay ^bout Jiim with
Tcxcb of Scripture, and to cudgel our bold Rob-
ber with .tlie eighth Commanameiu. It is luiit-
ten in the Laiu, lays he, That thou Jhall not fieal.
And further7)iore Solomon, '\s:ho njcas fui cly a njcrj
ivij'e Alan, freaking in this Manner ; Rob not tht
Poor, becauje he is poor. Hind was willing to an-
Iwer the finilhed old Cant in his own Strain j and
for that End, began to rub up hi) Memory from
fome of tiie Scraps of the Bible, which i.e IW
learned by Heart in his Minorily. Ferily, f Jd
Hind, if tkou hadjl regarded the Divine Preiepts at
thou ought/Ji to have done, thou ivouldtfl not haiit
'ivrejied them to fuch an abominable and lulcked Senfe
as thou didfi the IVords of the Pro/hct, nuben he fcith.
Bind their Kings ivith Chains, and their hoblcs
is.-ith Fetters of Iron. DidJ} thou not, thou detejlahle
Hypocrite, endeavour from thefe Words to aggravate
tie Misfortunes of thy Royal Majler, luhom thy ac-
curfcd Republican Party, unjuflly murdered bcfort
the Door oj his oiun Palace? Here Hugh Peters
began to extenuate that horrid Crime, and to al-
Luge other P.>rts of Scriptiiie in his Jvefence, and
in Order to preferve his Money : Pray Sir, re-
plied Hind, make no Reflexions on my Profejjien ;
for Solomon plainly fays. Do not dffpife a IhieJ ;
but it is to little Purpofe for us tn dtfpute : 'I he
Subjlance of iihat I have to fay, is this. Deliver
thy Money prefently, or elfe I Jhall fend thee out oj
the 11 'or Li to thy Ma per in an Infant.
Thefe terrible Words of the Captain frighted the
old Presbyterian ia fucli a Manner, tiiat he give hin)
thirty Broad Piece; of Gold, and then they parted.
But Hind was not thoroughly fatisfied with letting
fuch a notorious Enemy to the Royal Caufe deparl
in fo eafy a Manner. He, therefore, rode aftei
him, full Speed, and overtaking him, fpoke as fol-
lows: Sir, noiv I think of it, I am convinced thai
this Misfortune has happened to you, becaufe you dii'
not obey the Words of the Scripture, vuhich fay ex
prejly. Provide neither Gold, nor Silver, nor BraJ
in your Purfes for your Journey. H hereas it is evi
dent that you had provided a pretty Deal of Geld
However, as it is noiv in my Paiver to make you ful
fil another Command, 1 voould by no Means flip th
Opportunity. Therefore, Pray give me your Cloak
Peters was fo furpriz'd, that he ne.ther ftood to di(
pute, nor to e.\-ainine what was tiie Drift of Hind'
Demand ; but Hind foon let him underftand hii
Meaning, when he added, Tou krozv. Sir, our Swl
viour has commanded. That if any Man take avua
thy Cloak, thou mujl not refufe thy Coat nlfo ; then^
fore, I cannot f'ppofe you ivill ail in dirc3 Cm
tradidion to fuch an e.vpreft Direilion, efpeciaU
nozv you can^t pretend you have forgot it, becaufe
have reminded you of your Duty. I he old Purttai
(hrugged his Snouiders for fome Time, before h
proceeded to uncaie them ; bnt Hind told him h
Dehy would do him no Service ; for he would bl
punftually obey'd, becaufe lie was fure what he rtj
quelled was confonant to the Scripture : Acdbrdinj^
ly Hiis^h Peters dehvered his Coat, and Hind CRl
ried all off,
Next Sunday when Hu^h came to preach,
chole an Inveftive againil Theft for the Subji
of his Sermon, and took lii^ Text in the Canticlet
Chap. V. Ver. 3. / have put off my Coat, ho'
Jhall I put it on? An iionell Cavalier who W
prefent, and knew the Occafion of his c!.ufing tho
Word, cry'd out aloud : Upon my Word, Sir, lb
lieve there is no Body hcrt. LOn taljou, utilefs Cap '•
Hii'
,«fer
Sill
ki
Pyrates, Hlghwajmcn^ Murderers, &c.
I2Z
hind Tt'rtj here ! Which read^' Anfwer to Hugh
^eters Scriptural Qnellioii, put the Congregation in-
0 fuch an ccefiivs Fit of Laughter, that the Fa-
latick Parfon vv.,i ?.(hTnied of hmifelf, and defceiid-
:d from his Pratling Box, without proceeding any
arther in his Harangue.
It has been obferved before, that Hind was a pro-
,ffcd Enemy to all tlie Regicides ; and, indeed,
•■ortune was fo fivourable to his Defires, as to put
me or other of thofe celebrated Villians often into
lis Fouer.
lie r..e: one Day with thst Arch-Traytor, Scr-
'e-.nt BraJj.haw, who had lijii.t Time before the
nfolence to fit as Judge of his lawful Sovereign,
nd to pals Sentence of Death upon Majelly. The
'Lice wiiere this Rencounter happened, was, upon
he Ro:.'d bct'.vccn Sberboum and Sheftjhury, in
torfctjhire. Hind rode up to the Coacn Side, and
■etnanded the Sergeant'* Money ; who, fuppofing
is Nime would carry Terror with it, told him
/ho he was. Quoth Hind, I fear neither you, nor
iiy King-killing Son of a Whore ali-ve. 1 have
onju as much Potvsr o-ver you, as you lately had
ver the King, and I Jhoidd do God and my Country
ood Ser-jice, if 1 made tht fame Vfe of it ; but
ve, yUlain, to fiiffer the Pangs of thine oivn Con-
iencc, till Jujiice fhall lay her Iron HanA upon
bee, and require an Anf^uer for thy Crimes, in a Way
ore proper fir fuch a Monfier, ix-ho art univorthy
die by any Hands, hut thofe of the common Hang-
an, and at any other Place than Tyburn. Never-
'elefs, though I [pare thy Life as a Regicide, be
IJured, that unlefs thou dcli-verefi thy Money imme-
ately, thoufoalt die for thy Obfiinacy.
Brad/haiv began to be fenfible that the Cafe was
Dt now with him, as it had been when he fate at
'e/lminfter-Hall, attended with the whole Strength
f the Rebellion. A Horror naturally arifing from a
lind confcious of the blackeft Vilhinies, took Pofl'ef-
on of his Soul, upon the Apprchenfions of Death,
'hich the Piilol gave him, and dii'covered itfelf in his
i)untenance. He put his trembling Hand into his
ocket, and pulled out .ibout forty Shillings in Silver,
^hich lie prciciiied to the Captain, who fwore he
wald that Minute ilioot him through the Heart, if
e>did not find Coin of another Species. The Scr-
ant at lall, to fave a miferable Life, pulled out that
4lich he valued next to it, as of two Evils all Men
hijfe the leall, and gave the Captain a Purfe full of
^cobufes.
Hind, having thus got PofTcfTion of the Cafh, he
lade Brsdfbaiv yet wait a confiderable Time longer,
rfiile he made the following Exlogium on Money ;
rfjich, though in the Nature of it, it be fomething
liferent from the Harangues, which the Scijeant
;tnerally heard on a Sunday, contains, ncverthelefs,
is much 1 ruth, and might have been altogether as
fleaiing, had it come from another Mouth.
This, Sir, is the Metal that tuins my Heart for
■•ver ! O precious Gold, I admire and adore thee as
•mich as either Bradlhaw, Pryn, or any other Villain
<fthejnme Stamp,- tjuho, for the fake of thee, ixiould
ell their Redeemer again, luere he nonv upon Earth.
This is that incomparable Medicament 'which the Ri-
iub/ican Pr-juans callThe Wonder-working Plaiiler :
Jt is truly Catholick in Operation, and fomeivhat of a
•Kin to the Jefuits Po-iK'der, but more effeSlual. The
^riues of it are fi.-ange r.ndvarious ; it makes Jufiice
Irufas ivell as bli:J, and takes out Spats of the deepeji
Trtafons as eafily as Ccfile-Soap does common Stains ;
t alters a Man s C'jtiiii'ution in tivo or three Days,
•^ore than the Fi.tucfo's Transfufion of Blood can do in
fcven Years. "lis a great Alexiopharmitk, tnd htlpt
poifonous Principles of Rebellion, and thofe that Ufe
them. It miraculoufy exalts and purifies the Eye-fight,
and makes Traytors hehold nothing bw Innocence in the
blackeft Malefactors. 'Tis a mighty Cordial for a de-
clining Caufe; it fiifits Faction and Schiftn as certainly
as the Itch is defiroy'd By Butter and Bi imjlone. In a
Word, it makes Fools ntiife Men, and ivife Men Fools ;
and both of them Knaves. The 'very Colour of this pre-
cious Balm is bright and dazling. If it be prrperly
applied to the Fiji, that is, in a decent Manner, a::d a
competent Dye, it infallibly performs all the aho'vefaid
Cures, and many others too numerous to be here men-
tioned.
The Captain having finifhed his Panegyrick, he
pulled out his I^illol, and faid fartlier :
You and your infernal Crewo hame a long ivhile run
on, like Jehu, in a Career of Blood and Impiety, pre-
tending that Zeal for the Lord of Hofts has been your
only Moti've. Hrw long you may be fuffercd to con-
tinue in the fame Courfe, God only knyws. I ikHI,
hoive'ver, for this Time, fop your Race in a literal
Senfe of the Words. With that he ftiot all the Six
Horfes which were in t!;e Sergeant's Coach, and then
rode off in Furfuit of another Booty.
Sometime after, Hind met a Coach on the Road be •
tween Pitersfield and Portfmouth, liiled with Gentle-
women : He went up to them in a genteel Manner,
told them, that he was a Patron of tne Fair-Sex ; and
tliat it was purely to w in the Favour of a hard-hearted
Millrefs, that he travelled the Country : But Ladies,
added he, / am at this Time reduced to the NeceJJity of
"fi-'xg Relief, having nothing to carry me on in my in-
tended Profecution of Adventures : The young Ladies,
who had molt of them read a pretty many Romances,
could not help conceiting they had met with fome
^ixot or Amadis de Gaul, who was faluting tiiem in
the Strain of Knight-Errantry ; Sir Knight, faid one
of the pleafanteil among them. We heartily conuiiife-
rate your Condition, and are very much troubled
that we cannot contribute towards your Support ; but
we have nothing about us but a facred Depofitum,
which the Lav;s of your Order will not fuffer you to
violate.
Hind was pleafed to think he had met with fuch a-
grecable Gentlewomen, and, for the fake of the Jeft,
could freely have let them pafs unmolefled, if his
Neceflities at this Time had not been very preffing.
" May I, bright Ladie?, be favour'd with the Know-
" ledge of what this facred Depofitum, which you
" fpeak of, is, that io I may employ my utmoll Abi-
" lities in its Defence, as the Laws of Knight-Err an-
" try require ? " The Lady who fpoke before and
who fulpetced the le.-.fi of any one in CoiBp-uv told
him, that the Depofitum fhe had ipoken of, was 5300/.
the Portion of one of the Company, wh;; was going
to bellow it upon the Knight who had won her Good-
Will by his many pafl Services. " My humble Duty
" be prefented to tne Knigiit, faid he, ant' be pleaied
" to tell him, that my N.,mc is Capt.. A':W; liiac
" out of mere Necelilty I have made hn'ti to borrow
" Partofwhrt, for his Sake, I wifn were twice as
" much ; that I promifc to expend the Sum in De-
'• fence of injured Lovers, and the Support of Gen-
" tlemen who profefs Knigi.c-Errantry." At the
Name of Capt. Hind, they were ffHcientlv Ilartled,
there being No-body then living in EngLm.i who had
not heard of him : //;'«</ however bid thciii net be af-
frighted, for he would not do tiiem the Icaft Hurt,
and defired no more than one ti.oufmd Pound, out
of the Three. This the Ladies vary thankfully gwe
in an Iiillant (for the Money was ty'd up in feperate
Bags)
124
Bag?) and the Captain widi'd them all a gooJ Jour-
ney, and much Joy to the Bride.
VVe muil leave the O.ptain a little, to difplay the
Corruption of human. Nature, in an Inltance, which
the Captain has often protelled was a great Trouble
to him. The Young Lady, when fhe met her in-
tended Hufbnid, told him all that had pail upon the
Roid, and tlie mercenary Wretch, afloon as he heard
of ttie Money that was loft adjourned the Marriage,
till he had lent to her Father to a(k whether or no he
would make up the Original Sum agreed upon, which
he refaiing (partly becauic he had futhciently e.xhauiled
liis Subitunce before, and partly becaufe he refented
the fordid Propofal) our fervent Lover entirely broke
through all his Vows, and the unfortunate young
Lidy died of Grief and Indignation. This Account
fufficicntly demonftrates the Truth of what is advanced
in the two Lines of Mr. CsnAi/ey's Tranflation of one
of the Odes of Anacreon.
Gold alone does PaJJion move ;
Gold monopolizes Love.
Another Time Hhd was obliged to abfcond for a
confidcrable Time in the Country, there being great
inquiries made alter him ; during this interval, his
Money began to run fliort, and he was a great while
before he could think of a Way to replenilli his Purfc.
He would have taken another Turn or two on the
High-way; but he had lived fo long here that he had
fpent his very Horfe. While he was in this E,\tre-
mity, a noted Doftor in his Neighbourhood went to
receive a large Sum of Money, for a Cure which he
had performed, and our Captain had got information
of the Time. It was in the Dodlor's Way Home to
ride diredly by Hind's Door, who had hired a little
Houfe on the Side of a Common. Our Adventurer
took Care to be ready at the Hour the Doftor was to
return, and when he was riding by the Houle, he
addreffed himfelf to him in the moft fubmifllve
Stile he was Matter of, telling him, " That
" he had a Wife within who was violent b.id with a
" Flux, fo that Ihe could not live without prelent
" Help; intreating him to come in but two or three
" Minutes, and he would fhew his Gratitude as foon
" as he was able."
The Doftor was moved with Compaflion at the
poor Man's Requeft, and immediately alighted, and
accomp.anied him in, affuring him that he ihould be
very glad if it was in his Power to do him any Service.
Hind conduced him up Stairs ; and as foon as they
were got into the Chamber, fhut the Door, and pul-
led out a loaded Piftol, and an empty Purfe, while
the Doftor was looking round for his Patient, '^/j/j,
quoth Hind, holding up the Purfe, " is my Wife;
" flie has had a Flux fo long, that there is now no-
" thing at all within her. I know, Sir, you have a
" fovereign Remedy in your Pocket for iier Dillem-
" per, and if you do not apply it without a Word,
" this Piftol fhall make the Day iliine into your Body.
The Doctor would have been glad to have loll a con-
fiderable Fee, provided he might have had nothing
to do with the Patient ; but when he faw there was
no getting off, he took forty Guineas out of his Poc-
ket, and emptied them out of his own Purfe into the
Captain's, which now feemed to be in pretty good
Health. Hind then told the Doiftor, That he would
leave him in full PoflelTion of his Houfe, to make a-
mends for the Money he had taken iVoni him. Up-
on which he went out and locked the Door on
poor Galen, mounting his Horfe, and riding away
as fall as he was able, to find another Country to live
in, well knowing that this would now be too hot to
hold him.
Hind has, been often celebrated for his Generofity
A G(mral History of
to all Sorts of People; more efpccially for his Kinii
nels to tlie Poor, which it is reported was fo extr.i
ordinary, that he never injured the Property of anv
Perfon, who had not a competent Shire of RichesB
We (hill give one Inftance, inilead of a great manyl
which wc could produce, which will futhciently con-il
firm thi? general Opinion of his Tendcrnefs for tliofelf
that were needy.
At a Time when he was out of Cafh (as he fre-,1
quently was, by reafon of his Extravagancy,) and hadi
been upon tlie Watch a pretty while, witliout feeing f
any worth his Notice, he at lail efpftd an old Man I
jogging along the Road upon an Afs. He rides up to I
meet him, and asked him very courteoufly where he was
going: " To the M7i.rkel,Jaidthe old Man at irantage,
" to buy meaCow thati m.ay have fome Milk for my
" Children. How many Children, yao/yiHind, mayyou
" have .? The old Man answered Ten. And liow muchl
" do you think to give for a Cow, faid Hind ? -
" I have but forty Shillings, Mafter, and that I have
" been faving together tliefe two Years, fays the
poor Wretch. Hind's Heart aked for the poor
Man's Condition, at the fame Time that he could
not help admiring his Simplicity ; but being in lb
great a Strait as I have intimated, he thought of an
Expedient, which would both ferve him, and the old
Man too. Father, " faid he, the Money you have
" got about you, I mull have at this Time ; but I
" will not wrong your Children of their Milk. My
" Name is Hind, and if you will give me your forty
" Shillings quietly, and meet me again this Day
" Se'enniglu at this Place, I promile to make the
" Sum double. Only be cautious that you never
" mention a Word of the Matter to any Body be-
" tween this and then." At the Day appointed the
old Man came, and Hind was as good as his Word,
bidding him buy two Cows, inilead of one, and ad-
ding twenty Shillings to the Sum promifed, that he
might purcnafe the bell in the Market.
Never was Highwayman more careful than Hini
to avoid Blood-lhed, yet we have one Inftance in his
Life, that proves how hard it is for a Man to engage
in luch an Occupation, without being expofed to a
Sort of wretched Neceflity fome Time or other, to
take away the Life of another Man, in order to pre-
ferve his own ; and in fuch a Cafe, the Argument of
Self-Defence can be of no Service to extenuate the
Crime, becaufe he is only purfued by Juftice ; fo that
a Highwayman, who kills another Man, upon what
ever Pretence, is as adually guilty of Murder, as a
Man who deftroys another in cold Blood without be
ing able to give a Reafon for his fo doing.
Hind had one Morning committed feveral Robbe'
ries in and about Maidenhead-Thicket ; and, among
others, had flopped Col. HarriJ'on, a celebrated Regi
ciue, in his Co.ich and Six, and taken from himle-
venty odd Pounds. The Colonel inimed lately procu'
red a Hue-and-Cry for taking him, which w.is comei
into that Country before the Captain was aware of it.
However he he.'.rd at a Houfe of Intelligence, whichi
he always had upon every Road he ufed, of the Daa
ger he was in ; and thereupon, he inftantly thoughtj
of making his Efcape, by riding as faft as he could ti
find fome iafer Way of concealing himfelf.
In this Condition, any one would imagine, th*
Captain was apprehenfive of every Man he faw. He
had got no farther than a Place called Knoix<l-Hill,
which is but a little Way of the Thicket, before he
heard a Man riding behind him full Speed. It was a
Gentleman's Servant, endeavouring to overtake hi«
Matter who wa-; gone before, with fomething that he
had forgot. Hiid, Juft no.v thought of nothing but
his own Prefervation ; and therefore refolved either
to ride off, or fire at the Man, who he con,cluded was
purfuing him. As the other Horfe was frefh, and
Hinix
PjTJtes., H}gh-wayme?tj Murderers, &ic.
12-
IliKii h.id pretty well tir'J his, he foon perceived
i.ic Al.iii un: vjioKDil ot'iiim ; upon which he pulls
o.it .1 i'uioi, aiiJ juit :U) tne unfortunate Coantryman
w..b ;ic .li^ llorie's Heels, lie turns about and ihoots
liiiii t.irou'j.. tiic He.id, ib that he fell down dead
on tue Spot. 1 iic Capt.iin, after the Fad, got en-
tireiv oft" ; but it was for this that he was aiter-
warUs toiideinn'd at Re<itUiig.
'I'uere h..ve been a great many more Stories re-
lated of tl-.is celebratca Highwayman, which were
e.tner tlie Adious of otlier ivkn, or fo improbable in
t..enifelveb, tli.it ue did not think tlieiii wortn re-
he.uliug. Any Mm who lias excelled in his Way
will be rflwavi lo..Jed u ith fo much Praife as to make
Jiij wnole Hiiiory item a table. Whether this be
occ.ilion'd by the faitiality of Writers, or by a fate
common to iucli Men, I ihail not determine. 1 he
Ueiiulcs of Greece was tlie mo;t famous of all that
boretu.it Name; therefore the Action- of all the
relt are attributed to him ; almoft tlie fame may be
faid of Captain Hind. One Relation more, which is
univerfally known to be authentick, and redounds
to the Honour of our Hero, ihali clofe our Account
of his Life.
Alter King Charles I. was beheaded, the Scots re-
ceived and acknouledged his Son King Charles II.
and relbl\cd to mamtain his Right againft the reign-
ing Ufurpation. To this End thty raifed an Army,
and marcned towards England, which they entered
with great Precipitation. Abundance of Gentry,
and otncrs who were loyal to their Principles, flock-
ed to the Standard of their Sovereign, and refolved
to lofe their Lives in his Service, or reltore him to
his Dignity. -Among thefe Hind, who had as much
natural Bravery as almoft any Man that ever lived,
fclblved to tr)' his Fortune. Cromivell was fent by
the Parliament into the North to intercept the Roy-
al Army, but in fpite of that vigilent 1 raytor's Ex-
pedition the King advanced as far as Worcejier,
where he waited the Enemies Coming.
Oliver came to Worcejier foon .:fter, and the Con-
fequence of the two Armies meeting was a very
Fierce and bloody Blattle, in which the Royalilts
were defeated. Hind had the Good-Fortune to ef-
»pe at that Time, and came to London, where he
bdged with one iVlr. Denxie, a Barber, over-againft
5C. Dun/iait'i Church in Fleet- fireet, and went by
the Name of Brovjn. But Providence had now
jrdered, tnat he (hould no longer purfue his Extra-
vagancies ; for he was difcover'd by a \try intimate
Acquaintance. It muft be granted, that he had fuf-
iciently deferved the Stro!-;e of Juftice j but there
,et appears fomething fo fuocking in a Breach of
b'riendlhip, tiiat we lani.ot help wilhing fomebody
;Ife had been tiie Inftrument.
As loon as he wa^ apprehended, he was carried
lefore tiie Speaker of the Houfe of Commons, who
hen lived in d.ancery-Lane, and, after a long Exa-
iiination was committed to Neiugate, and loaded
vith Irons. He was convey'd to Priibnby one Capt.
Hampton, under a Ibong Ciuard ; and the Warrant
or his Commitment commanded that he Ihould be
ept in clofe Confinement ; and that no Body (hould
•e .'.dmitted to fee him without Orders.
On Fiiday the 1 2th of December, 1651. Captain
fames Hind was brougiit to the Bar of the Seffions-
ioul'e in the Old-Bailey, and indifted for feveral
-rimes ; but nothing being proved againft him that
ould reach his Life, he was convey'd in a Coach
om Newgate to Reading in Berkjhire, where on
le Ul of March, 165 1, he was arraigned before
iidge IVarberton for killing one George Symp/on at
'idle, a fmall \'illr,ge in that County. The Evi-
nce here was very plain againft him, and he was
33
found Guilty of ffilful Murder ; but Cm Aft of Ob-
livion being iflued out the next Day, to forgive all
former Offences but thofe againft the State, he was
in great Hopes of faving his Life; 'till by an Or-
der of Council he was removed by Habeas Corf us
to fforce/er Goal.
At the beginning of Seftemler, 1652. he wascon-
demn'd for High- Treafon, and on the :4th of the
fame Month, he was drawn, hang'd and quartered,
in Purfuance of the fame Sentence, being thirty-four
Years of Age. At the Place of Execution, he de-
clared that moft of the Robberies which iie had ever
coniniiited, were upon the republican Party, of
whole Principles he profelTed he always had an ut-
ter Abhorrence. He adued. That nothing troubled
him io much z-., :^. uie before he faw his Royal
Mr.fter ehabinlica on his Throne, from which he was
molt unjulUy and illegilly excluded by a rebellious
and diiioyal Crew, who deferved Hanging more
than himj
hiiti he was executed, his Head was fet upon the
Bridge Gate, over the River Severn, from whence it
was privately taken down, and buried within a Week
afterwards. His Quarters were put upon the other
Gates of the City, where they remained 'till they
Were deliroy'd by Wind and Weather.
I1 the Memory of Captain HIND.
By a Poet cf his oiun Time.
WHenever Death attacks a Throne,
Nature thro' all her P.arts muft groan.
1 he mighty Monarch to bemoan.
He muft be wife, and juft, and good ;
Tho' nor the State he underftood.
Nor ever fpar'd a Subjedl's Blood.
And fhall no friendly Poet find,
A monumental \'erfe for Hind?
In Fortune Icfs, as great in Mind.
Hind made our Wealth one Common Store ;
He robb'd the Rich to feed the Poor :
What did immortal Cr/ar inore ?
Nay, 'twere not difficult to prove.
That meaner Views did Cisfar move :
His was Ambition, Hind'% was Love.
Our Englijh Hero fought no Crown,
Nor that more pleafing Bait, Renown :
But juft to keep off Fortune's Frown.
Yet when his Country's Caufe invites.
See him affert a Nation's Rights !
A Robber for a Monarch fights!
If in due Light his Deeds we fcan^
As Nature points us out the Plan,
Hind was an honourable Man.
Honour, the Virtue of the Brave,
To Hind that Turn of Genius gave.
Which made him fcom to be a Slave.
This, had his Stars confpir'd to raife.
His natal Hour, This Virtue's Praife
Had fhone with an uncommon Blaze.
Some new Epocha had begun.
From ev'ry Aftion he had done ;
A City builtj a Battle won.
K k l£
ii6
A General History of
If one's a Subjeft, one at Helm,
' lis tlie iame Violence, fays An/elm,
I'o rob a Houfe, oi wafte a Realm.
Be henceforth then forever join'd.
The Names of defar, and of Hind,
In Fortune different, one in Mind.
The LIFE 0/ CLAUDE DU VALL.
SOME have affirmed that this very celebrated
Highwayman was born in Smock-Alley, with-
out Bijhoffgate ; but this is without Ground,
for he really received his firll Breath at a Place
called Damjort in Normandy. His Father was a
Miller, and his Mother the Daughter of a Taylor:
By thefe Parents he was brought up ftridly in the
Roman Catholkk Religion, and his promifmg Geni-
us was cultivated with as much Learning as quali-
fied him for a Footman.
But though the Father was fo careful, as to fee
that his Son had fome Religion, we have good Rea-
fon to think, that he had none himfelf. He ufed to
talk much more of good Chear, than of the Church ;
and of great Feafts, than great Faith ; good Wine
was to him better than good Works ; and a found
Courtezan was far more agreeable than a found
Chriftian. Being once fo very fick, there was great
Hopes of his dying a natural Death, a ghoftly Fa-
ther cam* to him with his Corpus Domini ; and
told him, that hearing of the Extremity he was in,
he had brought him his Saviour to comfort him
before his Departure. Old Du Vail, upon this,
drew afide the Curtain, and beheld a goodly fat
Friar with the Hoft in his Hand. I knoiu, faid he,
that it is our Saviour, hecaufe he came to me in
the fame Manner as he luent to Jerufaleai, Cell un
Afne que le porte ; // is an Afs that carries him.
Whether the old Man departed at this Time, or
lived to difhonour his Family by fome more igno-
minious Death is ftill very uncertain, nor (hall we
trouble ourfelves about it. This we are credibly in-
formed, neither Father nor Mother took any Notice
of young Claude, after he was about thirteen Years
of Age. Perhaps their Circumftances might then
oblige them to fend him abroad to feek his Fortune.
His firft Stage was at Rouen, the Capital City of
Normandy, where he fortunately met with Poll-Hor-
fes to be returned to Paris ; upon one of which he
got leave to ride, by promifmg to help to drefs
them at Night. At the fame Time falling in with
fome Englijh Gentlemen, who were going to the
fame Place, he got his Expcnces difcharged by thofe
generous Travellers.
They arriv'd at Paris in the ufual Time, and the
Gentlemen took Lodgings in the Faux-bourg St. Ger-
main, where the Englijh generally quarter. Du Vail
was willing to be as near as poffible to his Benefaftors,
and by their Interceffion he was admitted to run on
lirrands, and do the meaneft Offices at the St. E-
ffrit in the Rue de Bourckiere ; a Houfe of general
Entertainment, fomething between a Tavern and an
Alehoufe, a Cook's Shop and a Bawdy-Houfe. In
this Condition he continued till the Rellauration of
King Charles IL in i66o. at which Time Multi-
tudes of all Nations flocking into England, among
them came Du Vail, in the Capacity of a Footman
10 a Perfon of Quality,
The univerfal Joy upon the Return of the Royal
Family, made the whole Nation almoft mad : E-
very one ran into Extravagancies ; and Du Vail,
whofe Inclinations were as vicious as any Man's,
foon became an extraordinary Proficient in Gaming,
Whoring, Drunl.ennefs, and all Manner of De-
bauchery. The natural Effeft of thefe Courfes is
the want of Money ; thi« our Adventurer experienc-
ed in a very little Time ; and as he could not think
of labouring he took to the Highway to fupport his
Irregularities. In this Profeffion he was within a
litde while fo famous, as to have the Honour of
being named firft in the Proclamation for apprehend-
ing feveral notorious Highwaymen. And here we
have Reafon to complain that our Informations are
too (hort for our Affiilance, in writing the Life of
fuch a celebrated Offender. However, fuch Sto-
ries as have been delivered down to Ui, we fliall give
our Readers faithfully, and in the beft Manner we
are able.
He had one Day received Intelligence of a Knti
and his Lady that were travelling with four hun-
dred Pounds in their Coach. Upon this he takes
four or five more along with him, and overtakes!
them on the Road. The Gentry foon perceived
they were like to be befet, when they beheld feve-
ral Horfemen riding backwards and forwards, and I
whifpering one to another ; whereupon the Lady, [
who was a young fprightly Creature, pulls out a I
Flagelet, and begins to play very brifkly. Du Vail I
takes the Hint, and plays excellently well upon a I
Flagelet of his own, in anfwer to the Lady, and;l
in this Pofture rides up to the Coach Door. Sir, [
fays he to the Knight, your Lady plays excellently, I
and I make no doubt but Jhe dances 'well , M^ill youm
pleafe to Jiep out of the Coach, and let me have thi \
Honour tt dance one Courant nxith her on the Heath ? I
I dare not deny any Thing, Sir, the Knight readil)i|
replied, to a Gentleman of your i^ality, and gooiX
Behaviour: You Je em a Man of Generojity.^ and y'ju\\
jiequeji is ferfeiily reafonable. Immediately the Foot I
man opens the Door, and the Knight conies out f
Du Vail leaps lightly off his Horfe, and hands th(J
Lady down. It was furprizing to fee how gracefulljl
he moved upon the Grafs ; icaice a dancing Maftcl
m London, but would have been proud to have fhewil
fuch Agihty in a Pair of Pumps, as Du Vail Ihewj
ed in a great Pair of Frexch riding Boots. As fool
as the Dance was over, he waits on the Lady back 1 1
the Coach, without offering her the le.".il Affront!
but juft as the Knight was Hepping in. Sir, fays btl
you have forgot to pay the Mufuk. His Worfnip r<l
plied, that he never forgot iuch Things ; and ill
llantly put his Hand under the Seat of the Coach, anf
pulled out a hundred Pound in a Bag, which he df|
livered to Du Vail, who received it with a vei
good Grace, and courteoufly anfwered : Sir, you t
liberal, andjhall have no Caufe to repent your belt
f"
^^?^-^>z^ Charles II./^^;Wi3idforroi-elt.
Pyratesy H'tghwaymeny Murderersy &c.
This huiuirei Pound given fo gtnereujly, is bet-
titer than ten Times the Sum taken by Force. Your
\ble htha'uiour has excujed you the other three hun-
■ed Pound, which you have in the Coach luith you.
iter this he gave him the Word that he might
ifs undillurbed, if he met any more of their Crew,
id then very civilly wilhed them a good Journey.
Another lime, as Du Fal/ with Tome of his Com-
inions were patrolling upon Blackheath, they met
ich a Coach full of Ladies. One of them had a
)ang Child in her Arms, with a Silver Sucking-
jttle. Tlie Peribn appointed to afl in this Ad-
inture, robbed them very rudely, taking away their
[oriey. Watches, Rings, and even the poor B.iby's
ici^ing-Botde. The Infant cried, as was natural on
ch an Occifion ; and the Ladies intreated him only
• return the Bottle ; but the furly Thief refufed
give any Ear to their Requell, 'till Du Fall, ob-
rving lie llaid longer than ordinary, rode up, and
anandcd what was the Matter. The Ladies, here-
lOn, renewed their Petition in Behalf of the Child,
,d Du Vail threaten'd to flioot his Companion,
ilefs he rellored what they required, adding thefe
ords : Sirrah, cant you hehaije like a Gentleman,
•i raife a Contribution, 'without Jiripfing People ;
t, perhaps, you had fame Occafion for the Sucking-
\ttle \ for by your Aclions one luould imagine, you
•.re hardly lueaned : This iharp reproof had the
"i fired EiFeft ; and Z)« Vail took his Leave of the
.'.dies in a courteous Manner.
Capt. Smith has been guilty of an unpardonable
. mder in his Account of this Robbery ; for he
!> us, that it was Du Vail himfelf, who behaved
i this ruftick Manner, and who was compelled
one of his Comrades to reftore the Sucking-Bot-
; but the Reader need only refleft on Du Vall'i
aeral CharaSer, to convince him of the Captain's
ror.
One Time Du Vail met with Efquire Roper, Maf-
■ of the Buck-Hounds to King Charles II. as he
IS hunting in Windfor-Forejl . As their Recoun-
happened in a Thicket, Du Vail took the Ad-
ntage of the Place, and commanded him to ftand
d dehver his Money, or elfe he would ftioot him.
r. Roper, to fave his Life, gave our Adventurer a
irfe full of Guineas, containing at leall fifty, and
s( Vail afterwards bound him Neck and Heels faf-
"ned his Horfe by him, and rode away a crofs the
ountry.
7'he Hunting, to be fure, was over for that Time,
It it W3S a pretty while before the Huntiman
'uld find his Mailer. When the 'Squire was un-
)und, he made all the Halle he could to V/indfor,
d as he entered the Town, was met by Sir Stephen
X, wiio askmg him whether or no he had had any
lort, Mr. Roper replied in a great Paffion, Tes, Sir,
/ tvve had Spon enough from a Son of a H hore,
made me pay damnd dear for it. He bound
iSeck and Hetls, contrary to my Dejire, and then
ok fifty Guineas from me, to pay him for his La-
ur, 'which I had much rather he had omitted.
But the Proclamation, which we fpoke of at the
^ginning of this Life, and the large Reward that
as promiled for taking him, made Du Vail think
unfafc to ftay any longer in £n^/«W ; whereupon
; retired into France. At Paris he lived very high-
, boalling prodigioufly of the Succefs of his Arms
id Amours, and affirming proudly, that he never
icountered with any one Peribn of either Sex, whom
; did not overcome. He had not been long here,
;lore he relapCed into his old Difeafe, Want of
loney, which obliged him to have Recourfe to his
■ itj again. He had an uncommon Talent at Con-
ivance, particularly at fuiting his Stratagems to the
Temper of the Perfon they were defigned to enfnare,
as the following Inftance will prove.
A learned Jefuit, who v/as ConfelTor to the French
King, was as much noted for his Avarice, as he was
for his Politicks ; by which latter he had rendered
himfelf very eminent. His Thiril of Money was in-
fatiable ; and though he was exceeding rich his Be-
fires feemed to increafe with his Wealth. It came
immediately into Du ValPs, Head, that the only
Way to fquceze a little Money out of him, was to
amufe him with Hopes of getting a great Deal,
which he did in the following Manner.
He put himfelf into a Scholar's Garb, to faciliate
his Admittance into the Mifer's Company, and then
waited very diligently for a proper 1 ime to make
his Addrels, which he met with in a few Days : See-
ing him alone in the Piazza of the Fauxbourg, he
went up to him very confidently, and laid : May
it plcafe your Reverence, I am a poor Scholar, 'who
have been feieral fears tra'vclling over firange
Countries, to learn Experience in the Sciences, purely
to fet-ve my native Country, to 'whofe Advantage I
am determined to apply my Knoiuledge, if I may he fa-
voured rwith the Patronage of a Man fo eminent as
yourfclf. And -what may this Knoii. ledge of
yours be ? replied the Fatiier very much plcuied :
If you 'will communicate any Thing to me that may
be beneficial to France, / affure you no proper Ek-
eouragement jhall be 'wcnting on my Side.———
Du Vail, upon this growii.g bolaer, proceeded:
Sir, 1 have fpent mofi of my Time in the Study ef
Alchimy, or the Tranfmutaticn of Metals, and have
profited fo much at Rome and \ enice, from great
Men learned in that Science, that I can change fc
veral bafe Metals into Gold, by the Help of a Phi-
lofophical PoiMder, 'which I can prepare very fpee-
dily.
The Father Confeffor appe.ired to be brightened
with the Joy of this Relation : Friend, fays he, fuch
a Thing as this •will be ferviccable indeed to the
luhole State, and peculiarly grateful to the King,
nvho, as his Affairs go at prefent, ftands in fame need
of fuch a curious Invention. But you mu/i let me
fee feme Experiment of your Skill, before I credit
•what you fay fo far as to communicate it to his Ma-
jefty, 'who 'will fufficiently re'ward you, if 'what you
promije be demonjtrated. Upon this, he conduced
Du Vail home to his Houfe, and furniftied him
with Money to build a Laboratory, and purchafe
fuch other Materials as he told him were requifite,
in order to proceed in this invaluable Operation,
charging him to keep the Secret from every living
Soul, 'till he thought proper, when Du Vail pro-
miled to perform.
The U tenfils being fixed, and every Thing in a
Readinefs, the Jefuit came to behold the wonderful
Operation. Du Vail took fe veral Metals and Mine-
rals of the balcft Sort, and put them into a Cruci-
ble, his Reverence viewing every one as he put
them in. Our learned Alchymilt had prepared a
hollow Stick, into which he had convey'd feveral
Sprigs of pure Gold, as Black Lead is in a Pencil ;
With this Stick he ftirred the Preparation as it melt-
ed, which with its Heat melted the Gold in the Stick
at the fame Time ; fo that it funk imperceptibly in-
to the Veffel. When the exceflive Fire had con-
fumed in a great Meafure all the Lead, Tin, Erafs,
and Powder, which he had put in for a Shew, the
Gold lemained pure to the Quantity of an Ounce and
an Half. This the Jefuit caufed to be eflayed, and
finding it what it really was, all fine Gold, he was
immediately devoted to Du Vail, and blinded with
the Prolpeft of future Advantage, that he believed
every Thing our Impollor could fay, Hill furnilh-
laS
A General History of
ihg hiirl with whatever he demanded in Hopes to
be at laft made Matter of this extraordinary Secret,
the whole Fame, as well a» Profit of which, he did
not (Jiiertion would redound to hinij as Da Vail
Was but an obfcure Pet-fdn.
Thuj were our Alchymill and Jefuit, according to
the old Saying, as great ai tnvo Pickpockets ; which
Proverbial Sentence, if we examine it a little clofely,
hits both their Charafters. Du Vail was a profeiT-
ed Robber, and what is any Court-Favourite, but a
Picker of the common People's Pockets ? So that
it was only two Sharpers endeavouring to out-fharp
One another. The Confeffor was as open as Du Vail
could wifh. He (hewed him all his Treafure, and
among it, feveral rich Jewels, which he had receiv-
ed as Prefents from the King, hoping, by thefe
Obligations to make him dilcover his Art the fooner.
In a Word, he grew by Degrees, fo importunate
and urgent, that Du Fall began to apprehend a
too clofe Enquiry, if he denied the Requell any
longer ; and therefore he appointed a Day when e-
very Thing was to be communicated. In the mean
Time he took an Opportunity to ileal into the
Chamber, where all the Riches were depofited, und
where his Reverence generally flept after Dinner,
and finding him at that Time very fall, with his
Mouth wide open, he gagged and bound him,
then took his Keys, and unhoarded as much of his
Wealth, as he could conveniently carry out unfuf-
peAed; and fo bid Farewel to both him and France.
Du Vallhid feveral other Ways of getting IVloney,
beftdes thefe which I have mentioned, particularly
by Gaming, at which he was fo expert, that few
Men in his Age were able to play with him ; No
Man living could flip a Card more dexteroufly than
he, nor better undertlood all the Advantages that
could betaken of an Adverfary, yet, to Appearance,
ro Man play'd fairer. He would frequently carry
off ten, twenty, thirty, or fometimes an hundred
Pounds at a fitting, and had the Pleafure commonly
to hear it all attributed to his good Fortune ; fo that
few were difcourag'd by their LoflTes with him from
playing with him a feco»d, third, or fourth Time.
He was moreover a mighty Man for laying Wa-
gers, and no lefs fuccefsful in this Particular than any
of the former. He made it a great Part of his Study
to learn all the Intricate Queftions, deceitful Propofi-
tions, and paradoxical Afl'ertions, that afe made ufe
of in Converfation. Add to this, the fmattering he
had attained in all the Sciences, particularly the Ma-
thematicks, by means of which, he frequently won
conCderable Sums on the Situation of a Place, the
Length of a Stick, and a hundred fuch little Things,
which a Man may Praftice without being liable to
any Sufpicion, or calling any Blemilh upon his Cha-
radler, as an honell Man, or even a Gentleman,
which Du Vail aifefted to appear.
But what he was moil of all celebrated for, was
his Conquells among the Ladies, which were al-
moll incredible to thofe who had not been acquaint-
with Intriegue. He was a handfome Man, and
had Abundanc* of that fort of Wit, which is moll
apt to take with the Fair-Sex. Every agretable Wo-
man he faw, he certainly died for, fo that he was
ten thoufand Times a Martyr to Love : Tio/e Eyes
cf yours. Madam, have undone me I am cepti-
njated I'jith that pretty good natur' d Smile
O that I could by any Means in the World recommend
myfelf to your Lady/hip'' s Notice What a poor
filly loving Fool am J! Thefe, and a Million
of fuch Expreflions, full of Flames, Darts, Racks,
Tortures, Death, Eyes, Bubbles, Walle, Cheeks,
Uc. were much more familiar to him than his
Jrayers, and he had the fame Fortune in the Field
of Love, as Mm Iborotigh li.nd in that of W.ir, <i|
Ne-ver to lay Siege, hut he took the Place.
^ Our Hei'o had once a Mind to try the utrhoflj
his Influence over the F.iir-Sex ; and to tliat Ei,
he bought a good fize.ible Pocket-Book, and let !■
upon a Progrefs. It were in vain to pretend)
give the Reader a Catalogue of thofe that fell \ .
tims to his Addrels. Maids, Widows, and Wiv ;
the Rich, the Poor, the Noble, the \'ulgar, all, I
fubmitted to the powerful Du Vail: In a Word j
Pocket-Book was filled, :u-.d his Strength alii \
fpent in lefs than fix Months.
While he wai on his Journey, he met witi
young Gentleman of Wit and fiumour, to \vh
he communicated the Occalion of his travelli
The Gentleman being alfo a very agrce.ible Perf
and having been lately crolTed in Love, he fi
confented to try his Fortune with hin;. 'I'hey C£.|
together to an Inn, where was a beuiitiful dem
Girl, an only Daughter, of about thi; cecn Y<
of Age. It was loon agreed to fee what t
could do with the Damlel, of whofe Virginity
had no Room to doubt. 'I'hey foon found an
portunity of fpeaking to her alone, when they
inlled her a Ring which they tl.en fliewed her
(he would come and lie witu tdem every Nij
while they tarried at her Fati.er"'s Houle
Weiicn made no Scruple of the IVLtter, aft«
few Words cf Form. Bat now the great Point t
debated was who (hould have her Maidenhead. '
Gentleman claiiued it as a Tiling due to his Digr
and Du Vail as pofitively infilled upon it, tha
fuch Cites there was no Relpeil ot Perfons tc
oblerved. At laft they both confented to draw i
for the im-ginary Treafure, and the longcll S
fell to Du Vail.
At N ight our young Innocent came and (li
in between them, when Du Vail, immediately
he thought, took Poflcffion of what was his Ri
and he was entirely fatisfied with what he difcovi
There is no Reaion to fay what further pafs'd
Night ; it was fufhcient that Du Vnll was very
ry with his Companion in the Morning, who l
ned as much at his ill Fortune.
There was a young Lad, Apprentice to her
ther, who had fome Months before been bleflec
Reality (if there be any Re.aiity in fuch Blcfl
with what Du Vail had now gotten in Imaginai
and had every Night fince came ro the Girl's
He was furpriz'd when he found his Mate had
him, and as foon as he had Opportunity, he
manded theReafon of her Slight. The poor W
freely confefs'd the whole Affair, promifing, tl
he would (lay till tlie Gentlemen were gone
Ihould have part of what they gave her, and
entire Poflelfion of her Perlbri lor the ftture. /
laid the young Man,, /'// tiffurc you Madam ; *£
deed, 1 ivill have a merry 'Touch this Night, Oh
Heaven, I ivill never [peak to sou avalit. Don'
Gentlemen Jleep foiindr' Tis, ivhen thcj art «,
laid (he, tut that is not often, for they teize mi
tiveen them almojf all the Night lon^. Hoivi
I ivill give a gentle Tap on the Bed'' s Tc/ier i
they are both fafi, and then do you come, '^ai
faying a Word. At proper Time the Sign
given, the Boy enter'd, and crept up between
two Gentlemen direftly in the right Place. W
Bed (hook, the Travellers wak'd, and each tholhl
his Compa.iion was in the Saddle, till they
fell aflcep again, being weary with waiting.
the young Man went au.y without being dete
In the Morning the Companions weie read
quarrel, each being angiy at the other's unrea la-
bia Grcedinefs. Sure, fays the Gentleman, y-3<. ««
Pyratesy Highway me?? ^ Murderers, 6cc.
eaten inmilhing more than ordinary yefierday. I
nai/h, quoth Da V<ill, you hanjc no Occafion of fome-
thiii" to jh-eagthen your Back to Day, for I am fure
sr.u laboured hard enough. At hill It was agreed that
,nL Gill fnouM decide between them, who confefs'd
^.;. Tiiey laugh'd at one another, gave the Ring,
r.nd departed. Shortly afterwards, the young Virgin
u iS married, and loll her Maidenhead for good and
r.ll, witli many an artful Struggle.
At another Pl.ice on the Road our two Adventu-
rers pcrform'd another Prank of almoll the fame Na-
ture. They were benighted, and called at a Houfe
•: It an ufue.l Place of Entertainment. The good Man
: 1 tiiera he was willing to ferve them as much as he
.iJ, but he had no more than one Chamber, with
) large Beds, and a Truckle-Bed, in it. If you
.ife, lays he, to accept of one of the Beds, as you
. like honeji Gentlemen , you fball be 'very iieliome. I
i my IVife nx^ill lay in the other, and my Daughter
-; the Truckle Bed. An> Propofal, at fuch a 1 ime,
vitiiout Doubt, was acceptable.
The Daughter was about fixtecen Years of Age,
oung, plump, and handfome, enough to make any
.am's Mouth water. Du Vail took Care to ogle ncr
Ltty iufficiently in the Evening without the old
pie's Notice, fo that (he underilood his meaning,
i let ' '-ni perceive as much. About eleven they
/ent to Ev.J, and the good Landlord and Landlady
s fcon as our AiTignators could wifti. When we
card them fnore, Du I'all (lipp'd out of his own
ed into the Wencii's, where we leave them for the
refent.
There was an Infant in a Cradle by the good Peo-
e's BeJ-fide, and the young Gentleman who was
ft alone, having fome Occalion to go down, ran
I linll the w ooden Machine. As he could not other-
He pafs, lie took and lifted it into the Middle of
le Room, did what he wanted, and went to Bed
;ain. It was not long afterwards before the Land-
d> had a Motion of the fame Nature, and it came
ito her Head at the fame Time to feel for the Cra-
le. She groped about fo long in the Dark, that (he
•ft the Bed-iide, and walked round about till fhe hap-
ened to fall on the other Bed, where the Gentle-
lan was alone. She felt of his head, and finding
idi lere \v.-~.s but one Man, concluded it mull be her
[ufband, in which confidence ihe went to Bed.
Our Gallant quickly dilcovered her miltake, and,
y his VigoujT, fhe loon perceived the fame ; howe-
pr, fhe was not io iU-natur'd as to leave him im-
, i lediately. We mull go no farther in our Relation,
fecaufc we know not how many Ladies may read it.
a Word, the old Man being ilill fail adeep, every
e in the Room vv/as entirely fati^fied, and, getting
1 mto their proper Places before Morning, their Sa-
sfeftion continued.
Thefe two Stories may ferve for Specimens of our
.dventurer's Gallantry ; all we fhail add on th,.t
lead, is, that Du Vail has often protelied, that, af-
T he was deceived by the Inn-keeper's Daughter,
could never fancy he met with a Maid above lour-
|i#en.
There's no certain Account how long Du Vail fol-
wed his vicious Courfes in England before he was
etefted, after his coming from France, before he
ill into the hand of Jullice. All we know, is, that
i was taken drunk at the Hale in the Wall in Chan-
is Street, committed to Newugate, arraign'd, con-
Sed, condenin'd, and {on Friday the 2 III Day of
amary 1669-70) executed at Tyburn, in the 27th
ear of his age.
Abundance of Ladies, and thofe not of the meanell
egree, vifited him in Prifon, and interceded for his
ifdon : Not a few accompinied him to ti.t Gallows,
ider their \'izards, with luoln Eyes, and blubber'd
34
129
Cheeks. Alter he had hanged a convenient Tilne,
he w.as cutdov.n, and, by pcrfons vvelidielVd, con-
vey'd into a Mourning Ca.ch. In this he was carried
to the Tangier Tavern at St. Giles'i, where he lay
in State all Night, 'i'he Room was hung with black
Cloth, the Herfe cover'd with Scutcheons, eight
Wax Tapers were burning, and as many teJl Gen-
tlemen attended with long Cloaks. All was in
profound Silence, and the Ceremony h.ad laded much
longer, had not one of the Judges lent to interrupt the
Pegeantry.
As they were undrelTing him, in order to his lyint^
in State, one of hi^ Friends put Jiis H.md into \m
Pocket, and found therein the following Paper, which
as appears by the " Contents, he intended as a
Legacy to the Ladies. It was written in a very fair
Hand. ^
" I (houid be very ungrateful to you, fiir Englijh
Ladies, fhould I not acknowledge the Obligations
you have l.,id me under. I could not have hoped
" tliat a Perlbn of my Birth, Nation, Education,
" and Condition, could have had Charms enough to
c ptiv.ite you all ; though the couirary luis appear-
ed, by your firm Attachment tomj Interell, which
" you have not abindoncd even in my tail Diilrefs.
You have vifited me in Prifon, and even accompa-
" nied me to an ignominious Death.
From the Experience of your former Loves, I
ajn coniident that many .among you would be
gl-d to receive me to your Arms, even from the
" Gallows.
Hoiv mightily, and how generoufly have you
rewarded my former Services? S.jall I ever forget
the univerlal Condernation that appeared upon
" your Faces when I was taken ; your chargible Vi-
" li;s to me in Netugate ; your Shrieks and Swoon -
" ings when I was condemned, and your zealous In-
-' terceflion and Importunity for my Pardon ? You
" could not have ereded fairer Pillars of Honour and
" P.efpecl to me, had I been a Hercules, able to get
" fifty of you with Child in one Night.
" It has been tlie Misfortune of feveral Englijh
" Gentlemen to die at this Place, in the Time of the
" late Ufurpation, upon the moll honourable Occa-
" fion that ever prefented itfelf; yet none of thefe,
" as I could ever learn, received fo many Marks of
" your Elleem as myfelf. How much the greater,
,' therefore is my Obligation ?
" It does not, however, grieve me, that your In-
" tercelTion for me proved ineffeclual ; for now I
" (liall die with a healthful Body, and, I hope, 3
" prepai-ed Mijid ; my ConfelTor has (hewn n.c the
" Evil of my Ways, and wrought in me a true Re-
" pentance ; Wl.ereas, had you prevailed for my
" Life, I mult in Gratitude have devoted it to your
" Service, which would certainly have nude it 'very
" fhort ; for h.id you been found, I ihould have
" died of a Confumption ; if otherwife, of a
" Po.x."
He was buried with many Flambcau.\-s, amidfl a
numerous Train of Mourners (moil of them Ladies)
Cevent-Garden : A white M rble Stone was laid over
him with his Arms, and tne following Epitaph engra-
ven on it.
Here lies Du Vall, Reader, if Male thou art.
Look to thy Purfc ; if Female, to thy Heart.
Much Ha-Tiock hath he made of both ; for all
Men he made Ji and, and Women he made fall.
The fecond Conqueror of ihe Norman Race,
Knights to his Arms did yield, and Ladies to his Face.
Old Tyburn'j Glory, England'^ I wveft Thief,
Du Vall the Ladies Joj ! Du Vall the Ladies Grief.
LI A P I N.
IjO
A General H i s t o r v of
APINDARICKODE.
To the Happy Memory of the mojl
' Remojun d
* D U V A L L.
By tho Author o/^Hudibras.
' ' I "" I S trae, to complement the Dead,
X Jfs as impertinent and vain,
As 'twas of old to call 'em back again.
Or, like the Tartars, give 'em Wives,
With Settlements for After-Lives.
For all that can be done or faid,
Tho' ne'er fo noble, great, and good.
By them is neither heard nor underitood.
All our fine Sights, and Tricks of Art,
Firft to create, and then adore Defert ;
And thofe Romances which we frame.
To raife ourfelves not them a Name.
In vain are ftuft with ranting Flatteries,
And fuch as, if they knew, they would defpife :
For as thofe Times, the golden Age they call.
In which there was no Gold at all ;
So we plant Glory and Renown,
Where it was ne'er deferv'd, nor known.
But to worfe Purpofe many Times,
To varnilh o'er neferious Crimes,
And cheat the World that never feems to mind.
How good or bad Men dye, but what they leave be-
[hind.
n.
And yet the brave Du Vail, whofe Name,
Can never be worn oat by Fame ;
That liv'd and dy'd to leave behind
A great Example to Mankind :
That fell a publick Sacrifice,
From Ruin to prevent thofe few
Who, tho' born falfe; may be made true ;
And teach the World to be more juft and wife.
Ought not, like vulgar Allies, reft
Unmention'd in the filent Cheft,
Not for hij own, but publick intereft.
He, like a pious Man, fome Years before
Th' Arrival of this fatal Hour,
Made ev'ry Day he had to live
To his laft Minute a Preparative.
Taught the wild Arabs on the Road
To aft in a more genteel Mode,
Take Prizes more obligingly than thofe
Who never had been bred Filous,
And how to hang m a more graceful Fafhion,
Than e'er was known before to the dull EngUJh Na-
ftion.
III.
In France, the Staple of new Modes,
Where Garbs and Courts are current Goods,
That ferves the rader Northern Nations
With Methods of Addrefs and Trent,
Prefcribes new Garnitures and Fafhions,
And how to drink, and how to eat.
No out-of-Falhion Wine or Meat.
To underfland Crnvats and Ph'mes,
And the moll niociilh from the old Perfumes.
To know the Age and i^edigrees.
Of Points oi Flanders and Venice,
Call their Nativity, and to Day
Foretell how long they'll hold, and when decay,
T'aft'ed thepuieil Negligences,
In Gcllures, Gaits, and Miens,
And ipeak by Repartee Routines,
Out of the moll autheiuiek of Romrince* :
And to demonttrate with fubrTantial Re.Uon,
What Ribbands all the Year are in or out of Seaion.
IV.
To this great Academy of Mankind,
He ow'd his Birth and Education,
Where all are fo ingenioully inciin'd.
They underlland by Imitation ;
Are taught, improve before they are aware.
As if they fuck'd their Breeding from the Air,
That naturally does difpenfe
To all a deep and folid Confidence.
A Virtue of that precious Ul'e,
That he whom bounteous Heav'n endues.
But with a moJ'r.ite Shew of it.
Can want no Worth, Abilitie", nor Wit.
In all the deep Hcrmetick Arts,
(For fo of late the Learned call
All Tricks, if flrange and myilical)
He had improv'd his nat'ral Parts,
And with his magick Rod could found.
Where hidden Treafure might be found.
He, like a Lordo'th' Manor, ieiz'd upon
Whatever happen'd in his Way
As lawful Waif and Stray.
And after, by the Cuftom, kept it as his own.
V.
From thefe firft Rudiments he grew
To nobler Feats, and try'd his Force
Upon whole Troops of Foot and Horfe ;
Whom he as bravely did fubdue :
Declar'd all Caravans that go
Upon the King's High-Way, his Foe,
Made many defperate Attaclcs,
Upon itinerant Brigades
Of all Profeffions, Ranks, and Trades ;
On Carriers Loads, and Pedlars Packs,
Made them lay down their Arms aiid yield,
And, to the fmallell Piece, reftore
AU that by cheating they had got before.
And after plunder'd all the Baggage ot the FieW ;
In ev'ry bold Affair of War
He had the chief Command, and led them on :
For no Man is judged fit to liave tiie Cire
Of other's Lives, until he as made it known.
How much he does defpife, anu icorn hit own
VI.
Whole Provinces 'twixt Sun and Sun,
Have by his conqu'ring S.vord ben won ;
And mighty Sums of Money laid
For Ranlbm upon ev'ry Man,
And Hoftages delivcr'd 'till 'twas paid.
Th' Excife, and Chimny-Pablican,
The Jew-foreftaller and Inhanfer,
To him for their Crimes did anfwer.
He vanquilh'd the n.oil Fierce, and Fell,
Of all his Foes, the Conllable,
That oft had beat his Quarters up.
And routed him, and all his Troop,
PjyrateSf Htghwaymefty Murderersy 5Cc,
131
He took the dreadful Lawyers Fees,
That in his own allow'd High-way,
J)oe3 feats of Arms as great as his.
And whe:i th' encounter in it, wins the Day ;
S.ife in his G.-.trifon, the Court,
Where meaner Criminals are fentenc'd for't.
To tlie Ikrn Foe lie oft gave Quarter,
But as the Scotchman did to Tartar,
Thiit he in Time to come
Vlight in Return from him receive his Doom.
VII.
He would have ftarv'd this mighty Town,
A;id brought his haughty Spint down ;
Hive cut it off from all Relief,
And, like a wife and valiant Chief,
Made many a fierce Affault,
Upon all Aniunition-Carts,
And thofe that bring up Cheefe and Malt,
Oi Bacon from remoter Parts.
No Convoy, e'er fo Urong, with Food
Durtl venture on the defp'rate Road ;
e made th' undaunted Waggoner obey,
nd the fierce Higler Contribution pay ;
The favage Butcher, and (lout Drover
urft not to him their feeble Troops difcover :
And if he had but kept the Field,
In rime he'd made the City yield,
ir great Towns, like the Crocodiles, are found
h' Belly apteft to receive a mortal Wound.
VIII.
But when the fatal Hour arriv'd,
[n wiuch his Stars began to frown.
And had in clofe Cabal contriv'd
pull him from his Height of Glory down.
When he by num'rous Foes opprefs'd.
Was in th' enchanted Dungeon call,
Secur'd with mighty Guards,
Left he by Force or Stratagem,
ght prove too cunning for their Chains and them,
d break thro' all their Locks and Bolts, and Wards,
3e'd both his Legs by Charms committed
To one another's Ciiarge,
" That neither might be fet at large,
.^d all their Fury and Revenge out-witted.
'\3 Jewels of high Value are
vept under Locks with greater Charge.
Than thofe of meaner Rates ;
So he was in Stone Walls, and pond'rous Chains, and
Iron Grates.
IX.
Thither came Ladies from all Parts,
To offer up clofe Pris'ners, Hearts,
Which he receiv'd as Tribute due.
And made 'em yield up Love and Honour too.
But in more brave Heroicks,
Than e'er were praftis'd yet in Plays :
For thofe two fpiteful Foes who never meet,
But full of hot Conteft and Piques,
About Punftilio's and meer Tricks,
Did all their Quarrels to his Doom fubmit.
And far more generous and free.
With only looking on him did agree.
Both fully fatisfy'd ; the one
With the frelh Lawrels he had won.
And all the brave renowned Feats
He had perform'd in Arms ;
The other with his Perfon and his Charms:
For Julias Larks are catch'd in Nets,
By gazing on a Piece of Glafs:
So while the Ladies view his brighter Eyes,
And fmoother poliili'd Face,
Their gentleTtiearts, alas ! were taken by Surprize,
Never did bold Knight to relieve
Diftrefled Dames fuch dreadful Feats atchieve.
As feeble Damlels for his Sake
Would have been proud to undertake.
And bravely ambitious to redeem
The World's Lofs and their own.
Strove who Ihould have the Honour to lay down
And change a Life with him :
But finding all their Hopes in vain.
To move his fix'd determin'd Fate,
They Life itfelf began to hate.
And all the World befide difdain :
Made loud Appeals and Moans
To lefs hard-hearted Grates and Stones,
Came fwell'd with Sighs, and drown 'd in Tears,
To yield themfelves his Fellow-SufFerers :
And follow him like Prifoners of War,
Chain'd to the lofty Wheels of his triumphant Car.
Ue
132
A General History of
r/)eLIFE 0/ JAMES BATSON.
TH E following is the Life and Adventures of
an Arch Villain, born in the firft Year of the
Reign of King James I. which we hope will
prove diverting, and afford an agreeable Amufcment
to our Readers.
I fuppofe, according to Cuftom, the Reader will
expeft fome Account of my Geneology, and as I was
always a mighty Admirer of Falhions, I will follow
the Mode, and give fome Account of my Parents
and Relations ; beginning with my Grandfather, who
had the great Fortune to marry a Woman excellently
Skilled in Vaulting, and Rope- Dancing, and would
play her Part with any Man. She, tho' above fifty
Years of A^e, and troubled with the Phthifick, died
in the Air. Her Hufband would not marry again,
to avoid feeing other Women fly as fhe had done ;
but kept a Puppet-Shew in Morefields, and it was
reckon'd the curioufeil that ever had been feen in the
City. Befides, my Grandfather was fo little, that
the only Difference between him and his Puppets, was,
that they fpoke through a Trunk, and he without
one. He made fuch Speeches before his Shews, that
the Audience could wilh he had never done ; for he
had a Tongue like a Parrot. All the Apple- Women,
Hawkers, and Fifh- Women were fo charmed with his
Wit among his Puppets, that they would run to hear
him without Leaving any Guard upon their Goods,
but their Straw-Hats. Unfortunate Man ! being fo
like a Cock-Sparrow, he took to fo many Hens, that
when they had devoured his Money, Cloaths, and
Puppets, they confumed his Health, and left him like
a naked Baby in an Hofpital.
When he thought to have died foberly, he fell
into a Frenzy to fuch a Degree, that one Day he fan-
cied he was a Bull in a Puppet-Shew, and was to en-
counter a Stone-Crofs that flood near the Hofpital-
Gate ; and, after feveral Eflays, he made at the fame
Crofs, crying, AVtv / hwve you. This faid, he run
his Head fo furioufly againft the Crofs, that he dropt
down, and faid no more. A good Hofpital-Nurfe,
who was one of the Family of the hinocenti, feeing
him die in that Manner, cried, O the precious Soul,
he died at the Foot of the Crofs, and direBijig his Dif-
tourfe to it.
My Father had two Trades, or two Strings to his
Bow ; for he was a Painter, and a Gamefter, and a
Mailer much alike at both ; for his Paintings would
hardly rife fo high as a Sign-Poft, and his Slight of
Hand at Play was of fuch an ancient Date, that it
would hardly pafs upon the Mob. He had one Mif-
fortune, which he intail'd on all his Children, like
Original Sin ; and that was, his being born a Gen-
tleman, which is as bad as a Poet ; k\\ of whom
cfcape Eternal Poverty, or are above Perpetual
Want.
My Mother died unluckily of a Longing for Mufli-
rooms, when they were not to be had, being then
with Cuild by my Father, as Ihe faid, and departed
as quiet as a Bird. She left two Daughters, great
Devotees of Venus, the' tliey were Chnitians, jiifla'
the Age the Dodors piel'cribe they are fit to e:it ; botl
very handfome and very young ; and I was left ver
little, but much better Skilled in Shnrpiiig than m'
Age feemed to promife. When the Funeral Cere
monies were over, and the Tears dried up, whic
were not very many, my Father fell again to'li.
Daubing, my Sillers to Stitching, and I returned t
my little-frequented School, where my Poilerior- pa'
for the Slownefs of my Feet, ;^nd the Ligiitnefs of m
Hands.
I had fuch an excellent Memory, thr.t though m
wicked idle Temper was the finie it has ever fini
continued, yet 1 foonlearmd to re:d, v\rite, and c£
Accounts, well enough to have taken a better Cour
than I have done. 1 put fo m.'sny unlucky Tricl
upon my Mafler, and \o often fet tiie Bo\s togethu
by the Ears, that every Body called me the little J.
das. It was hard for any Book to efcape me, ai
if once I caft my Eyes on a Pifturc, it was i'urely n
own, which coll me many a Boxing Bout every Da
or elfe the Complaints were carried Home to niv F
ther and Sillers. The Eldell of them had it in Char
to reprove and convert me ; (he would fometim
give me a foft Cuff with her delic.ite white Hand ;
other Times flie would tell me I ihould be a Difgra
to the Family.
All this Nonfenfe, and her Reproof, llgnified
more to me than the Barking of a Dog, it went in
one Ear, and out at the other; fo that, in fnort,
play'd fo many unlucky Pranks, and was fo full
Roguery, that I was expelled the School in as foler
a Manr.er, as if it had been by Beat of Drum. IV
Father, after currying my Hide very well, c.-.rried i
to a Friend of his, who was Barber to Count Com
mar, the Spanijh Ambafiador, then refiding hei
with whom he left me on Trial, in order to be bou \
Apprentice. Having delivered his hopeful Son, a I
he returned Home, m\' Maiicr ordered me into 1 1
Kitchen to my Millrefj, who prefently found il
Employment, giving me a Bafeet full of Childrc]
Blankets, Clouts, Slabbering-Bibs, Barrows, &J
and opening the Yard Door, fiirniflk\l me with abci
an Ounce of Soap ; then Ihewing me the Cilleii
with a great Trough under it. Jemmy, fays flie, ;/h1
your Hits, there'' s a good Boy ; for this M'ork beloim
to the ylfprentices. I hung down my Head, af
tumbled all the filthy Clouts from the Bafket into tl
Trough, and waflicd them as well as I could, al
hung the Linnen to dry : I managed it very well ll
myfclf, fmce I was foon difcarded from my Offiff
which, h:ul it continued longer, there had been
End o{ Jemmy in lefs than a Fortnight.
The next Day I werit over my Talk again, and wll
I wanted in Wafliing of Clouts, was made up in Rti
ning on Errands.
The third Day my Mafler having juft given ml
fmall Note to receive, there came into tue Shofjj
Bu
Pjyratesj Highwaymefty Murderers^ 6Cc.
Bally Rufli:m witli a P..ir of Wiiifkers that covered
his race, and uoiilJ have been worth Money to
have maJc Biuihes un ; lie tolJ my Mailer /^e 'would
hitvf '-is Hi'ijMtn tair.ed nf. It being then fo early
tliat tlie joiinieynrin iie kept was not come, he was
going to turn tncni up himielf, and bid me light a
I'ire, and nc ;t tne Irons. I did as I was ordered,
and jult a.^ my Maker had turned up one VVhifker,
there iiappened to be a Quarrel in the Street, and
my .'ilaiicr being aliiays a bui'y Man, mull needs
ilep out to lee wimt uas the Matter, leaving the llern
Bravo, witn one Wnilker hanging quite down, and
the otner tur.icd up. The Scuffle lafting long, and
ny M.iiter li.ning io fee the End of it, the turious
■^ill-crow never tealcd iwearing and curling. He
iked me in a harlh Fone, Whether I andeijiaad my
^rade ; and i tlunl^ing it an undervaluing to inyfelf
i'.iy J did not, boldly anj'wered, 1 did. M'hy
hen you Son of a Whore, lays he, turn up this II hif-
er for me, or I Jbail go into the Street as I am,
iitd kick your Majler. I was unwilling to be found
1 a' Lye, and thinking it no hard Matter to 'Jirn up
WhilKcr, ne'er ihew'd the lealt Concern, but tooK
p one of the irons that was at tiie Fire^ and had
tew iicating ever iince tiiC firil Alarm of the Fray,
id having notning to try it on, but deiiriiig to be
3i
Executor without Reftraiiit of Age : I fold the
Goods, got in what Debts I could, and led a merry
Life, whilll the Money lalied, keeping all the Rakt"!
about the Town Company, v\ho at fall drain'd me
of every Farthing.
They obliged ine one Night to go Abroad with
them, though much againll my Will, and one of
them having the Iveys, like St. Peter, opened the
Door of a Houfe, whence they took ieveral Trunks
to eafe the owner of Lumber. A Cur Dog, who
was upon Guard, gave the Alarm, and the People
of the Houfe came running into the Street, whicn
compelled my Companions to lay down their I>ur-
den.', and art upon tiie Defenfive with their Swords ;
for my P.,rt I llood quaking for fe.ar before the Rob-
bery, at the Time oi ihe Robbery, and alter the
Robbery ; and always kept, at a Diltance, repenting
that I had not been acquainted with their Way of
Living before I came out of my Lodging, that I
might have avoided that Danger : So tliat leeing my
Companions fly, the wounded Men return to tiicir
Houles, I kept my Toil all in a cold Sweat, leall I
fhould be taken up .as a party concerned ; and when
I ihould have gone av/.-.\ , I had not the Power to llir
one Foot, At the Noiie the Watch came in, who
finding three Trunk, in the Street, belides two Men
ought E.'.peuitiou,'-, I took a Comb, iluck it into dangerouily wounded, and me not far off, they came
up to lee who 1 was. By tne Difoider ti.ey found
; bnlly Bufn, and clapped the Iron to it : No foon-
uid ihey meet, but tneie arofe a Siaoke, a; if it
.d been (lut of a Cuimney, with a whlzznig Noife,
d all the Hair vanillied. He cried out furioufly,
ou Son of a thoufand Dogs, and ten thouland
bores, doji tlou tsie me for Seint Laurence, that
m burnt J] mc alive? With that he let fly iuch a
ng at me, that the Comb dropping out of my
aid, I could not avoid in the Fright laying the
t Iron dole along his Cheek, and cauterizing him
one Side ofliisFace: Tins made him gi\e fuch
Shriek, as lliook the very Houle, and at the laine
me drew his Sword to fend me to the other World;
L I remembring the Proverb, That one Pair of
els is worth ti'jo Pair of Hands, got fo nimbly
o the Street, and fo fwiftly fcoured out of that
•t of the Mown, that though I was a good Run-
I w.i amazed when I found myielf above a Mile
m Home, with the Iron in my H^nd and the
u-k's Whifker flicking to it : As good Luck
uld have it, I was near the Perfon who was to
\ the Note my Mailer gave me to receive for him,
I::irried it, and received the Money; but thought
fi 0 apply it to my own Uie, not daring to return
rme again.
vly Money lafied me for about a Month, when I
h' n to tnink of returning to my Father, but I
■ rllood he was gone into the Country to receive
.Money owing to him. I rejoiced at the News,
^cnt very boldly into the Houfe as fole Lord
M.iUer of it. My Sillers received me very
givmg mc many a four Look, and upbraiding
>wtii the Money my F'ather was forced to pay
ly Pranks. We had a thoufand Squabbles every
, particuLirly about tlieir giving me fmall in-
jf llj-ong J]eer.
iicfe Aiiiinoiities jun fo high, that perceiving they
•ii not mend, 1 refoKed to make them know me.
irJiiigly, one Day they having brought me four
. and the Mc.it being on the Table, I threw the
.'.t my elder Suler, and the Pot with the Eeer
■ Younger, overthrew the Table, and marched
iit^ Doors on a Ramble ; but accidentally met
< llcnger from tlie Country, whcf informed me
y F.ither'b Death by a Fever. At thi.'; News,
-.ly went b.ick to my Sillers, who were more
-J oli.ibie, iindnii' h\ t.i\ Father's Will, I wa-; lelf
35 ' '
me in, tne/ coi.cliiitd I was one of tiiO.'e who had
done the Milchief. They took Care of me that
Night, ind the next D.iy I was ordered to a Place
Wiiere I had Occahon to :ry all my Friends and Ac-
quaintance, who ail proved as I deicrved. In about
ten D,iy<, I wai called to my Tryal, and my E.\-
cuies being very fnvilous, and my .Anfwers contra-
diiftr.ry, I was condemn'd to be hoilled up by the
Neck, and go to Heaven in a String : However,
juil as I Was finging the laft Stave, a Reprieve cime',
and in about two Months after, I got a full Par-
don.
Frighten'd at this laft Difafler, I was r«folved to
alTociate xnyiiAi no more with any one, but went a-
bout the Streets, felling Wafh-B.alls, Tooth-Pickers,
and Tooth-Powder. I play'd the Merry-Andrew
myfelf, cried up my Rubbifh, extolled the Virtues of
it, and fold it very dear : For whoever has a Mind
to put oft" his Trumpery, and make a good Hand
of it, mull pretend iiis Tralh comes from fatan,
Peru, or Tartary, becaufe all Nations undervalue
their ou n Product and Workmanihip, though never
(a excellent, and fet a great Rate on foreign Tri-
fles,
All my Ware tending to make fine Teeth, and
white Hands, the Ladies were my beft Cuftomers,
but efpecially the AclrefTes. There was at that
Time one of the bell Companies of Players that
ever diverted England, and a Man at the Head of
them femed for ids Excellency that Way. By Vir-
tue of my fcurvy Ware, I became acquainted with
his imaginary Queens, and pretended PrincefTes ;
one of whom, about eighteen Years of Age, ai)d
married to one of the Aftors, told me one Day,
That jhe had taken a liking to me, becaufe I w.-as
« confident Jharpfor^Mard Youth ; and therefore^ if
I Hxould ferve her, f;£ ivokM entertain me 'with all
her Heart ; and that ivhen the Company fjent firol-
ling, I might beat the Drum, and jiick up the Bills.
I fancied that wa^ an eafier Sort of a Life, fo con-
fented at lirll Word, defiring only two Days to fell
my Ware off, which fhe courteoufly granted ; and
to encourage me, gave me a Crown.
Having ibid off my Trumpery, I waited on my
Mifircff, v.\\Q appointed me four feveral Fmploy-
mcnt.^ ; the firll wa^ tirefome, the fecond uncali-,
M m t-l'ir
A
IJ4
the third fluggifli, and the fourth dangerous. At
Home I was her Falet de Cbamhrc, folding and lay-
ing up all her Cloaths ; Abroad I was her Porter,
fetching and carrying her Cloaths to the Plaj'-houie :
I was her Gentleman-Uiher in her Attiring Room,
and her truHy Secretary and AmbafTador in all Places.
My Mafter quarrelled with her every Night about
me, becaufe he fuppofed 1 was no Eunuch, i:'.w I
had a tolerable good Face, and thought me not fo
young, but that 1 knew What ivas What ; for which
Reidbn he w.as looking out for another Servant, that
he might turn me ofF. Such a Multitude of young
Beauxs reforted daily to my Millrefi's Houfe, that
it looked like a Fair. 'I'hey all told me their Se-
crets, and acquainted me with their Sufferings. Some
made me Prefents, others promi^'d Mountains, and
others delivered me Copies of Verfes which being
gather'd in tUe Morning on Pamaffia, were buried
at Night in the Neceilary Houle. I play'd the
Part of a Prime Minifter, and Secretary of State
and War, receiving thofe Memorials, and the Fees,
promiling every one my Favour and Interell: : Some
of them I difpatch'd with my Millrefs, and many
more confidering (he was fo dilatory, I anfwered of
my own Head, after this Manner : If the Petitioner
was poor or niggardly, RejeSied: If he was a
young Spark near coming to his Eftate, Hejhall he
heard another Time : If rich and generous. Granted.
Thus 1 kept them all in Hand, abfolutely difmiffing
iione, but rather feeding them with Hopes.
When I happen'd to lofe at Play, for 'tis impof-
fible a Scoundrel ftiould ever be wife, as I took
out or laid up her Cloath, I filled my Pocket with
Ribbands and Garters, and giving them in her Name,
as favours to the Gallants, they requited me fo
plentifully, that I could make what I had filched,
and enough left to game all the Week after.
The Devil, who they fay never fleeps, fo ordered
it, that my Mafter and Millrefs being gone a vifit-
ing, and 1 left at Home, two of the Servants be-
longing to the Play-houfe, and the Wardrobe-Keep-
er came to call me out to take a Walk, it being a
leifure Day. I went away with them : We drop-
ped into a Tavern, drank fix Bottles of the belt ;
play'd at Cards for the Reckoning, and that falling
upon me, I was fo nettled, that I challenged the
Wardrobe-Keeper, to play with me at Putt ; and
he being no Fool at that Sport, foon ftripped me
of all I had. This provoked me fo highly, that I
told him, if he would but Stay, I would go fetch
more Money. He confented, I ran Home with all
Speed, took out a rich laced Petticoat my Millrefs
had, and carried it to a Paftry-Cook I was acquaint-
ed with, defiriug to lend me three Jacobus^i upon
it, pretending they were for my Millrefs, who want-
ed fo much to make up a Sum to pay for a Ring
Ihe had bought, affuring him 'of his Money when my
Mafter returned Home, with fomething for the Fa-
vour. The Paftry-Cook finding the Pawn fufficient,
delivered me the Money, with which I hurried back
to play, and loft as I had done before. I got o. e
Jacobus back again of the Winner, by way of
"Wrangling with him, as if he had not plaid fair,
with which I turn'd out into the Street, fullof Ve.v-
ation, that I had loft (o beneficial a Place. I went
to an Inn, where I fupped and lay that Night, but
with little Reft or Satisfaflion.
As foon as ever I difcovered the firft Dawn of
Day, I got up full of Sorrow to think what a bafe
Return I had made my Miftrefs for all her Kind-
nefs ; and confidering the D..i;ger I fhould be in,
when ftie mifl'ed her Petticoat, I left London, direft-
ing my Courfe towards Colcheftir.
Travelling fomevvhat H.dlily for fear of being
A General History of
followed, I overtook two of thofe Sort of Soldiers,
called Decoy Ducks, who ferve to draw in others,
when they are Levies. After fome Difcourfe, they
told me they were going my Way, being infoinietl.'
that at Colchefter there ivas a Captain raijlng Men
and that none that lijied under him miould e-ver ivant
I travelled on with them very fairly, every on(
p.aying his Club by the Way. The next Day \V(
got to that Town, and being kindly received by tb
Captain, and lifted, we lived in Clover for a Fort
night, making our Landlords furnilh us with Dain
ties, and demanding Impofiibilies. At lall, we re
ceived Orders to march, and having left the 1 owr
our Captain moved like a Snail, (till leaving tl
Quarters appointed us on one Side, and taking tl
contrary Way, becaufe the Towns paid him to b
exempted. He continued this Cheat three Days
but on the fourth, as we were p,. fling by a Wooi
all his Men, about thirty in Number, kit him wi
only the Colours, Drum, Serjeant, and Eni'.gn, ai
five Wenches, who went with the Baggage ; for he
not likely to keep up a Company, who contrives on
how to make his Advantage of them u iti.out cun
dering, that it is very ealy to find a Captain, and i
lefs difficult to get thirty Soldiers.
However, I lik'd my Captain well enough ; for
was civil to me, I ftuck by him, and came to Lc
don with him, where he was fo laugli'd at, that
refolved to quit the Kingdom, and having a go
Eftate, intended to go abroad a \oluntier, ai:d i
fired my Company ; He embarked for Barcdo.
and in a little Time got a Company, which w;is
dered with feveral others, to fail for Alicant : I
ing a good Accomptant, and writing a fair Ha
ftuck dofe all the while we were at Sea, to
Steward of the Ship to help him deliver out
Allowances to the Sailors, and Landn an. He
keep up a good old Cuftora, and avoid being blan
by others of his Trade, gave the Soldiers all the b
ken Bifket, and kept that which was wh'-le ; anc
for the Fifti, they had what was rotton. As for
Bacon, he ftuck a Knife into it, and if it ftunl-r.
Soldiers had it ; if otherwife, he put it up carefu!
However he took Care to make much of the Offic
which made them all keep Council, and fee iiothi
and whilft the poor Soldiers fared hard, \se lived w
At length we arrived at Jlicant, wJiere we w
quartered, and had a Mixture of good and bad j
as foon as they had fheun us any Favour, they v
over us with a Cap de Dcu, which is that Cour
Oath, and out came two or three Cafes of Pifl
My Captain and I were at Variance, becaufe Jie
cheated me of my Pay, and I had made my Compl
to recover it. For this Rcafou he bore me ill-V
there being nothing fo certain as th;it if a Soldier t
not put up any Wrong in Point of Interell, but
tends to complain, or to Hand upon Terms with
Officers, all that he fays, though never i'o true,
pafs for a Lie: He wili never he advanced, bui
ther flighted and hated. My Quarters weie in a
vern, where I was one D.'y a drinking uith a Sok
and happened to fall out about a Lie given,
my Sword unluckily rum i- g into his Throat.)
kick'd up his Heels thro' lus own Fault ; for he
upon my Point ; fo that he may thank his own H!
nefs.
To prevent my Captain's taking Revenge, or
ing him an Opportunity of fatifymg his MaliceJ
taking upon himfelf to make an Example of nil
went away to Barcelona, and took Re' iL'e ini
naftery : My Captain, as if I had mu.u'.i.d his
ther, ftolen his Goods, or taken away his Mifi
fent after me to have me fecm-c .', and alittlr /-^
per-Snctpper of his, who waj i/.c Tile-Ccrrier o fie
Coi^f.)',
Pjrjtesy Higlrjoaji-fiefii Murderer s^ &c.
Conipr-.tiv, followed his B:irmelsfo Clofe, that in De-
fpigiit of the F.'.thers, and in Contempt of the
Church, he hid me taken out of the Sauduarv, and
eilt into tht Prion of t.'-.e Arfmal. They put me into
Irons, bo'.red my Hands ..nd feet, and fo left me. I
was piofecjted as a Murderer, Dcferter, and Raifer
of Mutinies ad without any Regard to the Pain
my Mother enui;;ed when fhe brought me into the
World, they put me into a Fright with tkefe terrible
Words : You Jhidl return to the Place from ivhcnce
you cair.e, and from thence to the Place of Execu-
tion, iffc.
la Ihort, as if it had been a Thing of nothing, or
but a Matter of Paitime, they g.ive Sentence, Ihat
IjkttuUbe lid in Stale along the Streets, then mount
upon a Ladder, kick tip my Heels before all the People,
and take a S-iviig in the open Air, as if 1 had another
Life in my Sna^-S:uk. 1 was made acquainted with
it, by a PubliclL Notary, who was fo nice a Chriftian,
that iie never asked me any Gratuity for the good
News, nor any Fees for the Trial. It was impoiCble
ti) avoid making fome wry Faces ; when I lieard it,
fome Sig!;3 broke loofe in Spite of my Manhood, and
:i!e ialt Tears trickled down my Cheeks. The Jay-
or bid ine make Peace with God, without the leaft
Supply from Bacchus to raife my Spirits ; and I con-
idtring what f had to go through, gently fqueez'd
Tiy 'l';iroat witlimy Hand ; and tho' it was done very
euJerly, I did not like the Tell ; but faid to myfelf.
If I '.'c Hand, ivhich is foft Flep, hurts fo much, luhat
■Mill it be ivhen a hard hempen Rope is there. I
<ri. .'ed down, and cried to Heaven for Mercy, fo-
en nly protelting, if I regained my Liberty, that I
voalJ do Pennance for my Sin;, and begin a new Life;
jut tneie were like Vows made in Storms. The
Mews «as quickly fpread, and feveral Friends came
0 fee me, others to condemn me ; fome faid it was
3ity I inould lofe my Life in the Prime of my Age,
Dthers that I looked like a rank Knave ; and fome,
hat I was not come to that for my Goodnefs. At
laft, in came a Francifcan Friar, all in a Sweat, and
full of Zeal, aiking. Where is the coHdemn d P erfen ?
I anfwer'd. Father, I am the Man, though you don^t
ino^/j me. He faid. Dear Child, it is noiu Time for
you to think of another World, fence Sentence is paji ;
and therefore, you 7nuft imploy this Jhort 'Time allo^vd
fou, in confejfeng your Sins, and ajking Forgivenefs for
your Offences. I aniwercA, Reverend Father, inOhe-
Seitce to the Commands of the Church, I confejs but
tftce a Year, and that is in Lent : But if, accerding
to human L.itvs, 1 mujl attone 'with my Life for the
Crime Pije committed, your Reverence being fo learned,
mufl he truly fcnfeble, that there is no Divine Precept,
luhich fays. Thou (halt not eat or drink ; and there-
fore, fence it is not contrary to the Laiv of God, I de-
fire that yon nxiill give Order that I have Meat and
Drink, and then vje iK-ill difcourfe of tvhat is befe for
us both ; for I am in a Chrifeian Country, and plead
the Prii'iledge »f SanSluary.
The good Father, much diihirbed to hear me L-ilk
fo wildly at a Time when I Ikould be ferious, took
a fmriH Crucifex out of his Bofom, and began to nuke
a Sermon to me on the Te.xt of the loll Sheep, and
the Repenr.mce of the good Thief; and this with fuch
an audible Voice, that he might he heard all over
the Arfcnal. I turned p.ale, my Heart failed me,
and my Tongue was numbed, when I heard the Cha-
rity Eeils, which ring when Criminals arc executed.
1 cleared my Apartment, and kneeling down before
my Ghoftiy Father, difgorged a wonderful Budget
of ISins, and cleared my Store-houfe of Iniquity ;
and having received his BleiTmg and Abfolution, found
ivfelf lb changed, that it only troubled me to die,
.:aufe' I thought myfelf fo' truly contrite, that all
the Bells would ring out of themfelves, the whole
City would be in an Uproar, and the poor Peo-
ple would lofe their Day's Work to come and fee
nse.
In the Height of this Fright, which I would free-
ly bellow on any one that could be fond of it, the
Marquis D'E/Je, then Commanding Officer, ordered
me to be brought before him, I having got a Petition
prefented to him. He like a merciful Man, being
informed, that I pleaded the Priviledge of Sa£luary,
ordered the Execution to be refpited, the Sentence of
Death reverfed, and me fent to the Galleys for tea
Years. My Mailer was fo much my Friend, that he
Oppofed it, alledging my Conflitution it.as too Dainty
to make a II ater-Threfier ; and therefore it •i.i^ere bet-
ter to fend m.e out of this iiicked World, that I might
ferrve as an Example to all the Army ; and thai it
nvould ha-ve been never the luorfe had it been done three
or four Years fooner. Notw ithllanding all this, I
took a little Courage, finding myfelf backc: by fome
Friends, and told the Marquis, it was Malice, Spight,
and Hatred, made my Mailer fo much my Enemy,
tliat he had detain'd my Pay, upon which I threatened
to complain, and he vow'd Revenge, and now would
have it by my Death. The Gener."l faid. It nx:as
ferange. That fwo Countrymen could not agree ; that
he ivould not trouble himfclf ivith my Complaints, but
ordered me to be immediatcty difcharged ixithout paying
any Fees.. I threw myielf at his Feet for the Kind-
nefs he had done me, to the Difappointment of the
Mob, and the Lofs of the Executioner. I prefently
departed the Palace, and went to be blooded to
prevent any ill Confequence of the Fright I had been
in.
When the Bodily Fear I had been put into, was
over, the Danger I had efcaped forgotton, and the
Blood I let out recruited in a Tavern, I went out
one Day to take a Walk upon the Mole, and under-
llanding there was a new Regiment to be raifed, I
enquired after the Officers, and by Accident met one
of them, who afked me to lift, I eafily confented for
the fake of a little Ready-Money. My new Mailer
feemed to take a F'ancy to me, and ordered me to his
own Quarters, where it was not long before I got a
new Place ; for the Cook going away, Iwasaiked,
if I underllood any Thing that Way, and I always
refolved to anfwer in the Affirmative, declared I did
underiland Cookery to the greatelt Perfection ; fo
that I was both Soldier and Cook.
After feveral Voyages by Sea to Rofas, and other
Places, we were ordered to fuccour Alface, and for
our Winter Refidence had the Words of Bavaria.
My Mailer took up his Refidence in the Houfe of one
of the richell Men in thofe Parts, though he p.-e-
tended to be very poor, becaute he had drove away
all his Cattle, and removed the bell of his Goods.
This Contrivance did not ferve his Turn, I got in-
formation from the Servants. With this, in a very
ftately Manner, I acquiinted him. That 1 -duas my
Mafter s Ste^vard, and Cook ; and as fuch miift in-
form him, that he had a Captain of Horfe in Ins
Houfe, 'Vjho ivas a Perfon of confederahle ^ality ;
and therefore muft take Cnre to make -very much oftmn
and his Ser-vants, that my Mafter nuas 'very m.uch fa-
tigued, and it njjas Dinner Time, and he muft order all
Things that nuere neceffary. He anfwered, / need
only tell him ivhat Provifeon I ivanted for the Kitchen,
and he ivo^ild order his Servants to ft chit immediately.
1 told him Wc always kept three Tables, the firlt
for tlie Gentlemen and Pages, the fecond for the
Butler and under Officers, and the tliird for the Foot-
men, Groonii', and other Liveries ; fcr all which
Tables, he muft furnilh one 0.\-, two Calves, four
Sheep, twelve PulletSj fix Capons, two Dozen. of
Pidgeons,
136
A General History oj
Pi.lgtons fix Poand of B.icon for Larding, four
Pounds of Sugar, two of all Sorts of Spice, an hun-
dred of Eggs, half a Dozen Difhes of Fiih, a Pot of
WiiiL- to every Plate, and fix Hogfheads to Hand by.
lie bJeiTed himfelf, as if he had leen all the Devils in
He!), and anfwered, If all that your U'orjhip /'peaks of
be o>:l\' /or the Ser'vants Tables, the ivhole Village ii-ill
not be able to furnijh the Majhrs. I reply 'd. My
Mafter is fuch a ivorthy Per/on, that he had rather
fee the Servants made much of, than pleafe himfelf ;
and therefore he and his Friends never put their Land-
lords to any more Charge, than a Dijh of imperial
ItutTeJ Meat, tvith an Egg in it. He afked me,
I'.'hat that puffed Meat luas made of? And I bid
him order me a new-laid Egg, a Squab Pidgeon,
and two Loads of Coals, and to fend for a Cobler
with his Nawl and Ends, and a Grave-Dlgger with
his Spade, and then he ftiould know what tife was
wanting, that he might provide it whilll we were at
Work. The Landlord went and fetched what I de-
manded, except the two Loads of Coals. I took the
Egg and the Pidgeon, which I gutted, and cutting
it open enough with my Knife (for I had all my Tools
about me) I clapped the Egg into the Belly of it ;
then faid I to him, " Sir, take Notice, this Egg is
" in the Pidgeon, the Pidgeon is to be put into a
" Partridge, the Partridge into a Pheafant, the
" Pheafant into a Pullet, the Pullet into a Turkey,
" the Turkey into a Kid, the Kid into a Sheep, the
" Sheep into a Calf, the Calf into a Cow ; all thefe
" Creatures are to be pulled, flead, and larded, ex-
" cept the Cow, which is to have her Hide on ; and
" as they are thruft one into another, like a Neft of
" Boxes, the Cobler is to few every one of them
" with an End, that they mny not flip out ; and
'■ when they are all faft fewed into the Cow's Belly,
" the Grave-Digger is to throw up a deep Trench,
" into which one Load of Coals is to be cuil, and
" the Cow laid a Top of it ; the other Load upon
" her, the Fuel fet on Fire to burn about four
" Hours, more or lefs, when the Meat being ta-
" ken out, is incorporated, and becomes fuch a de-
" licious Difli, that formerly the Emperors ufed to
" dine upon it on their Coronation Day ; for which
" Reafon, and becaufe an Egg is the Foundation of
" all that curious Mefs, it was called, the Imperial
, " Egg Stuffed Meat."
The Landlord, who ftood liftening to me with
his Mouth open, and no more Motion than a Statue,
gave fuch intire Credit to all I faid, becaufe I fpoke
To ferioufly, and was very earneft to have the Ingre-
dients, that fqueezing me by the Hand, he faid, Sir,
1 am very poor ; and 1 underftanding what he
would be at, anfwer'd, fear nothing. Then leading
him into the Kitchen, we agreed the Matter very
well between us, and I told my Mafter he was very
poor indeed, and ruined by our Troeps, having had
all his Cattle ftolen : My Mafter ordered he (hould
not be opprefted, and left the Management of him to
me.
The other Servants obferving that I had plenty of
Wine in the Kitchen, and was fupplied with choice
Bits, fufpefted the Fraud, and informed my Mafter,
who upon Enquiry found jull the contrary to what
I had told him. He fent for my Landlord, and dif-
covered all my Roguery. My Mafter upon this paid
jne a Vifit in the Kitchen, and taking up one of the
neatett Cudgels he found about it, dufted my Jacket
fo curioufly, that he wanted a Cook for a Fort-
night.
During our Stay here we were attacked by a Par-
cel of French Scoundrels ; my Mailer ordered me
out with the reft ; but I kept back, fearing a chance
Bulkt might miftake me for fome Body elfe; but
i
when I heard the French were beaten, I ventured
into the Field with my dr.iwn Suord, hacking am.
hewing the dead Carcales in a furious Manner. 1
happen'd as a fpecial inftanceofmy Valour, that a'i
1 Clime up to one of the Enemies to give him half ,;
Dozen good Gallies, thinking he was asdeadasthi.
rell, at the firft Stroke I Jet fall, he gave fuch.j
dreadful Groan, that I was quite terrified, and think'
ing he made a Motion to get up to be revenged 01;
me, 1 had not the Courage to ftay fo long to drai
my Sword out again ; but laced about, and run a
fait as 1 could to the Place our Baggage was, look
ing back a thouLmd Times for fear lie ihould over
take me. [ bought a good Sword of one who hai
been in the I'urfuic, and fome other Booty, boaftin]
all about tiie Army, that 1 had gained it in th
Fight. I met my Mafter, who being brought alon]
delperately wounded, and paft all Hopes, faid to ine
1 ou Scoundrel, ivhy did -jou not do as 1 ordered you :
I anfwered, becaufe. Sir, J ivas afraid to be i
your Condition. He was carried into the 'J'own
wliere he foon ended his Days for want of being i'
difcrect as L He left me rather out of his own in
nate Goodnefs and Generofity, than for any goo
Service I had done him, a Horfe, and fifty Ducats
God gran* ium fifty thoufmd Ages of Bills for hi
Kmilnelb, and double that Term ta any one wh
fhall hereafter fo far oblige me as to do the like.
By this Time you may fuppofe I w.ns pretty re
markable ; for I had got the Name oi the rr.err
Englijhman ; and being out of Pl.tcc, fpent my Mc
ney like a Lord. My Purfe being exhauited,
got into the Service of Count I'icolomeni ; r.nd .1 lit
tie afterwards, we were ordered to niarcfi towart
Hainault, and in a few Days encamped under th
Wails of Mous.
A comical Adventure befel me one D.iy in th
Place: I happen'd to go abroad, after dining in th II
Town, with my Head fo full, tliat 1 took Childre
for Men, and Blue for Black. Staggering along i
this Condition, I came up to a Ciiandler's Shoj
which was all hung about with Rows of Tallow
Candles, and I taking them for Bunches of Radiihes
asked the Owner, why he pulled the Leaves off
He not underftanding what 1 meant, and perceiv
ing the Pickle I was in, made me no anfwer, bu
fell a laughing very heartily ; but I who had doubt
lefs a drunken Longing for R.idillies, put out m;
Hand to one of the Rows that hung upon a Ion]
Stick, and laying hold of two Candles, pulled ft
hard, that all the Range came down. The Shop
keeper feeing his Goods broken, took up a Cud
gel, and exercifed it fo, you would have thought hi
had been beating of Stock-filh. Tho' drunk, I vva
fo fenfible of the Pain, that drawing my Sword
I charged him as my mortal Enemj . He feeins
me void of Fear and Reafon, fled into a Roon
behind the Shop, and ihut the Door after him
Finding that though I made a huiidred Pafits a
the Door, the Smart of my Bone? did nothing ab.ite-
I vented my Spleen againft the Candles, .tiid layinj
about me, left the whole Shop (beweU with Greafe
It happened a G.ang of Soldiers were paling by,
and they at the Requeft of the Neighbours, carried
me out into the Street by Force, I ftill crying, M'hai
cudgel me for a Radijh or tico T.v'vf/' elre not •'.\orth
a Farthing. A Complaint wa.s carried to aiy Maf-
ter, who ordered me to be fent to Goal, and the
next Day, when I awaked, I found myfeff in Iroijs
There I fullered for the Radhh-Frny, there I faft-
ed though it was not Lent, and there was I dieted
without any Liberty of getting drnnlc. At length
my Miftrefs took Pity on me, and begged my Maf-
ter to forgive me, who feeing me proteded by fuch
an
b
IK
rl
ti
f
Pjratesy High-waymer?, Murderers ^ &c.
an Angel, oiLlered me to be fet free, on my paying
for tiieD image done to the Candles. I left the
CioA witli H tjll Retolution never more to difoblige
mv Malk-r,
I lived (o Icdite and modeft for a little Time after
this tiiat itfiiipriz'd my Matter, who continually
h?.:pi'J new Favours upon me, and I leaving off
driiii.iiig for the prefent, grew amorous. To this
P'jr[ofc 1 m.ide Cnoice of a Waiting-IVIaid, a Coun-
:ry L:h in Drels, but a Courtier in keeping her
Word : Sue was young in Years, but oldin Cunning,
inied all her Fortune about her, and being Father-
el;, for the more Decency and Security of her Per-
01), (crved an Aunt of hers, who kept a Tavern,
.'heii: I w.i acnu inted. I fet my Heart on tliis
g'n-*'iilkr, and one Day putting my Hand upon
er loft Bubble'. Ilie gave me fuch a Kick, that I de-
/ t.ie bell Ytanders Mare to have out-done her.
he withdrew into her Chamber, and from that
"inie fled from me, as if I had been the Devil.
\ w;.s up to the Ears in Love, and knew not what
ado : Ho.vever, at lift, I wrote a Billet-Doux,
d accompanied it with a Prefent. The poor harm-
fs Creature, who had been fcveral Times upon
rial before, and ftill pleaded, Lorti, I knovj not
hat you mean, bit at the B;ic, received the Pre-
!t, heard t.'ie MeiTu.ige, and g ive me Leave, under
Pretence ofquencuing my Fhirll, to pay her a
fit, which I did, and from that Moment (he be-
1 to fk-ece me, and her Aunt to pluck my Fea-
rs. Our Love grew fo h.)i, that the Cuftomers
o ul'ed the Tavern, took Notice of it; therefore,
fave her Reputation, for file paiTed for a Maid,
:ook Lodgings for her, and by that Means got
from her .-Vunt. My Lady was fo nice, that
could not eat Snails, btcaufe they had Horns ;
Fifh, becaufe of the Bones ; nor Rabbits, be-
fe tliey had Tails : She fwooned away at the
Iit of a Moufg ; but rejoiced to fee a Company of
;mdiers : Before me ihe fed by Ounces, and in
Abfcncc by Pounds. She hated to be confined,
loved Liberty ; and, under Colour of Melancho-
ly was nevci from the Wmdow or Door. At firft,
ft ufed to receive Abundance of Vifitors, pretend-
tiiat all the Men were her Coufms ; but I be-
informed (hey were carnal Kindred, put her in-
t<an Inclofuie, taking a Rocm that had no Win-
4i' to the Street, and when I went abroad, left
a ly upon her .Aflions.
very no«- and then fhe would be loft, and rife
! tiie third Day, as drowned Bodies do ; though
. ilisd Abundance of Tears, and fwore a thoufanj
'-'hs to permade me, that my ill Nature made
• uithdrav,- herfclf to her .Aunt's ; and that ftic
never been out of her Doors, nor feen by any
, yet I did hot forbe.ar thraftiing of her fo fe-
y, that fhe did not for a good while ihew any
It; of her 'I'rick?.
was confoundedly jealous of this Creature, and
" ^'.itl;0ut a Reafon ; for I had her not in keep.
liove four Months, before fhe very civilly tip-
nie a Diltemper very common in Naples. En-
i at this, I beat her unmercifully, took away
IT Cloaths, but a few Rags, and kicked her
of Doors. I advifed with a Surgeon and a
cian about my Cafe, who both condemned me
c anointed like a IVitch, and to flabber like a
:-aJ. But I hoping to find fome W.ay to avoid
ling the P.iins of Hell in this World, went to
Dodor of Note : I told them my Diftemper,
ihey all unanimoafly told me. That if I de-
i to live, 1 TTUJi forbear Drinking (and they
> good have bid me cut my own Throat) and
•he Wine I had fo plentifully fusalJonved, 'was
Jifilled out of my Bedj in Water, Perceiving
36
they all agreed in the fame Story, I refolved to
get into the Hofpital, and take a gentle Salivation.
I was kindly received, thofe good People being
willing to entertain one Mad-man more in their god-
ly Houfe, and treating me lii-.e a Soul in Purgatory,
they fcalded my Intrails, and lliflcd me for want of
Breath, keeping me always, like Di-ves, with my
Tongue hanging out of my Mouth a Quarter of a
Yard, ftill begging a Drop of Wine of ibme poor
Lazarus, and preaching up the Works of Mercy ; but
they told me, 'Jkat Patience ii^as a Virtue, and 'v.ould
carry me to Heaven ; and that I mujl fufer for my
former Excefjes. At the End of two Months, f
liad been in the Hofpital, I was difmiffed perledly
cured, but my Legs look'd like Trap-fticks,my Body
like a Shotten-Herring, and my Voice like an Eu-
nuch.
The firft Enquiry I made, was, for the next
Tavern, and there I eat every Thing I could come
at, as if I had been a Man in perfect Health, ma-
king a Jell of the Dotlor, and laughing at the
Surgeon, beftowing a thoufand Bleffings on the good
Man that firft .*bund out the Vine, and double the
Number on thofe who plant and prune it. After I
had got a good Refrefhment, I enquired after my
kind Miftrels and her Aunt, both of whom had
left the Place juft after I had enter'd the Hofpital. I
was not at all forry for it ; but went to find out
fome of my old Comrades, whom I found merrily
caroufing. At laft a Difpute arofe among thern,
and Swords were drawn: I was Fool enough to
concern myfelf, and one of the Party againlt me,
gave me iuch a Blow with his Sword (but as it
happen'd it was the flat Part) that he made me void
a Flood of Claret at my Mouth. All the Skip-
kennel Troop took to their Heels, thinking I was
killed, and 1 believing myfelf not far from it, b.iwl-
ed out for a Surgeon, who was called, and he feel-
ing my Pulfe beat very unregular, and obferving
how I reached and Iweated, never enquired into
the Caufe of my Diftemper, but bid the Landlord
get a Prieft to prepare me for Death. The good
Man being unwilling, I fhould die like a Heathen
in a Chriftian Country, run in aJl Hafte, and brought
one, who being curibus to fee the Wound, took
ofF my Hat, and found my Head clear from Blooci,
and without any other Hurt but a Bump raifed by
the Stroke I had received : He asked thofe who
had feen the Fray, Whether I had any other Wounds
hejides that ? And being informed I had not, fays
to the Matter of the Houfe, If this Man was to
make his Confefpon every Time he is troubled ii:ith
this Difemper, he ought aliuays to ha've a Chap-
lain aUng luith him. Sleep is the only Thing "jjill
cure this Difarder ; therefore carry him to Bed, and
I •will anfwer for his Life. His Orders were obeyed,
and the next Morning I found myfelf out of Dan-
ger, and went to wait on my Matter, who received
me with a frowning Brow, and bid me begone about
my Bufinefs ; that he difcarded me his Service, and
left me at Liberty to go where I pleafed : This
was a terrible Blow to me, but I was comforted
the next Morning by my generous Matter's fending
me a handibme Prelient in Gold, with a Command
from him to leave the Place, which I did the next
Morning, refolving to go to France, and from thence
to my native Country.
The Carrier with whom I fet out, was a great
Gameller, and the fecond Night invited me to hii
Room, which was next the Stable, and there by the
Light of a fcurvy Lamp, I won all his Money.
Enraged at his ill-fortune, he threw the Cards in
my Face, and I in letum, wiped him a-crofs the
Face with my Hat. He ran to a Corner to Ly
hold of a rufty Sword, and I difcharged the Lamp
N n at
138
A General History of
at hirti fo furloufly, that he was all over Oil, and I
hatf-dead with Fear, being in the dark, and the Door
flint. However, I was fo fortunate to find the Salley-
Port, and fled to the Watch, whither my greafy Car.
rier followed me with his rufty Tilter. A Corporal
met and difarmed him, after giving each of us" half a
Dozen Bangs, and then inquired into the Affair, and
endeavoured to reconcile us, but in vain, the Carrier
refufmg to confent, till I paid the Damage done to
his Coat : I gave him Half his Money again, and the
other Part I fpent on the Corporal, Watchmen, my-
felf, and the Carriar, drowning the Quarrel, and for-
getting all Wrongs.
After travelling many a tedious Mile, I at laft got
to Calais, and from thence to London. Being come
to the Metropolis, I went direftly to my Father's
Houfe, that had been, which upon Enquiry, I found
in the Hands of a Stranger. I alked for my Sifters,
and was told, they were remov'd into another World.
I found they had both been married, and had left
Children ; fo that my Hopes of getting any Thing
by their Death's proved abortive. Deftitute of
Friends, I knew not what to do, efpecially finding
the Gout come upon me. At laft, by the Advice
of an Acquaintance, I took a Publick-Houfe, and un-
derftanding feveral Languages, have now very good
Cuftom from Foreigners. I intend to leave off my
foohfh Pranks, and as I have fpent my juvenile Years,
and Money in keeping Company, hope to find
fome Fools, as bad as myfelf, v^ho celiglit in
throwing away their Ellates, and impairing their
Healths.
This is all the Account he gives of himfelf, and
all the information we can get further of him, is that
he kept an Inn in Smitk'fiehi, snd got i confideraliif
Fortune ; but being eager to be rich at once, he joint-
ly with his Hoftlcr committed a moll barbarous ani.
cruel Murder j for a Gentleman who had purclialcc'
an Eftate in the Country was obliged to pay the Mn
ney in London, and accordingly came to Town fo
that Purpofe, putting up at Bat/on i-Lik. The Holl
ler, in taking the Gentleman's B.iggs off, perceive(
they were very heavy, and .acquainted his Mafte
with it, and they two foon agreed to murder th
Gentleman, and divide the Booty, the firft of vvhic
was barbaroufly e.x'ecuted by the Haftler, who cu
the Guelt's Throat, and then they removed the Bod
into a C'lofet ; but a Difpute arofe in dividing tl:
Money, which made the Hoftler leave his Malif
with ^vhat he could get ; and he getting drunk ti
fame Night, difcovered the inhuman Deed, prodiicii
feveral Pieces of Gold as a Confirmation. 'I'i
Neighbours at firft thought it was .all Fiction, 'r
the Fellow often calling God to Witnef^ of the 'J riu
and vowinj, Revenge on liis Mailer {thinking by 1
Dilcover)' to fave himfelf) that a Stander-by, mo
penetrating than the relt, ient for a ConUable, a
got him fccured, who being carried before a Mai
Itrate perfiilcd in it, and df fired the Houfe of his W.
ller might be fearched, which was accordingly doi
and the Body found. In a fmall Time after, tfc
were both arraigned and conviifled. The Hofi
died j all after ; \>\xt Bat/on was dercr\ cdU exccut
dying I'cnitent, and in the Communion of the Chu:
of Rome, whofe Principles he had imbibed by go
into foreign Parts. And thus ended the Life of t
deteft :ble Villain about a Year before the Rellai;
tion of K.ing Charles the Second.
rfe LIFE 0/ WILLIAM NEVISOf
AS Arts and Sciences of Ufe and Morality ad-
mit of improvement, folikewife thofe of Vil-
lainy grow up with them, the Devil being as
induilrious to improve his Followers in the Schools
of Vice, as Our beft Inlb-uftors are in thofe of Vihue,
which will be illuftrated in the following Memoirs of
the Life of Wiliiam Netnfon, who was born at Pom-
fret in Tork/hire, about the Year 1639. of Well-re-
puted, honeft, and reafonably-eftated Parents who
bred him up at School, where he made fome Progrefs
as to his Learning, and in the %ring of his Youth
promifed a better Harvell, than the Suinmer of his
Life produced ; for, to fay Truth, he was Very for-
ward and hopeful, 'till he arrived at thirteen or four-
teen Years of Age, when be began to be the Ring-
leader of all his young Companions, to Rudenefs and
Debauchery.
So early as this he alfo took to Thieving, and ftole
% Silver Spoon from his Father, for which being fe-
ferely pnnifhed at School, the Punifhment was the
Subjeft of the next Night's Meditation, which ilTued
into a Refolution of Revenge on his Mafter, whatever
Fate he met with in the Execution thereof; to which
End, having hit on a Projeft for his Purpofe, and
lying in his Father's Chamber, he gets foftly up be-
fore fuch Time a.s the Day appeared, and hearing
that his Father was aflcep, he puts his Hand int{<
Pocket, where he found the Key of his Clofet, w
linperceived he drew thence, and down he creef
the faid Clofet, where he fupplies himfelf '
what Ca(h he could readily find, which amou
to about .ten Pounds, and with this, knowing
his faid Kiafter had a Horfe he had particular De,
for, that then gr.azed behind his Houfc, he g »
Bridle and Saddle from his Father's Stable, am ii»
Hour before Morning, arrays and moun?s the id
Horife onward for Lordotr, where he arrived \ h-
in four Days ; when the Evenirg coming upon ■ i,
he cut the Throat of the Horfe, within a Mi •"
two of the Town, for Fear he fhould prove a IV M
of his Dilcovery, if he fhould have carried it I »n
Inn,,
Whan he came to Lmdon, he changed his ' rl>
and Name, and being a lufty wcll-lookir.g Lad, si
put himfelf into the Senicc of a Brewer, when ^i
two or three Years he lived, not at all chang in
Mind, though Opportunity was not, during »'
Time, ripe to put his ill intentions in Praflice, 0'
he watched all Seafons to advance himfelf, by h: "g
feveral Times attempted to rob his Mafter, wh' •'
laft he thus cfFefted. Takinjr the Advantage""
Night of the Clerk's Dninkrnnffr, who was h). s'
1
Pyrjtesy Highnjoaymeny Murderer Sy 5Cc.
-r's Cafhier, he got up by Stealth after him into the
Jompting-Houfe, where the faid Cleric falling afleepj
le rifled the fame of all fuch Cafh as he could con-
, eniently come at, which amounted to near two hun-
dred Pounds, and fled to Holland, where runing away
A'ith a Burgher's Daughter, that had robbed her Fa-
her of a great Deal of Money and Jewels, he was
ij9
one of them, •tuh&t made you engctge ivith ion Felloiv?
No Gentlemen, replies Nevifon. you are nnjiaken in
year Man : Thomas, Iry the Token of your Hovfe and
Arms, he hath fint mc to you for the' Ran fom of his
Lije, ivhich comes to no iefs than the Prize of the
Day, luhkh. if you prejentiy furrender, p>u m'u-; g,
about jjiem- Bufinefs, if not, 7 mii/f have a little' DiJ-
ipprehended, had the Booty taken from him, and p''tc iiAtb you at S'-.vord and Piftol. At which, one of
lapt in Goal 5 and, had he not broke out, he had
ertainly made his Exit beyond Sea. Having thus
nade his Elcape, he got, after divers Difficulties, into
'^landers, and lifted himfelf amongft the Englijh Vo-
untiers, who were under the Command of tiic Duke
if York, who about the fame Time was made Lieu-
enant-General of the Spanijh Forces, under Don
John of Aajiria, that were then defigned to raife the
liege of Dunkirk, which was befieged by the En-^lijh
nd French Armies, and behaved hmifelf very well,
vhile he was in a Military Employment j but not
;reatly liking it, and having got fome Money whillt
le was in the Service, he came over to England, and
lought himfelf a Horfe and Arms, and rciolving for
he Road, and perhaps a pleafnnt Life, at the Ha-
ard of his Neck, rather than toil out X long Re-
lainder of unhappy Days in Want and Poverty,
/hich he was always averfe to : Being thus fupphcd
very Day, one Booty or other enriched his Stores,
/hich he would never admit a Sharer in, chufing to
unagc his Defigns alone, rather than trull hi- Life
no the Hand of others, who by Favour or Misfor-
ine might be drawn in to accufe him.
One Day Ncvifon, who went otherwife by the
«ame oijohnfon, travelling on the Road, and fcour-
ig about in Search of a Prize, he met two Country-
len, who, coming up towards him, informed him,
lat it was very dangerous travellmg forward, for
(lat the Way was fet, and they had been robbed by
hree Highwaymen, about half a Mile off; and if he
sd any Charge of Money about him, it were his fa-
ill Courfe to turn back. Ne'vifon, aflcing them
vhat they had loft, they told him 40 Pounds ; where-
ipon he replied. Turn back with me, and ftiew me
he Way they took, and my Life to a Farthing, I'll
nake them return you your Money again ; they rid
^ Jong with him till they had Sight of the Highway-
nen ; when Ne'vifon ordering the Countrymen to
lay behind him at fome Diftance, he rid up and fpoke
:o the Foremoft of them. Saying, Sir, by your Garb
md the Colour of your Horfe, you fhould be one of
irhofe I looked after, and if fo, my Bufinefs is to tell
you, that you borrowed of two Friends of mine 40
Pounds, which they defired me to demand of you,
md which before we part you muft reftore. How !
quoth the Highwayman, 40 Pounds ! Damn you. Sir,
what is the Fellow mad ? So mad, replied Ncvifon,
Js that your Life fliall anfwer me, if you do not
give me better Satisfaftion : With this he draws his
'Pillol, and fuddenly claps it to his Breaft, who find-
mg then, that Nevfon had alfo his Reign, and that
he could not get his Sword or Piftols, he yielded, tell-
him, his Life was at his Mercy : Kb, fays Ne-vifon,
'tis not that I feekfor, but the Monet you robbed theft
two Men of, •who are riding up to vie, •uihith ytu
niuji refund.
The Thief was forced to confent, and readily to
'deliver fuch Part thereof, as he had, faying his Com-
Ipanions had the reft ; fo that Nevifon having made
him difmount, and taking aw.iy his Piftols, which he
gave to the Countrymen, ordered them tofecure him,
and hold his own, whilft he took the Thiefs Horfe,
and purfued the other two, who he foon overtook ;
for they thinking him their Companion, ftopt as
foon as they faw him ; fo that he came up to them
'n the Midft of a Common. Hoiu miv, Jack, fays
them let fly at him, but milfing hi<, Aim, received
Ne-vifons Bullet into his Right Shoulder ; and being
thereby dilabled. Ne-vifn. about to difch.irge at the
other, he call'd for Quarter, and came to a Parlev,
which, in Ihort, was made up, with Nevi/bn'^ Pro-
mife to fend their Friend, and their delivering him ail
the ready Money they had. which amounted to jco
Pounds. V/ith this, Nciyin ridea back to tiie two
CoShtrymcn, and releafes their Priloner, giving them
tiieir wiioie forty Pounds, with a Caution, tor the
future to look better after it, and not like Coward^,
ds ti;ey were, to furrender the fame on fuch eai'/
I erms ;igjjn.
h\ ali his Pranks he was very favourable to thefe*-
m.ile Sex, who generally gave him the Character of
a civil obliging Robber; he was charitable alfo M
the Poor, as relieving them out of their Spoils,
which he took from tnem that could better fnare
it; and being a true Royalill, he never attempted
any thing againll that Party. One Time. Ne-vi/dn
meeting with an old Sequellrator on the Ro.-.d,' h*
ilop'd the Coach, and demanded fome of that Money
which he had thievilhly extorted from poor Widow's
and Orphans, and ought to be returned : At viliich
Words the old Man in a Fi( of Terror, ftnd efpr-
cially to, when a Piltol v.-as clap'd to his Breaii. ini-
gun to expoilulate for his Life ; offering whatfdevei*
he had about him for his Ranfom, which he readi-
ly delivered to the Value of 60 Broad-pieces Of Gold..
But thii not fcrving the Turn, Ntiii/on told him
that he mull come thence, and go with him aLom!
fome other Affairs he had to concert with him, and
beg'd Leave of three young Gentlewomen that werb
alio Paflengers in the Couch with him, that tte^
would fpare one of the Coach-Horfes for one Hour
or two, which fliould cert;iinly be returned that Ni^ht
for the next Days Journey. So Netrifon left themj
and took his Prize with him on the Pollillion, whict»
he loos'd from his Coach, and tarried him frbm:
them in a great Fright, thinking he was now near'
his End, the Gentlewomen purlued tiieir Journey (
about two Hours after they were got to their Irni^^
in comes the old Sequellrator on the Poilrllion's.
Horfe before mentioned, and gave a lamentable Re-
Ixtion how he had been ufed; and forced to fign a
Bill under his Hand, of 500 Pounds for his Redemp-^
tion, payable by a Scrivener in London on fight, which
he doubted not bnt wou'd be received before he'
could prevent the i'ame, and indeed he did not doubt
amifs, for Ne'vifon made the bell ot his Way all
Night, and the next H^y by Noon received the Mo-
ney, to the no fmall Vexation of him that owned it.
Having one Day met a conliderable Prize, to thfe
Value 450 Pounds, from a rich Country Graziet;
with this he was refolved to fet down quietly, anft
go back to Pomfrtt, where he wa'; mod joyfully re^
ceived by his Father, who never hearing, of him in
his Abfence of feven or eight Years, thought he had
been really dead. He lived very honellly vfith hie
Father till he died, and then returned to his old
Courfes again, committing fuch Robberies, as ren»
dered his Name the Terror of the Road ; infomuch,
that no Carrier or Drover that pafs'd the /anie-,
but was either forced to compound for their Safety
by a conftant Rent, which he ufually received from
them at fuch and fuch Houfes, where he appoir.teti.
them
them to leave it* be they were fure to be rifled for
the Failure thereof.
Committing fome Robberies in Leicefterjhire, he
was there tal:en, and committed to Leicefler Go:il,
where he was fo narrowly watch'd, and llrongly iron-
ed, that he could fcarce ftir ; yet, by a cunning
Stratagem, he procured his Enlargement before the
Aflizes came. For one Day, feigning himfelf extreme-
ly ill, he fent for two or three trufty Friends, one
of which was a Phyfician, who gave out that he was
fick of a peftilentiai Fever ; and that, unlefs he had
the Benefit of fome open Air, in fome Chamber, he
would certainly infeft the whole Goal, and die of
the faid Diftemper. Hereupon, the Goaler takes off
his Fetters, and removes him into another Room,
to lie by himfelf; in the mean Time, a Nurfe was
provided him, and his Phyfician came twice or tiirice
a Day to vifit him, who gave out there was no
Hopes of his Life, and th.it liis Diilemper was ex-
tremely contagious : On which Report, the Coaler's
Wife would not let her Husband, nor any of the Ser-
vants, go nearer than the Door ; which gave Nevi-
fitii Confederates a full Liberty to pradil'e their
Intent, which they did thus : A Painter was one
Day brought in, who made all over his Breall blue
Spots, relembling thofe that are the Forerunners of
Death in the Difeafe commonly called the Plague ;
as Jikewife, feveral Marks on his Hands, Face, and
Body, which are ufually on fuch that fo die : All
which being done, the Phyfician prepared a Dofe
whereby his Spirits were confined for the Space of
an Hour dr two, and then immediately gave out that
he was dead. Hereupon his Friends demanded his
Body, bringing a Coffin to carry him away in. The
Goaler, as cullomary, orders a Jury; the Nurfe ha-
ving formerly laid him out to examine the Caufe
of his- Death, who fearing the Contagion he was
faid to tlie of, ftaid not long to confider thereon ;
but having view'd him, feeing the Spots and Marks
of Death about him, his E)'es fet, and his Jaws
dofe muffled, they brought in their Verdift that he
died of the Plague ; and thereupon he was put in
the Coffin, and carried off.
Being thus difcharged, he falls to his Trade again,
and meeting feveral of his old Tenants the Carriers,
who bad ufed to pay him his Rents, as aforelaid,
told them they muft advance tlie fame, for that his
laft Imprifonment had coil him a great Sum of Mo-
ney, whicn he expeiled to be reimburs'd among
them. They being ftrangely furprized at the Siglit
of Mr. Nevifon, after the Reports of his Death,
brooked about that his Ghoil walked, and took
upon him the Employment it was wont when liv-
ing, which was the more confirmed by the Goaler
at Leicefter, who had brought in his Verdiit of the
Jury on Oath, who had examined the Body, and hiid
found it dead, as abovemention'd ; whereby he had
been difcharged by the Court, as to the Warrant of
his Commitment. But afterwards, when the fame
came to be known, and the Cheat detetted, the faid
Goaler was ordered to fetch him in, at his Peril.
Whereupon great Search was made for him in all
Places, and a Reward of twenty Pounds let upon
his Head for any Perfon that fliould apprehend him.
Nevifon, after this, was determined to vifit Lon-
Jon ; and the Company he happen'd to fall into up-
on the Road, was a Crew of Canting Beggars, Pil-
grims of the Earth, the Offspring of Cain, Vaga-
bonds and Wanderers over the whole World, fit
Companions for fuch who made a Trade of Idlenefs
and Roguery, and thefe were at this Time fit Com-
panions for him, who, feeing the merry Life they
led, lefolved to make one of their Company ; where-
upon, after he had a little more ingratiated himfelf
A Ge?jeral History of
amongfl them, and taken two or three Ciipit mnr
of Rura-booz, he inip.;rted liis Luentious to nn
of the chief of them, tc-lliiig him, he was an Ai
prentice, who had a cyrll Iviaiicr, wjjole Crufltn
liad caul'ed him to run away from him ; ami t],,'
whatever Fortune might betide him, >« Ihould m
tlie moll nectlTitous Condition he coulu be pUinm
into ever mikc him return to hmi again: Ai
therefore if he might be admitted into their Sncii
ty, he fhould futhfully obierve and perform wli.
Rules and Orders were iinpofcd upon Jiim. 'i i
chief Beggar very much applauded him for his Ri
folution, telling iiim, that to be a Beggar was to b
a br.'ve Man, fince it was then in Falinon. Do m
nve, faid iie, coirn into the Uoild like arrant Bc^,'
gars, 'without a Rag upon usi' And do not 'u.e <•'■
go out tfthe World like Beggars, ivithoiit a Rng ui
on Hi ? And do not ive all go out of the World lit.
Beggars, ivithsiit any Thing, fa-viiig^ only nn old Hhe,
o-ver us ? Shall -ive then be o.Jhamed to i lali ub an
doivn in the World like Beggars, ni.ith old Llunkei
pinnJ about tisV No, no; that nvould bt a Shame i
us, indeed: Ha-ve lue not the -vhole Kuttj^dom to ivm
in,Ht our Pleafure ? Are me afraid of the Approach <
^artcrday? Do nve tvali in Fear of Bailiffs, Scr
jeanis, and Catch-polfs ? II ho ever knew an arroi
Beggar arrefted for Debt ? Is not our Meat dre/s'd i
eniiry Man s Kitchen? Does not e-very Man's Ceiln
afford us Beer i" And the heft Mens Purfes keep i
Penny for us to J'pend.
Having by theie Words, as he thought, fully fac
him in Leve with Begging, he tJien acquainted th
Company with Ne-vijoni Dehres, ulio were all e
them very joyful thereat, being .is gi,.d to add one t
their Society, as a Turk is to gain a piofcJite to Ma
hornet ; the firll (juellion tliry ;:iked him Wi.s, If h
had any Loure in his Bung : rie llared on them, no
knowing what they meant ; till, at l;:ll, one told hir
it was Money in his Purie. He told them he kid bu
eighteen Pence, which he freely gave thtm. 1 his
by a geaeral Vote, was condemned to be fpcnt ii
Booze tor his Initiation. T hen they commenced hi:
to kneel down, which being done, one of the chii
of them took a Gage of Booze, which is a Qu.irt
Drink, and poured the fame on his Head, f yinc,
do by Virtue of this Sovereign Liquor, inftall thee u
the Roage, and make thee a free Deiiizon of our kagn
ged Regiment. So that henceforth it Jhall he lawcfm
for thee to cant, and to carry a Dox\- or Mort alon\
tAiith thee, only obferving thefe Rules : Firjl, that
art not to luander up and doin-n all CountrieSy but
keep to that garter that is allotted to thee : And, It-
condly, thou art to give Way to any of us that hann
horn all the Offices of the Wallet before ; a,
upon holding up a Finger, to avoid any To'ivn Hi
Country Village, ivhere thou Jeeji vje are foragii
for Victuals for our Army that march along vjith tti.
Obferving thefe t-voo Rules, ive take thee into our Pro-
teilion, and adopt thee a Brothi r of our numerous So-
ciety.
Having ended his Oration, Kevifon roie ap, andi
was congratulated by all the Company's hanging a-
bout him like lo many Ifegs about a Btar, and Je.'.p-
ing and fhouting like fo many Madmen, making iuch
a confufed Nolle with their Gabiing, that thelVielody
of a Dozen of Oyller- Wives, the Scolding at ten Con-
duits, and the Goffiping of fifteen Bake-noules were
not comparable unto it. At length he that mfelled
him, cried out for Silence, Lidoing the French axii
Englifi.' Pox to light on their 'I hryatb for makmg
fuch a Yelping. I'hen fi.\ing tJieir Eyes upon Ne-vi-
Jon, he read a Leifture to him out of the Devil's Horn-
Book, as fblloweth :
tiovj, faith he, thou art entered into our Fraternity,
thou
1
Pyratcsy H/ghz^^jj/me;/, Murderers, 5Cc.
\thou mu/} not fcrufle to aSi any Villainies, ivhich thou
.jhalt he able to ferform, ^whether it be to nip a Bang,
<hite the Peter Cloy, the Lurries Crafh, either a Bleat-
in'' Client, Cackling Cheat, Grunting Cheat, Quack-
\n<x Cheat, Tib-oth-buttery, Margery Prater, or to
doy a Mifh from the Crackman's ; that is, to cut a
Purfe, /teal a Cloak-Bag, or Portmanteau, con'vey all
Manner of 'Things, lahether a Chicken, Sucking-Pig,
D:ick, Goofe, Hen, or fieal a Shirt from the Hedge ;
'/■ that loill be a Quier Cove, a prof eft Rogue,
■ hfrrve this Rule, fet doxvn by an antient Patrico
/e irords :
Wilt thou a begging go.
O per fe-o, O per Je-o.
Then mufl thou God forfake.
And to the Devil thee betake.
O per fe-o, is'c.
And hecaufe thou art ye* but a Novice in begging,
» id underflandejl not the Myfieries of the Canting Lan-
lane, to principle thee the better ; thou Jhalt ha've a
'0X1 to be tht Companion, by ivhom thou mayft receive
luftruaions for thy Purpofe. And thereupon he
igled him out a Girl of about fourteen Years of
ge, which tickled his Fancy very much, that he had
itten a young Wanton to dally withal, but this was
it all, he mull prefently be married to her, after
e Faihion of their Patrico, who amongft Beg-
rs, is their Priell ; which was done after this Man-
They got a Hen, and having cut off the Head of
laid the dead Body on the Ground, placing him on
; one Side, and his Doxy on the other ; this being
ne, the Patrico Handing by, with a loud Voice,
1 us live together till Death did us part ; then one
the Company went into the Yard, and fetched a
dry Cow-Turd which was broken over his Dox}''s
Head in Imitation of a Bride-Cake ; and fo iliaking
Hands and kiffing each other, the Ceremony of the
Wedding was over, and for Joy of the Marriage,
they where all as drunk as Beggars ; but then to hear
the Gabling Noiie they made v>ould have made any
one burll himfelf with laughing. Some were Jabber-
ing in the Canting Language, others in their own ;
fome did nothing but weep, and proteft Love to their
Morts, others fwore Swords and Daggers to cut the
Throats of their Doxies, if they found them tripping;
one would drink a Health to the Bride till he flaver'd
again ; fome were for fmging Bawdy Songs, others
were divifing Oaths for Jultice of Peace, Head-
boroughs and Conllables. At laft Night approaching,
and all their Money being fpent, they betook to a
Barn not far off, where they couched a Hogfhead in
the Darkman%, and went to Sleep.
Ne-jifon having met with this odd Piece of Diver-
fion in his Journey, flipt out of the Barn, when all
were afleep, took Horfe and polled direftly away.
But coming to London, and finding his Name too
much noifed about to induce him to ftay there, he
returned into the Country, and fell to his own Pranks
again. Several who had been robbed by him, hap-
pened to meet him, and could not help thinking but
his Ghoft walk'd, confidering the Report of his Pefti-
lential Death in Lincoln Goal. In (hort, his Crimes
became fo notorious, that a Reward was offered for
any that would apprehend him. This made many
way-lay him, efpecially two Brothers, named Flet-
chers, one of whom Nefifon iTlooting dead, he got
off; from whence going into a little Villaj,e about
thirteen Miles from Tork, he was taken by Capt.
Hardca/le, and fent to Tork Goal, where in a Week's
Time he was tried, condemned, and executed, aged
Forty-Five.
rfe LIFE fi/ JACK BIRD.
T'
HIS notorious Malefa£lor was bom at Stain-
ford in Lincolnfiire, of very noneft Parents,
by whom, after he had been at School to
fea Reading, Writmg, and Accounts, he was put
Airentice to a Baker at Gtdmetnchefter, near Hun-
'■■■ He had not ferved three Years before he
' ly from his Mailer, came to London, and lifted
Koot-Guards. While he was in the Army, he
the Siege of Maejlricht, under the Command
.■ Duke of Monmouth, who was General of the
- Forces in the Loiu Countries.
:re he was reduced to fucli Neceffities as are
M'non to Men, who engage themfelves to kill one
r for a Groat or Five-Pence a-Day, This oc-
J him to run away from his Colours, and fly
"lerdam, where he ftole a Piece of Silk off a
tor which Faft he was apprehended, and drag-
fort a Migiftrate. The EfFeft of this was a
■ itrrient to the Rafp-Houfe, where he was put to
■sJi Labour, fuch as Rafpin'g Log-vcood and other
•^'series, for a Twelve-Month.
!7
As Jack had never been ufed to Work, he fainted
under the Sentence, though to little Purpofe ; for
his Tafk-Mafters imputing it to a ftubborn Lazinefs,
inflided a feverer Punilliment upon him : The Man-
ner of which was as follows : He was chained down
to the Bottom of a dry Ciftern by one Foot ; imme-
diately upon which, feveral Cocks were fet a running
into it, and he was obliged to pump for his Life. The
Ciftern was much deeper that he was high ; fo that
if the Water had prevailed he, muft inevitably have
been drowned without Reliefer Pity. Jack was ve-
ry fenfible of his Danger, which occafioned him to la-
bour with all his Might for an Hour, which was as
long as the Sentence was to continue.
Having overcome this Difficulty, he ply'd his Bufi-
nefs very well the remaining Part of the Year, when
being releafed, he returned into England, with a Re-
folution to try his Fortune on the Highway. Near
St. Edmundjlury he ftole a Horfe, and he had before
provided half a Dozen good Piftols, and a Sword.
Succefj attended him in his thiea oi._^fDur iirft Robbe-
O o " ' ' ries
142.
ries J but ?.n unluckly Adventure foon brought about
a Turn of his Affairs.
In the Road between G^-aii^W and Chatham, he
met with one Mr. Jofeph Pinnis, a Pilot of Dover,
who had loll both his Hands in an Engagement.
Ht had been at London to receive ten or twelve
Pounds for carrying a Dutch Ship up the River.
When Bird accolled him with the Salutation com-
mon to Gentlemen of his Profeffion i 7'ou fee. Sir,
quoth Pinnis, that I have nc'ver a Hand ; fo that I
am not able to take my Money out of my Pocket my-
felf. Be fo kind, therefore, as to take the Trouble
of Searching me. Jack foon confented to this very
reafonabie Requeft ; but while he was very bufy in
examining the Contents of the Pilot's Purfe, the
boifterouo old Tar fuddenly clapp'd his Arms about
his Neck, and fpurring his own fiorfe, pulled our Ad-
venturer from his ; then falling diredly upon him,
and being a very ftrong Man, he kept him under, and
maul'd him with his Stumps, which were plated. In
the Midfl: of the Scuffle fome Paffengers came by, and
enquired theOccafion of it. Mr. Pinnis replied with
telling them the Particulars, anddefiring them to fup-
ply his Place, and give the Villain a little more of
the fame, adding. That he luas almoft out of Breath
ixiith ivhat he had done already. When the Com-
pany underftood what was the Reafon of the Pilot's
labouring fo hard npon the Bones of our Ruffian, they
apprehended him, and carried him before a Juftice,
who committed him to Maidflone Goal, where he
continued till the Affizes, and then was condemned
to be hang'd.
This Time Jack had the good Fortune to receive
Mercy, and afterwards to obtain his Liberty. The
Remembrance of his being fo heartily thumped by
a Man without Hands, ftucic fo much in his Stomach
that he had almoft a Mind to grow honeft ; and in-
deed he continued pretty orderly, till he was again
reduced to neceifitous Circumftances, for Want of
Employment. He had no Trade that he was Ma-
iler of, nor Learning enough to fecure him a Main-
tenance in a genteel Way j fo that when he found
himfelf in the utmoft Streights, he could fee no o-
ther Method of fupporting himfelf, than what he had
formerly followed.
The firft that he met with, after he had refolved to
fet out in Purfuit of new Enterprizes, was a Welch
Driver, about a Mile beyond AHon. The Fellow
being almoft as ftout as Mr. Pinnis, would not obey
the ufual Precept, but was going to lay about him
with a good Quarter-Staff, which he had in his Hands.
Jack, when he faw Taffy" % Courage, leapt nimble out
of the Way of his Staff, and told him, That he had
been taken once by a Son of a Whore imithout Hands ;
and for that Trick, fays he, / Jhall not •venture my
Carcafs ivithirt Reach of one that has Hands, for fear
of fimething nvorfe. While he was fpeaking, he pul-
led out a Piftol, and inftantly Ihot him through the
Head. Rifling his Pockets, and finding but Eighteen-
Pence, faid ironically, This is a Prize ivorth killing
a Man for at any Time. He then rode away a-
bout his Bufinefs as little concern'd as if he had
done no Mifchief at all.
Another Time Jack Bird met with Poor Robin the
Almanack Writer, on the Road going to Waltham-
Abbey. Poor and rich were all the fame to him,
when they came in his Way ; fo the honeft Artrolo-
ger was greeted with the Salutation of Stand and
Deli'ver. It was the firll Time that Robin had been
attacked on the Highway ; and as he received no In-
timation of this from the Stars, he ftood and ftar'd
as if he had been Planet-ftruck. Bird told him he
Kvas in Earneft, and Robin reply 'd with a Complaint
A Geniral History of
of his Poverty. That, (ays Jack, is a common Thread-
bare Excufe, and luill not fanit your Bacon. But
quoth the Star-Gazer, my Name is Poor Robin : j
am the Author of thofe Almanacks that come out year-
ly in my Name, and I have canoniz'd a great mam
Gentlemen of your Profefjion. Look in my Calendai
for Guzman, Jonas Allen, Hind, Du Val, Dun, Cam
bray-Befs, Moll Cutpurfe, and others. Let this b
my Protection. All was in vain ; our inexorable Free
Booter ranfack'd his Pockets of fifteen Shillings, too,
a new Hat from his Head, and then told him, The,
noiu he had given him Caufe to cannonize him toi
Which Robin promifed to do the firft Year after \
had fuffeied Martyrdom at Tyburn, and fo the
parted.
Being again encouraged by a Series of fuccefsf
Adventures, and having remounted himfelf o»av
ry good Horfe, he was refolved to venture on high
Exploits. An Opportunity for putting this Relol
tion into Praftice, foon fell in his Way, by meeti
the mad Earl oi P , and his Chaplain, w
was little better than himfelf, in a Coach, with
more Attendants than the Coachman, and one Fo -
man. Stand and deliver was the Word. His Lo •
(hip told him, that he did not trouble himfelf ah:
lofmg the fmall Matter he had about him ; But tl ,
fays he, / hope you ivill fight for it. Jack, ui 1
this, pulled out a Brace of Pillols, and let oft' a \ -
ley of Imprecations. Den t put yourfelf into a l\
fion. Friend, fays his Honour, but lay dov:n
Pifiols, and I 'ixill box you fairly for all the M\
I have, againft nothing. That'' s an honourable C |
lenge, my Lord, quoth Jack, provided nine of
Servants be near us. The Earl inmiediattly ord I
them to keep at a Diftance.
The Chaplain, like Withrington in the old Bi
of Chevy-Chace, could not bear to fee an Earl
on Foot, while he ftood looking on ; fo he de I
the Honour of efpoufing the Caufe of his Lord! I
To which both Parties readily agreeing, off wen f
Divinity in a Minute, and to Blows and Bio |
Nofes they came.
Tho' Jack had once the ill-Fortune to be
ed out of his Liberty by a fturdy old Sailor, htl
neverthelefs too hard for his Reverence in lefs I
a Quarter of an Hour. He beat him in fuch all
ner that he could not fee, and had but juft £l
enough to cry, /'// fight no more. About two
nutes after this Viftory (which he took for a br
ing Time) Jack told his Lordftiip, That novo,
f leafed, he ijoould take a Turn ivith him.
Means, quoth the Earl, for if you beat my Cha-^
you ivill beat me ; he and I having tried our
hood before. So giving our Hero twenty Gut
his Honour rode off in a whole Skin.
While Jack refided in Town, he married a j 1
Woman, who had been Servant to a Dyer near x
ter Exchange in the Strand. This Girl, whip
was in Place, us'd to fet up a-Nights for lier M er^
and, in (hort, to ufe him io very civily, that ilk*
the Occafion of her Deftrudlion. A particulaijAtr
count of this Affair will not be difagreeable, njeiiij
tirely foreign to our Def;gn. ; .
The Dyer's Wife, havmg entertain'd a JeW
from fome Obfervations flie had made, as wl"ii
from her Husband's Backwardnefs in the Pefrmri
ance of Family Duty, ihe was refolved to ejliin^
into the Bottom of the Affair. According ftft
one Night commanded the Maid to goto Be aai
undertook to fit up for her Husband herfell E^'
twixt twelve and one he came Home, and \'^
open'd the Door in the Dark, without fpeaii'g J
Word. The good Man was filent as his furai
Ti f ,^
/ ^i
.
r~t^J
-^te
jjtipr^'j'^'^^^^
^^^^^
— ^^S^k'
^^H
(^
liFJAvJERYiWfJtwyr^^/'fJo^ifc/^^
J
PyrakSy HighiViiymeny Murderersy &c.
Maid, and very orderly laid her on a Counter, ex-
rted his Manhood, and gave her Half-a-Crown, ac-
cording to Cuftom. Madam immediately flipp'd a-
\v;iy to Bed, and her dear Spoufe follow'd her, as
foon as he had falten'd up the Street-Door, without
rhe leaft Sufpicion of what had pafled.
Tiie next Morning Mr. was amaz'd to
fee his Servant packing up her Cloaths, as foon as
he was out of Bed. The Surprize encreafed when he
obferved the furly Behaviour of his Wife, faw her
pay the Girl her Wages, and bid her be gone forth-
ivith. The young Woman without Doubt, was as
much confiiied as her Mafter, being altogether as
giior:int of tlie Caule ; (lie durft not fpeak one Word
lor herlelf, luch a Hurry was her Miftrefs in. At
!,;lt Mr. took the Courage to fpeak. Pray,
;i' Dear, ivhat^s the Meaning of all this? What
\is the poor Wench done to be thus turned out of Doors
it an Hours Warning ? I ne'ver found her dijhontji ;
•f von ha've, let her knoiu niihat you accufe her nvith.
Perhaps fie may do better another Time : Or, if
fott arc bent upon difcharging her, dont give People
Room to fay you ha've us'd her unhandfomely . The
Devil a Word could he get more than. She ivas a
faucy Baggage, and go Jhe Jhould. Accordingly,
when her Things were all ready, ihe came into the
Piiriour to bid her Mailer and Miftrefs Good-b'ye.
Jufl as file was going out of Doors, Hold! Hold!
Betty fays the Millref, here's Halfa-Crotun that
I earn" d far you laft Night upon the Counter ; take
that along "jjith you. The Dyer, upon this, appre-
hended how Matters went, and was willing after-
wards to make his Submiffion, that he might come
to Terms with his dear offended Wife, who conti-
nually teiz'd him with the Half-Crown and the
Counter.
Mi
The Athenian Society, who made them/elveS fuf-
ficiently fimous about this Time by their Monthly
Produdions, took a great Deal of Pains in the Cafe
above, before they could refolve whether or no the
Dyer had committed Adultery with his own Wife.
They concluded at laft, that tho' the Ad of Copu-
lation was with his own Spoufe, yet he was chaige-
ble with the Crime of Adultery, as his Defign was
on another Perfon, whom he could not lawfully
touch. This Enquiry gave confiderable Diverfion to
the Town, and made the poor Dyer a general Sub-
jed of Ridicule.
But though Bird was married, he did not confine
himfelf to any one Woman ; for we are told that he
was continually in Company with Whores arxl Bawds :
One Night in P.irticular, having a Woman with him,
he knock'd down a Man, between Dutehy-Lane,
and the Great Sa'voy-Gate in the Strand, and ha-
ving robb'd him, m .de off fafely ; but the Woman
was apprehended, and lent to Neivgate. Jack went
to her, in Hopes to make up the Affair with the Pro-
fecutor, and was thereupon taken, on Sufpicion, and
confin'd with her.
At his Trial he confeiTed the Faft, and took it
wholly upon himfelf ; fo that the Woman was ac-
quitted, and he condemn'd to fuffer Death ; which
Sentence was inflidled on him at Tyburn, on VTtdnef-
day the izth of March, 1690. he being forty-two
Years of Age. After Execution his Body was con-
vey'd to Surgeons Hall, and there anatomiz'd.
He fpoke b'lt very little at the Gallows, what he
did fay confined chiefly of Invedlives againft lewd
Women, and Advice to young Men not to be fe-
duc'd, by their Converfauon, from the Rules of Vir-
tue and Morality.
The J^IFE of Captain AVERY.
N
O N E of the bold Adventurers on the Seas
were ever fo much talk'd of, for a While,
as Auery : He was reprefented in Europe
as one that had rais'd himfelf to the Dignity of a
King, and was likely to be the Founder of a new
Monarchy ; having, as it was faid, taken immenfe
Jliches, and married the Great Mogul's Daughter,
who was taken in an Indian Ship which fell into his
Hands ; by whom he had many Children, living in
great Royalty and State : That he had built Forts,
erefted Magazines, and was Mafter of a ftout
Squadron of Ships, mann'd with able and dcfpe-
rate Fellows of all Nations.
That he gave Commiffions out in his own Name to
the Captains of his Ships, and to the Commanders of
his Forts, and was acknowledged by them as their
Prince. A Play was writ upon him, call'd, The Succefsful
Pirate ; and thefe Accounts obtained fuch Belief,
that feveral Schemes were olFer'd to the Council,
for fitting out a Squadron to take him ; while others
were for offering him and his Companions an Aft
of Grace, and inviting them to England, with all
their Treafure, left his growing-Greatnefs might
hinder the Trade of Europe to the Eaft-Indies.
Yet all thefe were no more than falfe Rumours,
improv'd by the Credulity of fome, and the Humour
of others who love to tell ftrange Things j for,
while it was faid he was afpiring at a Crown, he
wanted a Shilling ; and, at the fame Time it was
given out he was in Pofleffion of fuch prodigious
Wealth in Madagafcar, he was ftarving in England.
No doubt but the Reader will have a Curiofity
of knowing what became of this Man, and what
were the true Grounds of fo many falfe Reports
concerning him ; therefore I ihall, in as brief a Man-
ner as I can, give his Hiftory.
He was born in the Weft of England, near Ply^
mouth in De'vonfbirt. Being bred to the Sea, he
ferved as a Mate of a Merchant-Man, in feveral tra-
ding Voyages : It happen'd, before the Peace of Ryf-
<wick, when there was an Alliance betwixt Spain, Eng-
land, Holland, Sec. againft France, that the French in
Martinico carried on a Smuggling Trade with the
Spaniards on the Continent of Peru, which by the
Laws of Spain is not allow'd to Friends in Time of
Peace ; for none but native Spaniards are peimitted
to traffick in thofe Parts, or fet their Feet on Shore,
unlefs at any Time they are brought as Prifoners :
Where-
XM
tJ.l
A General Fl i s t o r y of
Whereroie they conftantly keep certain Ships cruizing
along the Coaft, whom tiiey call Gicardai del Cofta,
who liave Orders to make Prizes of all Ships they
cauliirht of within five Leagues of Land. Now the
French growing very bold in Trade, and the Sfa-
nicirds being poorly provided with Ships, and thofe
they had being of no Force, it often fell out, that
when they met the French Smugglers, they were not
ftrong enough to attack them ; therefore it was refol-
ved in Sfniti, to hire two or three ftout foreign Ships
for their Service. This being known at Brijlol, fome
Merchants of that City fitted out two Ships of thirty
odd Guns, and 1 20 Hands each, well furniih'd with
Provifion and Ammunition, and all other Stores;
and the Hire being agreed on, by fome Agents for
Spain, they were commanded to fail for Carunna, or
the Groine, there to receive their Orders, and to take
on Board fome Spanifi Gentlemen, who were to go
Padengers, to New-Spaitt.
Of one of thcfe Ships, which I take to be call'd
the Duke, Captain -Gib/en Commander, A-very was
firll Mate ; and being a Fellow of more Cunning than
Courage, he infinuated himfelf into the good Will
of feveral of the boldeft Fellows on board the two
Ships, having founded their Inclinations before he
open'd himfelf. Finding them ripe for his Defign,
he at length proposed to them to run away with the
Ship, telling them what great Wealth was to be had
upon the Coafts of India. It was no fooner faid than
agreed to, and they refolv'd to execute their Plot at
Ten o'clock the Night following.
It mull be obferv'd, that the Captain was one of
thofe who are mightily addifted to Punch, fo that he
pafs'd moft of his Time on Shore in fome little drink-
ing Ordinary ; but this Day he did not go on Shore
as ufual : How«ver, this did not fpoil the Defign, for
he took his ufual Dofe on Board, and fo got to Bed
before the Hour appointed for the Bufinefs : The Men,
alfo who were not privy to the Defign, turn'd into
their Hammocks, leaving none upon Deck but the
Confpirators, who, indeed, were the greateft Part of
the Ship's Crew. At the Time agreed on, the Long-
Boat of the other Ship, call'd the Dutchefs, appear'd,
which A'very hailing in the ufual Manner, he was an-
fwer'd by the Men in her, with. Is your drunken
■ Boatfwain on Board? which was the Watch- Word
agreed between them. A'very replying in the Affir-
mative; the Boat came a-board with fixteen ftout
Fellows, and join'd the Company.
When our Gentry faw that all was clear, they fe-
cur'd the Hatches, and fo went to work : They did
not flip the Anchor, but weigh'd it leifurely, and fo
put to Sea without any Diforder or Confufion, though
there were feveral Ships then lying in the Bay. A-
mong thefe was a Dutch Frigate of forty Guns, the
Captain of which was ofFer'd a great Reward to go
out after her ; but Mynheer, who perhaps would not
have been willing to have been ferv'd fo himfelf, could
not be prevail'd upon to give fuch Ufage to another ;
and fo he let Mr. Awry purfue his Voyage without
Molellation.
The Captain, who by this Time was awak'd, ei-
ther by the Motion of the Ship, or the Noife of
working the Tackles, rung the Bell ; whereupon A-
'very and two others went into the Cabbin ; The
Captain, half afleep, and in a kind of Fright, ask'd
What -was the Matter ? A'very anlwer'd coolly. No-
thing. The Captain replied. Something's the Matter
<with the Ship ; Does Jhe drinje ? What Weather is it ?
Thinking nothing lefs than that it had been a Storm,
and that the Ship was driven from her Anchors. No,
no anfwer'd Avery, ive^re at Sea, tuith a fair Wind,
and good Weather. At Sea ! fiys the Captain, Hoiv
can that be ? Come, fays Avery, dont be in a Fright,
but put onyaiir Cloaths, and Til let you into a Secret:
Tou mufl kf.oiv, that I am Captain of this Ship novn,-
and this is my Cabbin ; therefore you >mijl nvalk out ;'
/ am bound to Madagafcar, 'iK.-ith a Defign of making
my Bivn Fortune, and that of all the brave Felloiusi
Joined ivith me.
The Captain, h.iving a little recover'd his Senfes,!
began to apprehend the Meaning: However, his]
Fright was as great as before ; which Avery perceiv
ing, bad him fear nothing : For, favs he, if you have
a Mind to make one of us, we will receive you ; and
if you'll turn fober, and mind your Bufinefs, perhaps
in Time I may make you one of my Lieutenants ; if
not, here's a Boat a-long-fide, and you ih.U be fel
afhore.
The Captain was glad to hear this, and thereforei
accepted of his Offer ; and tl.e w hole Crew bein*
call'd up, to know v,ho was willing to go on Shore||
with the Captain, and who to feek their Fortuntsi
with the reft, there were not above five or fix who|
were willing to quit this Enterprizc ; wherefore they
were put into the Boat with the Captain that Minute,
and made their Way to the Shore as well as the\
could.
They proceeded on their Voyage to Madagafcar
but I do not find they took any Ships in their Way
When they arriv'd at the N. E. Part of that Illand
they found two Sloops at Anchor, who, upon fceinj
them, flipp'd their Cables, and run themfelves a-
Ihore, the Men all landing, and running into th«
Woods. Thele were two Sloops which the Mei
had run away with from the PFe ft -Indies ; and feeint
Avery, they fuppos'd him to be fome Frigate fent t(
take them : Wherefore, not being of Foice to engagi
him, they did what they could to fave themfelves
He guefs'd what they were, and fent fome of hi,
Men on Shore, to let them know they were Friends
and to offer them a Union for their common Safety
The Sloop's Men were well arm'd, and had pollecl
themfelves in a Wood, with Centinels jull on the,
out-fide, to obferve whether the Ship landed her Mei
to purfue them. Thefe Centinels, obferving onlj
two or three Men coming towards them without
Arms, they did not oppofe them ; but having chal
leng'd them, and been anfwer'd that they wers
Friends, they led them to their Body, where theyil
deliver'd their MefTage. At firft, they apprehendei
it was a itratagem to decoy them on board ; butl
when the Ambafiadors told them that the Captaii
himfelf, and as many of the Crew as they fliouldl
name, would meet them on Shore without Arm;;,
they believ'd them to be in earnell. Thus they foon
enter'd into a Confidence with one another ; thofe
on Board going on Shore, and fome of thofe on Shore
going on Board.
The Sloop's Men were rejoic'd at the new Alley ;
for their VelTels were fo fmall that they could not at-
tack a Ship of any Force, fo that hitherto they had
not taken any confiderable Prize ; bjt now thcv
hop'd to fly at high Game. Avery was as well ple.ii'J
at this Reinforcement, to llrengthen them for sr.y
brave Enterprize ; and though the Booty inuft be
lefTen'd to each, by being divided into fo many
Shares, yet he found out an Expedient not to fufFer
by it himfelf, as fhall be fhevvn [in its Place.
Having confulted what was to be done, they re-
folv'd to fail out together upon a Cruize, the Gal-
ley and two Sloops ; they therefore fell to work to
get the Sloops off, which they foon efFefled, and
fteer'd towards the Arabian Coafl. Near the River
Indus, the Man at the Mafl-Head fpied a Sail, upon
which they gave Chace : As they came nearer to her,
they perceiv'd her to be a tall Ship, and fancied fhe
might be a Dutch Eaji-hidia Man homeward bound ;
but
(I
Pyratesy Highwaymen^ Murderers^ &c.
)ut ftp provM a better Prize : For, when they fir'd
.t her to bring too, fne hoilled MoguPs Colours, and
eem'd to Ibr.d upon her Defence. Avery only can-
lonaded at a Dillince, and Ibme of his Men began
0 fufpefk that he was not the Hero they took him
or : However, the Sloops made ufe of their Time,
ind coming one on the Bow , and the other on the
;^arter of the Ship, they clapp'd her on Board, and
•nter'd her; U^on which, ftie immediately llruck
ler Colours, and yielded. She was one of the Great
Moguls own Ships, and there were in her feveral of
he greatell Perfons of his Court, among whom it
vas (aid was one of his Daughters, who were going
m a Pilgrimage to Mecca, (the Mahometans taink-
ng themielvt> oblig'd once in t eir Lives to vifit
!i.!t Plact) and tiny were cirrying with them rich
Offcriig-, to pittcnt at the Shrine of Mahomet. It
s knovvn that the Ealtern People travel with the ut-
noll M .gnificence ; fo that they had with them all
heir Slaves and attendants, their rich Habits and
eweli ; with Vcflels of Gold and and Silver, and
rcat Sums of Money to defray the Ch.vges of their
O'jrnev by Land ; wherefore, the Plunder got by
his Prize i-, not eafily computed.
Having taken all the Treafure on board their own
Ihips, and plundered their Prize of every Thing elfe
hey either wanted or liked, they let her go ; and
he, not being able to continue her \'oyage, returned
lick : As foon as the News time to the Mogul, and
le knew that they were Englijh who had robbed
hem, he threatened loud, and talked of fending a
nighty Army with Fire and Sword, to extirpate the
Inglijh from all their Settlements on the Indian Coaft.
The Eaft-lndia Company in England, were very
nuch alarmed at it ; however, by Degrees, they
ound Means to pacify him, by promifmg to do their
endeavours to take the Robbers, and deliver them
nto his Hands. The great Noife this Thing made
n Europe, ai well as India, was the Occafion of all
Jiofe romantick Stories, which were formed of A-
very's Greatnefs.
In the mean Time, our fuccefsful Plunderers a-
greed to make the beft of their Way back to Ma-
iagafcar, intending to make that Place their Maga-
zine, or Repofitory, for all their Treafure, to build
a fmall Fortification there, and leave a few Hands
always afliore to look after it, and defend it from any
Attempts of the Natives ; but Afery put an End to
this Projeft, and made it altogether unnecefT'ry.
As they were Steering their Courfe, he fends a
Boat on Board of each of the Sloops, defiring the
Chiefs of them to come on Board of him, in order
to hold a Council ; they did fo, and he told them he
had Ibmething to propofe to tiiem for the common
Good, which was to provide againft Accidents : He
bid them confider, that the Treafure they were pof-
fefs'd of, would be fufficient for them all, if they
could fecure it in fome Place on Shore ; therefore
all they had to fear, was fome Misfortune in the
Voyage ; he told them the Confequence of being
feparated by bad Weather, in which Cale the Sloops,
if either of them (hould fall in with any Ships of
Force, mull be either taken or funk, and the Trea-
fure on Board her lolt to the relt, befides the com -
mon Accidents of the Sea : As for his Part, he was
fo ftrong, that he was able to make his Party good
with any Ship they were like to meet in thofe Seas ;
for if he met with any Ship of fuch Strength, that
he could not take her, ke was fife from being ta-
ken, becaufe he was fo well mann'd ; befides, his
Ship was a quick Sailer, and could carry Sail when
the Sloops could not ; wherefore, he propofed to
them, to put the Treafure on Board his Ship, to
feal up each CheJl with three Seah, whereof each was
38
H5
to keep one, and to appoint a Rendezvous in Cafe
of Separation.
Upon conhdering this Propofal, it appeared fo rea-
fonable to them, that they readily came into it ;
for they argued to themielves, that an Accident might
happen to one of the Sloops, and the other efcape,
wherefore it was for the common Good. The Thing
was done as agreed to, tho Treafure put on Board oT
Avery, and tne Chells fealedi they kept Comp.any
that Qxf and the next, the Weather being fair ; m
which 'I'ime Avery tampered with his Men, telling
them they now had fufficient to make them all eafy ;
And vjhat, laid he, Jhould hinder us from going fj
fome Country, 'where ix.-e are not knoitjn, and living
on Shore all the reft of our Days in Plenty Y They
underllood what he meant, and, in (hort, tiiey all a-
gieed to bilk their new Allies, the Sloop's Men ;
nor do I find, that any one of them felt any Qualms
of Honour rifing in liis Stomach, to hinder him
from confenting to this Piece of Tre.achery. In line,
they took Advantage of the Darknefs that Night,
lleer'd another Courfe, and, by Morning, loft Sight
of them.
I leave the Reader to judge, what Swearing and
Confufion there was among the Sloop's Men in the
Morning, when they faw that Avery had given them
the Slip; for they knew, by the Fairnefs of the
Weather, and the Courfe they had agreed to fteer,
that it muft hive been done on purpofe ; But we leai e
them at prefent to follow Mr. Avery.
Avery, and his Men, having confulted what to do
with therafelves, came to a Refolution, to make the
beft of their Way towards America ; and, none of
them being known in thofe Parts, they intended to
divide the Treafure, change their Names, and go a-
Ihore, fome in one Place, fome in another, to pur-
chafe Settlements, and live at Eafe. The iirft Land
they made, was the Ifland of Providence, then newly-
fettled ; here they ftaid fome Time, and having con-
fidered, that when they ftiould go to Neva-England,
the Greatnefs of their Ship would caufe mucii En-
quiry about them; and poffibly fome People from
England, who had heard the Story of a Ship's being
run away with from the Groine, might fufped them
to be the People; they took a Refolution of dif-
pofing of their Ship at Providence : Upon which,
Avery pretending that the Ship being fitted out upon
the privateering Account, and having had no Succefs,
he had received Orders from the Owners, to dii'pofe
of her to the beft Advantage, he foon met with a
Purchafer, and immediately bought a Sloop.
In this Sloop he and his Companions embarked ;
they touch'd at feveral Parts of America, where no
Perfon fufpefted them, and fome of them went on
Shore, and difperied themfelves about the Country,
having received fuch Dividends as Avtry would give
them ; for he concealed the greateft Part of the Dia-
monds from them, which, in the firft Hurry of
plundering the Ship, they did not much regard, as
not knowing their Value.
At length he came to Bofton in Nenv-England,
and feem'd to have a Defire of fettling in thofe
Parts. Some of his Companions went on Shore here
alfo, but he changed his Refolution, and propofed,
to the few of his Companions who were left, to
fail for Ireland i which they confented to : He found
that 'New-England was not a proper Place for him,
becaufe a great deal of his Wealth lay in Diamonds ;
and ihould he have produced them there, he would
have certainly been feized on Sufpicion of Pyracy.
In their Voyage to Ireland, they avoided St,
George's Channel, and, failing North about, they
put into one of t!;e Northern Ports of that Kjng-
do.'n -. There they difpofed of their Sloop, and com-
P p L-ig
I46
.d Ge//t'riii H i s t o r y of
ing on Sliorc ttiey ieparated themfelves, Come go'mg
to Cor.k, and fonie to Dublin. Some of them ob-
tAined their Pardons afterwards of King U iHinm.
When A-very had remained fome Time in this King-
dom, he was afraid to offer his Diamonds to Sale,
left an Enquiry into his Manner of coming by them
Oiould occAfion a Difcovery : Confidering there-
fore with himlelf what was heft to be done, he
fancied there were fome Perfons at Briftol, whom
he might venture to truft. Upon this, he refolved
to pais over into England; he did i'o, and, going
into Deuonjhire, fent to one of thefe Friends to meet
him, at a Town called Bidd'ford. Vv''hen he h;'.d
communicated himfelf to his Friend, and confulted
with him about the Means of his Efrefls ; they a-
greed, that the fafeil Method would be, to put them
into the Hands of fome Merchants, who being Men
of Wealth and Credit in the World, no Enquiry
would be made how they came by tlicm. One of
thefe Friends told him he was very intimate with
fome who were very fit for the Purpofc, and who,
if he would but allow them a good Commiflion,
would do the Bufmefs very faithfully. Aijery liked
the Propofal ; for he found no other Way ot manag-
ing his Affairs, fmce he could not appear in them
himfelf; therefore his Friend going Back to Briftol,
and opening the Matter to the Merchants, they made
J'vsiy a Vifit at Biddiford ; where, after feveral
ftrong Proteilations of Honour and Integrity, he de-
livered them his Effedts, confifling of Diamonds and
Tome Veflels of Gold. They gave him a little Mo-
ney for his prefent Subfilbnce, and fo they parted.
He changed his Name and lived at Biddiford,
with6ut making any Figure, and therefore there was
no great Notice taken of him ; yet he let one or two
of his Relations know where he was, and they came
to fee him. In fome Time his little Money was
fpent, y-et he heard nothing from his Merchants ; he
writ to them often, and, after much Importunity,
they fent him a fmall Supply, but fcarce fufficient to
pay his Debts : In fine, the Supplies they fent him
from Time to Time, were fo Imall, that they were
not fafficient to give him Bread, nor could he get
that little without a great deal of Trouble and Im-
portunity. This Ufage made him weary of his Life,
and obliged him to go privately to Briftol, to fpeak
to the Merchants himfelf, where, inllead of Money,
he met a moll fhockiiig Repulfe : For, when he de-
fired them to come to an Account with him, they
fdenced him by threatening to difcover him ; fo that
our Merchants were as good Pirates at I ,and as he
was at Sea.
Whether he was frightened by thefe Menaces, CV
had feen fome Body elfe he thought knew him, is
not known ; but he went immediately over to Ire-
land, and from thence follicited his Merchants very
hard for a Supply, but all to no Purpofe, fo that
he was even reduced to Beggary : In this E.xtremi-
ty, he was refolved to return and call himfelf upon
them, let the Confequence be what it would. He
put himfelf on board a trading V'eflel, and work'd
his Pafiage over to^ Plymouth, from whence he travel-
led on Foot to Biddiford. Here he had been but a
few Days before he fell fick and died; not being
worth fo much as would buy him a Coffin.
Thus have I given all that could be collefted of
any Certainty concerning this Man, rejedfting the
idle Stories which were made of his fantallick
Greatnefs ; by which it appears that his Aftions
were inconfiderable, in comparifon of thofe of other
Pirates fince him, though he made more Noife in
the World.
Now we fhall turn back, and give our Readers
fome Account of what became of the two Sloops.
V/e took Notice of the Rage and Confufioi;
which mull have fcized tiiem, upon their miffing
Avery ; hn\vever, they continued their Courfe, fom
ot them lUU flattering tlienifelves, that he had onl
out-failed them in the Night, and that they Ihoul
find him at the Place of Rendezvous : But win
they came there, and could hear no Tidings ofhii
there was an End of Hope. It was Time to coi
fider what they ihould do with themlelves ; the
Stock of Sea Provifion was almoll fpent, and thcj
there was Rice, and Fifli, and Fowl to be had
Ihore, yet thefe would not keep for Sea, withoi;
being properly cured with Salt ; which they had r
Conveniency of Doing. This determined then
fince tiiey could not go a Cruizing any more
think ot eiiablilhing tiiemfelves at Land ; to whis,
Purpofe they took all Things out of the Sloop
made Tents of the Sails, and encamp'd themfelvt
having a large Quantity of Ammunition, and Abu
dance of fmall Arms.
Here they met with feveral of their Countryme
the Crew of a Privateer Sloop, which was con
manded by Captain Thomas Teiv ; and, fince
will be but a ilioit Digrellion, we will give an A
count how they came here.
Captain George Dcm and Captnin Thotias Tc
having received Commifiions from the then Gov(
nor of Bermudas, to fail direitly for tiie Ri\
Gambia in Africa ; there, with the Advice and 2
fillance of tlie Agents of the Royal Afiican ila.
pany, to attempt the taking the French E'adory
Goorie, lying upon that Coall. In a few Days
ter they failed out, Deiu, in a violent Storm, i
only Iprung his Malt, but loll Sight of his C(
fort. Upon this he returned back to refit, and '/>
inllead of proceeding on his Voyage, made lor
Cape of Goad Hope, doubled the faid Cape, and 11
ped his Courfe for the Straits of Babel-Mandel,- 1
ing the Entrance into the Red-Sea. Here he ca,
up with a large Ship, richly laden, bound from
Indies to Arabia, with three hundred Soldiers
Board, befides Seamen ; Teiv had neverthelefs
Hardinefs to board her, and he foon carried her. ''
faid, that, by this Prize, his Men fhared near th
thoufand Pounds a Piece : They had Inteiligei
from the Prifoners, of five other rich Ships to c
that Way, which Teiv would have attacked, ti
they were very llrong, if he had not been over-r
ed by the Quarter-Mailer and others. This d
fering in Opinion created fome ill Blood amoft
them, fo that they refolved to leave off Piratii
and no Place they thouglit was fo fit to recei
them as Madagafcar : Hither therefore they fle*
ed, refolving to live on Shore and enjoy what
had got.
As for 7Vt.' himfelf, he, with a k\v otl.ers, ii
fhort 'i'ime went oft' to Rhode- Ifland, from whet
he made his Peace.
Thus have we accounted for the Company lO
Pirates met with here.
It mull be obfervcd, that the Natives of Mae,
gnfcar are a kind of Negroes ; they differ from th'
of Guiney in the lengtii of their Hair, and th
Complexion is not fo good a Jet ; they have inn
merable little Princes among them, who are c<:
tinually making War upon one another ; their P
loners are their Slaves, and they either fell thei?,
put them to death, as they pleafe : When our .
rates lirll fettled aniongll them, their Alliance v
much courted by thefe Princes ; fo they fometin
joyned one, fometimes another ; but wherefoe^
they fidcd, they v/ere fure to be viftorious ; for t
Negroes here had no Fire-Arms, nor did they utid
Hand their \Jk ; fo that at length thefe Pirates I
cm
Pyratesy H'lgh^joajffie'i, M/irderers, 6Cc.
came fo terrible to the Negroes, that if two or three
of them were only ieen on one Side, when they
were going- to engage, the oppofite Side would iiy
witliojt llriking ;i BiOW.
By tlitie Meiiii!! t!>ey not only became feared, but
povVirfiil ; all t'lb Priibners of .War they took to be
their SliiveP) tii'jy m.'.rried the moft beautiful of the
Negroe Women, not one or two oul) , but as many
a^ t-iiey \ili<td ; io th:ic almoft every one of them had as
oreat a Si'r.cglio as the grand Seignior at Co'iJio.nti^iopU:
Their Sliivci tr.ey em.plov'd in planting Rice, in
Filhiug, Hunting, isc. Belides v.hich, tiicy \\v.d a-
bundjnce of otners, who lived, as it were, under their
Proteiicion ; and, to be fecure from tiie iiiUuibances
or A:;.ic.-;b of ceir powerful Neighbours, they feemed
V> p y c.u-m a willing Komage. Now they began
to iiiMCe from one- another, each living with his own
^ives, Sl.ues and Dependants, like a feparate
Pr.'ncf ; and, as Power and Plenty naturally beget
CoiKtntion, tiiey fometimes quarrelled with one
anottK-r, and att;!ckcd each other. at the Head of
their feveral Armies. In thefe civil Wars, many
of them were killed ; but an Accident happened,
which oblig'a them to unite again for tlieir common
Safety.
It mull: be obferved, that thefe fudden great Men
had Uicd their Power like Tyrants ; for they grew
wiihton in Cruelty, and nothing was more commOTl,
than, Opori the fligliteft Dilpleafure, to caufe one of
their Dependants to be tied to a Tree, and Ihot thro'
the Heart : Let the Crime be what it would, whe-
ther little or great, this was, always the Punilliment.
This occafioned the Negroes to confpire together, to
rid thenilelves of thel'e Deftroyeri, all in oneNiglit;
and, as they now lived feparatcly, the Thing might
ealily have been done, had not a Woman, who
had been Wife or Concubine to one of them, run
njfcar twenty Miles, in three Hours, to diicover the
Alatter to them : Immediately upon the Alarm, they
ran together as foft as they could ; fo that when the
Negfoes approached them, they found tliem all
ap^'n Arrtis, and retired without making any At-
tempt-
This Efcape made them very cautious from that
TiriTe,'and it will be worth while to defcribe the
Policy of thefe brutilh Fellows, and to ihew what
Meafures they took to fecure themfelves.
They found that the Fear of their Power could
(lit fecure them ngaintt a Surprize : The braveft Man
HiSy be killed when he is afleep, by one much his In-
'eifior in Courage and Strengtii ; therefore, as their
9rft Security, they did all they could to foment War
betwixt the neighbouring Negroes, remaining Neu-
ier themfelves. By theie Rieans, thofe \\ho were
)Vercorne conftantly fled to them for Protedlion, b-
hferlvite they muft be either killed or made Slaves.
Thus thfv iVrengthcned their Party, and always
ied fome to them by Intcreil. When there was no
Var, thn- contrived to fpirit up pri\-ape Quarrels
mong tliLiii, and, upon every little Difpute or Mif-
nderlhnding, pufii'd on one Side to take revenge on
he bther ; to tiiis Parpofe they infirufted them how
D iat'tacic or lurprize their Adverlarie;, and lent
I'em loaded Piltols or Firelock's to dilpatch them
'fth. The Conftquetice of thefe Things was, that
afe'Murderer v. as forced to fly to them tor the /afet)-
[rWsLife, with his \\'ives. Children, and Kindred.
Such as thefe were fill Friends, as their Lives de-
;hded upon the Safety of their Proteaors ; for, as
e obferved before, our Pirates were grown fo terfi-
e, that none of their Neighbours had Refolution
'ough to attack tlicin in an open War.
By foch Arts as thefe, in the Space of a few Years,
'ir Body was greatly encreafed: Tiiey then began
M7
to feparate themfelves, and remove at a greater Di-
Itance from one anotaer, for tlie Convenience of more
Ground.. Thus they were divided, like the J'e-'Z'.'j,
into Tribes, each carrying with him his Wives and
Children, (:>f which by this Time they had a large
Family) as alfo their Quota of Dependants and Fol-
lowers. l{ Power and Command are the Things
W'hich diftinguiih a Prince, thefe Ruffians had now all
the A'Lirks oi Royalty about them ; nay more, they
had the very Fears \Miich commonly diftuib Tyrants ;
as may be ieen by the e.xtreme Caution they took, in
fortifynig tlie Places where they dwelt.
In their Plan of Fortification they imitated one a-
nother, and their Dwellings were ratlier Citadels than
Houfes. The)' made Choice of a Place overgrown
with Wood, and fitqate near a Water ; they railed a
Rampart or high Ditch round it, fo ftrait and f:eep,
that It was impolfible to climb it, and efpecidly by
thofe who had not the Ufe of fcalding Ladders ; O-
ver the Ditch there was one Paflage into the Wood ;
the Dwelling, which was a Hut, was built in that
Part of the Wood v. hich the Prince, who inhabited
it, thought lit ; but fo covered that it could not be
feen till )ou came at it. But the greateft Cunning
lay in the Paffiige which led to the Hut, which was
lo narrow, that no more than one Perfon could go
a Breaft, and contrived in fo intricate a Manner, that
it was a perfed Maze or Labyrinth. The Way go-
ing round and round, with feveral little crofs Wa)-s,
a Perfon that was not well acquainted with it, might
walk leveral Hours round without being able to' find
the Hut : Moreover, all along the Sides of thefe
narrow Paths, certain large Thorns, which grew up-
on a Tree in that Country, were ftuck into the
Ground with their Points uppermoil ; and the Path
itfelf being made crooked and ferpentine, if a Man
(hould attempt to come near the Hut at Night, he
would certainly have ftruck upon thefe Thorns.
Thus Tyrant-like they li\'ed, fearing and feared
by all ; and in this Situation they were found by
Captain Wgods Rogers, when he went to Madagafcar,
in the Dclicia, a Ship of forty Guns, withaDefigii
of buying Slaves in order to fell to the Dutch at Ba-
ta'via or Ne-zv-Halla?:ei : He happened to touch up-
on a Part of the Ifl.ind where no Ship had been feen
for feven or eight Years before; here he met with
fome of the Pyrates, when thev had been upon the
Illand above 25 Years, having a large motly Gene-
ration of Children and Grand -Children defccnded
from them, there being, at tiiat Time, eleven of
them remaining alive.
Upon their firft feeing a Ship of this Force and
Burthen, they fuppofed it to be a Man of War lent
to take them ; they therefore lurked within their
F'aftneiTes ; But when fome from the Ship came on
Shore, without any Shew of Hollility, and olFered to
trade with the Negroes, they ventured to come out
of their Holes, attended like Princes ; and fince they
aftually were Kings De TaBo, which is a kind of a
Right, we ought to fpeak of them as fuch.
Having been fo many Years upon this Illand, it
may be imagined, their Cloaths had long been worn
out ; fo that theirMajefties, according to the Phmfe,
were extremely out at tlie Elbows , I cannot'fay
they were ragged, fince they h.ad nothing to cover
them but the Skins of Bealis without any tanning,
with all the Hair on, not even a Shoe nor Stocking ;
fo that they looked like the Piftures of Hercules, in
the Lion's Skin ; and, being overgrown with Beard,
and Hair upon their Bodies, they appeared the moft
favage Figures that a Man's Imagination can frame.
However they foon got rigg'd ; for they fold great
Nunbers of the poor People under them, for Cloaths,
Knive.s, Saws, Powder and Ball, and many other
Things ;
148
A Gemral History of
I'hings ; they became moreover fo familiar, that
they weiu nbnard the Deiicia, and were obferved to
be very curious, examining the Infide of the Ship,
and talking very familiarly with the Men, inviting
them alliore. Their Defign in doing this, as they af-
terward"; confclTed, was to try if it was not pradica-
ble to fiirprize tiie Ship in the Night, which they
judged veiv eafy, in cafe there was but a flender
Watch J%ept on Board. They had Boats and Men
enough at command, but it feems the Captain was
aware of rhem, and kept fo ftrong a Watch upon
Deck, that they found it was in vain to make any
Attempt ; wherefore when feme of the Men went
afliore, and they were for drawing them into a Plot,
for fei/.ing the Captain and fecuring the reft of the
Men under Hatches, when they Ihould have the
Ni^ht-Watch, promifmg a Signal to come on Board
to join tliem, and propofing if they fucceeded, to go
a Pyrating together, the Captain, obferving an Inti-
macy grow ing betwixt them, thought it is could be
for no Good, and therefore broke it off in Time,
not fuffering them fo much as to talk together. Af-
ter this, whenever he fent a Boat on (hore with aa
Officer, to treat with them about the Sale of Slaves,
the Crew remained on board the Boat, and no Man
was fuffered to talk with them, but the Perfon de-
puted by him for that Purpofe.
Before he failed away, when they found that no-
thing was to be done, they confeiTcd all the Defigns
they had formed againft him. Thus he left them as
he found them, in a great Deal of dirty State and
Royalty, but with fewer Subjects than they had, ha-
ving, as we obferved, bought many of them; and,
if Ambition be the darling PalTion of Men, no doubt
they were happy. One of thefe great Princes had
formerly been a Waterman upon the Thamet, where
having committed a Murder, he fled to the Wtft-In-
dits, and was of the Number of thofe who run away
with the Sloops ; the reft had been all fore-maft Men,
nor was there a Man amongft them, who could ei-
ther read or write, their Secretaries of State having
juft as much Learning as themfelves. This is all the
Account we can give of thefe Kings oi Madaga/car,
fome of whom it is probable ar« reigning to this
Day.
The LIFE of Captain MARTEL.
WE come now to the Pirates that have rofe
fince the Peace of Utrecht j in War Time
there is no Room for any, becaufe all thofe
of a roving advent'rous Difpofition find Employment
in Privateers. Thus our Mobs in London, when they
come to an Height, our Superiors order out the
Train Bands, and when once they are raifed, the o-
thers are fupprefled of Courfe ; I take the Reafon of
it to be, that the Mob go into the tame Army, and
immediately, from notorious Breakers of the Peace,
become, by being put into order, folemn Prefervers
of it. Should our Legiflators, therefore, put fome of
the Pirates into Authority, it would not only leffen
their Number, but, I imagine, fet them upon the
reft ; and they would be the likelieft People to find
them out, according to the Proverb, fet a Ihiefto
tatch a Thief.
To bring this about, there needs no other Encou-
ragement, than to give all the Effefts taken on
Board a Pirate Veflel to the Captors j for, in Cafe
of Plunder and Gain, they like it as well from Friends,
as Enemies ; but are not fond, as Things are carry'd,
of ruining poor Fellovis, as the Creoleans exprels it,
mjith no 2dxantage to themfel'vet.
The Multitude of Men and Veflels employ'd this
Way, in Time of War, in the Wejl-Indiei, is ano-
ther Reafon for the Number of Pirates in a Time of
Peace ; This cannot be fuppofed to refleft on any of
our American Governments, much lefs on the King
himfelf, by whofe Authority fuch Commiffions are
granted, becaufe of the Reafonablenefs of the Thing,
and abfolute Neceffity there is for doing of it : Yet
the Obfervation is juft j for fo many People cmpby-
ing themfelves in Privateers, for the fake of Plunder
and Riches, which they always fpend as faft as they
get, when the War is over, and they can have no far-
ther Bufinefs in the Way of Life they have been ufe-
to, they too readily, and, indeed, too naturally et
gage in Arts of Piracy : And this being but the fair '
Praftice without a Commiffion, they make very litt
Diftindion betwi.vt the Lawfulnefs of the one, and k\
Unlawfulnefs of the other.
In all our Enquiries back, we have not been ab
to find the Original of this Rover, of whom we a.
now to fpeak j but we believe he and his Gang we
fome Privateer's Men, belonging to the Ifland
Jamaica, in the p receeding War ; his Story is b j
ihort, for his Reign was fo ; an End having been p i
to his Adventures in good Time, when he was gro'
in^ ftrong and formidable. (
In the firft Accounts we have of him, we find hi I
Commander of a Pirate Sloop of eight Guns, a '
80 Men, cruifing off Jamaica, in the Month of 5.'
temher, 1716: about which Time he took the Be\
ley Galley, Captain Saunders, and plundered him
1000/. in Money ; and afterwards met with a Slci
call'd the King Solomon, from whom he took fo ■
Money and Provifions, befides Goods to a gr;
Value. j I
They proceeded after this to the Port of Caw^J
at the Ifland oi Cuba, and in their Way took IJ
Sloops, which they plundered and let go : Off e
Port they fell in with a fine Galley, of 20 Guns, cail
the John and Martha, Captain Wiljon, which tj
attacked under the pyrarical black Flag, and mi
themfelves Mafters of Hfr. They put fome oft
Men alhore, and others they detain'd, as they
done at feveral other Times, to encreafe their
Company. Captain Martel then charged Caj
IVilfon, to advife his Owners, that their Ship wi
anfwer his Purpofe exaftly, by taking one l)
d(»wn i and as for the Cargo, which confified ch
501
I! Sill
*ti
Pyrates-, HighvMiymeu, Murderer Sy &c.
of Logwood and Sjgar, lie would uke Cure it iTiouId
be cairy'd to a. good IVkrktt.
Havinci tilted jp the afaier.iii Ship, as they defign'd,
they mounted l.er with 22 Guns, and 100 Men, left
2C Hands 111 the Sloop, and fo proceeded to cruize off
the Leeward lll.mds, where t:;cy met but with too
much Succe-.s. After tlie t<.kii!g ot" a Sioop and a
Brig:intine, ti.ey gave Ci);;ie to a ilout Ship, which
they c ;me up *it:i, aild which, at Sight oi the Py-
rate's r !'.g, ikuck to the Robbers. 1 his was a \ ef-
iel of 20 Guns, cali'd the i)j/».{v«, bound for Neiu-
foundland. Captain Martsl m.idc the Mea Prifoners,
and carry'd tiie Ship with him.
About tue iVliddle of December, the Pirates took
anotner Gaiiey in her Voyage from Jamaica, cali'd
the Kfrnt, Ciptain La-wton, ihifted her Provifions a-
bo'.rd their own Ship, and let her go. 'Ihib obliged
her to fail back to Jamaica for a Supply for Jier
Voyage. Some Time after tliey met with a fmall
Ship and a Sloop, belonging to Barbadoes ; out of
both they took Provhlons, and then parted with
them, having firfl taken fuch of their Hand^, as were
willing to be forced to go along with them. The
Greyhound Galley of London, Captain Ervans, from
Guiney to Jamaica, was the ne.xt that had the Mif-
fortune to fall into their Hands ; they did not de-
tain her long ; for, as foon as they could get out
ail her Gold-Dull, Elephant's Teetli, and Slaves,
which were about 40, they fent her onward upon
her \'oyage.
They cnnchided now, that 'twas very neceflary to
■get into Hirbour and relit, hoping at the fame Time
to get Refrefhments for themlelvcs, and an Oppor-
tunity to difpole of their Cargo: With this View,
'twas refolv'd to make the bell of their Way to
Santa Cruz, a fmall Ifland in the Latitude of 18, 30,
N. ten Miles long, and two broad, lying South-Ealt
of Porlo Rico, and belonging to the French Settle-
ments. Here they thought they might lie privately
enough for fome Time, and fit themlelvcs for fur-
ther Mlfchief They met with a Sloop by the Way,
which they took along with them, and, in the Begin-
ning of the Year 1716-17, they arrived at their Port.
They had now a Ship of 20 Guns, a Sloop of eight,
and three Prizes, 'viz. another Ship of 20 Guns, a
Sloop of 4 Guns, and the Sloop lall taken: With
this little Fleet, they got into a fm.Jl Harbour, or
Road, theN. W. Part of the Ifland, and wrap'dup
two Creeks, which were made by a little Ifland ly-
ing within the Bay ; (we are the more particular now,
becaufe we fltall take Leave of the Gentlemen at this
Place.) They had here bare 16 Foot of Water, at
the deepeft, and but 1 3 or 14, at the ftalloweft ; and
nothing but Rocks and Sands without, which fecured
them from Wind and Sea, and likewile liinder'd any
confiderable Force from entering, if any fuch fhould
come againil them.
When they were al! got in, the firft Thing they
had to do, was to guard themfelves in the belt Man-
ner they could ; this they did by making a Battery of
four Guns upon the Ifland, and another of two Guns
on the North Point of the Road : They alfo wrap'd
ill one of the Sloops with eight Guns, at the Mouth
or the Channel, to hinder any VeflTel from coming
149
in. When this was done, they went to work on
their Ship, unrigging and unloading, in order to
clean ; but we Ihall leave them a while, till we
bring other Company to 'em.
In the Month of Noi}ember, 17 16, General Hamil-
ton, Commander in chief of all the Leenxiard Caribee
Ijlandi, fent a Sloop Exprtfs to Capt. Hume, at Bar-
badoes, Commander of iiis Majetiy's Ship the Scar-
borotcgh, of 33 Guns, and 140 Men, to acquaint
him, that tivo Pirate Sloops, of 12 Guns each, mo-
lelled the Colonies, having plunder 'd feveral VelTels.
I'he Scarborough had bury'J twenty Men, and, at
this Time, had near forty fick, and therefore was
but in ill State to go to Sea : However, Captain
Hume left his fick Men behind, and fail'd to the
other lilands, for a Supply of Men. He took 20
Soldiers from Antegaa, at Nevis 10, and 10 at St.
Cljrifiopher^i, and then fail'd to the Ifland of An-
guilla. Here he learn'd, that, fome Time before,
two luch Sloops had been at Spanijh-To^wn, otiier-
wife cali'd one ofthe Virgin Iflands : From this In-
formation, the next Day, the Scarborough came to
Spanijh-Totjjn, but could hear no other News of
tne Sloops, than that they had been there about Chriji-
mas, it being now the 15th of January.
Captain Hume, finding no certain Account could
be had of the Pirates, defign'd to go back, the next
Day, to Barbadoes ; but it happen'd that Night, that
a Boat anchor'd there from Santa Cruz, and inform-
ed him, that he faw a Pirate Ship of 22 or 24 Guns,
with otiier Veflels, going into the North-Weft Part
of the Ifland aforelaid. The Scarborough weigh'd
immediately, and the next Morning came in Sight of
the Rovers and their Prize.-, and flood to them ;
but the Pilot refus'd to enter in with the Ship.
All this while the Pirates fir'd red-hot Bullets from
the Shore : At length, the Ship came to an Anchor,
along Side the "Reef, near the Channel, and canona-
ded, for feveral Hours, both the Veficls and Bat-
teries. About Four in the Afternoon, the Sloop that
guarded the Channel was funk, by the Shot of the
Man of War; then flie canonaded the great Pirate Ship
of 22 Guns, that lay behind the Ifland. The next
Night, 'viz. the 18th, it falling calm. Captain Hume
weigh'd, fearing he might fall on the Reef, and in
this Apprehenfion he flood off and on for a Day
or two, to block them up. On the 20th, in the
Evening the Pirates obferv'd the Man of War to
ftand off to Sea, and took the Opportunity to warp
out, in order to flip away from the Ifland, which
entirely ruin'd them. At 12 o'Clock they run a-
ground, and then, feeing the Scarborough about {land-
ing in again, as their Cafe was defperate, they were
put into the utmoll Confufion ; they quitted their
Ship, and let her on Fire, with 20 Negroes in her,
who were all burnt. Nineteen of the Pirates made
their Efcape in a fmall Sloop, but the Captain and
the reft, with 20 Neg oes, betook themfelves to the
Woods, where, 'tis probable, they might ftarve ; for we
never heard what became of 'em afterwards. Cap-
tain Hume releas'd the Prifoners, with the Ship and
Sloop that remain'd, and then went after the two
Pirate Sloops firft mention'd.
y;^
<i.q
m
15®
A General History of
The LIFE of Captain TEACH, alias
BLACK-BEARD.
EDrv/trJ Teach was a Brijfol Man born, but
liaj fail'd feveral Times out of Jamaica in
Privateers, in the late French War: Though
he Jiad often diltinguilli'd himfeif by his uncom-
mon Boldnefs, and perfonal Courage, he was never
rais'd to any Command till he went a pyrating, a-
bout the latter End of the Year 1716. It was then,
that Captain Benjamin Hornigold put him into aSloop,
that he liad made Prize of; and thefe two continu-
ed in Confortfhip till a little while before Hornigold
funender'd.
In the Spring of the Year 171 7, Teach ■zxA Horni-
gcld faiPd from Pro'vidence, for the Main of Ame-
rica, and took, in their Way, a Billop from the Ha-
'vanjia, with I zo Barrels of Flour, which they put
on board their own VefTels. They took, alfo, a
Sloop from Bermuda, Thurhar Mailer, whom they
rifled only of fome Gallons of Wine, and then let
her go ; and a Ship from Madeira to South Carolina,
out of which they got Plunder, to a confiderable Value,
After cleaning, on the Coaft of Virginia, they re-
turn'd to the Weji-Indies, and, in the Latitude of 24
made Prize of a large French Guiney Man, bound
to Martinico, which, by Hornigold'^ Confent, Teach
went aboard of as Captain, and took a Cruize in
her. Hornigold return'd with his Sloop to Pro'vi-
dence, where, at the Arrival of Captain Rogers, the
Governor, he furrender'd to Mercy, purfuant to the
King's Proclamation.
• Teach mounted 40 Guns aboard of his Guinea Man,
and nam'd her The ^een jinn's Re'vinge. Cruifmg
near the Ifland of St. Vincent, he took a large Ship,
caird The Great Allen, Chriftopher Taylor, Com-
mander ; and having plunder'd her ofwhat he thought
fit, and put all the Men a-fhore upon the Ifland above-
mention'd, he gave Orders to fet Fire to the Ship.
A few Days after. Teach fell in with the Scarbo-
rough Man of War, who engag'd him for fome Hours ;
but the Scarborough, finding the Pirate well mann'd,
and having tried her Strength, gave over the Engage-
ment, and return'd to Barbadoes, the Place of her
Station ; Teach immediately failing towards the Spa-
nijh America.
In his W.ay, he met with a Pirate Sloop, of 10
Guns, commanded by Major Bonnet, whole Life we
mention'd before. He was lately a Gentleman of
good Reputation and Eftate in the Ifland of Barba-
does, but now he readily join'd with Teach ; but in
:i few Days after. Teach, finding that Bonnet knew
nothing of a maritime Life, with the Confent of his
own Men, put in one Richards to be Captain of Bon-
net's Sloop, and took the Major on board his own
Ship : telling him. That, as he had not been us'd to
the Fatigues and Care offucb a Poft, it nvonld be bet-
ter for him to decline it, and live eajy, and at his
Pleafure, in fuch a Ship as his, "uhere he Jhould not
he obliged to perform Duly, hut follovj his o'un In-
clinations.
Al Turniff, 10 Leagues fhort of the Bay oi Hondu-
ras, the Pirates took in frefh Water, and while they
were at an Anchor there, they faw a Sloop coming
in ; whereupon Richards, in the Sloop call'd The
Revenge, flipp'd his Cable, and ran out to meet her ;
who, upon leeing the black Flag hoifled, ftruck hit
Sail, and came to, under the Stern oi Teach the Com-
modore. She was call'd The Ad-venture, from fa'
maica, Da'vid Harriot Mailer. They took him and
his Men aboard the great Ship, and fcnt a Number of
their own People with Ijrael Hands, Mailer ofTeach's
Ship, to man the Sloop for the piratical Service.
On the 9th of Apnl they weigh'd from Turnip,
having lain there about a Week, and fail'd to the
Bay, where they found a Ship and four Sloop'i. Three
of the latter belong'd to Jonathan Barnard, of Ja-
macia, and the other to Captain fames : The Ship
was of Bofton, call'd The ProteftanI Garfar, Captain
Wyar Commander. Teach hoifled his black Colours,
and fir'd a Gun ; upon which. Captain IVyar, and
all his Men, left their Ship, and got afhore in their
Boat. Teach'i Quarter- Mafler, and eightof his Crew,
took PofTefTion of Myars, Ship, and Richards fccur'd
all the Sloops, one of which they burnt out of Spite
to the Owner: The Prote/iant Cafar they alfo
burnt, after they had plunder'd her ; becaufe flie be-
long'd to Bofton, where fome Men had been hang'd
for Piracy : But the three Sloops belonging to Ber-
nard they let go.
From hence, the Rovers fail'd to Turkill, and then
to the Grand Caimanes, a fmall Ifland about 30
Leagues to the Wellward of Jamaica. Here they
took a fmall Turtler, and fo fail'd to the Ha'uana,
from thence to the Bahama Wrecks, and from the
Bahama Wrecks to Carolina, taking a Brigantine
and two Sloops in their Way. They lay on thcil
Carolina Coatl, off the Bar of Charles-Totun, for fivei
or fix Days. They took here a Ship as fhe wasi
coming out, bound for London, commanded by Ro
bert Clark, with fome PafTengcrs on board for Etig-
land; the next Day they took another VefTcl coming]
out of Charles-Toivn, and alio two Pinks coming]
into Charles-Tonvn ; likewife, a Brigantine with 14
Negroes aboard. All this being done in the Fjce ofl
the Town, it llruck a great 1 error into tl.e whole
Province of Carolina, which had jiill befoie been
vifited by Fane, another notorious Pirate. The In»
habitants even abandon'd themfelves to Defpair, be-
ing in no Condition to refifl their Force. There
were eight Sail in the Harbour, ready for Sea ; but
none dar'd to venture out, it being almofl impoili-
ble to efcape their Hands. The inward bound Vef-
fels were under the fame unhappy Dilemma ; fo that
the Trade of this Place was totally interrupted. What
made thefe Misfortunes yet heavier to them, was a
long expenfive War, which the Colony had hnd with
the Natives, and which was but jull ended when
thefe Robbers infefted them.
Teach detain'd .tJI the Ships and Prifoners, and.
Cyr/z/rr/// ?/farA
// m/^/lMrd'l:^m/'
Pyrates^ Highwaymen y Murderers^ SCc.
151
i,g in want of Medicines, refolv'd to demand a
;elt from the Government of the Province. Ac-
rdingly, Richards, tlie Captain of the Rei'cnge
)op, with two or three more Pirates, were fent
along with Mr. Marks, one of the Prifoners
lom they had taken in Clarke Ship, to make
Mr Demands, which tiiey did in a very infolent
■.nner ; threatening, that if they did not fend im-
■diately the Cheil of Medicines, and let the Pirate-
iibalTadors return, without offering any A'iolence
their Perfons, they wou'd murder all their Prilon-
, fend up their Heads to the Governor, and fet
: Ships they had taken, on Fire.
Whillt Mr. Maris was making Application to the
uncil, Richards, and the reft of the Pirates, walk'd
Streets publickly, m the Sight of -all People,
0 were fir'd with the utmoll Indignation, looking
)n them as Robbers and Murderers, and particular-
as the Authors of their preient Wrongs and Op-
ffions : Bjt they durft not fo much as think of e.x-
ting their Revenge, for Fear of bringing more
amities upon themfclves ; and i'o they were forc'd
et the ViUians pafs with Impunity. The Govern-
it were not long in deliberating upon the McifagG :
ough 'twas the greatell Affront that could have
n put upon them, ) et, for the faving fo many
ns Lives, (among them Mr. Samuel If'ragg, one
the Council) they comply'd with the Neceffity,
fent on board a Cheil, valu'd at between 3 and
)/. and the Pirates went back fafe to their Ships.
'ilackbcard, ^for fo Teach was generally call'd, as
fhall hereafter fhew) as foon as he had receiv'd
Medicines and his Brother Rogues, let go the
3 and the Prifoners, having firft taken out of them,
jold and Silver, about 1500/. Sterling, befides
vifions and other Matters.
"rom the Bar of Charles Toii:n, they faii'd to
th-Caroliiia ; Captain Teach in the Ship which
,• call'd the Man of War, Captain Richards and
Jtain Hands in the Sloops, which they term'd
/ateers, and another Sloop ferving them as a Ten-
. Teach began now to think of breaking up the
mpany, and iecuring the Money and the beft of
Effefts for himfelf, and Tome of his Companions
cm he had moft Friendfhip for, and to cheat the
. Accordingly, on Pretence of running into Top-
! Inlet to clean, he grounded his Ship, and then
if it had been done undefignedly, and by Acci ■
it) he orders Hands^s Sloop to come to his AfCfl-
:e, and get him off" again; which he endeavour-
to do, ran the Sloop a Shore near the other,
1 fo they were both loll:. This done. Teach goes
D the 'Fender Sloop, with 40 Hands, and leaves
Revenge there. After this, he took 1 7 others,
I marroon'd them upon a fmall fandy Ifland, a-
H a League from the Main, where there was nei-
r Bird, Bcall, or Herb, for their Subfiftence, and
ere they mull have perilli'd if Major Bonnet had
:, two Days after, taken them off.
Teach now goes up to the Governor of North-
rolina, with about zo of his Men, furrenders to
Majefty's Proclamation, and receives Certificates
reof from his E.xcellency ; but it did not appear
■t their fubmitting to this Pardon was from any Re-
mation of Manners, but only to wait a more fa-
jr.ible Opportunity to play the fame Game over
lin ; which he foon after efiedled, v\ ith greater Se-
ity to himfelf? and with much better Profpeft of
reefs ; having in this Time cultivated a very good
iderftanding with Charles Eden, Efq; the Gover-
• above-raention'd.
fhe firft Piece of Service this kind Governor did
Black Beard, was, to give him a Right to the
flel which he bad t&ken, when he was a pirating
in the great Ship call'd The ^een Anne's Revenge ;
for which Purpofe a Court of Vice-Admiralty was
held at Bath-Toivn, where, though Teach had ne-
ver any CommilTion in his Life, and the Sloop be-
long'd to the Englijh Merchants, and was taken in
Time of Peace, yet was fhe condemn'd as a Prize tap-
ken by Teach from the Spaniards. Thefe Proceedings
ihew that Governors are but Men.
Before he faii'd upon his Adventures, he married a
young Creature of about fixteen Years of Age, the
Governor performing the Ceremony ; For, as it is a
Cu.lom to marry here by a Priell, lb it is there by a
Magiftr.ite, And this, I have been inform'd, made
Teach's fourteenth Wife, about a Dozen of whom
might be flill living. His Behaviour in this State
was fomething extraordinary ; for whilfl his Sloop
lay in Okerecock Inlet, and he was a-fhore at a Plan-
tation, where his Wife liv'd, after he had Iain with
her all Night, it was his Cufiom to invite five or fix of
his brutal Companions a-fhore, and lie would force
her to proftitute herfelf to them all, one after ano-
ther, before his Face.
In June 1 7 1 8, he went to Sea, upon another F.x-
pedition, and fleer'd his Courfe towards Benr.udui.
He met with two or three Englijb \'efrels in his Way,
but robb'd them only of Provifions, Stores, and other
Neceff.iries, for his prefent Expence ; but when he
came near the IfLmd aforemention'd, he fell in with
two French Ships, one of which was loaded with Su-
gar and Cocoa, and the other light, both bound to
Martinico. The Ship that had no Lading, he let
go, having firft put all the Men of the loaded Ship
a-board her ; the other he brought Home, with )icr
Cargo, to North Carolina, where the Governor and
the Pirates fhar'd the Plunder.
When Teach and his Prize arriv'd, he and four of
his Crew went to his Excellency, and made Affidavit
that they found the Trench Ship at Sea, without a
Soul on board her ; whereupon, a Court was called,
and the Ship condemn'd. The Governor had 60
Hogfheads of Sugar for liis Dividend, and one Mr.
Knight, who was his Secretary, and Colleflor for the
Province, 20 ; the reft was fhar'd among the other Pi-
rates, as we may properly enough exprefs it.
The Bufinefs was not yet done j the Ship remained,
and it was pofTible one or other might come into the
River, that might be acquainted with her, and fo
difcover the Roguery : But Teach thought of a Con-
trivance to prevent this ; for, upon a Pretence that fhe
was leaky, and that fhe might fink, and fo flop up
the Mouth of the Inlet or Cove where fhe lay, he
obtain'd an Order from the Governor to bring her out
into the River, and fet her on Fire. This was ac-
cordingly executed, and fhe was barnt down to the
Water's Edge ; then her Bottom was funk, and,
with it, their Fears of her ever rifing in Jadgment a-
gainft them.
Captain Teach, alias Black-Beard, pafs'd three or
four Months in the River ; fomctimes lying at Anchor
in the Coves, at other Times failing from one Inlet
to another, trading with fuch Sloops as he met for
the Plunder he had taken, and often giving them Pre-
fents for the Stores and Provifions took from them ;
that is, when he happen'd to be in a giving Humour ;
for at other Times he made bold with 'em, and took
what he lik'd, without faying by your Leave ; know-
ing well that they dar'd not fend him a Bill for the
Payment. He often diverted himfelf with going a-
fhore among the Planters, where he revell'd Night
and Day ; By theli he was well receiv'd j but whe-
ther out of Love, or Fear, I cannot fay. Sometimes
he us'd them courteoufly enough, and made them,
alfo, Prefents of Rum and Sugar, in return for what
he took from them ; but, as to the Liberties which,
'tis
A General History of
tis faid, he and his Companions often took with the
Wives and Daughters of thefe Planters, I cmnot take
upon me to fay, whether he paid them ati Valorem,
or no. At other Times he carried it in a lordly Man-
ner towards 'em, and would lay fome of them under
Contribution ; nay, he often proceeded to bully the
Governor ; not, as I can difcover, that there was
the leait Caufe of Quarrel betwixt them, but it feem'd
only to be done to fhew he dar'd do it.
'i'lic Sloops trading up and down this River, be-
ing fo frequently pillag'd by Black-Beard, confuked
with the Traders, and fome of the bell: of the Plan-
ters, what Courfe to take : They faw plainly, it
would be in vain to make any AppHcation to the Go-
vernor of North-Carolina, to whom it properly be-
long'd to find fome Redrefs ; fo that if they could
not be reliev'd from fome other Quarter, Black-Beard
would be like to reign with Impunity ; This deter-
min'd them, with as much Secrecy as poffible, to fend
a Deputation to Virginia, to lay the Affair before the
Governor of that Colony, and to foUicit an arm'd
Force, from the Men of War lying there, to take or
deftroy this Pirate.
This Governor confulted with the Captains of the
two Men of War, -i/Zz. the Fearl and Lime, who had
lain in St. James's River about ten Months. It
was agreed, that the Governor fhould hire a Couple
of fmall Sloops, and the Men of War fhould man
them ; this was accordingly done, and the Command
of them given to Mr. Robert Maynard, firft Lieute-
nant of the Pearl ; an experienc'd Officer, and a
Gentleman of great Bravery and Refolution, as will
appear by his gallant Behaviour in this Expedition.
The Sloops were well mann'd, and furnilh'd vyith
Ammunition and fmall Arms, but had no Guns
mounted.
About the Time of their going out, the Governor
call'd an Affembly, in which it was refolv'd to publifh
a Proclamation with an Offer of certain Rewards, to
any Perfon or Perfons, who, within a Year after that
Time, fhould take or deftroy any Pirate : The origi-
nal Proclamation being in our Hands, we fhall give it
to our Readers ; it runs as follows :
By his Majefty's Lieutenant-Go-
vernor, and Commander in
Chief, of the Colony and Do-
minion of V'trgmlay
A PROCLAMATION,
Publiiliing the Rewards to be
given for apprehending or
killing Pirates.
WHereas, hy an AB of AJfemhly, made at a Sef-
fion of Affembly, begun at the Capital in Wil-
liamfburgh, the eh'venth Day of November, in the
fifth Year of his Majeftfs Reign, entitled. An Aft
to encourage the apprehending and deftroy ing of Pi
rates ; it is, amongft other Things, enabled. That all
and every Perfon, or Perfons, nvho, from and after
the fourteenth Day of November, in the Tear of our
Lord One thoufand fcven Hundred and Eighteen, and
before the Fourteenth Day of November, ivhichfiall
7
be in the Tear of our Lord One Thoifand' (i'vin
dred and Nineteen, Jhall take any Pirate, o,- Pi, a
on the Sea or Land, or, in cafe of Rrfjlnnce, jA
kill any fuch Pirate, or Pirates, bet-xveen the Dm
of thirty four and thirty nini of No: t,':ern Latiti
and ivithin one hundred Leagues of the Continent\
Virginia, or North-Carolinu, upon the Con'viclion,\
waking due Proof of the killing of all, and every- 1
Pirate, and Pirates, before the Governor' and Caur}
Jhall be entitled to ha-ve, and recei-ue out of the phh
Money, in the Hands of the Treafurer of this 07,:|
the federal Rev.-ams follonxing; that is to /-ay, \
Edward Teach, commonly called C,;ptain 1 c:.cli.
Black-Beard, one hundred Pounds ; Jor every o,
Commander of a Pirate Skip, Sloop, or VcJJ'cl, j
Pounds ; for every Lieutenant, Majhr, ^i;rler-l
fter. Boa tf vain, or Carpenter, tiventy Pounds;
every other inferior Officer, fifteen Pounds ; antli
every private Man, taken on Board Juch Ship, i/i
or l^effel, ten Pouniis ; and, that for every Pin
•which Jhall be taken by any Ship, Sloop, or Feffel,
longing to this Colony, or Nortfi\C2rolina, ivithin
Time aforefaid, in any Place vjhatj'oever, the like
luards pall he paid, according to the ^talit</
Condition of fuch Pirates. PFherefore, far ihe En-\
ragement of all fuch Perfons asfiall be tuilling to j,'
his Majefty, and their Country, in fo jufi and hoiti
able an Undertaking, as the fupprefftng a Sort of
pie vjho >nay be truly caltd Enemies to Mankin
have thought ft, ivith the Advice and ConJ',ent o,
Majeffs Council, to iffue this Proclamation, he
declaring, that the /aid Revoards Jhall be pundi
and jujily paid, in current Money of Virginia, act
ing to the Directions of the J'aid Aji. And I do oi
and appoint this Proclamation to be fuhlijhed by\
Sheriffs, at their refpeSlive County-Houfcs, and *n
MiniJlers and Readers, in the feveral CljurchesA
Chapels, throughout the Colony.
Given at our Council-Chamber at
Uamsburgh, this 24th Day of No'
her, 1 71 8, in the fifth Year 0
Majefty's Reign.
GOD SAVE THE KING
A. SPOTSU'O'
The 17th of November, 1718, the Lieute li
failed from Kicquetan, in James River in Virg,
and the 2 1 it in the Evening came to the Mout
Okerecock Inlet, where he got Siglit of the Pi:
This Expedition was made with all imaginable
crecy, and the Officer managed v.'ith all the Prud.
that was neceffary, ftopping all Boats and VefTe
met with in the River, from going up, and the
preventing any InteUigence hom reaching Bi
Beard ; and receiving at the fame Time an Acc'
from them all, of the Place where tiip Pirate
lurking. Hov/ever, notwithftanding this Caul
Black- Beard h.7i.di Informatio;' of the Defign, from
Excellency of the Province ; and his Sccietary,
Knight, wrote him a Letter particularly concer
it, intimating. That he had fent him four of his 1
ivhich ivere all he could meet tvilb in or about Ti
and fo bidding him be upon his Guard. Thefe .
who belonged to Black- Beard, weie fent from B
Toivn to Okerecock Inlet, where the Sloop lay, w
is about 20 Leagues.
Black-Beard had heard feveral Reports,
happened not to be true, and fo gave the lefs Ci
to this ; nor was he convinced till he faw the Slo'
When they came in fight, he put his Veflel in a
ture of Defence, having no more than twenty
Men on Board, tho' he gave put to all the Vefle
fpoke with, that he had 40. When he had pr
k
w
PyrateSf Htghwayme?!, Mwderers, ^c.
,.J for Butle, he fits down and fpent the Night in
).-inking, witii the Miller of a trading Sloop, who,
rwas t!K)ugiic, had more Bufinefs witti Teach than
e fhould h.ivc nad.
Lieutenant Majnarti ame to an Anchor ; for the
■:,.c- being Iho.il, and the Channel intricate, there
no getting in where Teacb lay that Night. The
: Morning he weighed, and ient his Boat a head
;.ie Siaops to found, which, coming within Gun-
ic of the Pirate, received his Fire. Maynard,
—jpon, hoilted the King's Colours, and ftood di-
•.'y towards him, with the beft Way that his Sails
x-.i. Oir^ could make. Black-beard cut his Cable,
nd endeavoured to make a running Fight, keeping
c jntinual Fire at His Enemies, with his large Guns,
Ir. Mainard, not having any, as we before obferv'd,
cntac'jnihnt Fire with fmall Arms, while fome
i'his Men hbour'd at their Oars. In a little Time
i/i's Sloop ran a ground, and Mr. Maynard's,
wing more Water than that of the Pirate, could
ut come near him ; fo that he anchor'd within half
,un-Shot of the Enemy. In order to lighten his
ciiel, that he might run him aboard, the Lieu-
jiiuiit ordered all his Ballaft to be thrown over-
oard, and all the Water to be ftav'd, and then
eiched and ftood for him. Black-beard, upon this,
ail'd him in this rude Manner: Damn you for Vil-
litis, ivbo areyou? and from ^whence came you? The
Jeutenant made him aniwer. You may fee by our Co-
lurs lue are no Pirates. Black-beard bid him fend
is Boat on Board, that he might fee who he was ;
at Mr. ilfa);/a;-<^ reply'd thus: I cannot fpare my
hat, but I ivill come aboard of you as foon as I
an, ivith my Sloop. Whereupon, Black-beard took
Glais of Liquor, and drank to him with thefe
Vords : Damnation feize my Soul if I gi-ve you ^ar-
trs, or take any from you. In Anfwer to wiiicii,
/Ir. Maynard told him, 'That he expeiled no ^ar-
trs from him, nor [hould he gi-ue him any.
By this Time Black-beard's Sloop floated, as Mr.
Maynard's Sloops were rowing towards him. Thefe
iloops being not above a Foot high in the Wafte,
:onfequently the Men were all expofed, as they came
lear together ; therefore (there being hitherto little
w no Execution done on either Side,) the Pirate
ired a Broadfide, charged with all manner of fmall
jhot. A fatal Stroke to them ! The Sloop
ie Lieutenant was in had twenty Men killed and
wounded, and the other Sloop nine : This could not
DC help'd, for, there being no Wind, they were o-
Dliged to keep to their Oars, otherwife the Pirate
(Vould have got away from them, which, it feems,
the Lieutentant was refolute to prevent.
After this unlucky Blow, Black-beard's Sloop fell
fe-oadfide to the Shore ; Mr. Maynard's other Sloop,
which was call'd the Ranger, fell a-ftern, being for
the prefent difabled. Now, the Lieutenant finding
his own Sloop had Way, and would foon be on
Board of Teach, ordered all his Men down, for fear
of another Broadfide, which muft have been their
Dellrudlion, and have entirely ruined their E.xpedi-
tion. Mr. Maynard vj^s the only Perfon that kept
the Deck, e.xcept the Man at the Helm, whom he
direfted to lye down fnug ; and the Men in the Hold
■were ordered to get their Piuols, and their Swords
ready, for ciofc fighting, and to come up at his Com-
mstnd ; in order to which, two Ladders were placed
in the Hatch-way for the more E.xpedition. When
the Lieutenant's Sloop boarded the other. Captain
Teach's Men threw in feveral new fafhioned fort of
Grenadoes, •viz. Cafe-Bottles fill'd with Powder,
fmall Si.ot, Slug5, and Pieces of Lead or Iron, with
a quick Match in the Mouth of them. This Match,
being lighted without Side, preientlv runs into the
40
Dottle to the Powder, and as that is in.'iantly thrown
on board, it generally does great E.\ecu:icn, befides
the Confiifion it occafions. By good Providence,
however, they had not that Effeil here ; for the Men
being in the Hold, Black-beard, feeing k\v or no
Hands aboard, told his Men, That they I'jere all
knock'd on the Head, except three or four, and there-
fore, fays he, let's jump ok Board, and cut them to
Piecrs that are alive.
Upon this, under the Smoak of one of the Bottles
juli mention'd. Black beard enters, with fourteen
Men, over the Bows of Maynard' % Sloop, and were
not feen by him till the Air cleared ; however, as it
happened, he juft then gave the Signal to his Men,
who all rofe in an Inftant, and attack'd the Pirates
with as much Bravery as ever was fnewn upon fuch
an Occafion: Black-beard 3.nd the Lieutenant fired
the firrt Piftol at each otlier, by which the Pirate
recei\'ed a Wound ; then they engaged with Swords,
till the Lieutenant's unluckily broke ; who, thereup-
on, llepping back to cock a PiRol, Black-beard, with
his Cutlalh, was llriking at that Inftant, when one
of Maynard's Men gaic him a terrible Wound in
the Neck and Throat, by which the Lieutenant came
off with a fmall Cut over his Fingers.
They were v,o\\ clofely and warmly engag'd, the
Lieutenant and twelve Men, againft Black-beard and
fourteen, till the Sea was tindur'd with Blood round
the Vellel. Tho' BUck-beard ttce'w'd a. Shot into
his Body from thefirll Piftol that Lieutenant Mavr.ard
difcharg'd, yet he ftood his Ground, and fought with
great Fury, till he received twenty Cuts, and five
more Shot : At length, as he was cocking a Piftol,
having fired feveral before, he fell down dead. By
this Time eight more out of the fourteen dropp'd,
and all the reft, much wounded, jump'd over-board,
and call'd out for Quarters, which wai granted, tho'
it was only prolonging their Lives for a few D;iys.
The Sloop Ranger came up, and attack'd the Men
that remained in Black-beard's Sloop, with equal Bra-
very, till they llkewife cry'd for Quarters.
Here was an End of that courageous Brute, who
might have pafs'd in the World for a Heroe, had he
been employ 'd in a good Caufe ; his Deiiruiflion,
which was of fuch Confequence to the Plantations,
was entirely ouing to the Conduft and Bra\ery of
Lieutenant Maynard send h.\s Men, who might have
deftroy'd him with much lefs Lois, had they had a
Veflel with great Guns. But they were eblig'd t»
ufe fmall Veflels, becaufe the Holes and Places he
lurk'd in, would not admit thofe of greater Draught ;
and it was no fmall Difficulty for this Gentleman to
get to him, even with thefe, having grounded his
A'eiTel, at leaft, a hundred Times, in getting up the
River, befides other Difcouragements, enough to have
turn'd back any Man without Dilhonoui, who had
been lefs refolute and bold than this Lieutenant.
The Broadfide that did fo much Mifchief before they
boarded, in all Probability faved the reft from De-
ftrudion ; for before that Teach had little or no
Hopes of elcapir.g, and therefore had polted a refo-
lute Fellow, a Negroe, whom he bred up, with a
lighted Match, in the Po«der-Room, with Com-
mands to blow it up, when he fhould give him
Orders; which he defigned to have done, as foon as
the Lieutenant and his Men could have enter'd,
that fo he might have deftroy'd his Conquerors
with himielf : And when the Negroes found how it
vv»nt with Black-beard, he could hardly be pcrfuad-
ed from the rafh Aftion, by two Prifoners that
were then in the Hold of the Sloop.
What feems a little odd, is, that fome of thefe
Men, who behaved fo bravely againft Black-beard,
went afterwards a pirating themfelves, and one of
R r them
154
them was tal:en along with Roherts ; but I do not
find tint any of them were provided for, except one
that was hang'd. However, this is a Digrellion.
' The fjeutenant caiifed Black-biard's Head to be
fevered from his Body, and hung un at the Bolt-
fprit F.iul ; then he failed to Bath-lswu, to get Re-
lief for his wounded Men.
It mull be obferv'd, that, in rummaging the Pi-
rate's Sloop, they found feveral Letters and \w'r'.cten
Papers, which diicovered the Correfpondence betwixt
Governor Eticn, the Secretary and Colleftor, and al-
io fome Traders at Ne^vj-Tork, and Black-beard. It
IS likely he had had Regard enough for his Friends,
to have dellroyed thefe Papers before the Aflion, in
order to 'hinder them from falling into fuch Hands,
whe/e' the Difcovery would be of no Ufe, either to
the Intercll or Reputation of thefe fine Gentlemen,
liad not his fix'd Refolution to have blown up all to-
gether prevented him, when he found no poffibility
of efcaping.
When the Lieutenant came to Baih-To".vn, he
made bold to feize, in the Governor's Store-Houfe,
the fixty Hogflieads of Sugar, and from honell Mr.
Knight the twenty, which, it feems were their Di-
vidends of the Plunder tal;en in the French Ship, as
we before noted ; the latter did not long furvive
this Ihamefal Difcovery, for, being apprehenfive that
he might be called to an Account for thefe Trifles,
he fell fick with the Fright, and died in a few Days.
After the wounded Men were pretty well recover-
ed, the Lieutenant failed back to the Men of War in
James's Rinjer, in Virginia, with Black-beariTi
Head Hill hanging at the Bolt-fprit End, and fifteen
Prifoners, thirteen of whom were afterwards hanged.
It appeared upon Trial, that one of them, •viz. Sa-
muel Odell, was taken out of the trading Sloop but
the Night before the Engagement. Tliis poor Fel-
low was a little unlucky at his firll entering upon
his new Trade, there appearing no lefs than 70
Wounds upon him after the Adion, notwithftanding
which, he lived, and was cured of them all. The
other Perfon that efcaped the Gallows, was one If-
Yiiel Hands, the Mafter of Black-beard\ Sloop, and
formerly Captain of the fame, before the ^een Anne's
P.t'uenge was lolt in Top/ail Inlet.
The aforefaid Hands happened not to be in the
Fight, but was taken afterwards alhore at Bath-
Yoiua, having been fometime before difabled by
Slack-heard, ni one of his favage Humours, after the
following Manner. One Night drinking in his
Cabin with Hands, the Pilot, and another Man,
Black-beard, without any Provocation, privately
draws out a fmaJl Pair of Piftols, and cocks them un-
der the Table, which being perceived by the Man,
he withdrew and went upon Deck, leaving Hands,
the Pilot, and the Captain together. When the Pi-
•flols were ready, he blew out the Candle, and, crof-
fing his Hands, difcharged them at his Company ;
Hands, the Mafter, was fhot thro' the Knee, and
lam'd for Life ; the other Piftol did no Execution.
——— Being abk'd the meaning of this, he only an-
fwered, by damning them, that if he did not uoiv
Slid then kill ons of them, they 'would forgot 'ivho he
was.
Hands being taken, he was try'd and condemned ;
but juft as he was about to be executed, a Ship ar-
rived at Virginia, with a Proclamation for prolong-
ing the Time of his Majefty's Pardon, to fuch of
the Pirates as (hould furrender by a limited Time
therein exprefled : Notwithftanding the Sentence,
Hands pleaded the Pardon, and was allowed the Be-
nefit of it. He was alive a few Years ago in Lon-
don, where he begged his Bread.
Now that we have given foroe Account oiTeacVi
A Qemral History of
Life and Adions, it will not be amifs that wjf
fpeak of his Beard, fince it did not little contri-
bute towards making his Name fo terrible in thofe
Parts.
Plutarch, and other grave Hiftorians, have taken
Notice, that feveral great Men amongil the Romans
took their Sir-Names from certain odd Murks in
their Countenances ; as Cicero, from a Mark of a
Vetch on his Nofe : So cur Heroe, Captain Teach,
afTumed the Cognomen of Black-Beard, from that
large Quantity of Hair, which, like a frightful Me^
teor, covered his whole Face, and frightned America
more than any Comet that has appeared there a long
Time.
This Beard was black, which he fuffered to grow to
an extravagant Length; as to the Breadth, it came up
to his Eyes ; he was acciillon:ed to t\\iil it with Rib-
bons, in Iniall Tails, after the Manner of our R.imi.
lies Wigs, and turn them about hib Ears : In Timet
of Aftion, he wore a Sling over his Shoulders, with;
three brace of Piilols, hanging in Hollk-rs like Ban
daliers : He ftuck lighted M.uches under his Hat,
which appearing on each Side of his Face, and hi:
Eyes naturally looking fierce and v.'ild, made him al
together fuch a Figure, that Imagination canno
form an Idea of a Fury from ficll, to look mori
friglitful.
U he had the Look of a Fury, hi^ Humours .im
Paffions were fuitable to it ; we fha!! rcLtc two 0
three more of his Extravagancies, whicii we omittei
in the Body of his HillOry, by which it will appear
to what a Pitch of Wickednefs human Nature ma
arrive, if it's PdlTions arc not checked.
In the Commonwealth of Fiiatcs, he who goe
the greatelt Length of Wickednefs, is looked upo:
with a kind of Envy amongft them, as a Perfon of
more extraordinary Gallantry ; he is therefore entitlei
to be diftinguilbed by fome Poll, and, if fuch a on
La's but Courage, he mull certainly be a great Man
The Hero of whom we are writing was thoroughl
accomplillied this Way, and fome of his Frolicks c
Wickednefs were as extravagant, as if he aim'd a
making his Men believe he was a Devil incarnate
Being one Day at Sea, and a little flullied witi
Drink : Come, fays he, let us make a Hell of ou
o'wn, and try hoiv long v;e can bear it. According!'
he, with two or three others, went down into tb
Hold, and, clofing up all the Hatches, fill'd fevera
Pots full of Brimttone, and other combullible Matter
then they fet it on Fire, and fo continu'd till the
were almoft fufFocated, when fome of the Men crici
out for Air: At length, he open'd the Hatches, no
a little pleas 'd that he held out the longeft.
The flight before he was kill'd, he fat up aij*
drank till the Morning, with fome of his own Men
and the Mafter of a Merchant- Man ; noiwithllandinj
his having had Intelligence of the two Soopscomin}
to attack him, as has been before obicrv'd. It vKa.
then that one of his Men alk'd him, in cafe anj
Thing fhould happen to him in the Eng:!gen;ent witl
the Sloops, whether his Wife knew where he had bu-
ried his Money ? Heanfwer'd, 'That no Body but bin-
felf and the De'vil kne-tu ivhcre it ivas, and the lovgej.
Li'verjhotild take all.
Thofe of his Crew who were taken alive, told £
Story which may appear a little incredible ; howe-
ver, we think it will not be fair to omit it, fince we
had it from their own Mouths : That once, upon £
Cruize, they found out that tlicy had a Man or
board more than their Crew ; fuch a one was fcen fe-
veral Days amongft them, fometimcs below, and
fometimes upon Deck, yet no Man in the Ship could
give any Account who he was, or from whence he
came ; but tlutt he difeppeai'd a little before they
Were
J
can^i^i ua^n'air/ u/m/a/i// .
PyratsSf Highway mer/^ Murderers^ &c.
155
/ere call away in their great Ship, and, it feems,
ley verily believ'd it was the Devil.
One would think thefe Things fliould have in-
uc'd thcni to reform their Lives ; but being fo many
.cproliates of them together, they encourag'd and
liritcd one another up in their Wickednefs, to which
continu:il Courfe of Drinking did not a little con-
ibute. In Black-BearcTi Journal, which was taken,
lere were ieveral Memorandums of the following
aiure, all writ with his own Hand : Such a
at. Rum all out : Our Company fome'what fo-
y : A drzmnd Confujion among/} hi ! — —
igues n yhjtting; Great Talk of Separation.
I lick d /jar p for a Prize ; Such a Day took
e, ou/VA a gnat deal of Liquor on hoard ; fa kept
• Compaxf hot, darnnd hot, then all Things tjuent
ill again.
Thus it was thefe Wretches pafs'd their Lives,
th very little Pleafure or Satisfaftion, in the Pof-
fion of what they violently took away from others,
J fure to pay for it at laft, by an ignominiou';
:ath.
le Names of the Pirates kill'd in the Engagement,
are as follow -,
Edward Teach, Commander.
Vhilip Morton, Gunner,
"iarrat Gibbeus, Boatfwain.
Jweii R^ierts, Carpenter.
rtemas Miller, Quarter-Mafter,
John Hujk,
Jofeph Curtice,
Jofeph Brooks ( I )
Nath. Jackfen.
All the reft were wounded, and, except the two laft,
afterwards hang'd in FirgiTiia.
"John Games, Jofeph Philips,
Jofeph Brooks (. 2 ] James Rohbins,
James Blake, John Martin,
John Gills, EdiL-ard Salter,
Thomas Gates, Stephen Daniel,
James White, Richard Greenfail ,
Richard Stiles, Ifrael Hands, pardon'd
Cafar, Samuel Odetl, acquitted.
There were in the Pirate Sloops, and a.fhore in a
Tent near where the Sloops lay, 25 Hogfheads of
Sugar, II Tierces, and 145 Bags of Cocoa, a Barrel
of Indigo, and a Bale of Cotton; all which, with
what was taken from the Governor and Secretary,
and the Sale of the Sloop, came to 2500/. befides
the Rewards paid by the Governor of Virginia, pur-
fuant to his Proclamation. The whole was divided
among the Companies of the two Ships, the Lime
and the Pearl, that lay in James River ; the brave
Fellows that took them coming in for no more than
their Dividend amongft the reft, and it was a long
Time before even that wss pai-d.
h LIFE of Captain EDWARD ENGLAND.
■"^ Dii:ard England went Mate of a Sloop, that
•y failed out oi Jamaica, and was taken by Cap-
_ii tain fPlnter, a Pirate, juft before their Settle-
at at Pro-vidence ; from wliich Iflmd England had
:rwards tlie Command of a Sloop in the fame lau-
le Employment : It is furprizing that Men of good
derttanding fhould engage in a Courfe of Life, that
nuch debafes human Nature, and fets them upon
evel with the wild Beafts of the Foreft, who live
prey upon their weaker Fellow Creatures : A
aie fo enormous ! That it includes almoft all o-
rs, ss Murdtr, Rapine, Theft, Ingratitude, is'c.
tho' they make thefe Vices familiar to them by
T daily Praftice, yet thefe Men are fo inconfiftent
h themfelves, that a Reflcclion made upon their
flour, their Juftice or their Courage, is looked
n as an OiFence that ought to be puniihed with the
: of him that commits it : England was one of
e Men, who feemed to have fuch a Share of Rea-
, as ftiould have taught him much better Things.
had a great deal of good N,uure, and did not
it for Courage ; he was not avantioas, and always
■fe to the ill Ufage Prifoners received : He would
3 been contented with moderate Plunder, and lefs
Aievous Pranks, could his Companions have
I brought to the fame Temper ; but lie was ge-
■lly over-rul'd, and, as he was engag'd in that
minable Society, he was obligM to be a Partner
II thdr vile Adions, in fpite of his natural Incli-
3ns.
Captain England faiPd to the Coaft of Jfrica, af-
ter the Ifland of Providence was fettled by the Eng-
lifi Government, and the Pirates had furrendered to
his Majefty's Proclamation : Here he took fevcrai
Ships and VefTels, particularly the Cadogan Snow be-
longing to Brijiol, at Sierraleone, one Skinner Mafter,
who was inhumanly murthered by fome of Eug-
land^^ Crew, that had lately been his own Men, and
ferved in the faid Vefl'el. It feems fome Quarrel had
happened between them, fo that Skinnex thought
fit to remove thefe Fellows on Board of a JVIan
of War, and at the fame Time refufed them
their Wages ; not long after they found Means tp
delert that Service, and, ftiipping themfelves aboard
a Sloop in the Wcjl-Indies, were taken by a Pirate,
and brought to Pro'vidence, whence they failed up-
on the iame Account along with Captain E^ig-
iand.
As foon as Skinner had ftruck to the Pirate, he
was ordered to come on Board in his Boat, which
he did, and the Perfou that he firft caft his Eye upon,
proved to be his old Boatfwain, who ftar'd him in
the Face like his evil Genius, and accoftcd him in
this Manner. — - Jh, Captain Skinner! Is it yau?
The only Man I <wijhed to fee ; I am much in jour
Debt, and no'iu I Jhall pay j/ou all in your oovft
Coin.
The poor Man trembled every Joint, when he
found into what Company he had fallen, and
dreaded the Event, as he hid Reafon enough fo to
do J
ifi6
A General History of
do : for the Boatrwain immediately called to his Con-
forts, laid hold of the Captain, and made him fall
to tlie Windlel's, where they pelted him with Glals
Bottles, till they cut him in a fad Manner : After
this, they whipp'd him about the Deck, till they
Were weary, being deaf to all his Prayers and Intrea-
ties i and, at lall, becaufe he had been a good Mailer
to his Men, they faid, he fhould have an eafy Dfeath,
and fo they fhot him thro' the Head, ,'lneytook
fome few Things out of the Snow, but gave the Vef-
fel and all her Cargo to Hoivcl Da-uis the Mate and
the reft of the Crew, as will be hereafter mentioned
in the Life of Captain Daniis.
Captain England took a Ship called the Pearl,
Captain 7>e«rd' Commander, for which he exchanged
his own Sloop, fitted her up for the pyratical Ac-
count, and new chriftened her by the Name of the
Hoyal James. With her he took feveral Ships and
Veflels of different Nations, at the Axores and Cafe
de Verd IJlands.
In the Spring 1719, the Rovers returned to
Africa, and beginning at the River Gambia, failed
all down the Coaft ; between that River and Cape
Cor/a, they took the following Ships and Vef-
fels.
The Eagle Pink, Captain Rights Commander,
belonging to Cork, taken the 25th of March, having
6 Guns and 1 7 Men on Board, feven of whom turned
Pirates. "
The Charlotte, Captain Old/on of London, taken
Alay the 26th, having 8 Guns and 1 8 Men on Board,
13 of whom turned Pirates.
The Sarah, Captain Stunt, of London, taken the
27th oi May, having 4 Guns and 1 8 Men on Board,
3 of whom turned Pirates.
The Bentvjorth, Captain Gardener, of Briftol, ta-
ken the 27th of May, having 12 Guns and 30 Men on
Board, 1 2 of whom turned Pirates.
The Buck Sloop, Captain Sihefler, of Gambia,
taken the 27th of May, having 2 Guns and only 2
Men on Board, who both turned Pirates.
The Carteret, Captain Snoiu, of London, taken
the 28th of May, having 4 Guns and 18 Men on
Board, 5 of whom turned Pirates.
The Mercury, Captain Maggot, o{ London, taken
the 2gth of A?ay, having 4 Guns and 18 Men on
Board, 5 of whom turned Pirates.
The Coward Galley, Captain Creed, of London,
taken the 1 7th of June, having 2 Guns and 1 3 Men
on Board, 4 of whom turned Pirates.
The Etixabeth and Katharine, Captain Bridge
oi Barbadoes, taken June the 27th, having 6 Guns
and 14 Men on Board, 4 of whom turned Pi-
rates.
The Eagle Pink being bound to Jamaica, the
Sarah to Virginia, and the Buck to Maryland, they
let them go ; but the Charlotte, the Bentavorth, the
Carteret, and the Co<ui«>-i/ Galley, they burnt: The
Mercury, and the Elizabeth and Katherine, were fit-
ted up' for Pirate Ships ; the former was new nam'd
^een Anne^s Re-vinge, and commanded by one Lane;
and the other was called the Flying King, of which
Robert Sample was appointed Captain. Thefe two
left England upon the Coall, and failed to the If^eji-
Indies, where they took fome Prizes, cleaned, and
failed to Brajil in No-vember ; they took feveral Por-
tuguefe Ships there, and did a great Deal of Mifchief,
but in the height of their Undertakings, a Portuguefe
Man of War, which was an e.xcellent Sailor, came a
very unwelcome Gueft to them, and gave them Chace.
The Queen Anne's Revenge got off, but was loft a
litde while after upon that Coaft ; and the Flying
King, giving herfelf over for loft, ran aftiore : There
were then 70 Men on Board, 12 of whom were killed
and the rell taken Prifontrs ; the Portuguefe hargei
38 of thefe, of v.hich 32 were Englijh, tiiree Dutch
X.\MQ French, and one of their own Nation.
England, in going down the Coail, took the Pe
terborough Galley of Briftol, Captain O-iL-en, and tl:
Viaory, Captain Ridout ; the former they detainee
but plundered the latter, and let htr go. In Cat
Corfo Road, they faw two Sail at Anchor, but befci
they could reach them, they flipp'd their Cables, ar
got clofe under Cape Corfo Cuftle ; thefe were tl
H''hydah, Captain Prince, and the John, Captain R
der : The Pirates, upon this, made a fire Ship of
Veflel they had lately taken, and attempted to bu
them, as tho' they hsd been a common Enemy, vvhii
it they had effedted, they could not have been 01
Farthing the better for it ; but the C.iftle firing warm
upon them, they withdrew, and failed down to Hi
dah Road, where they found another Pirate, 0
Captain la Bouche, who, having got thither befcl
England arrived, had foreltall'd the Market, a. f
greatly difappointed his Brethren.
Captain England, afier this Baulk, went intc)
Harbour, clean'd his own Ship, and fitted up i(
Peterborough, which he called the Vifiorv • Th |
liv'd there very wantonly for feveral Weeks, m;
ing very free with the Ncgroe Women, and co I
muting fuch outragious Afts, that they came to
open Rupture with the Natives, feveral of wh |
they killed, and one of their 1'owns they fet
Fire.
When the Pirates came out to Sea, they put ill
a Vote what Voyage to take, and the Majority ( I
rying it for the Eaft-Indies, they fhap'd their Coi
accordingly, and arrived at Madagafcar, at the
ginning of the Year 1720. They Ihiid not L
there, but, after taking in Water and Provifi( |
fail'd for the Coaft of Malabar, which is a
fruitful Country in the Eaft-Indies, in the Empifcl
the Mogul, but immediately fubjecl to its own P [
ces : It readies from the Coaft of Canara to C\
Camorin, which is between 7 D. 30, and 12 N(l
Latitude, and in about 7; Eaft Longitude, couniT
from the Meridian of London. The old NativesT
Pagans, but there are a great Number o{ MahomeA
inhabiting among them, who are Merchants, and!
nerally rich. On the fame Coaft, but in a Prov I
to the Northward, lies Goa, Curat, and Bomt\
where the Englijh, Dutch, and Portuguefe have ;
tlements.
Hither our Pirates came, having made a Toul
naif the Globe, going about like roaring Lions, j\
ing 'whom they might de'vour, as the PfaTmift iaysl
the Devils. 1 hey took feveral Country Ships,
is, Indian Veftels, and one European, a Dutch l|
fel, which they exchanged for one of their own,
then came back to Madagafcar .
They fent feveral of their Hands on Shore, vf
Tents, Powder, and Shot, to kill Hogs, Venif
and fuch other frefti Provifions as the Ifland afford
and a Whim came into their Heads to feek out(
the Remains of Avcry''% Crew, whom they
to be iettled fomewhere in the I{l.ind. Acc<|
■fg'/j fome of them travelled feveral Days Joutjj
without getting any Intelligence of them ; ani
they were forced to return w ith the Lofs of their i
bour J for thefe Men were fettled quite on the oj
Side of the Ifland, as has been taken Notice of i
Life of Aniery.
They ftaid not long here, after they had cl&f
their Ships, bnt failing to Juanna, they met
Englijh, and one 0/?fWShip, all India IVJen, coik
out of that Harbour; one of which, after a dee-
te
J
Pfratesy Hlgh'ujnjmefi, Murderers, &Cc.
ate RefiftaTice, they took : The Particulars of this
i\dion are at length related in the following Letter,
vrote b/ the Captain from Bombay.
\. L E T T E R from Captain Mac-
kra, dated at Bombay, Novem-
ber 1 6, 1720.
WE aruived the 25th of Ja/y M, in Com-
pany with the Greenivich, at "Juanna, an
Ilknd not far from Madagafcar : Putting in there
to refrelh our Men, we found fourteen Pirates,
that came in their Canoes from the Mayotta,
ivhere the Pirate Ship to which they belonged,
viz. the Indian Shieen, two hundred and fifty Tons,
wenty eight Guns, and ninety Men, commanded
)r Captain Oliver de la Bouche, bound from tlie
Juinea Coaft to the Eaft-Indies, had been bulged
' lid loft. They faid they left the Captain and 40
' f their Men, building a new Vefiel to proceed
■ n iheir wicked Defign. Captain Kirby and I,
. JuJed it might be of great Service to the
-India. Company to deltroy fuch a Neft of
' -igues, were ready to fail for that Purpofe on
' ij 17th of Auguft, about eight o'Clock in the
' lorning, when we diicovered two Pirate Ships
' ending into the Bay Juanna, one of the thirty
lur, and the other of thirty Guns. I immediate -
svent on Board the Greenivich, where they feem-
1 very diligent in Preparations for an Engagement,
id I left Captain Ku-ly with mutual Promifes
' Handing by each other. I then unmoored, got
ider Sail, and brought two Boats a-head to row
e clofe to the Greenrwich ; but he, being open
a Valley and a Breeze, made the bell of his
'ay from me ; which an Oftender in our Com-
iny, of 22 Guns, feeing, did the fame, tho' the
|aptain had proraifed heartily to engage with us,
■id I believe would have been as good as his
^ord, if Captain AiV^v had kept his. About half
1 hour after Twelve, I called feveral Times to the
reenvjich to bear down to our AiTiftance, and
:'d Shot at him, but to no Purpofe. For tho'
e did not doubt but he would join us, becaufe
hen he got about a League from us, he brought
is Ship to, and looked on, yet both he and the
'Render bafely deferted us, and left us engag'd
ith barbarous and inhuman Enemies, with their
lack and bloody Flags hanging over us, without
leaft Appearance of ever elcaping but to be
at to Pieces. But God, in his good Providence,
etermined otherwife ; for, notwithllanding their
• jperiority, we engag'd 'em both about three
' [ours ; during which Time, the biggell of them
ived fomeShot betwi.xt Wind and Water, which
c her keep off a little to Hop her Leaks. The
.:^'-'r endeavoured all fhe could to board us, by
iving with her Oars, being within half a Ship's
ength of us above au Hour ; but by good For-
me we (hot all her Oars to Pieces, which pre-
.nted them, and by confequence faved our Lives.
About four o'clock, moft of the Officers and
!en polled on the Quarter-Deck being kill'd and
ounded, the largell Ship making up to us with
:hgence, being liill within a Cable's Length of us
'en giving us a Broadfide ; there being now no
"ipes of Capt. Kirby'i coming to our Affillance,
e endeavoured to run a ftioar ; and tho' we drew
Vur foot of Water more than the Pirate, it plealed
od that he llack fall on a higher Ground than
e happily fell in with ; fo was djiappointed a
4'
fecond time from boarding us. Here we had a
more violent Engagement than before. All my
Officers, and molt of my Men, behaved with un-
expeded Courage ; and as we had a confiderable
Advantage by having a Broadfide to his Bow, we
' did him great Damage, lb that had Ciptain Kir-
' by come in then, I believe we Ihouid have taken
• both the A'effels, for we had one of them lure .?
' but the other Pirate (who was Hill firing at us)
' feeing the Greeniicich did not offer to affill us, he
' fupplied his Confort with three Boats full of frefh
* Men. About Five in the Evening, the G;craw/V/&
' flood clear away to Sea, leaving us llruggling hard
' for Life, in the very Jaws of Death ; which the
' other Pirate, that was a-float, feeing, got a-warp
' out, and was hauling under our Stern : By this
' time many of my Men being killed and wounded,
' and no Hopes left us of elcaping being all mur-
' dered by enraged barbarous Conquerors, I order'd
' all that could, to get into the Long-Boat, under
' the Cover of the Smoak of our Guns ; fo that
' with what fome did in Boats, and others by fwim-
' ing, moll of us that were able got a-lhore by
' feven o'Clock. When the Pirates came a-board,
' they cut three of our wounded Men to Pieces. I
' with a few of my People, made what hafle I could
to the King's-Toiun, twenty five Miles from us,
' where I arrived ne.xt Day, almoll dead with the
' Fatigue and lofs of Blood, having been forely
' wounded in the Head by a Mufket-Ball.
' At this Town I heard, that the Pirates had of-
' fered ten thoufand Dollars to the Country People
' to bring me in, which many of them would have
' accepted, only they knew the King and all his chief
' People were in my Interell. Mean Time, I cau-
' fed a Report to be fpread, that I was dead of my
' Wounds, which much abated their Fury. About
' ten Days after, being pretty well recovered, and
' hoping the Malice of our Enemies was nigh over,
' I began to confider the difmal Condition we were
' reduced to ; being in a Place where we had no
' Hopes of getting a Paflage home, all of us in a
' manner naked, not having had Time to get off
' another Shirt, or a Pair of Shoes, than what we
' had on.
'Having obtained Leave to go on Board the
' Pirates, and gotten a Promife of Safety, feveral
' of the Chief of them knew me, and fome of them
' had failed with me, which I found to be of great
' Advantage; becaufe, notwithflanding their Pro-
mife, fome of them would have cut me, and all
' that would not enter with them, to Pieces, had
' it not been for the chief Captain, Ed^mard Eng-
' land, and fome others whom I knew. They talk-
' ed of burning one of their Ships, which we had lo
' intirely dilabled, as to be no farther ufeful to
' them, and to fit the Cajfandra in her room ; but
' in the End I managed the Affair fo well, that
' they made me a Prelent of the faid fhattered Ship,
' which was Dutch built, and cahed the Fancy ; her
' Burden was about three hundred Tons : I pro-
' cured alfo a hundred and twenty nine Bales of the
' Company's Cloth, tho' they would not give me
* a Rag of my own Cloaths.
' They failed the 3d of September ; and I, with
' Jury-Malls, and fuch old Sails as they left me,
* made a Ihift to do the like on the 8th, togetiier
* with 43 of my Ship's Crew, including two Faf-
' fengers and 1 2 Soldiers ; having no more than five
' Tons of Water aboard. After a PafTage of forty
' eight Days, I arrived here on the 26th of Oc-
' tober, almoll naked andflarved, having been n j-
' ced to a pint of Water a Day, and almoft in d- ir air
' of ever feeing Land, by Realbn of the Calms we
S f • met
T5S
A Ge^/eral History of
' met with between the Coaft of Jrabia and hla-
' /near.— —We had in all thirteen Men killed, and
' twenty four wounded ; and we were told, that we
' had deftroyed about ninety or a hundred of the
' Pirates. When they left us, they were about 300
' Whites, and 80 Blacks, in both Ships. I am
' perluaded, had our Confort the Grecaivi'ch done
' his Duty, we had deftroyed both of them, and
' got two hundred thoufand Pounds for our Owners
' and felves ; whereas the Lofs of the CaJJ'andra may
' julUy be imputed to his deferting us. I liave de-
' livered all the Bales that were given me into the
' Company's Warehoufe, for which the Governor
' and Council have ordered me a Reward. Our
* Governor, Mr. Boon, who is extreme kind and
' civil to me, had ordered me home with this
' Pacquet ; but Captain Havuey, who had a prior
* Promife, being come in with the Fleet, goes in
' my room. The Governor hath promis'd me a
' Country Voyage to help to make up my Lofles,
' and would have me ilay, and accompany him to
' England next Year.
Captain Mackra certainly run a great Hazard, in
going aboard the Pirate, and began quickly to re-
pent his Credulity ; for though they had promifed,
that no Injury (hould be done to his Perfon, he found
their Words were not to be trulled ; and it may be
fuppofed, that nothing but the defperate Circum-
ftances he imagined himielf to be in, could have
prevailed upon him to fling himfelf and Company
into their Hands : Perhaps he did not know how
firmly the Natives of that Jfland were attach'd to
the Englijh Nation ; for about 20 Years ago. Cap-
tain Cornivall, Commodore of an Englijh Squadron,
aififled them againil another Ifland called Mohilla,
for which they have ever fmce communicated all
the grateful Offices in their Power ; infomuch that
it became a Proverb, That an Enghihman, and a
Juanna Man ivere all one.
England was inclined to favour Captain Mackra ;
but he was fo free as to let him know, that his In-
tereft was declining amongft them ; and that the
Pirates were fo provoked at the Refiftance he made
againil them, that he was afraid he fhould hardly
be able to proteft him : He therefore advifed him to
{both up and manage the Temper of Captain Tay-
lor, a Fellow of a moft barbarous Nature, who was
become a Favourite amongft them, for no other Rea-
fon than becaufe he was a greater Brute than the reft.
Mackra did what he could to foften this Beatt, and
ply'd him with warm Punch, notwithftanding which,
they were in a Tumult whether they (hould make
an End of him, or no, when an Accident happen'd
which turn'd to the Favour of the unfortunate Cap-
tain J a Fellow with a terribl* pair of Whiskers, and
a wooden Leg, being ftuck round with Piftols, like
the Man in the Almanack with Darts, comes fwear-
ing and vapouring upon the Quarter-Deck, and afks,
in a damning Manner, which was Captain Mackra :
The Captain expefled no lefs than that this Fellow
would be his Executioner ; but when he came
near him, he took him by the Hand, fwearing. Damn
him he muas glad to fee him ; andfieiu me the Man,
fays he, that offers to hurt Captain Mackra, for
ril Jland by him ; and fo with many Oaths he told
him, he luas an honeft Ftllo^M, and that he had for-
merly faiVd ivith him.
This put an End to the Difpute, and Captain
Taylor was fo mellow'd with the Punch, that he
confented that the old Pirate Ship, and fo many
Bales of Cloth, fhould be given to Captain Mac-
kra, and fo he fell afleep. England advifed Captain
Mackra, to get ofF with all Expedition, leall when
Tc
the Beart (hould awake, he might repent his Gc
nerofity : Which Advice was fojlovved by the Car-
tain.
Captain England he having fided fo much to Git
tain Mackra'i Jntereft, was a Means of making hii
many Enemies among the Crew ; they thinking fuc
good Ufage inconfiftent with their Polity, becaufe
looked like procuring Favour at the Aggi-ovation (
their Crimes ; therefore, upon an Imagination or R(
port, loon after raifed that Captain Mackra was ii
ting out againrt them, with the Company's Fore
England was pulled out of his Government, and m:
roon'd, with three more, on the Ifland of Mauritiu
An Ifl.ind, indeed, not to be complained of, h;
they accumulated any Wealth by tlieir Villainie
they would have afforded fome future comfortat
Profpeft, for it abounds w ith Fifli, Deer, Hogs, a:
other Mefh. Sit Thomas Herbert hy:^, the Shorts a
(locked with Coral and Ambergre:.i'e ; but I bdie
the Dutch had not deferted it, had there been mu'
of thele Commodities to have been found. It was
I'zz, refettled by the French, who have a Fort
another neighbouring Ifl^.nd, called Don Mafcari.
which is toucned at for Water, 'vVood, and Refie
mentj, by French Ships bound to, or from India ;
St. Helena and Cafe Bon Efperance, are by us a
the Dutch. From this Place, Captain England l
his Companions, having made a little Boat of Sta
and old Pieces of Deal left there, went over to Ma,t
gafcar, where they fubfift at prefent on the Char
of fome of their Brethren, who had made better P'
vifion for themfelves, that they had done.
The Pirates detained (byie Officers and Men
longing to Captain Mackra, and having repaired
Damages received in their Rigging, ttiey failed
India. The Day before they made Land, they I
two Ships to the Eaftward, who, at firft Sight, t
took to be Englijh, and thereupon ordered one
the Prifoners, who had been an Officer with Capl
Mackra, to tell them the private Signals between ifj
Company's Ships, the Captain fwearing he wc iu
cut him in pound Pieces, if he did not do it imi »
diately ; but the poor Man being unable, was foii %\i
to bear their Scurrility, till they came up with ild
Veffels, and found they were two Moor Ships ft
Mufcat, loaded with Horfes : They brought the C
tains of them, and the Merchants, on Board, tor
ing them, and rifling the Ships, in order to difcc
their Riches, as believing they came from Moc,
but being baulked in their Expedlation, and i
Morning feeing Land, and at the lame Time a F
in Shore plying to Windward, they were puzzled!
to difpofe of them : To let them go, was to difcc
and ruin the Voyage, and it was cruel to (ink
Men and Horfes with the Ships, tho' many of tl
were inclined to do it, therefore, as a Medium, t
brought them to an Anchor, threw ail their £
over-board, and cut one of the Ships Mafts
through.
Wiiile they lay at an Anchor, and were all
next Day employ'd in taking out Water, one oi
afore-mentioned Fleet bote towards them with 2
lijh Colours, and was anfwered with a red En
from the Pirates, but ihey did not fpeak with one;
ther. At Night they left tlie Mufcat Ships, weig
with the Sea Wind, and ftood to the Notthwarc
ter this Fleet : About four next Morning, jufi
they were getting under fail with the Land W
the Pirates came amongft them, made no flop,
fir'd their great and fmall Guns very brifkly,
they got thro' : As Day-Liglit cleared, they vi
in a great Confternation in their Minds, havind
along taken them for Angria\ Fleet: What t(
wai now the Point, to difpute wbethei- to run or
fti,
fell
In
Pyratesy Highway me fi. Murderers y 5Cc.
fuc? They were fenfible of their Inferiority of Strength,
living no more than 300 Men in both their Shjps,
mJ 40 of thefe were Negroes ; befides, the Viaovy
1 id then four Pumps at Work, and mull inevitably
)eLii loll before, had it not been for fome Hand-
^umps, and feveral Pair of Standards brought out of
he Cajjandra, to relieve and llrengthen her. At
ill, obferving the IndifFerency of the Fleet, tliey
\\Qk rather to chafe than run j and thought that tne
lell VVay to fave themfelves, was to play at BuU-beg-
ar with the Enemy : So they came up with the Sea
Vind, about Gun-Shot to Leeward, the great Ships
f the Fleet were a-head, and fome others a-ftern ;
r'hich latter they took for Fire-\'eflt;ls : Thofe a-
ead gaining from them by cutting away their Boats,
ley could do nothing more than continue their
.'ourle all Night. This they did, and found them
ext Morning out of Sight, excepting a Ketch and
line few Gallivats, which are a imall fort ot VefTels
imething like the Feluccas of the Mediterranean, and
3ilh like them, triangular Sails. They bore down,
hich the Ketch perceiving, tranfported her People
1 Board a Gallivat, and let fire to her ; the other
oved too nimble, and made off. The fame Day
cv chafed another Gallivat and took her, being
ime from Gogo with Cotton, and bound for Callicut.
1 thefe Men they enquired concerning the Fleet,
ppofrng they mull have been in it ; but they pro-
lied they had not feen a Ship or Boat fince they left
igo, and pleaded very earnelUy for Favour ; never-
elefs, the Pirates threw all their Cargo over-board,
d fqueez'd their Joynts in a Vice, to extort Confef
their Governor Boon's Orders to engage ; and befides,
tJiat tney did not come out with fuch a Defign. Their
milling this favourable Opportunity of deliru/mg tne
Pirates, angered the Governor lb,' that he trantfcrred
the Command of the Fleet to Captain Mackra, v.ho
had Orders immediately to purluc and engage,
wherever he met them.
The \'iceroy oi Goa, affilkd by the Ertglifi Com-
pany's Fleet fiom Bombay, after this, eng:.geu lor the
Kedudion of Callaba, A:igria\ principal Fl.ice, and
to that Purpole landed 8 or looco Men the ne.xt
Year, the Englijh Squadron of Men of War being
then in thofe Seas ; but having viewed the Fortifica-
tion well, and expended fome of their Army by Sick-
nefs, and the Fatigues of a Camp, he carefully with-
drew again.
We return to the Pirates, who, after they had fent
away the Gallivats People, were refolved to cruize to
t.he Southward : The next Day, between Goa and
Canvar, they heard feveral Guns, which brought
them to an Anchor, and they fent their Boat on the
Scent, who returned about two in the Morning, and
brought Word of two Grabs lying at Anchor in the
Road. They weighed and ran towards the Bay, rill
Day-Light, gave ttie Grabs Sight of them ; and there
was butjull i ime enough to get under India Di-ja
Cattle, out of their Reach. This difpleal'ed the Pi-
rates the more, in that they wanted Water : Some of
them were for making a Defcent that Night, and tak-
ing the Ifland, but it not being approved of by the
Majority, they proceeded to the Southward, and took
next in their Way a fmall Ship, out of Onnorc Road,
The poor Wretcjies entirely ignorant of who ^^'^^ only a Dutch Man and two Portuguese on Boaid.
what this Fleet Ihould be, were oblig'd to fuilain
is Torment ; and the next Day a frefli eallerly Wind
ving fplit the Gallivats Sails, the Pirates put her
)mpany into the Boat to Ihift for themfelves, with
thing but a Tryfail, no Provilions, and only four
allons oi Water, (half of it Salt) and being then
t of Sight of Land.
For the better elucidating of this Story, it may be f've, and the Pirates rather jump'd into Harmlefi\
They fent one of thefe on Shore to the Captain, to
acquaint him, that if he would fupply them with fome
Water, and frclh Provifions, he Ibould have his Ship
again ; and the Matter returned for anlwer, by his
Mate Frank Harmlefs, that if they would deliver him
Poffeflion over the Barr, he would comply with their
Requett. This Propofal the Mate thought was coUu-
nvenient to inform the Reader, who Angria is,
d what the Fleet were, that had fo fcurvily beha-
d themfelves.
Angria, is a famous Indian Pirate, matter of con-
erable Strength and lar^e Territories, that gives
ntinual Dilturbance to the European Trade, and
3ecially to the Englijh : His chief Hold is Callaba,
t many Leagues from Bombay, and he has one
and in Sight of that Port, whereby he gains fre-
ent Opportunities of annoying the Company. It
)uld not be fo iniuperable a Difficulty to fupprefs
B, if the Shallownefs of the Water did not pre-
nt Ships of War coming nigh ; and if he had not
1 a better Art of bribing the Mogul's Minifters
• Proteiflion, when he finds an Enemy too power-
In the Year 1720, the Bombay Fleet, confifting of
ir Grabs, which are Ships built in India by the
impany, with three Malls, a Prow like a Row-
dley, inllead of a Boltfprit, and of about 150 Tons
rdeh, officered and armed like a Man of War, for
Opinion, who very honeftly entered with them, and
refolved to leek Water at the Laccade'va Illands : So
having fent the other Perfons on Shore, with Threats
that he fhould be the lall Man they would give Quar-
ter to, by reafon of this uncivil Ufage, they put di-
redlly for the Illands, and arrived there in three Days.
Here, being informed by a Menchew, they took
with the Governor of Canivars Pafs, that there was
no Anchor-Ground among them, and Melinda being
the next convenient I Hand, they fent their Boats on
Shore, to fee if there was any Water, and whether
it was inhabited or not. The Boats returned with an
Anfwer to their Satisfadlion, 'viz. that there was
abundance of good Water, and many Houles, all
deferted by the Men, who had fled to the neighbour-
ing Illands on the Approach of Ships, and left only
the Women and Children to guard one another.
The Women they forced in a barbarous Manner to
their Lutts, and, to requite them, dellroyed their
Cocoa-Trees, and fired feveral of their Houfes and
Churches, which we fuppofe were built by the Por-
:fence and Protection of the Trade, affifted by the tugueze, who formerly uled to put in there in their
ndon, the Candois, and two Other Ships, with Gal- \oy ages to India.
While they were at this IHand, they loft three or
four Anchors, by the Rockinefs of the Ground, and
Frelhnefs of the Winds, and at laft were forced thence
by a harder Gale than ordinary, leaving 70 People,
Blacks and Whites, and moft of their Water-Cafes.
In ten Days they regained the Ifland again, filled their
Water, and took the People on Board.
Provifions were grown very fcarce, and they now
refolved to vifit their good Friends the Dutch, at
Cochin, who, if vou wiU believe thefe Rogues, never
fail
ats, attempted to bombard and batter Gayra, a
'"ort belonging to Angria, on the Malabar Coafl.
fides their proper Complement, they carried down
houfand Men for this Enterprize. This was the
:et tiiat our Pirates fell in with, who were now re-
ning to Bombay, without any Succefs in what they
I undertaken. Captain Ufton, Commodore of
■t Fleet, upon Sight of the Rovers, prudently ob-
ted to Mr. Brown, the General, That the Ships
re not to be hazarded, fuice they failed without
i6o
A General History of
fail of fupplying Gentlemen of their Proftffion. Af-
ter three Days fail, they arrived off Tdkchery, and
took a fmall Veflel belonging to Governor Jiiams,
John Taivke, Mafter, whom they brought on Board
very drunk. This Man giving them an Account of
Captain Mackrai fitting out, it put them into a
Tempeft of PaiTion : A Villain, faid they, that ".ve
htfve treated fo ciwilly, as to gi've him a Ship and
other Prefects, and noiv to come armed agaiiift us ; he
ought to he hanged. Andfince ix-e cannot Jhew our Re-
fentment on him, let us hang the Dogs his People, luho
ivijh him ivell, and luould do the fame, if they nvere
clear. If it be in tny Poiver, fays the Quarter-Ma-
fler, both Mafers and Officers of Ships /hall he carried
luith us, for the future, only to plague thern. Now —
d n England; "ne may thank him for this.
Thence they proceeded to Calicut, wheie they en-
deavoured to talie a large Moorijh Ship out of the
Road, but were prevented by fome Guns mounted on
Shore, and difcharged at tnem. Mr. Lafinby, who
was one of Captain Mackra\ Officers, and detained
by them, was under the Deck at this Time, and
commanded, both by the Captain and Quarter-Ma-
fter of the Pirates, to tend the Br.ices on tlie Brooms,
in Hopes, it was believed, that a Shot would take
him before they got clear. When he would have ex.-
cufed himfelf, they threatened, on the leal! Neglcft,
to fhoot him ; at which, the other beginning to e,\-
poftulate farther, and claim their Promife of putting
him a-fhore, he got an unmerciful beating from the
Quarter-Mailer ; Captain Taylor, who was now
SucceiTor to Enghmd, and whofe Priviledge it- was
to ufe the Cudgel, being lame of his Hands, and
unable.
The next Day, in their Paffage down, they came
up with a Dutch Galliot, bound for Calicut, with
Lime-Stone, a-board of which they put Captain
laiuke, and fent him away. At this Time, feveral
of the People interceded for Lafinby, but in vain :
For, fays Taylor and his Party, if nue let this Dog go,
nxiho has heard our Deftgns and Refolutions , nve o'ver-
fet all our luell-ad-vifed Projections, and particularly
this Supply •lue are novj feeking for, at the Hands of
the Dutch.
It was but one Day more before they arrived off
' Cochin, where, by a Fiftiing-Canoe, they fent a Let-
ter on Shore ; and in the Afternoon, with the Sea-
Breeze, ran into the Road and anchored, faluting
the Fort with ii Guns each Ship, and receiving the
Return in an equal Number. This they look'd
upon as a good Omen of the welcome Reception
they afterwards found, for at Night there came on
Board a large Boat, deeply laden with frefh Provifions
,and Liquors, and with it a Servant of a favourite In-
habitant, called John Trumpet. He told them they
mull immediately weigh, and run farther to the
Southward, where they ihould be fupplied with
all Things they wanted, whether naval Stores, or
Provifions.
They had not been long at Anchor again, before
they had feveral Canoes on Board, with both black
and white Inhabitants, who continued, without In-
terruption, all good Offices, during their Stay. John
Trumpet, in particular, brought a large Boat of Ar-
rack, than which, nothing could be more pleafing, as
alfo 60 Bales of Sugar ; an Offering, it is prcfumed,
from the Governor and his Daughter, who, in Re-
turn, had a fine Table-Clock for fent himfelf, the
Plunder of Captain Mackrai Ship, and a large Gold
Watch for the Lady, Earnelb ofthe Pay they defigned
to make.
When they had all on Board, they paid Mr. Trum-
pet to his Satisfaftion ; it was computed to the Sum
of 6 or 7000 /. gave him thice Cheers, 1 1 Guns each
Ship, and throw'd Ducatoons into his Boat by
Handfuls, for the Boat-Men to fcramble for.
That Night there being little Wind, they did not •
weigh, and Trumpet, in the Morning, waked them
to the Sight of more Arrack, Chelh of Piece-Goods,
and ready-made Clothes, bringing tlie Fifcal of the
Place alfo with him. At Noon, while thofe were
on Board, they faw a Sail to the Southward, which
they weighed, and chaced after ; but ihc, having^a
good Offing, got to the Northward of them, and an-
chor'd at a fmall Dillance from Cochin Fort : The
afore-mention'd Gentlemen alluring the Pirates that
they would not be molelted in taking her from un-
der the Caftle, follicited before-hand tor the buying I
her, and advifed them to Hand in, which they did
boldly, to board her ; but when they came within
a Cable's Length or two of the Chace, now near
Shore, the Fort fired two fmall Guns, whofe Shoe
filling nigh their Muzzles, they inllantly bore out
of the Road, made an eafy Sail to the Southward,
and anchored at Night in their former Birth where
John Trumpet, to engage their St.iy a little longer,
informed them, that in a few D.iys, a very rich Ship
was to pals by, commanded by the General of Bom-
bay\ Brother.
This Governor is an Emblem of foreign Power,
What Inconvenience and Injury mull the Mailer';
Subjeds fullain, under one who can truckle to fuel
treacherous and bafe Means, as correfponding and'
trading with Pirates to enrich himfelf.? Certainly
fuch a Man will ftick at no Injullice to repair 0;
make a Fortune. He has the Argumentum bacillum
always in his own Hands, and can convince, whei
he pleafes, in half the Time of other Argumentsti
that Fraud and OppreiTion is Law. That he ira^
ploys Inllrumeiits in fuch dirty Work, exprcfles th*
Guilt and Shame, but no way mitigates the Crime»
Joh?i Trumpet was the Tool ; but, as the Dog faii
in the Fable, on another Occalion, Pl'hat is done b
the Majier's Orders, is the MaJIer's Action.
I cannot but refleft, on this Occalion, what a viL
Government Sancho Pancho had of it; he had nc
only fuch Perquifities refcinded, but was really al
moil ftarved ; the Viftuals was taken from him al
moll every Day, and only under a Pretence of pre
ferving his Excellency's Health : But Government
differ.
From Cochin fome were for proceeding to Mada
gafcar direftly ; others thought it proper to cruiz
till they got a Store-Ship : Thefe latter being th
Majority, they ply'd to the Southward ; and, afteP
fome Days, faw a Ship in Shore, which being t|
Windward of them, they could not get nigh, tii
the Sea, Wind and Night favouring, tliey feparatea
one to the Northward, the other to the Southwaroj
thinking to enclofe her between : But, to their Ailo
nifhment, and contrary to Expeftation, when Dal
broke, inftead of the Chace, they found themfelva
very near five Sail of tall Ships, who immediatel'l
making a Signal for the Pirates to bear down, pii
them in the utmoll Confufion, particularly Tayhr\
Ship, becaufe their Contort was at fo great a Dili
tance from them, as at leaft three Leagues to tW
Southward. However, they flood to one anotheJ
and joined, and then together made the bell of the!
Way from the Fleet, which they judged to be coirjj
manded by Captain Mach-a, of whofe Courage ha
ving had Experience, they were glad to fhun any f
ther Proofs of it.
In three Hours Chace, none of the Fleet gaitl
ing upon them, excepting one Grab, their dejedef
Countenances cleared up again ; the more, in that
Calm fucceeded for the Remainder of that Day. JJ
the Night, with the Land Wind, they ran direflf
PyrateSj Highijoaymeny Murderer s^ 6Cc.
i6i
ff Shore, and found next Day, to their great Con-
jl.itiou, tliat they had lotl Sight of all the Fleet.
Tnis Danger efcaped, they propofed to fpend
leir Chiijima:, which was the Chriftmas oi i/io,
1 Carouziiig and Forgetfulnels ; and, accordingly,
ley kept lor three Days in a wanton and riotous
\.\\, no: only eating, but wafting their freft Pro-
ihons in fo wretched and inconfiderable a Manner,
ut, when they had agreed after this to proceed to
hiuritius, they were in that Paffage at an Allow-
ice of .1 Bottle of Water per Diem, and not above
vo Pounds of Beef, and a fmall Quantity of Rice,
I'ery Day, for ten Men. So that had it not been
ir the leaky Ship, they mull moll of them have
;r:lhed; but ihe had a large Quantity of Arrack
la Sugar on Board.
In this Condition they arrived at the Ifland of
lauritius, about the Middle of February, Iheathed
id re fitted the Viiiory, and, on the 5th of April,
lied again, leaving this terrible Infcription on one
f the Walls : Left this Place the ^th of April, to
7 to Madagafc.iryir Linies. This they did left any
ly v i.its ihould be paid in their Abfence, as it of-
■ . happens to Lawyers, and Men of Bufinefs ;
[ov.sver, they did not fail direftly for MaJagafcar,
jt the Ifland Mafcarine, where, luckily as Rogues
jiild wifh, they found at their Arrival, on the 8th,
Portuguese i'rir'f at Anchor, of 70 Guns, but moft
f them thrown over-board, her Marts loft, and the
hole \ eflel fo much dil'abled by a violent Storm
ley had met with in the Latitude of 13° South,
[at (he became a Prize to the Pirates, with very
:tle or no Refiltance. A glorious Prize ftie w?s,
deed, having the Conde de Ericeira, Viceroy of
oa, who made that fruitlefs Expedition againft
'ngria, the Indian, and feveral other PalTengers on
oard. Thele Perfons could not be ignorant of
le Treafure Ihe had in her ; and they alTerted,
lat, in the fingle Article of Diamonds, there was
I the Value of between three or four Millions of
toUars .
The Viceroy, who came on Board that Morning,
I Expeftation of the Ships being Englijh, was made
Prifoncr, and oblig'd to pay a Ranfom ; which in
'onfidcration of his great Lois (the Treafure being
artly his own,) they agreed, after fome Demurrings,
lould be only 2000 Dollars for himfelf and the fl-
ier Prifonera ; whom they fet afliore, with Promifes
) leave a Ship, that they might tranfport themfelves,
ecaufe the jfland was not thought in a Condition
) maintain fo great a Number. However, tho'
ley had learned from tliem the Account of an O-
ender being to Leeward of the Ifland, and taken
er on that Information, fo that they could conve-
iently have coniply'd with fo reafonable a Requeft ,-
et they fent the OJiender (which was formerly the
rreyhound Galley of London), with fome of their
eople to Madagafcar, with News of their Succefs,
:id Orders to prepare Marts for the Prize ; and fol-
ded themfelves fcon after, without Regard to the
ufferers, carrying 2000 Mozambique Negroes with
lem in the Portugmze Ship.
Madagafcar is an Ifliind larger than Great-Bri-
•itt, moft of it within the Tropick of Capricorn :
; lies Eaft from the Eaitern Side oi Africa, and a-
Junds with Provifions of afl Sorts ; as Oxen, Goats,
leep, Poultry, Fifli, Citrons, Oranges, Tamarinds,
•ates, Cocoa-Nuts, B.inana's, Wax, Hcney, Rice,
otton, Indigo, or, in Ihort, with any other Thing
ley will take Pains to plant, and have Underiland-
g to manage. They have likewife Ebony, a hard
/ood like Br.;nl, of wiiich they make their Lances ;
id Gum of feveral Sorts, Bcnzin, Dragon's Blood,
i(^, isc. What is niull incommodious, are the nu-
42
merous Swarms of Locuftj on the Land, and the
Crocodiles, or Alligators, in their Rivers. Hither,
in St. Augujline\ Bay, the Ships fometimes touch
for Water, when they take the inner Pafiage in In-
dia, and do not dehgn to flop at Johatma ; and «e
may obferve, from the fixth general Voyage let forth
by the Eafi-hidia Company in Confirmation of
what is hereafter faid in Relation to Currents in ge-
neral, that this inner Paflage or Channel, has its
Northern and Southern Currents ftrongeft where the
Channel is narroweft, and is lefs, and varies on dif-
ferent Points of the Compafs, as the Sea comes to
fpread again, in the Pafiage crofs the Line.
Since the Difcovery of this Ifland by the Portu-
guese, A. D. 1506, the Europeans, and particularly
the Pirates, have encreafed a dark Mulatto Race
there, tho' ftill few in Comparifon with the Natives.
Thefe latter are Negroes, with curl'd ihort Hair,
Aftive, and formerly reprefented malicious and re-
vengeful, now tradable and communicable, perhaps
owing to the Favours in Qoathing and Liquors,
that they from Time to Time have received from
thefe Fellows, who live in all poflible Friendfliip
with them ; and, can any fingle Man of them, com-
mand a Guard of 2 or 300 at a Minute's warning :
This friendftup is farther the Native's Intereft to cul-
tivate with them, becaufe the Ifland, being divided
into petty Governments and Commands, the Pirates,
fettled here, who are now a confiderable Number,
and have little Caftles of their own, can carry the
Day wherever they think fit to fide.
When 'Taylor''% Crew came with the Portuguefe
Prize hither, they found the Oftender had played
their Men a Trick, for they took Advantage of
their Drink, rofe upon them, and as (they heard af-
terwards) carried the Ship to Mozambique, whence
the Governor ordered her for Goa.
Here the Pirates cleaned the Caffandra, and di-
vided their Plunder, fliaring 42 fmall Diamonds a
Man, or in lefs Proportion according to their Mag-
nitude. An ignorant, or a merry Fellow, who had
only one in this Diviiion, as being judged equal in
Value to 42 fmall ones, muttered very much at his
Lot, went and broke it in a Morter, fwearing af-
terwards, he had a better fliare than any of them,
for he had beat it, he faid, in 43 Sparks
Thofe who were not for running the Hazard of
their Necks, with 42 Diamonds, befides other Trea-
fure, in their Pockets, knocked off, and ftayed with
their old acquaintance at Madagafcar, on mutual
Agreements, t.hat the longer Livers fhould take all.
The Refidue having therefore no Occafion for two
Ships, and the ViSiory being Leaky, flie was burnt,
the Men (as many as would) coming into the Caf-
fandra, under the Command of Taylor, whom we
murt leave a Time, projefting either for Cochin, to
difpofe of their Diamonds among their^pld Friend.:
the Dutch, or elfe for the Red or China Seas, to avoid
the Men of War, that continually clamoured in
their Ears a Noife of Danger ; and proceed to
give the litth Account we are able, of that Squa-
dron who arrived in India, early in the Year 1 72 1 .
At the Cape of Good Hope, in June, the Com-
modore met with a Letter, which was left for him
by the Governor of Maderas, to whom it was wrote
hy the Governor of Pandicherry, z. French Faftory,
on the Coromondtl C03.R, fignifying, that the Pirates,
at the Writing of it, were then ftrorg in the /«-
dian Sep.s, having 11 Sail and l5CoMen; but that
many of them went away about that Time, for the
Coart of Brazil and Guinea, that others fettled and
fortified themfelves at Madagafcar , Mauritius, Jo-
hanna and Mohiila : .And that others, under Conden
in a Ship called the Dragon, took a large Moor's
T t Veflels
i6z
A Cjcneral H i s t o r v of
Vefle], coming from Judda and Mochc, with t[;irteen
Lackies of Rapees on Board, (/. e. 1300000 half
Crowns,) which Plunder having divided, tlicy burnt
their Sliip and Prixe, and fat dov.;i quietly with
their other Friends at Madagafcar.
The Account contained fever jI other Things which
we have before related. Commodore Mnttheivs,
upon receiving this Intelligence, and being fond of
the Service he came oat for, hallened to thofe I-
flands, as the moft hopeful Places of Succefs ; at St.
Mary'i he would have engaged England vj'm\i Pro-
mifes of Favour, to communicate wliat he knew,
concerning the Caffandra, and the rell of the Pirates,
and afliil in the Pilotage ; but Eugland was wary,
and thought this was to furrtnder at Difcretion : So
they took up the Guns of the Judda Sliip that was
burnt, and the Men of War dilperf«d tliemfelves on
feveral Voyages and Cruizes afterwards, as was
thought likeliell to fucceed ; tho' all to no Pur-
pofe. Then the Squadron went down to Bombay,
were faluted by the Fort, and came home
The Pirates, I mean thofe of the CaJJandra, now
Captain Taylor, fitted up the Portuguefe Man
of War, and refolved upon another Voyage to
the Indies, notwithilanding the Riches they had
heaped up ; but, as they were preparing to fail, they
heard of the four Men of War coming after them
to thofe Seas ; therefore they altered their Mindt,
failed for the Main of Africa, and put in at a little
place called Delagoa, near the River rfi? Spiritu Sanilo,
on the Coaflof Monomotapa, in 26" South Latitude.
They believed this to be a Place of Security, in re-
gard that the Squadron could not pofTibly get In-
telligence of them, there being no Correfpondence
over Land, nor any Trade carried on by Sea, be-
tween that and the Cape, where the Men of War
were then fuppofed to be. The Pirates came to
in the Evening, and were furprized with a few
Shot from the Shore, not knowing of any Fortifi-
cation or European Settlement in that Part of the
World ; (o they anchored at a Diflance that Night.
In the Morning, they perceived a fmall Fort of fix
Guns, whereupon, they run up to it, and battered
it down.
This Fort was built and fettled by the Dutch Eaft-
India Company, a few Months before, for what Pur-
pofe, I know not ; they had left i ;o Men upon the
Place, who were then dwindled to a third Part by
Sicknefs and Cafualties, and never after received any
Relief or NecefTarits ; fo that Sixteen of thofe that
were left, upon their humble Petition, were ad-
mitted on Board the Pirates, and all the reft would
have had the fame Favour (they faid) had they been
any other than Dutch. I mention this, as an In-
ftance of the Pirates Ingratitude, who had been {o
much obliged to their Countrymen for Support :
But Rogues feldom love one another, tho' their
Intereft often unites them.
Here they llaid above four Months, carreened both
their Ships, and took their Diverfions with Security,
till they had expended all their Provifions ; then they
put to Sea, leaving confiderablc Quantities of Mu-
(lins. Chintzes, and fuch like Goods behind, to the
half llarv'd Dutch Men, which en.ibled them to make
good Pennyworths to the next that c.iine, witli whom
they b.irttred for Provifions, at the Rate of tmce'
Farthings an EngUJh Yard.
They left Delagoa about the latter End oi Decem-
ber, in 1722, but not agreeing vvhitiier, or how to
proceed, they concluded to part ; fo thofe who were
for continuing that fort of Life, went on Board tlie
Portuguefe Prize, and fleered for Madagofar to their'
Friends, with vvliom I hear they are now fettled;
and the rell took the Cafjfandra and failed for the ^a-
nif U'eJ}- Indies. T'he Mermaid Man of War hap.
pening then to be down on the Main with a Convoy,
about 30 Leagues from thel'e Pirates, would have
g,one and attacked them ; but, on a Confultation ol^
tiie M.Ulers, whofc Safety he was particularly to re-i
gard, they agreed their own Protedion was of mors
Service than dellroying the Pirate, and fo the Com-
mander was unwillingly with-held. He difpatched <
Sloop to Jamaica, with the News, wiiich brough
down the Lancefton, only a Day or two too late
they having jult before he came, furrcndered, witi
all their Riches, to the Governor of Porto-Bello.
Here they fat down to fpend the Fruits of thei
diihoneft Indullry, dividing the Spoil and Plunder 0
Nations among themfelves, without the leaft Re
morfe or Compundion ; fatisfving their Confcience
with this Salvo, that other People would have don
as much had they the like Opportunity. We can'
fay, but that if they had known wliat v/as doin
in England, at the fame Time, by the South-Se
Direflors, and their Diredors, they would certain
ly have had this Refleilion for their Confolatior
I'iz. That •whatever Robberies they had committei
they might be pretty fure they tvere not the grea,
eji Villains then living in the World.
It is a difficult Matter to make a Computation'^
the Mifcliief that was done by his Crew, in aboi
five Years Time, which amounted to much mov
than the Plunder they gained ; for they often funk 0
burnt the Veffel they took, as itfuited their Humot
or Circumftances ; fometimes to prevent giving Ir
telligence, fometimes becaufe they did not leave Me
to navigate them, and at other Times out of Wantor
nefs, or becaufe tkey were difpleafed at the Matter
Behaviour; for any of thefe Reafons, it was but t
give the Word, and down went the Ships and Cai
goes to the Bottom of the Sea.
Since theif Surrender to the Spaniards, I am iv
formed feveral of them have left the Place, and df
perfed themfelves elfewhere ; eight of them W(
fhipped about No-vemier lafl, in one of the Soutl
Sea Company's Afiiento Sloops, and pafliid for Shi;
wreck'd Men ; with which Pretence they came t
Jamaica, and there failed in other \'cirels ; and Wi
know one of them that came to En^lavd laft Spripl
from that Idand. 'Tis faid, that Captain 'fav/;/- hs
taken a CommifTion in tlie Spanijh Service, and tha
he commanded the Man of War, that lately attacke
the Englijh Log- Wood Cutters in the Bay of Hdi.
duras.
n
1
Pyratesy Hightaaymen) Murderers, &c.
163
The LIFE of Captain CHARLES VANE.
Harks Vane was one of thofe who Hole a-
way the Silver, which the Spaniards had fiftied
k^ up from the Wrecks of the Galleons, in the
ulpa oi Fl'riJci, and was at Providence when Go-
■rnor Roge,-s arrived there u ith two Men of War, as
e Reader has been informed before.
All the Pirates who were then found at this Colony
Rogues, fubmitted, and received Certificates of
•ir Pardon, except Captain Fane and kis Crew ;
10, as foon as they faw the Men of War enter,
ip'd their Cable, fet Fire to a Prize they had in
; Harbour, failed out with their pyratical Colours
ing, and fired at one of the Men of War, as they
nt off from the Coail.
Two Days after they went out, they met with a
)0p belonging to Barbadoes, which they made
ize of, and kept the Vefiel for their own Ufe, put-
g abroad five and twenty Hands, with one Teats
command them. A Day or two afterwards they
I in with a fmall interloping Trader, with a Quan-
, of Spanijh Pieces of Eight aboard, bound into
ovidence, called the John and Elizabeth, which
} alfo took along with them. With thefe two
ops Vane went to a fmall Illand and cleaned ;
ere they ihared their Booty, and fpent i'ome
nie in a riotous Manner of Living, as is the Cullom
Pirates after fuch Succefs.
.About the latter End of May, 1718, they failed,
1, being in Want of Provifions, they beat up for
: Windward Iflands ; in the Way they met w ith a
v.-.y/ji Sloop, bound from Porto Rico to the Ha'van-
, wliich they burnt, ftowed the Spaniards in a
:.t, and left them to get to the Ifland, by the
ght of their Veffel. Steering afterwards between
Chriftopher% and Jnguilla, they fell in with a
g.jitine and a Sloop, freighted with fuch Cargo as
\' wanted; from whom they got , Provifions for
.' i-Store.
Sometime after this, Handing to the Northward,
tiie Track the Old-England Ships take in their
';age to the American Colonies, they took feve-
I Siiips and Vefliils, which they plundered of
Mat they thought fit, and let them pafs on in their
'lurle.
Tlie latter End oi Auguft, Vane, with his Confort
.ates, came off South-Carolina, and took a Ship
I onging to Ipjkuich, one Coggerjhall Commander,
f en with Logwood. This was thought convenient
«'3Ugh for their own Bufmels, and therefore they or-
i.-ed their Prifoners to work, and throw all the La-
<iig over-board ; but w hen they had more than half
ijared the Ship, the M'him changed, and then they
Jl'uld not have her ; fo Coggcrpall h.id his Ship again,
:d he was fufFered to purfue his \'oyage home. In
I s Cruize the Rovers took feveral'Ships and Vef-
i ; particularly a Sloop from Barbadoes, one Dill
J liter ; a fmall Ship from Antegoa, one Cock Ma-
; a Sloop belonging to Curacco, one Richards
. dler; and a large Brigantine, Captain Thompfon,
1 m Guinea, with ninety odd Negroes aboard. The
' ates plundered them all and let them go, putting the
Negroes out of the Brigantine a-board of Teat^s Vef-
fel ; by which Means they came b.ick again to the
right Owners.
For Captain Vane always treated his Confort with
very little Reipeft, and refumed a Superiority over
him and his Crew, regarding the Veffel but as a
Tender to his own : This gave them a Difgull ; for
they thought themfelves as good Pyrates, and as <rreat
Rogues as the bell of them ; fo they cabali'd together
and refolved the firll Opportunity to leave the Com-
pany ; and accept of his Majerty's Pardon, or fet up
for themfelves ; either of which they thought moie
honourable than to be Servants to Vane: The put-
ting a-board fo many Negroes, where they were fo
few Hands to take Care of them. Hill aggravated the
Matter, tho' they thought fit to conceal or llifle their
Refentmcnts at that Time.
A Day or two afterwards, the Pyrates lying off at
Anchor, Teats in the Evening flipp'd his Cable, and
put his Veffel under Sail, Handing into the Shore ;
which when Vane faw, he was highly provoked, and
got his Sloop under Sail to chace his Confort, who,
he plainly perceiv'd, had a Mind to have no more
to do with him. Vane's Brigantine failing beft, he
gain'd Ground of 7'eats, and would certainly have
come up with him, had he had a little longer Run
for it; butjuft as he got over the Bar, when Vane
came within Gun-fhot of him, lie fir'd a Broad-fide
at his old Friend (which did him no Damage) and fo
took his Leave.
Teats came into North Edijlo, River, about Ten
Leagues to the Southward oi Charles-Toixn, and fent
an E.xprefs to the Go\emor, to know if he and his
Comrades might have the Benefit of his Majefty's
Pardon; promifing that, if they might, they would
furrender themfelves to his Mercy, with the Sloops
and Negroes. Their Requell being granted, they all
came up, and receiv'd Certificates ; and Captain
Thempfon, from whom the Negroes were taken, had
them all rellor'd to him, for the Ufe of his Own-
ers.
Vane cruiz'd fome Time off the Bar, in Hopes to
catch Teats at his coming cat again, but therein he
was difappointed ; however, he there, unfortunately
for them, took two Ships from Cbarles-To-wn, which
were bound home to England. It happen'd, that
juft at this Time, that two Sloops, well mann'd and
arm'd, were equipp'd to go after a Pirate, which the
Governor of South Carolina was inform'd lay then in
Cape Fear River, a cleaning : But Colonel Rhet,
who commanded the Sloops, meeting with one of
the Ships that Vane had plunder'd, going back over
the Bar, for fuch Neceffaiies as had been taken from
her ; and (he giving the Colonel an Account of her
being taken by the Pirate Vane, and, alfo, that fome
of her Men, while they were Prifoneis on board of
him, had heard the Pirates fay they (hould clean in
one of the Rivers to the Southward ; he alter'd
his firfl Defign, and, inftead of Handing to the
Northward, in purfuit of the Pirate in Cape Fear
River, he turn'd to the Southward after Vane, who
had
164
A General History of
had order'd fuch Reports to be given out, on purpofe
to fend any Force that ftiould come after him upon
a wrong Scent ; for, in Reality, he Hood away to the
Northward, fo that the Purfuit proved to be of no
Effeft.
Colonel Rhet'i fpeaking with this Ship, was the
moll unlucky Thing that could have happen'd, be-
caufe it turn'd him out of the Road, which, in all
Probability, would have brought him into the Com-
pany of Vane, as well as of the Pirate he went after ;
and fo they might have been both deftroy'd ; where-
as, by the Colonel's going a different Way, he not
only loft the Opportunity of meeting with one, but,
if the other had not been infatuated to lie fix Weeks
together at Cape Fear, he would have mifs'd of him
likewife : However, tlie Colonel having fearched the
Rivers and Inlets, as direfted, for feveral Days, with-
out Succefs, he at length fail'd in Profecution of his
firft Defign, and met with the Pirate accordingly ;
whom he fought, and took, as has been before rela-
ted in the Hiftory of Major Bonnet, for which Reafon
we ftiall fay no more of it here.
Captain Vane went into an Inlet to the Northward,
where he met with Captain Teach, otherwife call'd
Black-beard, whom he faluted (when he found who
he was) with his great Guns, loaded with Shot ; it
being the Cuftom among Pirates when they meet to
do fo, tho' they are fired wide of one another, or up
into the Air : Black beard anfwered the Salute in the
fame Manner, and mutual Civilities pafled between
them fome Days ; when, about the Beginning of
Oliober, Vane took Leave, and failed further to the
Northward.
On the Z3d of Oftober, off of Long- I/land, he
took a fmall Brigantine, bound from Jamaica to Sa-
lem in Ne^v-England, John Shattock Mafter, befides
a little Sloop : They rifled the Brigantine, and fent
her away. From hence, they refolv'd on a Cruize
between Cape Mcife and Cape Nicholas, where they
fpent fome Time, without feeing or fpeaking with
any Veffel, till the latter End of November ; then
they fell upon a Ship, which, 'twas expefted, would
have ftruck as foon as their black Colours were hoi-
fted J but, inftead of that, (he difcharg'd a Broad-
fide upon the Pirate, and hoifted Colours, which
Jhew'd her to be a French Man of War. Fane de-
fir'd to have nothing further to fay to her, but trem-
med his Sails, and flood away from the French Man ;
however, Monfieur, having a Mind to be better in-
form'd who he was, fet all his Sails, and crowed af-
ter him. During this Chace, the Pirates were di-
vided in their Refolutions what to do : Vane, the
Captain, was for making off as faft as he could, al-
ledging, the Man of War was too ftrong for them to
cope with ; but one John Rackam, wlio was an Of-
ficer, and who had a kind of a Check upon the Cap-
tain, rofe up in Defence of a contrary Opinion, faying.
That though Jhe had more Guns, and a greater
Weight of Metal, they might board her, and then
the heft Boys iL-ould carry the Day. Rackam was
well feconded, and the Majority was for boarding ;
but Vane urg'd. That it ivas too rafi and defperate
an Enterprise, the i\fan of Mar appearing to be
tnvice that Force ; and that the'.'- Brigantine might be
funk by her before they could re c^h to board her ^ The
Mate, one Robert Deal, was of V.ine's Opinion, as
were about fifteen more, and all the reft joined with
Rackam, the Quarter-Mafter. At length, the Cap-
tain made ufe of his Power to determine this Difpute,
which, in thefe Cafes, is abfolute and uncontrolable,
by their own Laws, -viz. infighting, chafing, OT being
chafed, in all other Matters whatfoever, he is go-
yern'd by a Majority : So the Brigantme having the
Heels, as they term it, of the French Man, (he canw
clear off.
But, the ne.xt Day, the Captain's Behaviour wa
oblig'd to ftand the Teft of a Vote, and a Refolutioi'
pafs'd againft his Honour and Dignity, which bran
ded him with the Name of Coward, depos'd hii,
from the Command, and turn'd him out of the Com
pany, with Marks of Infamy ; and with him wen
all thofe who did not vote for boarding the Frenc
Man of War. They had with fhem a fmall Sloop:
that had been taken by them fome Time before '
which they gave to Vane and the difcarded Mem!
bers ; and, that they might be in a Condition to pre
vide for themfelves by their own honeft Endeavour:
they let them have a fufficient Quantity of Provifior
and Ammunition along with them.
John Rackam was voted Captain of the Brigantir
in Vane'% Room, and he proceeded towards the Car
bee Ifards ; wiicre me muft leave him, till we ha\
finilh'd our Story o( Charles Vane.
The Sloop fail'd for the Bay of Honduras, and Va;
and his Crew put her into as good a Condition
they could by tlie Way, that they might follow the
old Trade. They cruiz'd two or three Days off tl
North- Weft Part of Jamaica, and took a Sloop ai
two Pettiaga's, all the Men of which cnter'd wi
them : Tlie Sloop they kept, and Robert Deal w
appointed Captain of her.
On the 1 6th of December the two Sloops came i
to the Bay, where they found only one Veffel at
Anchor. She was call'd The Pearl, of Jamaic
Captain Charles Roivland MiilXer, who got under S
at the Sight of tliem ; but the Pirate Sloops comi
near Rowland, and fhewing no Colours, he ga
them a Gun or two ; whereupon, they hoifted t
black Flag, and fir'd three Guns each at the Pea
She ftruck, and the Pirates took Poifeflion, and c
ried her away to a fmall Ifland call'd Bamacho, wh(
theyclean'd. By the Way they met with a Sic
from Jamaica, Captain WalLien Commander, as 1
was going down to the Bay, which they alfo ma
Prize of.
In February, Vane failed from Bamacho, in on
for a Cruize; but fome Days after he was out, a v.
lent Turnado overtook him, which feparated h
from his Confort, and, after two Days Diftrefs, thr
his Sloop upon a fmall uninhabited Ifland, near
Bay of Honduras, where ftie was ftaved to Pieces, a
moft of her Men drowned : Vane hiuifelf was favi
but reduced to great Streights for want of Nee
faries, having no Opportunity to get any Thing fn
the Wreck. He lived here foiv.e Weeks, and v
fupported chiefly by Fifliermen, who frequented
Ifland with fmall Craft, from the Main, to catch T
ties, (Jc.
While Vane was upon this Iflimd, a Ship put
there from Jamaica, for Water, the Captain
which, one Holford, an old Bucc.meer, happene<J
be Vane't Acquaintance ; he thought this a good (
portunity to get off, and accordingly he applied
his old Friend ; but Holford abfolutei)' refufed h:
faying to him, Charles, / pant truji you a-io.
my Ship, unlefs I carry you as a Prifoner ; for If.
hanje you caballing nvith my RIcn, knock me on
Head, and run aivay imth my Ship a py rating. V't
made all the Proteft.'.tions of Honour in the Worlci)
him ; but, it feems. Captain Holford was too i
jnately acquainted with him, to repofeany Confide
at all in his Words 01 Oaths. He told him. He
eafily find a if 'ay to get off, if le had a Miad tt it
cm nonv going doii/n the Bay, fays he, ami Jhtill '"'
turn hifher in about a Month ; and if 1 findyau >*
the (/land when I comeiatk. Fit tu}iyyt*t» JiHia'.
Pyratesj High^aymeuy Murderers^ &Cc.
i6^
and there hang you. Which Way can I get aviay ?
Ani'^'^eTs fane. Are there not Fijhermen s Doric i uf-
\on the Beach ? Cant you take one of them ? Re-
Iplies HAford What, hyi fane, ivould you hanje me
ffcnl a Dory then? Do you make it a Matter of Con-
\ccience ? S^id Holfard, to fteal a Dory, luhen you
\have been a common Robber and Pirate, JJealing Skips
an.l Caroois, and plundering all Mankind that fell
•',; tour Way ? Stay there and be damnd, if you are
(o 'fqueamifa : And he left him to coiijQder of the
M.itter.
' After Captain Ho/ford's Departure, another Ship
;3ut into the hime Ifland, in her Way home, for
.vVater; none of the Company knowing /'<?w, he eafi-
'ypaifed upon them for another Man, and fo was
hipp'd for the \'oyage. One would be apt to think
hat fane was now pretty fafe, and likely to efcape
he Fate which his Crimes had merited ; but here
crols Accident happen'd that ruined all : Holford,
etjrning from the Bay, was met with by this Ship,
nd tlie'Captsins being very well acquainted toge-
lier, Holford was invited to dine aboard of him,
/hich he did ; as he paffed along to the Cabin, he
iianced to caft his Eye down into the Hold, and
there faw Charles fane at work ; he immediately
fpoke to the Captain, faying. Do you knoiv itiho you
bai'e got aboard there ? Ifhy, fays he, I hatie /hipped
a Man at fuch an If and, ivho luas there caf aivay
in a trading Sloop, and he feemt to be a brisk Hand.
I tell you, fays Captain Holford, it is Vane, the noto-
rious Pirate. If it be him, replies the Other, Inuon't
keep him: Why then, fays Holford, P II fend, and
take him aboard, and furrender him at Jamaica. This
being agreed to. Captain Holford, as foon as he re-
turned to his Ship, fent his Boat with his Mate,
armed, who coming to fane, fhewed him a Pillol,
and told him. He luas his Prifoner ; no Man oppof-
ing, he was brought aboard, and put into Irons ; and
when Captain Holford 3.m\ed. at Jamaica, he de-
livered his old Acquaintance into the Hands ofjuf-
tice ; at which Place he was try'd, convided, and exe-
cuted, as was, fome Time before, fane's Confort,
Robert Deal, who was brouglit thither by one of the
Men of War. Thus we may fee how little ancient
Friendihip will avail a great Villain, when he is de-
prived of the Pow er that had before fupported him,
and made him formidable.
The LIFE 0/ Captain JOHN RACK AM.
I
rH I S John Rackam, as has been reported
in the foregoing Pages, was Quarter Mailer
to fane\ Company, till the Crew were di-
ded, and fane turned out of it, for refufing to
)ard and fight the French Man of War ; in his
)om Rackam was voted Captain of that Divifion
;A remained in the Brigantine. The 24th of Ko-
■mber, 1718, was the iirft Day of his Command,
id his firft Cruize was among the Caribhee I/lands,
here he took and plunder'd feveral \'efli;ls.
We have already taken Notice, that, when Cap-
in Woods Rogers went to the Idand of Pro'vidence,
ith the King's Pardon to fuch as Ihould furrender,
is Brigantine, which Rackam now commanded,
..de its Efcape thro' another Paffage, bidding De-
vice to the Mercv that was offered.
To the Windwai-il of Jamaica, a Madeira Man
11 into the Pirates W'ay, which they detained two
three Days, till tlicy had made their Market out
her, and then they give her back to the Mailer,
.1 permitted one Hcfca Tifdel, a Tavern- Keeper at
maica, who had been pick'd up in one of their
izes, to depart in her, (lie being then bound for
:;t Ifland.
After this Cruize, they went into a fmall Ifland
J cleaned, and fpcnt their Chrijhnas aihore, drink-
', and caroufing as long as they had any Liquor left,
i then they went to Sea again for more : I'hey fuc-
-ded but too v\ell, tho' they took no e.\traordi-
ry Piize for above two Months, except a Ship la-
n with Convifls from Ne-ivgate, bound for the
luations, which, in a few Days, was retaken, with
lier Cargo, by an Englijh Man of War that was
non'd in thofe Seas.
l\ackam flood oft" towards the Ifland of Bermudas,
43
and took a Ship bound to England from Carolina,
and a fmall Pink from Neiv-England, both which he
brought to the Bahama Iflands, where, with the Pitch,
Tar, and Stores, they clean'd again, and refitted their
own Veflel ; but Haying too long in that Neighbour-
hood, Captain Rogers, who was Governor ot Provi-
dence, hearing of thefe Ships being taken, fent out a
Sloop well mann'd and arm'd, which retook both the
the Prizes, tho' in the mean while the Pirate had the
good Fortune to efcape.
From hence they fail'd to the Back of Cuba, where
Rackam kept a little kind of a Family ; at which
Place they llaid a confiderable Time, living afliore
with their Dalilahs, till their Money and Provifions
were expended, and they concluded it Time to look
out for more : They repaired to their VelTel, and
were making ready to put to Sea, when a Guarda de
C.ojla came in with a fmall Englifi Sloop, which ftie
had taken as an Interloper on the Coail. The Spa-
nijb Guardihip attacked the Pirate, but Rackam be-
ing clofe in behind a little Ifland, (he could do but
little Execution where ftie lay ; therefore the Don$
warp'd into the Channel that Evening, in order to
make fure of her the next Morning. Rackam, find-
ing his Cafe defperate, and that there was hardly
any poflibility of efcaping, refolved to attempt the
following Enterprize : The Spanijh Prize lying for
better Security clofe into the Land, between the little
Ifland and tiie Main, our Defperado takes his Crew
into the Boat, with their Pillols and Cutlafhes, rounds
the little Ifland, and falls aboard their Prize filently,
in the dead of the Night, without being difcovered,
telling the Spaniards tliat were aboard her, that, if
they Ipoke a Word, or made the leall: Noife, they
all were dead Men j and fo they became Mailers of
U u her.
i66
A General History of
her. When this was done, he flipt her Cable, and
drove out to Sea : The Spanijh Man of War was io
inieiit upon their expeftcd Prize, that they minded
nothirg L-lfe, and as foon as Day broke, they made
a furious I'irc upon the empty Sloop ; but it was
rot long before they were rightly apprized of the
Muter, wlien they curled themfelves fufliciently for
a Company of Fools, to be bit out of a good rich
Prize, as (he proved to be, and to have nothing but
an old crazy Hull in the room of her.
Rackam .ind his Crew had no Occafion to be dil-
pleafed at the Exchange, as it enabled them to con-
tinue fome Time longer in a Way of Life that
fuited their depraved Tempers. In JuguJ}, 1720,
we find him at Sea again, fcouring the H.'.rbours
and Inlets of the North and Well Parts of Jamai-
ca, where he took feveral fmall Craft, which proved
no great Booty to the Rovers ; but they had but few
A'len, and therefore they were oblig'd to run at low
Game, till they could encreafe their Company and
their Strength,
In the Beginning of September, they took feven or
eight Fifhing-Boats in Harbcur-IJJaiu!, Hole their
Nets and other Tackle, and then went off to the
French Part of Hifpaniola, where they landed, and
took Cattle away, with two or three French Men
they found near the Water-Side, hunting of wild Hogs
in the Evening- The /;f«(-i Men came on Board,
whether by Confent or Compulfion I can't fay. They
afterwards plundered two Sloops, and returned to Ja-
maica, on the North Coaft of which Illand, near
Porto Maria Bay, they took a Scooner, Tho?nas Spcn-
lonu Mailer; it being then the igth oi Oaober. The
next Day, Rackam feeing a Sloop in Dry Harbour
Bay, he flood in and fired a Gun ; the Men all run
alhore, and he took the Sloop and Lading ; but when
thofe afhore found them to be Pirates, they hailed
the Sloop, and let them know they were all willing
to come aboard of them.
Rackam^s coafting the Ifland in this Manner
proved fatal to him ; for Intelligence came to the
Governor of his Expedition, by a Canoe, which he
had furprized afhore, in Ocho Bay : Upon thi , a
Sloop was immediately fitted out, and fent round the
Ifland in quell of him, commanded by Captain Bar-
net, and mann'd with a good Number of Hands.
Rackam rounding the Ifland, and drawing near the
Wefter-moft Point, call'd Point Negril, he faw a
fmall Pettiauger, which, at Sight of the Sloop, run
afliore and landed her Men ; when one of them haii'd
her, Anfwer was made, They ivere Englijh Men, and
defired the Pettiauger's Men to come on Board, and
drink a Bowl of Punch ; which they prevailed up-
on them to do : Accordingly the Company came all a-
boardof the Pirate, confilbng of nine Perfons, in an ill
Hour ; they were armed with Muskets and Cutlaflies,
but what was their real Defign by fo doing, we fliall
not take upon us to fay : They had no foonerlaiddown
their Arms, and taken up their Pipes, but Barnet\
Sloop, vifhich was in Purfuit of Raciam's came in
Sight.
The Pirates, finding Ihe flood direflly to«'ard$
them, fear'd the Event, and weighed their Anchor,
which they but lately let go, and llood ofl': Captaii
Barnet gave them Chace, and, having the Advan-
tage of little Breezes of Wind, whicii blew off tht,
Land, came up with her, and brought her into Pen
Royal, in Jamaica.
About a Fortnight after the Prifoners werebrouglr
afhore, 'vi'x.. No'vember 16, 1720. A Court of Admi
ralty was held at St. Jago de la Vega, before whicl
the following Perfons were convidled, and Sentenci
of Death palled upon them, by the Prefident, Si
Nicholas La--ws, viz. yohn Rackam, Captain, Georg
Ft-therfton, Mailer, Richard Corner, Quarter-Mafter
y^hn Da-vis, John Ho-well, Patrick Carty, Thonia
Earl, James Dobbin and Noah Hariuood. The liy
firil were executed the next Day at Galhius-Point, a
tlie Town of Port-Royal, and the refl next Day afte
at Kingflon ; Rackam, Fetherjion and Corner, wer.
afterwards taken down, and hang'd up in Chains
one at Plumb Point, one at Bulh Key, and the c
the/ at Gun Key.
But what was very furprizing, was the Conviflio
of the nine Men that came aboard the Sloop on tl
i'anie Day fhe was taken. They were try'd at a
Adjournment of the Court, on the 24th of Jan.
ary, the Magillracy waiting all th.it Time, it
fuppos'd, for Evidence, to prove the pyratical Ii
tention of going aboard the faid Sloop ; for it feen
there was no Aifl of Piracy committed by thei
as appeared by the Witnefles againft them, wl
were two Frenchmen taken by Rackam, oft' fro
the Ifland of Hifpaniola, and who depofed in t
following Manner.
' That the Prifoners at the B.ir, niiz. John Eatc
' Edxvard IVarner, Thomas Baker, Thomas £^iii
' John Cole, Benjamin Palmer, If alter Roiife, Jo
' Hanfon, and John Hoiuard, came aboard the Piral
' Sloop, at Negril Point, Rackam lending his Can
' afhore for that Purpofe : That they brought Gu
' and Cutlafhes on Board with them : That wh
' Captain Barnet chafed them, fome were drinkin
' and others walking the Deck : That there vvas
' great Gun and a fmall Piece fired by the Pirai
' Sloop, at Captain Barnet\ Sloop, when he chac
' her ; and, that when Captxin Barnet''^ Sloop fir
' at ^«f^fl»j's Sloop, the Prifoners at the Bar wt
' down under Deck. That during the Time C.i
' tain Barnet chafed them, fome of the Prifoners
' the Bar (but which of them he could not tell) hel
' ed to row the Sloop, in order to elcape from Be,
' net : That they all feemed to be conlbrted tot
' ther.'
This was the Subftance of all that was alledj
againll them : The Court conhdered the Prifoni
Cafes, and the Majority of the ConiniiiFioners bei
of Opinion, that they were all Guilty of the Pira
and Felony they were charged with, which was, /
geing o'ver ivith n piratical and felonious Intent
John Rackam, &:c. then tiotorious Pirates, and by tt
knoivn to be fo, they all received Sentence of Deati
and were executed on the j 7th of />/'/•«;?; r, at G.|
/o^w Point at Port Ro\al.
PyrnteSy Highwayme^jy Mwderersy 5Cc.
167
The LIFE of MARY READ.
N^.
E are now to begin a Hiftory full of fur-
zing 'J'urns and Adventures ; I mean,
:it ot Mary Read and /hn Bonfiy, alias
j«, which were the true Names of thele two Wo-
n Pirates ; the Ir.cidents that befcl them, are fuch,
t fome may be tempted to think the whole Story
better tiiaii a No\ el or Romance ; but hnce it is
ported by many thoufand WicnciTes, I mean the
iple ol Jamaica, who were prefent at their Trials,
in the hift Di'xovery of their Sex, and heard the
ry of their Lives ; the Truth of it can be no more
telled, th;;n that there were i'uch Men in the World,
4-vcry and Black-beard, Pirates of whom we have
sn an Account.
yiary Read was born in England; her Mother
married young, to a Man who ufcd the Sea, and,
g a V'o\age loon after their Marriage, left her
h Child, uiiich Infant proved to be a Boy. As
:he Hulband, whether he was call away, or died
he \ oyage, Mary Read covXA not tell ; but, how-
he never returned more. The Mother, who
young and airy, met with an Accident in his
ence, which has often happened to Women who
young, and do not take a great deal of Care ;
ch was, flie foon proved with Child ag.ain, with-
a Hufbsnd to fother it ; but ho« , or by whom,
le but herfclf could tell, for ihe carried a pretty
id Reputation among her Neighbours. Finding
Burthen grow, in order to conceal her Shame,
takes a formal Leave of her Hiiftind's Relations ;
ing out, that fhe went to live witii fome Friends
ber own, in the Country : Accordingly (he went
ly, and carried with her, her young Son, at this
lie not a Year old ; Soon after her Departure her
1 died, but Providence, in Return, was pleafed to
e her a Girl in his room, of whom Ihe was fafely
ivered, in her Retreat ; and this was our Mary
id.
tiere the Mother liv'd three or four Years, till
t IvJonc-y (lie had was almnll gone ; then fhe
lught of returiiing to London; and confidering that
Hufli.r.d's Mociicr was in good Circumliances,
did not doubt but to prevail upon her to provide
t!ie Ciiiki, if fhe could bui pais it upon Jier for
f imc ; but the changing a Girl into a Boy feem'd
ificuk Piece of Work, and how to deceive an
lerien'd old Woman, In fuch a Point, was altoge-
r as i.Tipoilibie ; however, fne ventured to drefs it
as a Boy, brought it to Town, and prefemed it
her Mother-in-law, as her Huni.inu"s Son ; the old
Oman would have taken it, to have bred it up, but
Mother pretended it would break her Heart to
t with it ; fo it was agreed bet« i.vt them, that the
ilu Ihould live with the Mother, and the fuppofed
aodmother (hould allow a Crown a Week for it's
dntainance.
Thus the Moti-.er gr.lned her Point; ftie bred up
■ Daughter as a )ict\., and when (he grew up to lome
ife, die thojgiit pruper to let her into the Secret
her Birth, to induce iier to conceal her Se.\. It
happen'd that the Grandmother died, by which
Means the Subfillance, that came from that Quarter,
cealed, and they were more and more reduced in their
Circumrtances ; wherefore (he was obliged to put her
Daughter out, to wait on a French Lady, as a Foot-
boy, being now thirteen Years of Age: Here fhe did
not live long ; for growing bold and lirong, and hav-
ing alfo a roving Mind, (he entered herfelf on Board
a Man of War, where (he ferved fome Time. At
length, (lie quitted the Sea Service, v.ent over into
Flanders, and carried Arm<; in a Regiment of Foot,
as a Cadet ; and tho' in all Aflions, ihe behaved her-
felf with a great deal of Bravery, yet (he could not
get a Commiflion, they being generally bought and
(old ; therefore (he quitted the Service, and took on
in a Regiment of Horfe : Here fhe behaved fo well in
fever.al Engagements, that (he got the Efteem of all
her Officers ; but her Comrade, who was a Fleming,
happening to be a handfome young Fellow, (he fell in
Love with him, and, from that Time, grew a little
more neglegent in her Duty ; fo that, it ieems. Mars
and Venus could not be ferved at the fame Time ; her
-Arms and Acoutrements, which were always kept in
the bell Order, were quite nej,le(5led : 'Tis true, when
her Comrade was ordered out upon a Party, fhe ufed
to go without being commanded, and frequently run
herielf into Danger, where fhe had no Buhnefs, only
to be near him. The red of the Troopers, little
fufpefting the fecret Caufe v\'hich moved her to this
Behaviour, fancied her to be mad ; and her Comrade
himfelf could not account for this (Irange Alteration
in her ; but Loie is ingenious, and, as they lay in
tiie fame Tent, and were conrtantly together, (he
found a Way of letting him difcover her Se.\, without
appearing that it was done with Defign.
He was much furprized at what he found out, and
not a little pleafed ; taking it for granted, that he
Ihould have a Millreis folely to himlelf, which is an
unufual Thing in a Camp, fince there is fcarce one of
thofe Campaign Ladies, that is ever true e\'en to a
Troop or Company ; fo that he thought of nothing
but gratifying his PafTions with verv little Ceremony :
But he found himfelf ftrangely millaken, for (he pro-
ved very rel'erved and modeft, and relilted all hii
Temptations ; yet, at the fame Time, was fo oblig-
ing and infinuating in her Carriage, that fhe quite
changed his Purpole, and made him (o far from think-
ing of making her his MKlrefs, that he now courted
her for a X^'ife.
This was the utmoft Wifh of her Heart ; in fhort,
they exchanged Promifes, and when the Campaign
was over, and the Regiment marched into Winter-
Quarters, they bought Woman's Apparel for her,
with fuch Monev as they could make up betwi.\t them,
and were publickly married.
The Story of two Troopers marrying each other
made a great Noife, (o that feveral Oificers were
drawn by Curioiity to alTill at the Ceremony ; and
they agreed among themfelves, that every one of
them (hould make a fmall Prefent to the Bride towards
Houfe-
i68
A General History of
Houfe-keeping, in Confideration of her having been
their fellow Soldier. Thus being fet up, they leemed
to have a Defire of quitting the Service, and fettling
in the World ; the Adventure of their Love and
Marriage had gained them fo much Favour, that they
eafily obtained their Difcharge, and they immediately
fet up an Eating-Houfe or Ordinary, with the" Sign of
the Three Horfe-Shoes, near the CaiUe of Breda,
where they foon got into a good Trade, a great
many Officers eating with them conftantly.
But this Happinels did not lall long ; for the Huf-
band foon died, and the Peace being concluded, there
was no Refort of Officers to Breda, as ufual ; fo that
the Widow, having little or no Trade, was forced to
give up Houfe-keeping, and her Subllance being by
Degrees quite fpent, fhe again aflumes her Man's Ap-
parel, and, going into Holland, there takes on in a
Regiment of Foot, quarter'd in one of the Frontier
Towns : Here fhe did not remain long, for there
was no Likelihood of Preferment in Time of Peace ;
therefore (he took a Rofolution of feeking her For-
tune another Way ; and, withdrawing from the Regi-
ment, fhip'd herfelf on Board of a Veffel bound for
the Weft- Indies.
It happened that this Ship was taken by Englijl}
Pirates, and Mary Read was the only Englijh Perlon
on Board ; they kept her amongft them, and having
plundered the Ship, let it go again ; after following
this Trade for fome Time, the King's Proclama-
tion came out, and was publifh'd in all Parts of the
U'ejl-Jndiei, for pardoning fuch Pirates, as ihould vo-
luntarily furrender themfelves by a certain Day there-
in mention'd. The Crew of Mary Read took the
Benefit of this Proclamation, and, having furrender'd,
liv'd afterwards quietly on Shore ; but Money begin-
ning to grow fhort, and our Adventurefs hearing that
Captain Woods Rogers, Governor of the 1-fland of
Pro'vidence, was fitting out fome Privateers to cruize
againll the Spaniards, fhe, with feveral others, em-
bark'd for that Ifland, in order to go upon the pri-
vateering Account, being refolved to make her For-
tune one way or other.
Thefe Privateers were no fooner fail'd out, but
the Crews of fome of them, who had been pardoned,
rofe againft their Commanders, and turned themfelves
to their old Trade : In this Number was Mary Read,
'Tis true, fhe often declared, that the Life of a Py-
rate was what fhe heartily abhor'd, and went into it
only upon Compulfion, both this Time and before,
intending to quit it, whenever a fair Opportunity
fhould offer itfelf ; yet fome of the Evidences againll
her, upon her, Tryal, who \vere forced Men, and
had failed with her, defpofcd upon Oath, that, in
Times of Aftion, no Perfons amongft them were more
refolute, or ready to board, or undertake any Thing
that was hazardous, than fhe and A/ine Bonny ; and
particularly at the Time they were attack'd and taken,
when they came to dofe Quarters, none kept the
Deck except Mary Read and ^nne Bonny, and one
more ; upon which, fhe (Mary Read) called to thofe
under Deck, to come up and fight like Men, and,
finding they did not flir fired her Arms down the
Hold amongft them, killing one, and wounding o-
thers.
This was part of the Evidence againft her, which
fhe denied ; whether this was true or no, thus much
is certain, that fhe did not want Bravery ; nor indeed,
was fhe lefs remarkable for lier Modefty, according
to her Notions of Virtue : Her Sex was not fo much
as fufpefted by any Perfon on Board, till Anne Bonny
took her for a handfome young Fellow, and, for
fome Reafons beft known to herfelf, firft difcovered
her Sex to Mary Read : Mary Read, knowing what
fhe would be at, and being very fenfible of her own
Incapacity that Way, was forced to come to a ri,
Underlfanding with her, and fo, to the great Dili
pointment of Anne Bonny, flie let her know fhe
a Woman alio ; but this Intimacy lb diilurb'd 0
tain Rackam, who was the Lover imd Gallant
Anne Bonny, that he grew furioufly Jealous, fo thati
told Anne Bonny, he would cut her new Love
Throat; whereupon, to quiet him, . fhe let him ir
the Secret alfo.
Captain Rackam, (as he was cnjoin'd,) kept li
Thing a Secret from all the Ship'o Company ; y
notwithftanding all her Cunning and Relerve, Lc
found her out in this Difguile, and hindered 1
from forgetting her Sex. In their Cruize they to
a great Number of Ships, belonging to Jamaica, a
otuer Parts of the Weft-Indies, bound to and fr(
England; and whenever they met any good Art
or other Perfon that might be of any great Ufe
their Company, if he was not willing to enter, it \
their Cuftom to keep him by Force. Among th
was a young Fellow of a moft engaging Behavio
or, at leaft, he was fo in the Eyes of Mary Read, «
became fo fmitten with his Perfon and Addrefs, t
fhe could not reft, either Nigl.t or Day ; but as th
is nothing more .^.rtful than Love, it was no h
Matter for her, who had before been prad^ic'd in tf
Wiles, to find a Way to let him diicover her Si
She firft infmuated herielf into his Liking, by talk
againft the Life of a Pirate, which he was aitoget
averfe to ; fo that they became Mefs-M..tes and ft
Companions .• W hen Ihe found he had a Friendf
for her, as a Man, fhe fufFered the Difcovery to
made, by carelefly fliewing her Brealfs, which w
very White and Swelling.
The young Fellow, who, we may fuppofe,
madeofFlefh and Blood, had his Curiofity and !
fire fo rais'd by this Sight, that he never cealed
portuning her, till fhe confefied what file was. IS
begins the Scene of Love ; as he had a Liking ;
Efteem for her, under her fuppofed Charadler, it '
now turned into Fondnefs and Defire ; her Pafl
was no lefs violent than his, and fhe expreffed it
one of the moft generous Aflions, perhaps, thate
Love infpir'd. It happened that this young Fell
had a Quarrel with one of the Pirates, and their S
then lying at an Anchor, near one of the Iflands, ti
had appointed to go a-fhore and fight, according
the Cuftom of thefe People : Mary Read wrs to
lart Degree uneafy and anxious, for the Fate of
Lover ; fhe would not have had him refute the CI
lenge, becaufe fiie could not bear the '1 houghts
his being branded with Cowardiie ; on the ot
Side, fhe dreaded the Event, and apprehended
Fellow might be too hard for him: When Lt
once enters into the Breaft of a Perfnn who has f
Sparks of Generolity, it llirs the Heart up to
moft noble Anions. In this Dilemma, ihe fhevv
that fhe feared more for his Life than fhe Jid for i
osvn ; for fhe took a Relblution of quarrelling w
this Fellow herfelf, and, having cliullenged him
ftiore, fhe appointed the Tinjp two Hours fooner tl
that when he was to meet her Lover, where fhe fouci
him at Sword and Piftol, and killed him upon I
Spot,
It is true, fhe had fought before, when fhe b
been infulted by fome of thole Fcilows ; but ,nij
it was altogether in her Lover's Caufe, for fhe fto^
as it were betwixt him and Death, as if fhe could rl
live without him. If he had had no regard for 1
before, this Aflion would have been enough to ha
bound him to her for ever ; but there was no Oci
fion for Ties or Obligations, his Inclination tovvai
her was fufficient ; in fine, they applied their Trc
to each other, which Alary iJiiji* faid, fhe look
up
..id
Pyratesy Highjoaymefiy Murderers, 5Cc.
169
jpon to be as good a Marriage, in Confcience, as if
It iiad been done by a IVIiniller in Church ; and
to thii W.1S owing her great Belly, which flie pleaded
^c her Trial, to lave her Life.
Siie declared (he had never committed Adultery
or Fornication with any Man ; (he commended the
: ulice of the Court, before which (he was tried,
)r dillinguifhing the Nature of their Crimes ; her
i_ibmd, as (he called him, with feveral others, be-
:icr acquitted. When (he was ask'd, who he was?
llie would not tell ; but faid he was an honeli Man,
and had no Inclination to fuch Praftices, and that
th.ey had both refolved to leave the Pirates the (iril:
Opportunity, and apply themfelves to fome honell
Liveliiiood.
There is no doubt, but many had Compaihon for
her ; yet the Court could not avoid findnig her
Guilty ; for, among other Things, one of tlie Evi-
dences againft her depofed, tliat, being taken by
Rackam, and detained Ibme Time on Board, he fell
accidentally into Difcourfe with Mary Read; whom
":!:ing for a young Man, he aUv'd her, what Plea-
are Ihe could have in being concern'd in fuch En-
terprlzes, where her Life was continually in Danger,
by Fire or Sword ; and not only fo, but (he muft
be fure of dying an ignominious Death, if fhe (hould'
be taken ajive .? She anftvcr'd, that, as to the
hanging, (he thought it no great Hardlhip ; for, were
it not for that, every cowardly Fellow would turn
Pirate, and fo infeft the Seas, that Men of Courage
muft ftarve: — —That if it was put to the Choice of
the Pirates, they would not have the Punilhment lefs
than Death, the Fear of which kept fome daftardly
Rogues honeft ; that many of thofe who are now
cheating the Widows and Orphans, and opprelTing
their poor Neighbours, who have no Money to ob-
tain Jullice, would then rob at Sea, and the Ocean
would be crowded with Rogues, like the Land, fo
that no Merchant would venture out, and the Trade
in a little Time, would not be worth following.
Being found quick with Child, as has been obfer-
ved, her Execution was refpited, and it is pclfibic
(he would have found Favour, but that (lie w;:s
feiz'd with a violent Fe\er, foon after her Trial, of
which die died in Prifon. ■
The LIFE oj ANNE BONNY.
WE are fo particular in the Lives of thefe
two Women, purely on Account of their
Se.'i : Otherwife, as they did not rife to
Command, we (hould no have mention'd them, ex-
cept in the Lift of condemn'd Perlcns. However,
we hope our Attempt will not be dilpleafiiig, and fo,
without more Apology, wc proceed to Anne Bonny,
who was born at at a Town near Cork, in the King-
dom of Ireland. Her Fatlier was an Attorney tx.
Law, but y/««f was not one of his legitimate Jlfuc,
wfcicli feems to crofs an old Proverb, which fays,
Ihat Bafiards ha-jc the heft Luck. Her Father was a
married Man, and his Wife, having been brought to
Bed, contracted an Illnefs in her Lying-in, fo that,
in order to recover her Health, fhe was advis'd to re-
move for Ciiange of Air. The Place (lie chofe, was
aca few Mik-s iJiilance from her Dwelling, where
her Flufbana's Mother liv'd. Heie ihe lojcurn'd
foine Time, her Huiband Itaj ing at Home, co ibl-
low his Affairs.
The Servant Maid, whom fhe left to look after
the Houfe, and attend the Family being a handfome
jroung Woman, (he was courted by a young Man of
lie fame Town, who was a Tanner. This Tanner
iis'd to take all Opportunities, when the Family was out
fthe Way, of coming to purfue his Amour; and
iing with the Maid one Day, as (he was employ "d in
:he Houlhold Bufmefs, not having the Fear of God
sefore his Eyes, he takes his Opportunity, when her
iack was turn'd, of whipping three Sil\er Spoons
nto his Pocket. The Maid foon mifs'd the Spoon?,
ind knowing that no Body had been in the Room,
)at herfelf and the young Man, fince fhe fav/ them
ift, fhe charg'd him with taking them. He \z-y
fifty denied it ; upon which, (he grew outragious,
nd threaten'd to go to a Conftable, in order to
arry him before a Jullice of Peace. Thefe Me-
aces frightcu'd him out of his Wit?, v.-ell knov>--
, 4 +
ing he could not (land Search : Wherefore he endea-
vour'd to pacify her, by dehring her to examine t..e
Drawers and other Places, by doing which, perhaps,
(he might (ind them. In this Time he (lips into an-
other Room, where the Maid ufually lay, puts the
Spoons betwi.xt the Sheets, and then makes his E-
fcape by a B.ack-Door; concluding, (he muft find
them when (he went to Bed, and 10, next Day, he
might pretend he did it only to frighten her, and the
Thing might be laugh'd off for a Jeft.
As foon as (he niilVd him, (he gave over her
Search, concluding he had carried them off, and went
direftly to a Conftable, in order to have him ap-
prehended. The young Man was inform'd that a
Conftable had been in Search of him, which he re-
garded but little, not doubting but all would be well
next Day. Three or four Days pafs'd, and ftijl he-
was told the Conftable was upon the hunt for him :
This, at hift, m.ide him lie conceal'd ; he could not
comprehend the Meaning of it; he imagin'd no lefs,
than that the Maid had a mind to convert the Spoons
to her own Uie, and put the Robbery upon him.
It happen'd, at this Time, that the Mittrefs, be-
ing perfetlly recover'd of her late Indifpofition, was
return'd Home, in Company with her Mother-in-
Law ; the firft News fhe heard was of the Lofs of
the Spoons, with the Manner how ; the Maid tell-
ing her, at the fame Time, that the young Man
was run away. The Fellow had Intelligence of the
Mirtrefs's Arrival, when confidering with him(elf
that he could never appear again in his Bufinefs, un-
lefs this Matter was got over, and that Madam was
a good-natur'd Woman, he took a Refolution of go-
ing direftly to her, and of telling her the «hole
Story, only with this Difference, that he did it for
a Jeft.
The Miftrefs could fcarce believe it ; however, (he
went direftly to the Maid's Room, and turning
X -x downing
170
A General History of
downing the Bed-CIothes, there, to her great Sur-
prize, llie found the three Spoons. Upon this, (lie
defir'd ike young Man to go Home and mind Iii5
Bulinefs, for he Ihould have no farther Trouble a-
bout it.
. The Miflrefs could not imagine the Meaning of
this ; fhe never had found the Maid guilty of any
pilfering, and therefore it could not enter her Head,
that flic defign'd to ileal the Spoons herfelf Upon
the whole, fhe concluded the Maid had not been in
her Bed from the Time the Spoons were mifs'd ;
fo that fhe grew immediately jealous upon it, and
fufpefted that the Maid fupplied her Place with her
Husband during her Abfence, and that tliis was tlie
Reafon why the Spoons were no fooner found.
She caird to Mind feveral Aftions ofKindnefs
which her Hulhand had (hew'd the Maid, 1 hings that
pafs'd unheeded by when they happen'd, but now
ftie had got that Tormenter, Jealoufy, in her Head,
they amounted to Proofs of their Intimacy. Ano-
ther Circumftance which ftrengthen'd the whole, was,
that though her Hulband knew fhe was to come
Home that Day, and had had no Communication
with her in four Months before, which was ever fmce
her Lying-in ; yet he took an Opportunity of go-
ing out of Town that Morning, upon fome flight
Pretence : All thefe Things put together, confirni'd
her in her Jealoufy.
As Women feldom forgive Injuries of this Kind,
flie thought of difcharging her Revenge upon the
Maid : In order to this, fhe leaves theSpoons where fhe
found them, and orders the Maid to put clean Sheets
upon the Bed ; telling her, fhe intended to lie there
herfelf that Night, becaufe her Mother-in-Law was
to lie in her Bed, and that fhe (the Maid) mufl lie
in another Part of the Houfe. The Maid, in ma-
king the Bed, was furpriz'd with the Sight of the
Spoons, but there were very good Reafons why it
was not proper for her to tell where fhe found them ;
therefore fhe takes them up, puts them in her Trunk,
intending to leave them in fome Place where they
might be found by chance.
The Miftrefs, that every Thing might look to be
done without Defign, lies that Night in the Maid's
Bed, little dreaming of what an Adventure it would
produce. After fhe had been a Bed fome Time,
thinking on what had pafs'd (for Jealoufy kept her
awake,) fhe heard fome Body enter tlie Room : At
firil fhe apprehended it to be Thieves, and was fo
frighten'd, that fhe had not Courage enough to call
out : But when fhe heard thefe Words, Mary, are
you awake ? fhe knew it to be her Hufband's \'oice.
Then her Fright was over ; yet fhe made no .Anfwer,
left he fhould find lier out, if fhe Ipohe; therefore
fhe continu'd to counterfeit Sleep, and take what
follow'd.
The Hufband came to Bed, and that Night play'd
the vigorous Lover ; but one Thing fpoil'd the Di
verfion on the Wife's Side, which was the Rcfleflion
that it was not defign'd for her ; however, (he was
very pafr."e, and bore it like a humble Chriilian.
Early before Day fhe floie out of Bed, leaving him
afleep, and went to her iVIother-in-Law, telling her
what had pafs'd, not forgetting how he had us'd
her, as taking her for the Maid ; the Hulhand alfo
ftoie out, not thinking it convenient to be catch'd
in that Room. In the mean time, the Revenge of
the Mirtrefs wrought ilrongly againft the Maid, and
without confidering that to her Ihe ow'd the Diver-
fion of the Night before, and that one good Turn
deferv'd another, fhe fent for a Conilable, and char-
ged her with ftealing the Spoons. The Maid's Trunk
was broke open, and the Spoons found ; upon which.
fhe was carried before a Juflice of Peace, and by
liim committed to Goal.
The Hufband loiter'd about till Twelve a-Clock
at Noon, then came Home, and pretenucd he was
jull come to Town. As foon as he he.ird what liad
pafs'd, in Relation to the Maid, he fell into a great
Pafiion with his Wife: This fet tlie 'i hing into 3
greater Fhme ; the Mother takes the Wife's Part a-
gainft her own Son, infomuch that the Quarrel in-
creafing, the Mother and Wife took Horle immedi-
ately, and went back to the Mother's Houle ; and
the Hufband and Wjfe never bedded together after.
Tlie Maid i.iy a long Time in thePrilon, it being
near lialf a Year to tne AfTizes; but before it hap-
pen'd, it was difcover'd fhe was with Child. When
fhe was arraign'd at the Bar, fhe was difctiarg'd for
want of Evidence : The VVife's Confcience touch'd
her, and as fhe did not believe the M.iid guilty of
any Theft, except that of Love, fhe did not appear
againft her. Soon after her Acquittal, ihe was de-
liver'd of a Girl.
But what alarm'd the Hufband moll, was, that it |
was difcover'd the Wife was with Child alfo ; he,
taking it for granted, that he had had no Intimacy I
with ner fmce her laft Lying-in, grew jc .luus of her I
alio, ill his Turn, and made this a Handle tojuftifyl
himfelf for his Ulage of her; pretending, now, he I
h.id i'ufpetted her long, but that here was Proof. [
Madam was deliver'd of Twins, a Son and a Daugh-
ter.
The Mother fell ill, and fent to her Son to recon-
cile him to his Wife, but he would nut hearisen to it,
therefore fhe made a Will, leaving all fhe had ir I
the Hands of certain Truftees, for the Ufe of theJ
Wife and the two Children lately born, and died z \
few Days after.
This was an ugly Turn upon him, his greatef I
Dependance being upon his Mother : However, JijiJ
Wife was kinder to him than he deferv'd ; for fhe«|
made him a yearly Allowance out of what was left:!
though they continu'd to live feparate : It lallcd nea; f
five Years. At this Time, having a great Aftecliot I
for the Girl he h.ad by his Maid, lie had a mind t(J
take it Home, to live with him ; but as all thi(
Town knew it to be a Girl, the better to dilguifl
the Matter from them, as well as from his Wite, h(|
had it put into Breeches, as if it had been a Boy
pretending it was a Relation's Child, whom he wa|
to breed up to be his Clerk.
The Wife heard he had a little Boy at Homtl
that he was very fond of; but as fhe did not kuom
any Relation of his that had fuch a Caild, ihe en
ploy'd a Friend to enquire further into it. Thil
Perion, by talking with, the Ciiild, found it to be. I
Girl, diicover'd that the Servant-A'Iaid was its Mol
ther, and that the Hufband fliil kept up iiis Correll
pondence with her. (
Upon this Intelligence, the Wife, being unwillin;!
that her Children's Money Ihould go towards till
Maintenance of Baflards, ftopp'd tne .Allowance I
The Husband enrag'd, in a kind of Revenge, takil
the Maid home, and lives with her publickly, to thi
great Scand.il of his Neighbours ; but he foon founf
the bad EfFccl of it ; for by Degrees he loll his PratJ
tice, fb that he law plainly he could not live theref
This made him think of removing, and turning vvhal
ElFeds he had into ready Money; whereupon, hP
goes to Cork, and there, with his Maid .^nd Dauglj
ter, embarks for Carolina.
At firft he follow'd the Prailice of the Law ilj
that Province, but afterwards fell into iVlerchandifefl
which prov'd more fucceisful to him ; for he gain'j
by it fufficient to purchafe a confiderablc Plantatigi^
PyrateSj Hi^isoaymen^ Murderers, &;c.
lii Miid, who pafs'd for his Wife, happen'd to
J lifter wiiich, his Daughter, our Anne Bonny,
u,/ grown up, kept his Houfe.
he wa3 of a fierce and couragious Temper,
w refore, wlien (he lay under Condemnation, fe-
»(il Stories were reported of her much to her Dif-
ge ; ai that Ihe had kill'd an Englijh Ser-
;.ud once in her Paffion, with a Cafe-Knife,
^e look'd after her Father's Houfe ; but upon
; Enquiry, we found this Story to be ground-
Ic ■ ris certain, flie was fo robuic, that once, when
a 'Uiig Fellow would have lain with her againft her
Vi', (he beat him fo that he lay ill of it a confidera-
bi rime.
'hils (he liv'd with her Father, (he was look'd
uj 1 OS one that would have a confiderable Fortune ;
wrefore it was thought her Father de(ign'd a good
Vch for her ; but (he fpoil'd all, for, without iiis
C I'-'nt, fhe marries a young Fellow who belong'd
rr ,0 Sea, and was not worth a Groat. This pro-
iier Father to fuch a Degree, that he turn'd her
Doors ; upon wliich, tlie young Fellow who
i iier finding himi'tK dilappointed in his E.x
ni, (hipp'd himfelf and Wire tor the Ifiand of
f !.iLiuc, e.vpeding Employment there.
ue (he became acqu-iinted wicn Raekam the Pi-
who, making CourtlTiip to her, (oon found
oi withdrawing her AfFcftions from her Huf-
' ) t.hat (he con(ented to elope from him, and
v.x with Raekam in Men's Cloaths. She was
a ,is her Word, and afcer fhe had been at Sea
- i'lme, (he proved with Child. When (he be-
o grow big, Raekam landed her on the Ifland of
171
Cuba ; and, recommending her there to fome Friends
of his, they toqk Care of her till Ihe was brought to
Bed. When (he was up, and well again, he Cent
for her to bear him Comp.'.ny in his future E.^pedi-
tions.
The King's Proclamation for pardoning of Pirates
being out, he took the Benefit of it, and lurrender'd,
afterwards, being fent upon the privateering Account,
he return'd to his old Trade, as has been already
hinted in the Story of Mary Read. In all thefe E.-s-
peditions Anne Bonny bore him Company, and wiien
an\ Bufinefs was to be done in their Wav, no Body
w.;s more Ibrward or couragious than fhe; and p.ar-
ticubrly, when the\' were taken ; when ihe and Mary
Ready with one more, were all the Peri'ons that durft
keep the Deck, as has been before hinted.
Her Father was known to a great many Gentle-
men, Planters 01 'Jamaica, wiio had dealt with him,
and among whom he had a good Reputation ; and
fomc of them, who had been in Caroiinn, remem-
ber'd to have feen her in his Houfe. This made
them inclin'd to (hew her Favour, but the Ailion of
leaving her Hulb.md was an ugly Circumlhnce a-
gaind her. The Day that Raekam was executed, by
fpecial Favour, he Has admitted to fee her ; but ail
the Comfort (he gave him, was, that Jhs lyaj forry
to fee him there, but if he had fcr.ght like a Man, he
need not ha've been hang'd like a Dog.
She was continu'd in Prifoa till the Time of her
Lying in, and afterwards repriev'd from Time to
Time ; but what is become of her fince, we cannot
learn : Only this we know, that Ihe was never exe-
cuted.
^he LIFE 0/ Captain HOWEL DAVIS.
>| Aptain Hoivel Davis was born at Milford, in
Monmottth/hire, and from a Boy brought up to
J the Sea Service. The lail \ oyage he made
^r.gland was in the Cadogaii Snow of Briftol,
.1 Skinner Commander, bound for the Coail
Sttjuinea, of which Snow Davis was chief Mate.
J y uere no foontr arriv'd at Sierra/eon, on the a-
1 Co-ill, but they were taken by the Pirate
>/, who plunder'd them. Captain Skinner
>v at this Time barbaroully murder'd, as has
!X! iclated before in the Story of Captain Eng-
!a'.
!:cr the Dezth of Captain Skinner, Davis pre-
•ihat he was mightily foUicited by Eigland to
with him ; but that he refolutely anfwer'd, he
looner be (hot to Death than fign the Pirates
Upon which, Englar.d, pleas'd with his
> , fent him and the reil of the Men on board
- w ag.-.in, appointing him Captain of her, in
')m of Skinner, and commanding him to pur-
\ oyage. He alio ga\ e him a written Paper
..;,\ with Orders to open it when he (hould come
. certain Latitude, and, at the Peril of his
'■:o\v the Orders therein fet down. This was
ith an .\ir of Grandeur, like what Princes
praftife to their Admirals and Generals. — — It was
punduall/ complied with by Da-vis, who read it to
the Ship's Company : It contain'd no lefs than a ge-
nerous Deed of Gift of the Ship and Cargo to Da-
vis and the Crew, and an Order, that they (hoald
go to Brafil and difpofe of the Lading to the beft
Advantage, making a fair and equal Divedend of the
Profit,
Davis demanded of the Crew, whether they were
w illmg to follow their Direftions ; when, to his
great Surprize, he found the Majorit)' of them alto-
gether averfe to it ; whereupon, in a Rage, he bad
them be damn'd, and go where they would. They
knew that Part of their Cargo was configned to cer-
tain Merchants at Barbadoes, wherefore they iteered
for that Ifland. When they arrived, they related to
thefe Merchants, the unfortunate Death or Skinner,
and the Propofal which had been made to them by
Davis ; upon which, Davis was feized and com
mitted to Prifon, where he was kept three Months j
however, as he had been in no Aft of Piracy, he
was difcharged without being brought to any Trial,
yet he could not, after this, expeft any Employment
there. Knowing therefore, that the Ifland of Pro-
videnee was a kind of Rendez\'ous pf Pirates, he
was
17-
was refolved to make one amongft them, if poflible,
and, to that Purpofe, found Means of fhipping him-
felf for that Ifland ; but, he was again difappointed ;
for, when he arrived there, the Pirates had newly
furrrendered to Captain Woods Rogers, and accepted
of the Ail of Grace, which he had juft brought from
England.
However Davis was not long out of Bufinefs ; for
Captain Rogers having fitted out two Sloops for
Trade, one call'd the Buck, the other the Mum-vil
Trader, Dwjis found an Employment on board of
one of them: The Lading of thefe Sloops was of
confiderable Value, confilling of European Goods,
which were to be exchang'd with the French and
Spaniards ; and many of the Hands on board of 'em
were the Pirates lately come in upon the Art of
Grace. The firft Place they touch'd at, was the
Ifland of Martinico, belonging to the French, where
Daniis having confpir'd with fome others, they rofe
in the Night, fecur'd the iVlafter, and ieized the Sloop.
As foon as this was done, they call'd to the other
Sloop, which lay a little Way from 'em, among
whom they knew there were a great many Hands ripe
for Rebellion, whom they order'd to come on board
of them. They did fo, and the greateil Part of them
agreed to join with Da'vis ; thofe who were other-
wife inclin'd, were fent back on board the Mum-oil
Sloop, to go where they pleas'd, Da'vis having firll
taken out of her every Thing which he thought might
be of Service.
After this a Council of War was call'd, over a
large Bowl of Punch, at which it was propos'd to
choofe a Commander. The Eleftion was foon over,
for it fell upon Danjis by a great Majority of hgal
Pollers fo that there was no Scrutiny demanded, for
all acquiefced in the Choice. As foon as he was
poffefs'd of his Command, he drew up Articles,
which were fign'd and fworn to by hirafelf and the
left ; then he made a fhort Speech, the Sum of
which was, a Declaration of War againll the whole
World.
After this, they confulted about a proper Place
where they might clean their Sloop, a light Pair of
Heels being of great Ufe either to take, or efcape be-
ing taken. For this Purpole, they made Choice of
Coxon\ Hole, at the Halt End of the Ifland of Cuba, a
Place where they might fecure themfelves from Sur-
prize, the Entrance being fo narrow that one Ship
might keep out a hundred.
Here they clean'd with much Difficulty, for they
had no Carpenter in their Company, who is a Perfon
of great Ufe upon fuch Exigencies. From hence they
put to Sea, making to the North-fide of the Ifland of
Hifpaniola. The iirft Sail which fell in their Way,
was a French Ship of twelve Guns; it mull be obferv'cl
that Dauis had but thirty-five Hands, notwithlbnd-
ing which, Provifions began to grow (hort with him:
A General History of
tical Colours : They, much furpriz'd, call'd to'
•vis, telling him, that they wonder'd at his Ii|
dence in venturing to come fo near them, and o
ing him to ftrike ; but he anfwer'd, that he intej
to keep them in Play, till his Contort came up,
was able to deal with tliem, and that if they di, ot
ftrike to him, they fliould have but hard Quar ^ .
whereupon he gave them a Broad -Side, whidi ty
returned.
In the mean Time the Prize drew near, who li.
ged all the Prifoners to come upon Deck in \ itj.
Shirts, to make a Shew of Force, as they had cj
direfted by Davis ; they alfo hoifted a dirty Tai
lin, by Way of black Hag, tliey having nothing
ter, and fir'd a Gun • The French Men were f|
timidated by this Appearance of Force, thit'|
ftruck. Davis called out to the Captnin to con
Board of him, with twenty of his Hands ; he J o
and they were all, for the greater Security-, i*
into Irons, the Captain excepted : Then he ie:it Igj
of his Men on Board the lirlf Prize, .-ind, in Jer
ftill to carry on the Che.'it, fpoke :.Ioud, th;it a
fhould give his Service to the Captnn, and'n
him to fend fome Hands on Board the t'lize, H'
what they h;id got ; but, at the fame "j iirie^ ;
them a written P:iper, with Inllructions whaii
fliould really do. Here he ordered tliem to n
the Guns in the little Prize, to take out all the
Arms and Powder, and to go every Man of<
on Board the fecond Prize ; when this was doni
ordered that more of the Prifoners fliould be reij*
out of the great Prize, into the little one, by '
he fecured himfelf from any Attempt u-hich niic
feared from their Numbers ; for thofe on boa
him were fall in Irons, and thofe in the little
had neither Arms nor Ammunition to defend
felves.
Thus the three Ships kept Company for 2 .
when finding the great Prize to be a very dull 5
he thought flie would not be fit for his Puw
wherefore he refclv'd to reftorc her to the Caii
with all his Hands ; but firll, he took Care tOi
out all her Ammunition, and every Thing elfe'
he might 'poffibly want. The French Captain v
fuch a Rage, at being fo outwitted, that, wh
got on Board his own Ship, he was going to I
himfelf overboard, if he had not been prevent'
his Men.
Having let go both his Prizes, he fleered N
ward, in which Courfe he took a fin.ill Spanijh^.
after this he made towards the Jl'c/lem Ifl.indai
met with no Booty there:ibouts ; then he fleen
the Cape de Verde Ifland?, where they cafl A!
at St. Kichelas, hollHng EvgUjh Colours ; the
tuguefe inhabiting there, took him for an E
Privateer, and Davis going a-lhore, they both tr
him very civilly, and alto traded with him. Ht
Upon this Account he attack'd tnis Ship, which foon remained five Weeks, in which Time he and hiliis
flruck, and he fent twelve of his Hands on board of Crew, for their Pleafiire, took a Journey to tlie
her in order to plunder. This was no fooner done,
but'a Sail was fpied a great Way to the Windward of
them ; they enquir'd of the Frenchman what flie might
be ; he anfwer'd, that he had fpoke with a Ship the
Day before, of 24 Guns, and 60 Men, and he took
this to be the fame.
Davis then propofed to his Men to attack her,
telling them ftie would be a rare Ship for their Ufe j
but they look'd upon it to be an extravagant At-
tempt, and difcover'd no Fondnefs for it. However,
he ^ur'd them he had a Stratagem in his Head that
would make all fafe ; wherefore he gave Chace, and
order'd his Prize to do the fame. The Prize being a
flow Sailor, Davis firft came up with the Enemy,
and ftanding a long Side of them, fliew'd his pira-
Town of the Ifland, uliith' was ig Miles u||
Country : Davis, making a good Appearancel
carefl'ed by the Governor and the Inhabitants, a|
Diverfion was wantiig which the Ponuguefe Md
fhew, or their Money could purchafe : Aitei" )iit
a Week's Stay, became back to the Ship, an:he
reft of the Crew went to take their Pleafure u is
Town, in their Turn, as the Captain had done.
At their Return they clean'd their Ship, ar mt
to Sea, but not with their whole Company ; to ve
of them, like HannihaPs, Men, were fb chsi'J
with the Luxuries of the Place, and the free m-
verfation of fome Women, that they ftaid beUi
and one of them, whofe Name was Charles Fralrn
a M-jnmmth'hire Man. married and fettled hii'lf,
nd
Pj/rates, H/ghwaj^en) Murderers, &c.
,nJ lived there Teveral Years, being, for ought we
^jiow, alive at this Day.
Fiom hence they failed to Bonenjijla, and looked
;:co that Harbour, but finding nothing, they ileered
jr the Ifle of May : When they arrived here, they
net with a great many Ships and Veflels in the Road,
11 uhich they plundered, taking out of them what-
, er they wanted ; thc-y alfo ilrengthened themf?Ives
.ith a great many treiii Hands, v.ho moit of them
iiter'd voluntarily. One of the Ships they took to
itir own Uie, mounted her with twentv fix Gun-s,
nd cill'd lier the King Jatnes. There being no frelh
vater hereabouts, they made towards St. Jago,
hich belonged to the Peritiguefe, in order to lay
1 a Store, Davis, with a few Hands, going a-
oiv, to find the moll commodious Place to water
:, the Ciovtrnor, with fome Attendants, came him-
1;, and examined who they were, and whence they
line : Not liking Da'vis'% Account of himfclf, his
xcclkncy was fo plain as to tell theni, that he fuf-
;icd them to be Pirates. Daniis feemed mightily
fronted, ftinding much upon his Honour, and re-
ying to the Governor, that he fcorn'd his Words;
ivvcver, as foon as his Back was turn'd, for fear of
.cidents, he got on Board again as fail as he could.
.-ims related what had happened, and his Men feem-
to refent the Affront which had been offered him.
'•■v'[s, upon this, told them, he was confident he
uld furprize the Fort in the Night s they agreed
th him to attempt it, and accordingly, when it
ew late, they went a-fhore well arin'd ; and the
aard which was there kept, was fo negligent, that
:y got within the Fort before any Alarm was gi-
II : When it was too lave there was loiiie little Re-
ance made, and three Men killed on Du-^jis'i Side,
loi'e in the Fort, in their Hurry, run into the Go-
rnor's Houfe to fave themtelves, which they barri-
loed fo ilrongly, that Dai/is's Party could not en-
■ it ! however, they threw in Granadoe- Shells, which
t only ruin'd aU the Furniture, but kill'd feveral
cii within.
When it was Day the whole Country was alarm'd,
d came down to attack the Pirates ; who, con-
ering it v/as not their Bufineis to liind a Siege,
ide the bell of their VVay on Board their Ship a-
in, after having difmounted the Guns of the Fort.
■ tills Enterprize they did a great deal of Mifchief
the Fortuguefe, and got but very little Good to
sinfelves.
il Having put to Sea, they mufler'd their Hands, and
land themfelves near feventy ilrong i then it was
• jopofed what Courfe they fhould fleer, and, differ-
5 in their Opinions, they divided, tho' by a Ma-
. iiy it was carried for Gambia on the Coalt of Gu:-
■ 1. Of this Opinion was DawV, who having been
iiploy'd in that Trade, was acquainted witii the
'laft: He told them, that there was a gie.'t deal of
• oney always kept in Gambia Caille, and that it
"luld be worth their while to make an Attempt up-
' it. They afk'd him how it was pofiible, tince it
' ; garrifoncd > He deflred tliey v,o;ild leave the
inagenient of it to hira, and he would undertake
I make them Mailers of it. They began now to
iiceive fo high an Opinion of his Conduit, as well
• Courage, ttat they thought nothing impoifibie to
In that he had a mind to undertake ; therefore they
• eed to obey him, without enquiring fuitlier into
i Defign.
having come within Sight of the Place, he or»
t 'd all his Men under Deck, except as many as
v-e abfolutely neceffary for working the Ship, that
I fe from the Fort, feeing a Ship with fo few Hands,
«|;ht have no Sufpicion of her being any other than
8!rading Veffel j then he ran clofe under the Fort,
45
^73
and there call Anchor, and having oider'd out the
Boat, he commanded fix Men into her, with old or-
dinary Jackets while he himfelf, with the Mafter
and Doiflor, drefs'd themfelves like Gentlemen, his
Defign being, that the Men fhould look like com-
mon Sailors, and they like Merchants. In rowing
a-lhore, he gave his Men Inilruftions what to fay, ia
cafe any Queitions fhould be afk'd them by the Gar-
rifon.
Being come to the Landing-PIace, he was receiv'd
by a File of Mufquetteers, and conduced into the
Fort, where the Governor, accofling them civilly,
afk'd them who they were, and whence they came .'
They anfwer'd, they were of Li'verpool, bound for
the River of Sintiegal, to trade for Gum and Ele-
phant's Teeth, but that they were chas'd on that:
Coafl by two French Men of War, and narrowly ef-
cap'd being taken, having the Heels of them but a
very little, l^e are nOKo refol'vcd, fays he, to make
the bcjl of a had Maritt, atid 'would luillingly trade
hire for Slaics. Then the Governor afk'd theni.
What was the chief of their Cargo ? They anfwer'd.
Iron and Plate, which were good Things there. The
Governor told them he wotild flave them to the full
Value of their Cargo, and afli'd them if they had any
European Liquor on board ? They anfwer'd a little
for ttieir own Ufe ; however, a Hamper of it fhould
be at his Service. The Governor then very civilly
invited them all to flay and dine w ith him ; but Da-
fis told him, that, being Commander of the Ship,
he mufl go on board to fee her well moor'd, and
give fomc other nectflary Orders ; But thefe tit;o Gen-
tlemen, fays he, may fay, and I myfelfii-ill alfo re-
turn before Dinner, and bring the Hamper of Liquet
ivith mc.
While he was in the Fort, his Eyes were very bu-
fy in oblerving how Things lay; he took Notice
that there was a Centry at the Entrance, and a Guard-
Houfe jull by it, where the Soldiers upon Duty c«m-
monly waited, their Arms Handing in a Corner, in a
Heap ; he faw alfo, a grtat many fmall Arms in the
Governor's Hall : Now, when he came on board, he
alftit'd his Men of Succefs, defiring them not to get
drunk, and telling them, that as foon as they faw the
Flag upon the Caille flruck, they might conclude he
v/as Mafler, and fend twenty Hands immediately a-
fliore ; in the mean Time, there being a Sloop at An-
chor near them, he lent fome Hands in a Boat, to fe-
cure the iMaller and all the Men, and bring them on
board of him ; lell they obferving any Buflle, or
arming in his Ship, might fend a-fhore and give In-
telligence.
'1 tiele Precautions being taken, he order'd his Men,
who were to go in the Boat with him, to put two
Pair of Piflols each under their Cioaths, he doing the
like himfelf, and gave them Direftions to go into the
Guard-Room, enter into Converfation with the Sol-
diers, and obi'erve, when he fhould fire a Piilol through
the Governor's Window, to flart up at once, and ie-
cure the Arms in the Guard-Room.
When DaavV arriv'd, Dinner not being ready, the
Governor propos'd that they fliould employ them-
felves in making a Bowl of Punch till Dinner-Tiine :
It mull be obferv'd, that Dat-is's Cockfwain waited
upon them, whd had an Opportunity of going about
all Parts of the Houfe, to fee what Strength they had:
He whiipcr'd Da-vis, there being no Pctibn then in
the Room but themfelves, the Mailer, and the Doc.
tor ; when Davis on a fudden drew out a Piflol, and
clapp'd it to the Governor's Breafl, telling him, he
mult furrender the Fort, and all the Riches in it, or
he was a de.id Man. The Governor, being no ways
prepar'd for fuch an Attack, promis'd to be very
pafljve, and do all they defir'd ; therefore they ihut
y y the
W4
■A Gejieral H i s t o r t tf
■the Door, took jovvh all the Arms that hung in the
'Hall, and londed them. Daiiis fires his Pillol through
■the Window, upon which, his IVIen vvitlioul execu-
'ted their Part of the Scheme, like Heroes, in an In-
llant ; getting betwixt the Soldiers and their Arms,
all with tiieir Piilols cock'd in their Hands, while one
. of them carried the Arms out. When this was done,
"they lock'd the Soldiers into the Guard Room, and
kept Guard without.
In the mean Time, one of them llnick the Uni-
on Flag on the Top of the Callie, at whicli Signal,
thofe on Board fent on Shore a Reinforcement of
Hands, and they got Pofleffion of the Fort without
the leail Hurry or Confufion, or fo much as a Man
lolt of either Side.
Da<vis harangued the Soldiers ; upon which, a
great many of them took on with him ; thofe who
.'refufed, he fent on board the little Sloop; and be-
caufe he would not be at the Trouble ot a Guard for
them, he ordered all the Sails and Cables out of her,
'which might hinder them from attempting to get
away .
This Day was fpent in a kind of Rejoicing, the
Caftle firing her Guns to falute the Ship, and the
Ship paying the fame Compliment to the Callie ;
•but die next Day they minded their Bufinefs, that is,
they fell to plundering. They found Things fall
vadly fhort of their E.\peftation j for they difcovered,
that a great deal of Money had been lately fent away;
however, they met with the Value of about two thou-
fand Pounds Sterling in Bar Gold, and a great many
other rich EfFe(fls : Every T'hing they liked, which
. was portable, they brOoight a board their Ship ; fume
Things which they had no Ufe for, titty were fo ge-
nerous as to make a Prefentof to the Maltt rand Crew
of the little Sloop, to whom they alfo returned his
Veffel again ; and then they fell to work in difmount-
ing the Gun5, and demolilhing the Fortifica-
tions.
After they had done as fnuch Mifchief as they
could, and were weighing Anchor to be gone, they
fpy'd a Ship bearing down upon them in full Sail ;
• they foon got their Anchors up, and were in a Rea-
dinefs to receive her. This Ship proved to be a
French Pirate, of fourteen Guns, and fi.xty-four Hands,
.hi\f French, half Negroes: The Ciptain's Name
was La Boufe ; he expefted no lefs than a rich Prize,
which made him fo eager in the Chace ; but when
he came near enough to fee their Guns, and the Num-
ber of their Hands upon Deck, he began to think he
fhould catch a Tarter, and fuppofed her to be a
fmall Englijh Man of War ; Jiowever, fince there
was no efcaping, he refolv'd to do a bold and def-
. perate Adlion, which was to board Da'vis. As he
was making towards her, for that Purpofe, he fired a
Gun, and hoilled his black Colours ; 'Da'vis returned
(the Salute, and hoilled his black Colours alfo. The
French Man was not a little pleafed at this happy Wi-
ftake ; they both hoilled out their Boats, ami the
Captains went to meet and congratulate one anothei,
with a Flag of Truce in tlieir Sterns. A gieat many
Civilities pafled between them, and l,a Buuje defired
Da-vis to (ail down the Coail with him, that he
might get a better Ship : Da'vis agreed to it, and
very courteoufly proraifed him, that the firll Ship
he took, fit for his Ufe, he would give him be-
ing very willing to encourage an indullrious Bro-
ther.
The firft Place they touched at, was Sierrahon,
where, at firft going in, they fpied a tall Ship at An-
chor ; Da'vis, being the beil S:;ilor, .firft came up
with her, and wondering that Ihe did not try to make
oft", fufpefted her to. be a Siiipof Force. As foon as
hecame along Side of her, (he brouj^ht a Spring ujion
her Cable, and fired a whole Broadfitle upon Da'vi
at the fame Time hoifting a black Flag: Dai'
hoiftcd his black Flag in like Manner, and fired oi
Gun to Leeward.
In fine, ftie proved to be a Pirate Ship of twent
four Guns, commanded by one Cocklyn, who e
peeling tliefe two would prove Prizes, let tljem con
in, lelt his getting under Sail might frighten the
away, and fo he Ihould niifs the Booty.
The SatisfaSion was great on all Sides, at tl
Juniflion of Confederates and Brethren in Iniquir
two Days they ipent in improving their Acquaintaii
and Fricndfhip, the third Da)' Dniis and Cocilyn
greed, to go in La Bori/e\ Brignntine, and attack t
Fort ; tkey contrived it (o, as to get up thitl:tr
high Water ; thofe in the Fort fulpefted them to
what they really were, and therefore Hood upon tb
Defence. When the Bfig;imine came within Musk'
Sliot, the Fort fired all their Guns upon her; i
Brigantiiie did the like upon the Fort, and fo tl
held each otl-.er in Play for fcveral Hours, Vvhen i
two confederate Ships came up to the Affiltance of
Brigantiiie. Thofe who defended the lort, lee
fuch a Number of Hands on Board thefe Shipsj J
not the Courage to Hand it out any longer, but
bandoniig the Fort, left it to the Mercy of the
■rates.
They took Poffefiion of it, and continued th
near ieven Weeks, in which Time they all cleai
their Ships. We ftiould have obferved, that a Gal
came into the Road while they were there, wl
Daxis infilled ftiould be yielded to La Boufi, accc
inj, to his Word of Honour before given j Go
did not oppofe it, fo La Boufe went into her, w
his Crew, and, cutting her half Deck, mounted
with twenty four Guns.
Having called a Council of War, they agreed
fail down the Coaft together, and, for the gre
Grandeur, appointed a Commodore, who was C;
Davis ; but they had hot kept Comp.-^ny long, w
drinking together on Board of Z)fli;/j, they had .
to have fallen together by the Ears, the ftrong Liq
ftiriing up a Spirit of Difcord among them : Hof
however, put an End to the Quarrel, by this ft
Speech : — —Heark ye, you Cocklyn and La Bouf*
find hy Jlrengtbenivg you, I ha've put a Rod int«\
Hands to ivhip ?nffelf, tut Fm flill able tn deal t>
you both ; heiccver, fiace ive met in Love, let us }
in Love, for 1 find, that three of a Trade tart m
agree long together. Upon this, the other <
went on Board their refpeflive Ships, and immei
]y parted, each lleering a difFcrcnt Courfe.
Da<i,is held on liis Way down the Coaft, and i
king Cape Jppolioma, he met with two Scotch
fjue En^lfff} Vcffels, all which he plundred, and ti
iet them go. About five Days after, he fel; in wii|
Dutch Interloper of thirty Guns and ninety Men, (il
hc'ing Eng'iJ/j,) oft Cape Three Points Bay: Oi
coming up along Side of her, the Dutch Man
tiie ftrll fire, and pouring in a broad-fide upon Di
killed nine of his Men ; Da'vis returned it, and ^ vj
hot Engagement followed, whicli lailed from
Cluck at Noon till nine next Morning, when
Dutch Man ftruok, and yielded her felf their IVJ
Havis .fitted up the Dutch Ship for his own 11
and called her the Roier ; aboard of her he mOq
ed thirty two Guns, and 27 Swivels, and then fP
ceeded, with her and the K. James to AnamaJioi.
entered this Bay Letvv'ixt the Hours of twelve •
one at Noon, and found there three 5hips lyJuji
Anchor, who were trading for Negroes, GoM
Teeth: The Names of thefe Ships were the I
.Pink, Qccpx.Mall Commander; the Princefs, C
iPluiib, ^oi v.\iliih i/iibfts. who will laskc.a ce
drr.
Pyratesy Higbvjajme/^y Murderersj SCc.
^75'
^mWe Figure in the (eqael of this Hiftor)', was
fecond Mate j and the Morice Sloop, Capt. Fin ; he
takes thefe Ships without any Reiiltance, and ha-
ving plundred tliem, he makes a Prefent of one of
Jicm, 'viz. t\\e Morice Sloop, to the -D'utch Prifon-
i;rs. On Board of this Sloop alone were found a hun-
'ired and forty Negroes, befides dry Goods, and a
I Ironfiderable Quantity of Gold-Dull.
'■. It happened that feveral Canoes were along Side
)f this lull, when Danjis came in, who faved them-
"elves and got alhore ; thefe gave Notice at the Fort,
:hat thefe Ships were Pirates, upon which the Fort
ired upon them, but without doing any Execution ;
or their Mettle was not of Weight enougii to reach
hem i Da'vis therefore, by Way of Dttiince, hoiit-
d his black Flag, and returned tneir (Jomplnnent.
The fame Day he fail' J with lii- clirce Ships, ma-
ing his Way down the Coall towards Vrinces, a Por-
■ifuefe Colony : But before we proceed any farther
I Davis's Story, we ihall give our Reader an Ac-
junt of the Poiluguefe Settlements on this Coall,
,:,! other curious Remarks, as they were comniu-
.ited to us by an Ingenious Gentleman, lately ax-
veJ from thole Parts.
4 Defcrlption of the Ijlands of
St. Thome, Del Principe,
and Annobono.
I
\S the Portuguefe were the great Improvers of
Navigation, and the firft Europeans who trad-
to, and fettled on, the Coafts of ylfrica, even
nd to India, and made thofe Difcoveries, which
turn fo much to the Advantage of other Nations,
injy not be amifs, previoufly to give a Defcription
thofe Iflands, to hint on that wonderful Property of
e Loadllone, that a little before had been found out,
id enabled them to purfue fuch new and daring Na-
gations.
The attraftive Power of the Loadftorne 'was univer-
!ly known to the Ancients, as may be believed by
J being a native Foffil oi \.\i^ Grecians ; for 'tis call'd
lagnes i'lom Magnejia ; but its direftive, or polar
irtue, has only been known to us within this 350
ears, and is laid to be found out by yohn Goia, of
ialphi, in the Kingdom of Naples, Prima dedit
iktis ufmn magnetis Amalphi ; tho' others think and
lire us, it was tranfported by Paulus Vtnetus from
■>!a to Italy, like the two other famous Arts of
„.aern Ufe withus, PRINTING and the Ufe of
.UNS.
The other Properties or Improvements of the Mag-
;t, 'viz. its Variation, or Defluxion from an exact
I. or S. Line, Variation of that Variation, and its
iclination, svere the Inventions of Scbafiian Cabot,
Ir. Gellibiand, and Mr. Norman ; the Inclination of
le Needle, or that Property whereby it keeps an E-
vation above the Horizon, in all Places but under
le Equator, where 'tis JParellel, is as furprizing a
i.senomenon as any, and was the Difcovery of oar
ountrymen ; and could it be found regular, I ima-
iie it would very much help towards the Difcovery
■" the Longitude, at lead 'twould point out better
[ethods than arc hitherto known, when Ships drew
^h Land, which would anfwer as ufeful an End al-
uft as the other.
Before the Verticity and Ufe of the Compafs, the
iitLgTieji Navigations had extended no farther than
pe iV^«, which wa? their ne plus ultra, and there-
in W tJkd. DJlref; fi( Weather, imkt.t, had
drove fome Coafters to Porta Santo, and Madera,
before any certam Method of fleering was invented ;
but alter the Needle was feen thus infpired Navigati-
on every Year improv'd, under the great Encourage-
ments o( Henry, Alphonfus, dind John li. Kings of
■Portugal, in Part of the 14th and in the 15 th Cen-
tury.
King Alphonfus was not {o much at leifure as his
Predeceaor, to purfue thefe Difcoveries ; but, having
feen the Advantages that accrued to Portugal by
them, and that the Pope had. confirmed the perpe-
tual Donation of all tney ll.ould difcovcr between
Cape Bajadfre and India, inclufively> he refolv'd
not to neg'ieft the proper Affilbncej and fo farm'd
the Profits that did or might enlue, to one Bernard
Gomei, a Cit:zen of Lijben, who was every Voyage
obliged to uilcover ico Leagues Itill farther on : A-
bout the Year 1470, he maue thefe Ifknds, the only
Places of ail the confiderable and large Colonies they
had in Africa, t.^at do now remain to that down.
St. Tt?ame is the principal of the three, whofe
Governor isftiled Captain-General of the Iflands, and
from whom t!ie other at PriUccs receives his Com-
miliion, tho" nominated by the Court of Portugal:
It IS a Bilhopntk, with a great many fecular Clergy,
who appear to have neither Learning nor Devotion,
as may be judged by feveral of them being Negroes :
One of the Chief of them invited us to hear Mafs,
as a Diverfion to pais Time away ; where he, and
his interior Brethren, afted fuch affcfted Gettures
and Strains of Voice, as il.ewed, to their Di(hor.our>
. that they had no other Aim, than that of plealing
u.s J and, what I think was liill worfe, it was nsc
witiiout a View of Interell: ; for as tbeie Clergy-
are tne chief Traders, they Hoop to pitiful and fcan-
dalous Methods lor ingratiating therafelves: They
and the Government, on this trading Account, niain-
tam no great Harmony, being ever jealous of each
other, and prasSifmg little deceitful ArtS; to mono-
pol.ze what Strangers have to offer for fale,- whether
'1 oys or Cloaths, which of all Sorts are ever profit-
able Commodicics with the Portuguefe in all Parts
of the World : An ordinary Suit of Black will fell
for (even or eight Pound ; a Middle-row Wig of four
Sniiiiiigs, /or a Moidore j a Watch of forty Shil-
lings, tor lix Pound, isie.
The Town is of mean Building, but large and pc
pulous ; 'tis the Refidence of the greater Part of the
Natives, who, thro' the whole Ifland, are computect
at lococ, the Militia at 3000, and are, in general,,
a rafcally thievilL Generation, as an old grave Friend
of mine can witnefs ; for he, having carried a Bag
of lecond-hand Cloaths on Shore, to truck for Pro-
vifions, feated himfelf on the Sand for that Purpofe,
and prelerrtl^' gathered a Crowd round him, to view
them; one of thefe defired to know the Price of a
bLck Suit, that unluckily lay uppermoit, and was
the bell of them, agreeing to the Demand, with lit-
tle Heffitation, provided it would but fit him ; he put
them on immediately, in as much hurry as poflibI«,
without any co-liantia Seignor ; and. when my Friend
was about to commend the Goodnels of the Suit^ and
Exaftnefs they fet with, not dreaming of the Impu-
dence of his running away from a Crowd, the Rafcal
took to his Heels ; my Friend followed and bawled
\ery much, and, tho' there was 500 People about
the Place, it lerved to no other End but making hiru
a clear Stage, that the bell Pair of Heels might
carry it ; fo he lofl the Suit of Cloaths, and, before
he could return to his Bag, otliers of them haid beat
oS his Servant, and fliared the relh
Moll of the Siiips fro.Ti Guinea, of their owii Na-
tion, and frequently thofe of ouis, call atone or otiiet
of ;iit^fe Jji'inJ:, (Q reuiiic tvilhirel&.ProvifiQiis, aad
oka
iy6
A General History of
take in Water ; which on the Coaft are not fo good,
nor o conveni;ntly to come by : The. own ^.p
iikewile, when they touch here, are obhged to eave
the King his Cuttom for their Slaves, wh.ch.s always
n Goia! at i-o much a Head, wuhout any Deduft on
at Brak for the Mortality that may happen after
ward this, by being a conftant Bank to pay off the
dv I and military Charges of the Government, pre-
vents the Inconveniency of Remittances, and keeps
both St. no>ne and Prince, l^^ "ch enough, to ^
ready Money for every Thing they want ot the A«
"^The" Beefs are fmall and lean, few of them ex^
ceeding two hundred Weight, none ot them much
mor fbut the Goats, Hogs and Fowl, are very good
their Sugar is coarfe and dirty, and their Rum ^e rv
ordLryT as thefe Refrefhments lay moft with Peop c
whTa^^ in want of other Neceffaries, they come to
us in a Way of bartering very cheap : A g"od "og
for an old Cutlath ; a fat Fowl for a Span ot Brafil
Tobacco (no other Sort being valued) and fo in Pro-
irtiontothereft. But in Money you give eight
Sars J°r Head for Cattle, three Dollar, tora Goat,
fix Dollars for a grown Hog. a Teftune and a hal tor
a Fowl, a Dollar per Gallon for Rum, two Dollars
I Roov^ for Sugar,' and half a Dollar tor a Dozen of
Paroquets : Here is Plenty likew.fe of Corn and la-
rine of Limes, Citrons and Yamms.
The Ifland is reckoned to be almoft Square each
Side being . 8 Leagues long ; ]f hilly and under the
lEauinoaial, a wooden Bridge, juft without the
Toln. being faid not to deviate the lea^t Part of a
Minute, either to the Southward or Northward ; and,
notwithftanding this warm Situation, and the continu-
al vertical Suns, the Iflanders are very healthy,
which is imputed by thofe who are difpofed to be
merry in a great Meafure, to the Want of even fo
much as one Surgeon or Phyfician amongft them
The Iflc Del Principe, the next in Magnitude, is
a pleafant and delightful Spot to the grave and
thouKhtfulDifporitionofthePor/a^acA; '"\='." ^'"■
nrovementof Country Retirement, in that this may
be a happy and uninterrupted Retreat from the
whole World.
I fhall divide what I have to fay on this Ifland
into Obfervations made on our Approach to it, and
• on the Seas round it; the Harbour, the Produce of
the inand and Seafons. the Way of Living among
the Inhabitants, and ibme Cuftoms of the Negroes,
with fuch proper Deduftions on each, as may illult-
rate the Defcription, and inform the Reader.
We were bound hither from Whjdah, at the lat-
ter Part of the Month Juh, when the Rains are
over and the Winds hang altogether S. W. as they
do before the Rains, S. E. yet with this Wind we
found the Ship gained unexpeaedly fo far to the
Southward, that is the Windward, that we could
with eafe have weathered any of the Jflands ; and i:
feems next to impotfible how this Ihould be, if the
Currents, which wereUrong to Leeward, in tlie Road
of Whydah, had extended in like Manner crols the
Bite of Benin : No, it rauft then have been very dif-
ficult to have weathered even Cape Farmo/a : On
this Occdion, I (hall farther expatiate upon the Cur-
rents on the whole Coail of Guiney.
The Southern Coall of Jfrica runs in a Weflern
Line of Latitude, the Northern on an Eaftern Line ;
but both ftrait ; with the feweft Inlets, Gulphs or
Bays, of either of the four Continents ; the only large
and remarkable one, is that of Benin and Calabar,
towards which the Currents of each Coail tend, and
which is ftrongeft from the Southward, becaufe more
©pen to a large Sea, whofe rifing it is (tho' little and
fcarce difcernable at any Diftance from the Land,)
I
that gives rife to thefe Currents dole in Shore ; whici
are nothing but Tides, altered and diiturbed by thi
Make and Shape of Lands.
For Proof of this, I fhall lay down the followin;.
Obfervations as certain Fads. That in the Rivers c:
Gambia and SierraUoii, in the Straits and Chantiei
of Benin, and in general along the whole Coaft, th
Flowings are regular on the Shores, with this DiiFi
rence ; that, in the abovemention'd Rivers, and i'
the Channels of Benin, where the Shore contrafts t
Waters into a narrow Compafs, the Tides are itro:
and high, as well as regular ; but on the dead Coa_
where it makes an equal Reverbation, flow and lowj
(not to above two or three Foot,) increafing as yoi|
advance towards Benin ; and this is farther evidenn
in that at Cape Corfo, Succonda and Commcnda, ai)i
where the Land rounds and gives any Stop, tl
Tides flow regularly on four Foot m\A upwards
when on an evener Coalt, (tho' next adjoining
tliey ihall not exceed two or three Foot ; ai
ten Leagues out at Sea, (where no fuch Interru;
tion is,) they become fc.ucely, if at ail, percepi
ble.
What I would deduce from this, helides a Confi
mation of that ingenious Theory of the Tides,
Captain Halley, is tirll, that the Sll!p^ bound to A
gala, Cabenda, and other Places on the Southe
Coall of 4^7 /c^j, fhould crofs \)\c JEquinoair.l 'irt
Cape Palmat, and run into a Southern Latituc
without keeping too far to the Weihvard ; and t
Realbn feems plain, for if you endeavour to crofs
about the Iflands, you meet Calms, foutherly Wini
and oppofite Currents ; and if too far to the We
ward, the Trade Winds are ftrong and unfavourabl
for it obliges you to ftand into 8 or 30° Southern I
titude. till they are variable.
Secondly, On the Northern Side of Guiney,
Ships are bound from the Gold-Coaji to Sierralei
Gambia, or eliewhere to Windward, confidering t
Weaknefs of thefe Currents, and the Favourablen'
of Land Breezes, and Southerly the Rains, Turr
does, and even the Trade Wind, when abreaft
Cape Palmas, it is more expeditious to purfue t
Pailiige this Way, than by a long perumbulato
Courf'e of 4 or 500 Leagues to the Wellward, a
as many more to the Northward, which mull be I
fore a Wind can be obtained, that could recover t
Coaft.
Laftly, It is, in a great Meafure, owing to t
want of Inlets, and the Rivers bciug fmall and unt;
vigable, that the Seas rebound with fo dai.geroU'
SurfF thro' the whole Continent.
Round the Shores of this Ifland, and in July, /.
rufi and September, the Months ue were tliere, th(
is a great Relort ot Whale-Filh, tame, and fportJ
very high the Ships as they fail in ; they are al*:
in Pairs, the Female being much the fmalJer, and t
often feen to turn on their Backs for Daliioncc. I
Prologue to esgendring : This Filh has an en«;ir
called the Threfher, a large Fi(h too, that has
Haunts here at this Seaion, and encounters I
Whale, raifing himtelf out of the Water a confide,
ble Heighth, and falling again with great Weight a
Force : It is commonly faid alio, that there is a Sw6i
Fifh in thefe Battles, who pricks the Whale up to 1
Surface again ; but without this, I believe, he woi
fuffocate when put to quick Motions, unlefs f
quently approaching the Air, to ventilate and :
move the Impediments to a fwifter Circulatio
Nor do 1 think he is battled for Prey, but to :
move him from what is, perhaps, the Food of bo'
1'he Number of Whales here has put me fometin
on thinking than an advantageous Fifhery might
made of it ; but I prefame thefe no more than th(
of B'^afil are the Sort which yield the profitable Pa
tall
w
I'
111
d!
Pjrates, Higlmaymeny Murderersy dCc.
177
cilleJ Whale-Bone : All therefore that the Iflanders
do, is now and then to go out with two or three Ca-
noes, and fet on one for their Diverfion.
1 he Rocks and outer Lines of the Ifland, are the
Haunts of variety of Sea-Birds, efpecially Boobies
and Noddies ; the former are of the Bigneis of a Gull,
and a darlc Colour ; named fo from their Simplicity,
becaufe they often fit ftill and let the Sailors take
them up in their Hands ; but I fancy this fucceeds
more frequently from their Wearinefs, and the Large-
nefs of their W ings, which when they once hive
retted, cannot have the Scope neceffary to raife and
3oat them on the Air again. Tlie Noddies arefm.ll-
:r and flat footed alfo.
What I would remark more of them, is, the ad-
nirable Inftinft in thefe Birds, with refpeft to the
iroper Seafons, and the proper Places for Support.
:n the aforemention'd Months, when the large Fi(h
re here, numerous Flocks of Fowl attend tor the
ipawn and Superfluity of their Nouriftiment i and in
fanuary few of either : For the fame Reafon, tliere
re fcarce any Sea Fowl feen on the Africnn Coaft ;
locks and Winds being generally their beft Security
nd Subfiftance.
The Harbour of Princes is at the E. S. E. Point
f the Ifland ; the North-Sid« has gradual Soun-
ings, but here is deep Water, having no Ground
[ a Mile cffShore, with 140 Fathom of Line. The
ort when entered, is a fmooth narrow ^^.)', fafe
om Winds, (unlefs a little Swell when Southerly)
id draughted into other fmaller and fandy Ones,
)nvenient for raifmg of Tents, Watering, and haw-
-.g the Seam ; the whole protefted by a Fort, or
ither Battery, of a dozen Guns on the Larboard-
de. At the Head of the Bay Hands the Town, a-
jut a Mile from the anchoring Place, and confifts of
^0 or three regular Streets of wooden built Houfes,
here the Governor and chief Men of the Ifland te-
le. Here the Water grow fliallow for a confidera-
e Diftance, and the Natives, at every Ebb, (hav-
g before encompafled every convenient Angle with
rife of Stones, fometimes like the Weirs in England)
fort for catching of Fifh, which, with thein, is a
lily Diverfion, as well as Subfiftance; 500 attending
ith Sticks and wicker Baikets ; and if they cannot
p them with one Hand, they knock them down with
le other. The Tides rife regularly 6 Foot in the
arbour, and yet not half that Heighth without the
apes that make the Bay.
Here are conftantly two Miflionaries, who are fent
ir fix Years, to inculcate the Chrillian Principles,
id more efpecially attend the Converiion of the Ns-
roes, the prefent are Venetiam ingenious Men, who
em to deipife the loofe Morals and Behaviour of the
:cu!ars, and complain of them as of the Slaves, jtt
ilore M$re Jant nigri. They have a neat conven-
lal-Houie and a Garden appropriated ; which, by
leir own Induftry and Labour, not only thrives
ith the feveral Natives of the Soil, but many Ex-
icks and Curiofities. A Fruit in particular, larger
an a Chefnut, yellow, containing two Stones, with
Pulp, or clammy Subftance about them, which,
hen fuck'd, exceeds in fweetnefs Sugar or Hone\-,
id has this Property beyond them, of giving a iweet
afte to every Liquid you fwallow for the whole
I'ening after. The only Plague infefting the Gar-
n, is a Vermin called Land-Crabsj which are in
ft Numbers; they are of a bright red Colour, but in
her Reipefts like the Sea ones : They burrough in
;fe fandy Soils likeRabbets, and are altogether as fliy.
■ The Ifland is a pleafant Intermixture of Hill and
jilley ; the Hills are fpread with Palms, Cocoa-
iJts, and Cotton-Trees, with Numbers of Monkeys
|1 Parrots among thwr i ths Valleys with fruitful
46
Plantations of 7~amms, Kululu, Papas, Variety of
Salhting, Ananas, or Pine-Apples, Guavas, Plan-
tanes. Bananas, Manyocos. and Indian Com ; with
Fowls, Guinea Hens, Mufco-vy Ducks, Goats, Hogs,
Turkies, and wild Beefs ; with each a little Vil-
lage of Negroes* who, under the Direftion of their
feveral Mafters> manage the Cultivation, and ex-
change or fell their Produft for Mohey; much after
the f.ime Rates with the People of St. Thimte.
\\e lliall run thro' a Defcription of the Vegetables,
with tlieir Properties ; not only becaufe they are the
Produce of this Ifland, but moft of them of Africa in
general.
The Palm-Trees are numerous on the Shores of A-
frica, and may be reckoned the firft of their natural
Curiofities, in that they afford them Meat, Drink,
and Cloathing 1 they grow very ftraight to 40 and 50
Foot high, and, at the Top only, have 3 or 4 Cir-
cles of Branches, that fpread ahd ihake a cajjacious
Umbrella. The Trunk is very rough with Knobs,
either Excrefcencies, or the Healings of thofe Branch-
es, that were loop'd off to forward the Growth of
the Tree, and make it anfwer better in its Fruit.
The Branches are flrongly tied together with a G?-;f.v,
which may be unravelled to a confiderable Length and
Breadth ; the inward Lamella of this Cortex, are wo-
ven like a Cloath at Benin, and afterwards died and
worn : Under the Branches, and clofe to the Body of
the Tree, hang the Nuts ; thirty Bunches perhaps on
a Tree, and each of tliirty Pound Weiglit ; with
prickly Films from between them, not unlike Hedge-
Hogs : Oi thefe Nuts comes a liquid and pleafant
fcented Oylj ufed as Food and Sauce all over the
Coaft, but chiefly in the Windward Parts o{ Africa,
where they Ibmp, boil and fkim it off in great Quan-
tities ; underneath, where the Branches faften, they
tap them for Wine, called Ctckra, iii this Manner ;
the Negroes, who are mottly limber adtive Fellows,
encompafs themfelves and the Trees with a Hoop of
llrong With, and run up with a great deal of Agiuty,
at the Bottom of a Branch of Nuts, he thatalcends
makes an Excavation of an Inch aritl a half dver, and
tying faft his Calabafli, leaves it to diilil, Which it
does to two or three Quarts in a Night's Tin.ej
when done he plugs it up, and choofes another ; for
if fuffered to run too much, or in the Day Time, the
S p is unwarily exhaufted, and the Tree fpoiled : The
Liquor thus drawn is of a wheyifli Colour, very in-
toxicating: It fours in 24 Hours, biit when new
drawn, is pleafant to thirji and hunger both : It is
from thefe Wines they draw their Arrack in India.
On the very Top of the Palm grows a Cabbage, call-
ed fo, we believe, from fome Refemblance its Talle
is thought to have with ours, being ufed like it ; the
Covering has a Down that makes the beft of Tinder,
and the Weavings of other Parts are drawn out into
ftrong Thread*. '
Coco-Nut -Trees are branch'd Like, But not fo tall as
Palm Trees ; the Nut like them, growing under the
Branches, and clofe to the Trunk ; the milky Li-
quor they contain, to the Quantity of half a Pint, or
more, is often drank to quench Thirft, but is apt to
furfeit ; and this may be obferved in their Way of
Nourifliment, that when the Quantity of Milk is
large, the Shell and Meat are very thin, and they har-
den and thicken in Proportions, as that lofes.
Cotton Trees alfo are the Growth of all Parts of
Africk, as well as the Iflands, they are of vaftBig-
nefs, yet not fo apt to increafe as the Shrubs or
Bufties ofiive or fix Foot high ; thefe bear a Frut
(if it may be fo called) about the Bignefs of Pigeoni
Eggs, which, as the Sun fwells and ripens it, burfts
forth and difcovers three Cells loaded with Cotton,
and Seeds in the Middle of thera ■. This in moft
Zz
Parts
1^8
-^ General History af
Parts the Negroes know how to fpin, and here, at
Nicongo, and the Ifland St. Ja^o, how to weave into
Cloths. *
Tamms are a common Root, fweeter but not un-
like Potatoes : Kubalu is a herb like Spinnage : Papa,
a Fruit lefs than the fmalleft Pumkins ; they are all
three for boiling, and to be eat with Meat ; the lat-
ter are improv'd by the Englijh into a Turnip or an
Apple Taile, with a due Mixture of Butter or
Limes.
Guava^s are a Fruit as large as a Pipin, with Seeds
and Stones in it, of an uncouth aibinging Tafte, the'
never {o much be faid in Commendation of it : At
Qi^WeJi- Indies, it is common for the Cf?£i//««j, (who
have tailed both,) to give it a Preference to Peach or
Ne£birine ; no amazing Thing for Men, whofe Ta(-
tes are fo degenerated, as to prefer a Toad in a Shell,
(as IVard calls Turtle,) to Venifon, and Negroes to
fine Englijh Ladies.
Plantanes and Sonano's are Fruit of oblong Fi-
gure, that I think differ only fecundum Majus {3" Mi-
nus; if any, the latter are preferable, and, by being
lefs, ar&jucier ; they are ufually, when llripped of
their Coat, eat at Meals inftead of Bread : The Leaf
of this Plantane is an admirable Detergent, and ex-
ternally applied, has been known to cure the moll ob-
flinate fcorbutick Ulcers.
Manyoco is a Root that (hoots its Branches about
the heighth of a Currant Bulli ; from this Root the
Manders make a Farine of Flower, which they fell
at three Ryals a Roove, and drive a confiderable
Trade for it with the Ships that call in. The man-
ner of making it, is, firfl to prefs the Jaice from it,
(which is poifonous) by the help of Engines, and then
the Negroe Women, upon a rough Stone, rub it into
a granulated Flower, which they referve in their
Houfes, either to boil, as we do our Wheat, when
it makes a hearty Food for the Slaves ; or to make it
into a Bread, fine, white, and well tailed, for them-
fdves. One thing worth taking Notice about Ma-
jiyoco in this Ifland, is, that the Woods abound with
% wild, poifonous, and more mortiferous Sort, which
fometimes Men, unfkilled in the Preparation of it,
feed on to their Deflruftion: This the Miffiona-
ries afTured me they often experimented in their
Hogs, and believed we did in the Mortality of our
Sailors.
Indian Corn is likewife, as well as the Fan'ne de
Manyoco and Rice, the common Viftualling of our
Slave Ships, and is afforded here at i ooo Heads for
two Dollars. This Com grows eight or nine Foot
high, on a hard Reed or Stick, ihootingforth at every
fix Inches Heighth, fome long Leaves ; it has alwa)s
an Ear, or rather Head, at the Top of it, perhaps
containing 400 Fold Increafe ; and often two, three,
or more, about Midway.
Here are fome Tamarind Trees ; another Tree
Called Cola, whofe Fruit, or Nut (about twice the
Bignefs of a Chefnut, and bitter) is chewed by the
Portuguefe, to give a fweet Gu(l to their Water which
they drink ; but above all, the Bark of one is gravely
affirmed by the Inhabitants, to have a peculiar Pro-
perty of enlarging the Virile Member ; thofe who are
Bot fond of fuch Conceits, nor believe it in the Power
ef any Vegetables, have acknowledged they have
feen Sights of this kind among the Negroes very ex-
traordinary ; yet, that there may be no Wifhes a-
mong the Ladies for the Importation of this Bark.
I mull acquaint them, that they are found to grow
lefs merry, as they encreafe in Bulk. I had like to
have forgot their Cinnamon Trees ; there is only one
Walk of them, which is the Entrance of the Gover-
nor's Villa ; they thrive extreamly well, and the
Bark is not inferior to our einnamon ftom hdia.
The Reafon why they and other Spices, in a Soil fa
proper, receive no farther Cultivation, is, probably,
their Sufpicion, that fo rich a Produce might make
fome potent Neighbour take a Fancy to the Ifland.
They have two V/inters, or rather Springs, and
two Summers : Their Winters, which are the rainy
Seafons, come in September and February, or March
and hold two Months, returning that Fatnefs and ge-
nerative Power to the Earth, that makes it yield 2
double Crop every Year, with little Sweat or La-
bour.
Hie Ver -ajfiduuni atque Alienis Menfibus ^fias .
Bis granjidce Pecudes, bis Pomis utilis arboi
Their firft coming is with Travado's, /. e. fuddei
and hard Gulls of Wind, with Thunder, Lightning
and heavy Showers ; but the Continuance of thel
'i empeils is very fhort ; and the next new or fu
Moon at thofe Times of the Year, infallibly intro
duces the Rains, which once begun, fall with littl
Intermiilion, and are obferv'd to be coldcil in /V^;
ary. Similar to thefe are rainy Seafons alio o\ tr u
the Coall of Africa : If there may be allowed an
general Way of calculating their Time, they happe
from the Courfe of the Sun, as it refpedls the Mq,
tioSiialonly ; for if thefe Equinoxes prove rainy Se; I
fons all over the World (as we are apt to think thi
do) whatever fecret Caufe operates with that Stati( I
of the Sun to produce them, will more effeftual
do it in thofe vicine Latitudes ; and therefore, as 1 1
Sun advances, the Rains are brought on the Whyd,
and Gold Coaft by April, and on the Windwardmi
Part of Guiney by May : The other Seafon of 1 1
Sun's returning to the Southward, makes them mc
uncertain and irregular in North Africa ; but tl:
to 'tlie Southward again, they proceed in like m\
ner, and are at Cape Lopex in Oiioher, at Angola j
Noi-eniber, and fo in proportion at the other Parti 1
The Manner of living among the Portuguefe he
is, with the utmoft Frugality and Temperance, ev
to Penury and Starving ; a familiar Inllance of t
appears in the Veracity of their Dogs, wlio, findil
fuch clean Cupboards at home, are wild in a manil
with Hunger, and tear up the Graves of the Del
for Food, as has been often feen : They tliemfel [
are lean with Covetoufnefs, and that Chrillian V I
tue, which is often the Refult of it, Selfdenial; til
would even train up their Cattle in the fame W; I
could they fetch as much Money, or had not til
their Provifion more immediately of Providence. Tl
beil of them (excepting the Governor now and tbif
neither pay nor receive any Vifits of Efcapade or ll
creation ; they meet and fit down at each oth|
Doors in the Street every Evening ; and as few 1
them, in fo fmall an Ifland, can have their Plafii
tions at any greater Diilance, than that they nf
fee them every Day if they will, fo the Subjedl
their 'i'alk is moftly how Affairs went there,
their Negroes, or their Ground, and then they pi
one with another innocently, but as empty as wl I
they came together.
The Negroes have yet no hard Duty with tb
they are rather Happy in Slavery ; for as their Fdj
is chiefly \ egetables, that could no Way elfe ht\
pended, there are no Murmurs bred on that Accou
and as their Bufinefs is Domeftick, either in the Ej-
vices of the Houfe, or in Gardening, Sowing, I
Planting, they Jiave no more than what every IVi
would prefer for his Health and Pleafure ; the hai
ell of their Work, is, the Carriage of their MaflcL
or their Wives, to and from the Plantations ; ifi
they do in Hammocks (called at Whydah, Serpentin
flung crof' a Pok. with a Cloth overhead, to fa
Pyratssf High'waymen-, Murderer Sy &c.
e Perfon, fo carried, from Sun and Weather, and
t Slaves are at each End ■; and yet even this, me-
iiiks, is better tlian the fpecious Liberty a Man
s for himfelf and Ws Heirs to work in a Coal
inc.
I'he Negroe-; are moft of thenij thro' the Care
their Pacioons, Chriftians, at leail nominal ; but,
,;epting lome few, they adhere ftill to manv filly
gaii Cutloms, in their Mournings and Rejoicings ;
J in Tome Meafure, a powerful Majority of thefe
ople has introduced their Manners among the \ ul-
I of tiie Mulatto and Portumefe Race.
ii a Perlbn die in that Colour, the Relations and
lends of him meet at the Houfe, where the Corpfe
laid out decently on the Ground, and covered .ill
, ;cpt the Face, with a Sheet ; they fit round it,
< ing and howling dreadfully, not unlike what the
itives are laid to do in Ireland : This Mourning
, for eight Days and Nights, but not equally in-
li-, for a:, the Friends, who compofe the Chorus,
out and in, they grow wtary, and unequally af-
tcd ; fo that the Tone lelTens daily, and the Inter-
3 of Grief are longer.
In Rejoicings and Fellivals they are equally ridi-
I oas ; thefe are commonly nSade on fonie Friend's
:ape from Shipwreck or other Danger : They meet
I large Room of the Houfe, with a Strum, Strum,
■Ahich one of the Company, perhaps, fings wofully ;
1 rell, ftanding round the Room clofe to the Par-
ons, take it in their Turns, one or two at a
' lie to iiep round, in a manner which they call
iicing, the whole clapping their Hands continual-
and hooping out every Minute Abeo, which
: iify no more, than, tio'vj do you do ? And this
( li(h Mirth will continue three or four Days to-
I her at a Houfej and, perhaps, twelve or fixteen
. urs at a Time.
The Portuguefe, tllo' eminently abftemious and
■ iperate in all other Things, ate unbounded in their
lis ; and perhaps they fubliitute the former, in tlie
im of a Surgeon, as a Counterpoifon to the Mif-
I efs of a promifcuous Salacity : They have molt
I them Venereal Taints, and with Age become mea-
(randheftick: I faW two Inllances here of Ve-
ireal Ulcers that had cancerated in the Bowels,
^eftacles enough to have effeftually perfwaded Men
w Salutary the Reftriftion of Laws are.
Jnnabttio is the laft, and of the leaft Confequence
the three lilands j there are Plenty of Fruits and
ovifions, which they exchange for old Cloaths and
'rifles of any Sort; they have a Gorernor nomi-
ted from St. Thomi, and two Or three Prielts,
ither of which are minded, every one living at
iicretion, filled with ignorance and Luft.
The Pleafure which we conceive the Reader has
und in our Account of thefe Iflands, will, we
ipe, attone for the length of the Digreffion.
To return to Daiiii, the next Day after he left
namabse, early in the Morning, the Man at the
; aft-Hcad efpied a Sail. It mult be obferved, they
i^ep a good Look-out ; for, according to their Ar-
;les, he who firft efpies a Sail, if (he proves a Prize,
entitled to the beft Pair of Piftols on board, over
,cd above his Dividend, in which they take a fingu-
r Pride ) for a Pair of thefe honorary Pillols has
metimes been fold for thirty Pounds, from one to
other.
Immediately they gave Chace, and foon came up
ith her j the Ship proved to be a Hollander, and,
ing betwixt Dai/is and the Shore, flie made all the
\ il ihe could,- intetfding to run aground : Daiiis gutf-
1 her Defign, and putting out all his fmall Sails,
me up with her before ihe could efFeft it, and hred
Rrosdfide, upifn which ftie immediately ftruck.
179
and called for Quarter. Jt was granted ; for accord-
ing to Dafis's Articles, it was agreed, that Quar-
ter ftould be given whenever it was called for, up-
on Pain of Death.
This Ship proved a very rich Priie, having the
Governor of Jcra on Board, with all his EiFefts,
going to Holland; there was in Money to the Value
of r 5000/. Sterling, befides other valuable Merchan-
dizes, all which they brought on Board of themfelves.
Upon this new Succefs, they rertored Captain Hall
and Captain Plumb, before-mentioned, their Ships
again ; but llrengthened their Company with thirty
five Hands, all white Men, taken out of thefe two
and the Morricc Sloop ; they alfo reftored the Dutch
their Ship, after having plunder'd her, as is men-
tioned.
Before they got to the Ifland of Princes, their
Ship the King James fprung a Leak ; Daw order'd
all Hands out of her, on Board his own Ship, with
every thing elfe of Ufc, and left at an Anchor at
High Cameroon. As foon as he came in Sight of the
liland, he hoilled Englijh Colours. The Portuguefe,
obferving a large Snip lailing towards them, fent
out a Sloop to examine what Ihe might be ; this
Sloop hailing of Davis, he told them he was an
Etigli/h Man of War, in quell: of Pirates, and that he
had received Intelligence there were fome upon that
Coall ; upon this they received him as a welcome
Gueft, and piloted him into the Harbour. He fa-
luted the Fort, which they anfwered ; affd he came
to an Anchor jull under their Guns, and hoilled out
the Pinnace, Man of War fafliion, ordering nine
Hands and a Coxen into it, to row him aftiore.
The Portuguefe, to do him the greater Honour,
fent down a file of Mufqueteers to receive hiJn,
and conduft him to the Governor. Tht Goverfibr,
not in the leaft fufpefting what he wasj receiv«l him
very civilly, promifing to fupply hirn with whatevet
the liland afforded. Dauis thanked hmij telling him
the King of England would pay for whatever he
ihould take ; fo, after feveral Civihties pafs'd bie-
tween him and the Governor, he returned again iki
Board.
It happened that a French Shi^ came in there, tO
fupply it felf with fome Neceffaries which Daws
took into his Head to plunder ; but to give the
thing a Colour of Right, he perfuaded the Portuguefe,
that fhe had been trading with the Pirates, and thi^
he found feveral Pirates Goods on Board, which he
feized for the King's Ufe : This Story paffed fd
well upon the Governor, that he commended Davit
for his Diligence.
A few Days after, Davis, with aboiit fourteen
more, went privately afhore, and walk'd up the
Country towards a ViHage, where the Governor, and
the other chief Men of the Ifland, kept their Wives:
Their Intent, as we may fuppofe, was to fupply
their Husbands Places with them ; but being dilco-
vered, the Women fled to a neighbouring Wood, and
Davis and the reft retreated to their Ship, without
effcfting their Defign : The Thing made fome Noife,
but as no body knew them, it paffed over.
Having cleaned his Ship, and put all Things in Or-
der, his Thoughts now were turned upon the main
Buiineft, -vizi the Plunder of the Ifland. Not know-
ing where the Treafure lay, the following Stratagem
came into his Head, to get it with a little Trouble ;
he confulted his Men upon it, and they liked the
Defign : His Scheme was, to make a Prefent to the
Governor of a Dozen Negroes, by Way of Return
for the Civilities received from him, and afterwards
to invite him, with the chief Men of the Ifland,
and fome of the FriarSj on board his Ship^ to an
Entertaiment ; the Minutf they came on Board, they
were
1
iSo
ji General History of
were to be fecured in Irons, and there kept till they
ftiould pay a Ranfom of 40000 /. Sterling.
But this Stratagem proved fatal to him ; for a
Partuguefe Negroe fwam afliore in the Night, and
difcovered the whole Plot to the Governor, and alfo
let him know, that it was Danits who had made the
Attempt upon their Wives. However, the Gover-
nor diffembled, received the Pirates Invitation civil-
ly, and promifed that he and the reft would come.
The next Day Davis went on Shore himfelf, as
if it were out of greater Refpeft, to bring the Go-
vernor on Board : He was received with the ufual
Civility, as were feveral other principal Pirates.
Some of thefe, by the Way, had alTumed the Title
of Lords, and as fuch took upon them to advife or
councel their Captain, upon any important Occafion ;
and likewife held certain Priviledges, which tJie
common Pirates were debarr'd from ; fuch as walk-
ing the Quarter-Deck, ufing the great Cabin, going
afhore at Pleafure, and treating with foreign Pow
that is, with the Captains of Ships they made P
of. Da'vis and fome of the Lords were defirec
walk up to the Governor's Houfe, to take fome
frefhment before they went on Board again ; t
accepted it without the leaft Sufpicion, but lu V
returned again. An Ambufcade was laid, and, 3
Signal being given, a whole Volley was iired u n
them ; they every Man dropped, except one ; s
one fled back, efcaped into the Boat, and got p.
Board the Ship : Da'vis was ihot thro' tlie Boh
yet he rofe again, and made a weak Effort to ge
way; but his Strength foon forfook him, and
dropp'd down dead. Juft .is he fell, he percei
he was followed, and drawing out his Pillols,
fired them at his Purfuers : Thus, like a g.ime Cc
giving a dying Blow, that he might not fall ui
venged.
Tlbe L I F E 0/ Captain BARTHO. ROBERTS
BArthohmtiu Rohtrts failed from London in an
honeft Employ, aboard of the Prince/s, Capt.
Plumb Commander, of which Ship he was
fecund Mate : He left England m November, 1719,
and arrived at Guinty about February following,
whcH being at Anamaboe, taking in Slaves for the
Wtft-InditSi he was taken in the faid Ship by Capt.
Hotuel Davis, as mention'd in his Life. In the
Beginning he was very averfe to this fort of Life,
and would certainly have efcaped from them, had a
feir Opportunity prefented itfelf j yet afterwards he
changed his Principles, as many befides him have
done upon another Element, and perhaps for the fame
Reafon too, viz. Preferment. ■- What he did
not like as a private Man, he could reconcile to his
Confcience as a Commander.
Davis being cut off in the manner beforementi-
Oned, the Company found themfelves under a Ne-
cellity or filling up his Pott, for which there appeared
two or three Candidates, among the feleft Part of
them, that were diftinguilhed by the Title of Lords ;
fuch were Sympfon, AJhplant, Anjiis, &c. Upon can-
vafing this Matter, and confidering how fhatter'd and
weak a Condition their Government mull be in
without a Head, i\wx Davis had been remov'd, in
the manner beforemention'd, my Lord Dennis pro-
posed, 'tis faid, over a Bowl, to this Purpofe.
^hat it vias not ef any great Signijication ivho ivas
dignify'' d njjith the Title ; fince really and in Truth, nil
good Governments, and among them theirs, had the
fupream Poiuer lodged with the Community, nvho might
doubtlefs depute and revoke as fuited Intereft or Hu-
:AOur. We are the Original of this Claim (fays he)
andfhould a Captain be fo faiucy as to exceed Pre-
fcription at any Time, why down with Him ! It ivill
be a Caution after he is dead to his Succejfors, ofivhat
fatal Confequence any fort of ajjuming may be. Hoiv-
ever, it is my Advice, that, nuhile •we are fiber, ive
pitch upon a Man of Courage, andikiWdin Naviga-
fion, ene ivho, by hii Ctuncil end Brnvery, feemi beji
able to defend this Common-voealth, and nuard us j
the Dangers and Tempefts of an inftable Elen.
and the fatal Confequence of Anarchy ; andfu,
one I take Roberts to be : A Felloiv, 1 think, in
ReffeHs, Ivor thy your EJleem and Favour.
This Speech was loudly applauded by all but I
Sympfon, who had fecret Expectations himfelf,
who, on this Difappointment, grew lullen,
left them, fwearing, he did not care nvho they c
Captain, fo it vias not a Papiji : for againji I
he had conceived an irreconcileable Hatred, bee.
his Father bad been a Sufferer in Monmouth'j
belli on.
Roberts was accordingly elefted, tho* he had
been above fix Weeks among them, the Choice
confirm'd both by the Lords and Commoners,
he accepted of the Honour with faying, Tkatj
be had dipped his Hands in muddy Water, and muj
a Pirate, it ivas better being a Commander tha,
common Man.
As foon as the Government was fettled, by |!
moting other Officers in the room of thofe that »
kill'd by the Portuguefc, the Company refolv't
revenge Captain Davis''% Death, he being more t
ordinarily refpefted by the Crew, for his Affabi
and good Nature, as well as his Conduft and 1
very upon all Occafions ; and purfuant to this Ri
lution, about 30 Men were landed, in order fom
an Attack upon the Fort, which mull be afcendec
by a lleep Hill againft the Mouth of the Cann
Thefe Men were headed by one Kennedy, a bold
ring Fellow, but very wicked and profligate ; t
march'd direftly up under the Fire of their S
Guns, and as foon as they were difcover'd, the Po.
guefe quitted their Poll and fled to the Town ; ujl
which the Pirates march'd in without Qppofition, t
Fire to the Fort, and threw all the Guns off the 1 J
into the Sea, which after they had done, they retreajl
quietly to their Ship.
But this was not look'd upon a.-; a fufficient Sa .
faa>
i
^a^^Soart/f a/oin^ rv .y^o^e/r/^f^
Pyratssy Highwaymen, Murder
lury they received, therefore moft however, tho' tl
'ers, &c.
i8i
f-id^ion for the Injury they received, therefore moft
of" tile Company were for burning the Town, which
Rsbe: ts iliid he would yield to, if any means could
bs propofed of doing it without their own Dellruc-
tion ; for the Town had a fecurer Situtation than the
Fort, a thick Wood coming almolt dole to it, and
i.'fjrding Cover to the Defendants ; who under fuch
an Advantage, he told them, it was to be fear'd,
would fire and Ihnd better to their Arms ; befides,
tli.it bare Houfes would be but a flender Reward for
their trouble and Lofs. This prudent Advice pic-
vailed ; liovvever, they mounted the French Ship wnicii
they had feiz'd at this Place, with 12 Guns, and
ligiit'ned her, in order to come up to the Town, the
Water being fhoal, and with her they battered down
feveral Houfes : After this, they all returned on
Boad, gave back the French Ship to thofe that had
niofi Right to her, and failed out of the Harbour by
' the Lignt of two Portugiuji Ships which they were
pleafed to let on Fire tiicre.
Roberts ftood away to the Southward, and met with
a Dutch Guiiief Man, which he made Prize of; but
after having plundered her, the Skipper had his Ship
again. '1 wo Days after, he took an £«t///& Ship,
called the Experiment, Captain Cornet, at Cape Lopez :
The Men went all into the Pirate Service, and ha-
ving no Occafion for the Ship, they burnt her, and
then fleered for St. Thome ; but meeting with no-
thing in their Way, they failed for Anamabona, and
there watered, took in Piovilions, and put it to a
Vote of the Company, whether their ne.\t Voy.-gc
(hould be to the Eaft-Indies, or to Brafil ; the latter
being relolv'd on, they failed accordingly, and in 28
Days arrived at Ferdinando, an uninhabited Jflind on
thatCoaft : Here they water'd, boot-top'd their Ship,
and made ready for the defigned Cruize.
Now we are upon this Coall, we think it will be
I" very proper to prefent our Readers with a Defcrip-
tion of the Country, and fomc ingenious Remarks
of a Friend, which (hew how beneficial a Trade
might be carried on here by our Wejl-hidia Merch-
ants, at a little Hazard.
PESCRIPTION
O F
B RA S I L, &c.
B
iiiictrez Cabral, Anno Do
R A S I L (a Name fignifying the holy CroG)
was diicovered for the King of Portugal, by
cot ; it extends almoll
rem the ^quinoSlial to 28° South. The Air is
emperate and cool, in comparifon of the Weft-Ind'ui,
rom flronger Breezes and an opener Country, which
;ives lef> Interruption to the Winds.
The northermoll Part of it, ftretching about 180
leagues, is a fine fertile Country, and was taken from
he Porfjgiiefe by the Dutch l'/eft-h:dia Company,
iimo. 1637, or thereabouts ; but the Conquerors, as
i' natuial where there is little or no Religion fub-
fting, made luch heavy Exadions on the Portuguefe,
nd extended fuch Cruelty to the Natives, that pre-
.red mem both to unite in a voluntary Revolt, fa-
lilitated by ttie Dutch Mifmanagement : For the
tes, being at this Time very intent on their India
|ett!ements, not only recalled Count Maurice their
'cvernor, but neglefted Supplies to their Garrifons ;
however, tho' the other.> were countenanced with a
Fleet from Portugal, and had the Affeaion of the
Natives, yet they found Means to withttand and
llruggle with this fuperior Power, from 1645, to
16&0, and then was wnolly abandoned by them, on
Arncles dilhonourable to the Portuguefe, viz.
That the Dutch, on RelinquiQung, lliould keep
all the Places they had conquered in India from Por-
tugal. That the Portuguefe fnould pay the States
800CO0/. and permit them lUll the Liberty of Trade
to Africa and Brafil, On the fame Cuitoms and Du-
ties with the Knig of Po/-/j.^a.''s Subjefts. Butfince
that Time, new Stipulations and Treaties have been
made ; wherein tiie Dutch, who have been to-
tally excluded the Brofil Trade, have, in liea
thereof, a Compofition of 10 per Cent, for the Li-
berty of trading to Africa ; and this is always left
by every Portuguefe Snip, before (he begins her Sla-
ving, with the Dutch General of the Gold-Coafi, at
Dcj Minai.
There are only three principal Towns of Trade on
the Brafil Coalt, St. Sal-vadore, St. Sebajiian, and
Pernambuca,
ii. Sal-jadore, in the Bahia hs todus Santos, is an
Arc;,biftiopr4ck and Seat of the \'iceroy, the chief
Port of Trade for Inip'ortation, where moll of the
Gold from tiie Mi.ies is lodged, and whence the
Fleets for Europe generally depart. The Seas about
it abound with V\ uale-Filh, which in the Sealbn
they catch in great Numbers; the Flelh is faJted up
generally to be the Viduaiiiiig of their Siave-Ships,
and tlie Train referved for Exportation, at 30 and
35 MiUrays a Pipe.
Rio Jitntiro, or the Town St. Schaftian, is the
Soutiiermoll of the Portuguefe Ports, and the worlt
provided of Nece(raries ; but commodious fcr a Set-
tlement, becaufc nigh the Mine, and convenient to
fjperviie the Slaves, who, as we have been told, do
uiually allow their Maftcr a Dollar per Diem, and
have tne Overplus of their Work to themfelves.
The Gold from hence is efleemed the belt:, it be-
ing of a coppeiif.i Colour, and they have a Mint to
run it into Coin, both here and at Bahia ; the Moi-
doies of either having the initial Letters of each
PLce upon them.
Pernambuca, though mention'd lall, is the fecond
in Dignity, a large and populous Town, and has its
rife fiom the Ruins aiOlinda, or The Haudfome, a City
of a t.ir pieaianter Situation, fix Miles up the River,
but not lo commodious for Traffick and Commerce.
Jull aijove the Town the River divides it felf into
two Br..nches, not running direflly into the Sea, but
to the Southward ; and in the Nook of the Ifland
made by that Divifion, Ihnds the Governor's Houfe,
a Iquaie plain Building of Count Maurice^), with
two lowers, on which are only this Date infcribed.
Anno 1641. The Avenues to it are every pleafant,
t.'irough Villo's of tall Coco-Nut Trees.
Over each Branch of the River is a Bridge; that
leading to the Country is all of Timber, but' the
other to the Town, confilling twenty lix or twenty
eight Arches, is half of Stone, and made by the
Dutch, who in their Time had little Shops and ga-
ming Houfes on each Side for Recreation.
1 he Pavements alio of the Town are in fome
Places of broad Tilts, ti^e remaining Fragments of
their Conqueil. The Town has the outer Branch
of the River behind it, .".nd the Harbour before it ;
jetting into which latter arc clole Key?, for the
weigiiiiig and receiving of Cullomage on Merchan-.
dize, and for tiie meeting and conJerruig of Mer-
ciianis and Traders. The Houfes are llrong built,
but homely Ictticed, like thofe of L'rfuon, for the
/idmilEon of Air, without Clofets, and, what is
3 A vvorfe.
i8l
^ General History of
worfe, without Hearths, which makes their Cookery
coniilt all in frying and flawing upon Stoves ; and
that they do till the Flefh becomes tender enough
to fhake it to Pieces, when one Knife is thought
fufficient to ferve a Table of half a Score.
The greateft Inconvenience of Pernambuca, is,
that there is not one Publick-Houfe in it ; fo that
Strangers are obliged to hire any ordinary one they
can get, at a Guinea a Month : And others, v.ho
come to tranfaft Affairs of Importance, mull come
recommended, if it were only for the fake of Pri-
vacy.
The Market is flocked well enough. Beef being
at five Farthings per lb. a Sheep or a Goat at nine
Shillings, a Turkey at four Shillings and very large
Fowls at two Shilling? a-Piece. Thefe may be pro-
cured much cheaper, by hiring a Man to fetch them
out of the Country. The deareft in its kind is Wa-
ter, which being fetched in Vefi'els from Olimia,
will not be put on Board in the Road under two
Crufado's a Pipe.
The Portuguefe here are darker than thofe of Eu-
rope, not only from a warmer Climate, but their
many Intermarriages^ with the Negroes, who are
numerous there, and fome of them of good Credit
and Circuraflances. The Women here, like the Mu-
latto Generation every where elfe, are fond of
Strangers ; not only the Courtezans, whole Intereil
may be fuppofed to wind up their Affedions, but al-
fo the married Women ; who think thenifelves oblig-
ed, when you favour them with the Secrecy of an Ap-
pointment ; but the Unhappinefs of purfuing Amours,
is, that the generality of botli Sexes are touched
with venereal Taints, without lo much as one Sur-
geon among them, or any Body skilled in Phyfick,
to cure or palliate the progreflive Mifchief : ^fhe
only Perfon pretending that Way, a few Years ago,
was an htjh Father, whofe Knowledge was all
comprehended in the Virtues of two or three Sim-
ples, and thofe, with the Salubrity of the Air and
Temperance, is what they depend on, for fubduing
the worft of Malignity : It may not be unworthy
of Notice, that, tho' few are exempted from the
Misfortune of a Running, Eruptions, or the like,
yet few or none are precipitated into thofe deplora-
ble Circumflances fo common in unfliilful mercurial
ProcelTes.
There are three Monafteries, and about fix Church-
es, none of them Rich or Magnificent, unlefs one
dedicated to St. Atitonio, the Patron of their King-
dom, which fhines all over with exquifite Pieces of
Paint and Gold.
The Export of Brajil, befides Gold, is chiefly Su-
gars and Tobacco ; the latrer are fent off in Rolls
of a Quintal Weight, kept continually moilicned
with Moloffes, which, with the Soil it ipiiiigs from,
imparts a flrong and peculiar Scent, more fenfibl*
in the SnufFmade from it, which, itio' under Pro-
hibition of importing to Lijhon, fells here at 2 s. per
lb. as the I'obacco does at about 6 Millrays aRoU.
The fincll of their Sugars fells at 8 s. per Roovc,
and a fmall ill tefled Rum, drawn from the Dregs,
and Moloffes, at two Teltunes a Gallon.
Befides thefe, they fend off great Quantities of
Bi'afil Wood, and Whale Oyl, with fome Gums and
Parrots ; the latter are different from the African in
Colour and Bignefs j for as they are blue and larger,
thefe are green and fmal'er 5 and the Females of
them ever retain the wild Note, and cannot be
brought to Talk.
In lieu of this Produce, the Portuguefe, once e-
very Year by their Fleet from Lisbon, import all
manner of European Commodities j and whoever is
vinable to lay in Store, or negleft of fupp'ying him-
felf at that Seafon, buys at a very advanced Rate
before the Return of another
To tranfport P.iffengers, Slaves, or Merchandize,
from one Settlement to another, or in Fiftiing, they
mak6 ufe of Bark-Logs, by tlie Brafilians called
Jingadahs : They are made of four Pieces of Tim-
ber, the two outermoft being the longcfl, pinned and
faiiened together, and iliarpened at the Ends : To-
wards each Extremity a Stool is fix'd, to fit on for
paddling, or to hold by, when the Agitation is more
than Ordinary ; with thefe odd fort of Engine,
continually walhed over by the Water, do thefe Peo-
ple, with a little triangular Sail fpreeted about tf,e
Middle of it, venture out of fight of Land, and a-
long the Coaflj for many Leagues, in any iort of
Weather; and if they overfet with a Squall, whicji
is not uncommon, they fwim and prefeiitly turn it
upright again.
'ijie Natives are of the darkefl Copper Colour,
with thin Hair, of a fquaie Pirong make, and muicu-
lar ; but not fo well looking as die Wooley Gene-
ration : They acquiefce patiently to the Portuguefe
Government, who ufe them much more humanly and
Chriltian-like than the Dutch did, and by that mean:
have extended Quietiiefi and Peace, as well as theii
PoflliTions, three or 400 Miles into the Country, h
Country abounding with fine Pafturet and numerou
Herds of Cattle, and which yields a vail Increafe fron
every Thing that is fown : Hence they bring dowi
to uo Parrots, fmall Monkeys, Armadillos and San
guins, and we have been aflhred, they have, in tht
inland Parts, a Serpent of a vail Magnitude, callei
Siboya, able they fay, to fwallow a whole Sheep
feveral have feen the Skin of another Specie full fi
Yards long, and therefore we think the Story nc
iinprob:;ble.
I'he Harbour oi Pernambuca is perhaps fingular
it i.s nude of a Ledge of Rocks, half a Cabk
Length from the Main, and but little above the SuiT
face of the Water, running at that equal Dillance anJ
Height feveral Leagues, towards dft Jugufline;
Harbour running between them, capable of receivin I
Ships of the greatell Burthen: 'i he Northermo
End of this Wall of Rock, is higher than any Pai
of the contiguous Line; on this a little Fort
built, cornmanding the PafT.ige either of JJoat orShijI
as they come over the Bar into the Harbgijr : On tt I
Starboard Side, or the Side towards the IVlain, aftif
you have entered a little Way, Ihmds another Fori
which 13 a Veiitigon, that would prove of i'mall A' I
count, I imagine, agiiinll a few difcipliiicij Merj
and yet in thele confilcall their Strength and Stcurit)!
either in the Harbour or Town : lliey have bcgil
indeed a Wail, fincG their removing from OlindX
defigned to furround the latter ; but tix ik)W PtJ
greis tf.ey make in raifing it, leaves room to iui
pe^t 'twill be a long Time in iinifhing.
The Ro.ad without is ufed by tjie Portugue\
when they are nigh l.Jiing for Europe, and wait i\
the Convoy, or are bound to Bahia to them ; aiJ
by Strangers only when Neceffity compels ; the b(|
of it is in ten Fathom Water, near three Miles Vf
N. W. from the Town ; nigher in't is foul with tlK
many Anchors loft there by the Portuguefe Sbip.'l
and farther out in about 14 Fathom 'tis corally ailj
Rocky. July is the worll and Winter Seafon of tj(
Coail, the Trade Winds being then very llroiig ail
dead, bringing in a prodigious and unfafe Swell iii|
the Road, intermixed every Day with Squalls, Raif
and a hazey Horizon, but at other times feren
Skies and Sunfliine.
In tneie Southern Latitudes is a Conftellatifi
which, from fome Refcmblance it bears to a Jcrufa/l
Crofs, has the naige of Croften, tht brightell of tlL
HcmirpheiB
I
Pyratesj Highvoaymeny Mi/rderers, &c.
183
lere, and Obfervations are taken by it, as by the
li Star in Northern Latitudes. What we men-
his for, is to introduce the admirable Phajnome-
:] thefe Seas of the Magellanicli Clouds, whofe
'j^i and Sittings are fo regular, that, we have been
J, the Tame Nodurnal Obfervations are made
-ra as by the Stars. They are two Clouds, fmall
i.hitifh, no larger in Appearance than a Man's
and are feen here in yu/y ia the Latitude of
about four of the Clock in the Morning ; if their
arance fliould be faid to be the Refiedion of
t, from fome Stellary Bodies aboTe them, yet
difficulty is not eafily anfwered, how thefe, be-
others, become fo durable and regular in their
ons.
cm thefe cafual Obfervations on the Country,
owns, Coall, and Seas of Braftl, it would be
miflion to leave the Subjed, without fome Efl'ay
1 interloping Slave Trade here, which none of
Countrymen are adventrous enough to purfue,
;h very probably, under a prudent Manager, it
be attended with Safety and very great Profit ;
I admire the more it is not llruck at, becaufe
from the Southern Coafl: of Africa, lengthen the
.ge to the Weft-Indies but a very little, by ttking
t of Brajil in their Way.
le Difadvantages the Portuguefe are under for
lafmg Slaves, are thefe ; that they have very
roper Commodities for Guiney, and the Gold,
I was their chiefeft, by s.nEd\&.m July 1722,
. now prohibited from being carried thither ; fo
he Ships employed therein are few, and infuffi-
for the great Mortality and Call of their Mines :
;s, would they venture at breaking fo deftruclivc
V as the abovementioned (as no doubt thcv do,
;y could make little or no Parchafe) yet Gold
not raife its Value like Merchandize in travel-
efpecially to Africa, and when the Compofition
the Dutch is alfo paid, they may be faid to buy
Negroes at almolt double the Price that the Eng-
Dutch, or French do, which neceffarily raiies
Value extravagantly at Brajil ; thofe who can
W lafe one, buying a certainer Annuity than South-
li -tock,
' ms far of the Call for Slaves at Brafl ; I ih^ll
b' confider and obviate fome Difficulties objcded
tious and difcreet Management in the Perfon entrufted:
He v/iii be immediately furrounded at landing with
the great and the I'mall Rabble, to enquire who he is,
and whence he comes ? and whither bound, ijfc And
the Men are taught to anfwer, from Guiney, denying
any thmg of a Slave on Board, they being put under
Hatches, that tliey may make no Shew ; nor need they
for thole who have Money to lay out v.-ill conclude on
that themfelves.
By that time the Compliment is paid to the Go-
vernor, the News has fpread all round the Town, and
fome Merchant addreijes you as a Stranger, and of-
fers you the Civility of his Houfe, but privately de-
lires to know what Negroes he can have, and at what
Price. A Governor may poUibly ufe an Iniirument
in fiftmg this, but the Appearance of the Gentleman,
and the Circumlbnce of being fo foon engaged alter
leaving the other, will go a great w.iy in forming a
Man's Judgment, and leaves him no room for tr-e
Sufpiciou of fuch a Snare ; however, to have a due
Gujrd, Intimations will fuffice, and bring him Friends
enough to carry off the belt Part of a Cargo in two
Nights time, from :o to 30 Moidors a Boy, and
froni 30 to 40 a ]\lan Slave. The Hazard is Jefs at
R:o Janeiro.
'i here has been another Method attempted, of fett-
Img a Correfpondence with a Portuguefe Merchant or
two, who, as they may be certain within a Fortnirrht
of any Veilel's arrivaig on their Coafl with Slav'es,
might fettle iiignals for the debarquing them at an
untrequented Part of the Coait ; but wheFher :.ny Ex-
ceptions were made to the Price, or that the Portu-
guefe dread Difcovcry, and the fevere Profecution oa
fo notorious a Breach of the Law, we cannot tell ; but
it has hitherto proved abortive.
However, Stratagems fo laudable, and attended
with fo much ProJit, at no other Hazard than
lois of Time, are worth attempting ; it is what is
every Day pradifed with the Spaniards from Ja-
maica.
Upon this Coafl our Rovers cruiz'd .'or about nine
Weeks, keeping generally out of Sight of Land, but
without feeing a Sail ; which difcouraged them fo,
that they determined to leave the Stiition, and fleer
for the U'ef-bidici ; and, in order thereto, they flood
in to make the Land for tlie taking of their Depar-
1 ;h
j:" on
any Foreigners, Englijh or others, interpofing ture, by which means they fell in, une.\pedeJlv, with
a Trade, and they are fome on theirs, and
our Side.
;:.eir Side it is prohibited under Pain of Death,
:.-fs efFedual to the Prevention of it than pc-
Mulds would be ; becaufe a Penalty fb ina-
and difproportioned is only In terrorem, and
It merciful in the Governor, or his inflru-
ic -, to take a Compofition of eight or ten Kioi-
Oi when any Subjeft is catched, and 'tis the com-
ic Cuilom fo to do as often as they are found
ui
'1 our Side it is Confifcation' of what they can get,
'hti, confidering they have no Men of War to guard
le.'oall, need be very little, without fupine Neglect
■-■lefTnels,
'Te me a Man of War, or Privateer, and that,
■vant of Proviiioiib, or in Search of Pirates,
o Peniambuca for Intelligence, to enable me
i.ie Purfuit : The Dread of Pirates keep^ every one
ft:ill you have firfl lent an Officer with the proper
cjphments to the Governor, who immediately gives
eje for your buying every NecefTary you are in
A of, provided it be with Money, and not an Ex-
4;e of^ Merchandize, which is againfl the Laws of
S.'ountry.
ji this firfl time of going on Shore depends the
rfs "f the whole Aftair, and it requires a cau-
a Fleet of 42 Sail o( Partugnefe Ships, off the' Bay of
los todos Santos, with all tneir Lading in for Liflon ;
ieveral of them of good Force, who lay tliere wait-
ing for two Men of War of 70 Gnus each for their
Convoy. However, Roberts thought it fliould go
hard with him but he would make up his Market a-
jnong them, and thereupon he mix'd with the Fleet,
and kept his Men liid till proper Refolutions could be
form'd ; that done, they came clofe up to one of the
deepell, and ordered her to fend the Mailer on board
quietly, threat'niiig to give them no Quarters, if any
Refinance, or Signal of Dillrefs was made. The Por-
tuguefe, being furprizedat thefe Threats, and thefud-
den iioutilli of Cutlaff.es from the Pirates, fubmitted
without a Word, and the Captain came on Board :
Roberts faiutcd iiim after 7. iriendly manner, telling
him, that they were Gentlemen of Fortune, and
that their Bufmefs with him, was only to be informed
which was the richefl Ship in that Fleet ; and if he
diiec'led them right, he iliould be reftorcd to his Ship
without Moleltation, otherwife, he n-iull e.vped imme-
diate Death.
Whereupon this Portuguefe Mailer pointed to one
of 40 Guns, and 150 Men, a Ship of greater Force
than the Roiver ; but this no Ways difmayed them;
They ivere only Portuguefe, they faid, and fo immedi-
ately fleered away for him. When they came within
Hail,
184
A General History of
*r
Hail, the Mailer whom they liad Prifoner wa'; ordered
to afk, HoTJu Signioi- Captain did? And to invite him
on Board, for that he had a Matter of Covfcqucnce to
impart to him \ which being done, he returned tor An-
fwer. That he 'would ixiait upon him prefently : But
by the Buitle that immediately followed, the I'irates
perceived, they vitxt. difcovered, and tliat this was
only a deceitful Anlwer to gain Time, to put tiiejr
Ship in a PoUure of Defence ; fo, without further
Delay, they poured in a Broad-Side, boarded and
grapled her : The Difpute was ihort and warm, w herein
many of the Portuguefe fell, and two only of the Pi-
rates. By this Time the Fleet was alarmed. Signals
of Top-gallant Sheets flying, and Guns fiied, to give
Notice to the Men of War, who rid ftill at an An-
chor, and made but fcurvy haft out to their Affiftance ;
and, if what the Pirates themfelves related be true,
the Commanders of thofe Ships v.e:e blanie;ib!e to
the higheft Degree, utterly unworthy their Title, or
fo much as the Name of Men : For Roberts, finding
the Prize to fail heavy, and yet refolving not to lole
her, lay by for the headmoft of them, which much
out failed the other, and prepared for Battle, which
was ignominioufly declined, tho' the Portuguefe
was of fuch fuperior Force ; for not daring to venture
on the Pirate alone, he tarried fo long for his Con-
lort, that he gave them both time to make ofFlei-
furely.
They found this Ship exceeding rich ; being laden
chiefly with Sugar, Skins, and Tobacco, and 4000
Moidors in Gold ; befides Chains and Trinckets, of
confiderable Value ; particularly a Crofs fct with Dia-
monds, defigned for the King of Portugal; which
they afterwards prefented to the Governor of Caiaiia,
by whom they were obliged.
Elated with this Booty, they had nothing now to
think of but fome fafe Retreat, where they might give
themfelves up to all the Pleafures that Luxury and
Wantonnefs could beftow ; and for the prefent they
pitch'd upon a Place called the De'viTs Ifands, in the
River of Surinam, on the Coaft of Caiana ; where
they arrived, and found the civileft Reception imagi-
nable, not only from the Governor and Faftory, but
their Wives, who exchanged Wares, and drove a con-
fiderable Trade with them.
They feiz'd a Sloop in this River, and by her
gained Intelligence, that a Brigantine had alfo failed
in Comp.iny with her, from Rhods-If.and, laden with
Provifions for the Coall. A Welcome Cargo ! They
growing fhort in the Sea Store, and as Sancho fays.
No Adnjenturci to be made ivithout Belly-Timber. One
Evening as they were rumaging their Mine of Trea-
fure the Portuguefe Prize, this expected VefTel was
defcry'd at Mail-Head, and Roberts^ imagining no.
Body could do the Bafmefs as well as hinilcif, takes
40 Men in the Sloop, and goes in purfuit of her ; but
a fatal Accident followed this rafh, tho' inconfidera-
ble Adventure, for Roberts, thinking of notliing lels
than bringing in the Brigantine that Afternoon, ne-
ver troubled his head about the Sloop's Provifion, nor
inquired what there was on Board to fubfilt fucli a
Number of Men. Out he fails after his expeiiled
Prize, which he not only loft further Sight of, but
after eight Days contending with contr.ary Vv'inds and
Currents, found they were thirty Leagues to Lee-
ward. The Current ftill oppofing their Endeavours,
and perceiving no Hopes of beating up to their Ship,
they came to an Anchor, and inconfiderately f'ent a-
way the Boat, to give the reft of the Company No-
tice of their Condition, and to order the Ship to tliem ;
but too toon, even the next Day, their Wants made
them fenfible of their Infatuation ; for their Water
was all expended, and they had taken no thought how
they Ihould be fupply'd, till either the Ship curae, or
the Boat returned, neither of which was likely
under five or fix Days. Here, like I'untalus, -^
almoft f imillied in Sight of the frcili Stre.mib ij
Lakes ; beuig drove to fuch E,\treniity at lall, aj
they were forc'd to tare up the Floor of the Cjta
and patch up a fort of Tub or "J'ray with Rope Y
to paddle aihore, and fetch off immediate Suppli
Water to prefervc Life.
After fome Days, the long-wifh'd-for Boat (
back, but witli the moft iuiv\eicome News in
World, for Kennedy, who was Lieutenant, and Itl
Abfence of Roberts, to command the Privateer
Prize, was gone off with both. This was Mort
tion with a Vengeance, and, you may imagine,
did not dcpait without fome hard Speeclicsfiom
that uere left, and had fuffei-ed by th.eir Tread
Ihat there may need no further mention of this
nedy, I lliall leave Captain Roberts, for a page or
with the Remains of his Crew, to vent their Wn
a few Oatiis and Execrations, and follow the 0
who.Ti me may reckon, from that 1 inie, as fie
his Courfe towards Execution Dae!;.
Kennedy was now cliol'en Captain of the rev
Crew, but could not bring his Company to an
termined Rcfolution ; fome of them were for p
ing the Old Gajne, but the greater part of them fe
to have Liclmctions to turn from thofe evil Coi
and get liome privately, there being now no A
Pardon in Force ; tiicrefore they agreed to breal
and every Man to fhift for himlelt, as he fhou.
Occ-Jion. The firft Thing they did, was to
with the great Portuguefe Prize, having the
Her of the Sloop, whole Name was Cane, abi
who they faid was a very honeil Fellow, for hi
humoured them upon eveiy Occalion, and told
of the Brigantine tiiat Robertt went after.
Cane, when the Pirates firll took him, complimi
them at an odd R.;te, telling them they were
come to his Sloop and Cargo, and wifli'd tha
Veflel had been laiger, and the Loading richer
their Sakcs : 'i'o this good natured Man they gav
Portuguefe Ship, which was then ibove half io.
three or four Negroes, and all his own Men
which he returned Thanks to his kind Benefai
and departed.
Captain Kennedy, in the Rover, failed to Bi
does, near which ifland they took a vciy peac
Ship belonging to Virginia ; the Commimder \
Quaker, whole Name was Knot ; he had ne
Pitlol, Sword, nor Cutlalh on Board : Mr. Knm
pearing io very paifive to all they laid to him,
of them thought tins a good Opiportunity to go
accordingly c:ght of the Piiates went aboard, at
carried tiiem lafe to Viigiuia : They made the
kera Preien: cf loChelts of Sugar, 10 Rolls of
//Tobacco, 30 Moidores, and fome Gold-Dui
all to the value of about ztol. They alio made
fents to tlie S^iilors, fome more, fome lels, and
a jovial Life all the while they were upon their ^
age. Captain Knot giving them their Way ; no
deed could he help himfeif, unlefs he had takt
Opportunity to furprize them, when they wei
ther drunk or afleep ; for awake they wore Arr
board the Ship, and put him in a continual Tei
it not being his Principle to fight, unlcls with Ar
Collufion. However, he managed thele Wea
well till he arrived at the Capes ; after which fo
the Pirates went off in a Boat, which they had tl
with them, for the more eafily making their Efc|
and made up the Bay towards Maryland, but
forced back by a Storm into an obfcure Place d
Country. Here meeting with good Entertain::
among the Planters, they continued feveral
without being difcovered to be Pirates. In thei!
Pyrates, HighwaymeHy Murderers, 5Cc.
v.", C-iptain Knot, leaving four others on Board his
1, who intended to go to Noi-th-CaroIina, made
,t hall he could to difcover to Mr. Spotjhvooii the
^ ernor, what fort of Paifengers he had been forced
Liiing with him. The Governor, by good For-
•, gut them feized ; and Search being made after
others, who were revelling about the Country,
. were alfo t?ken, and all try'd, convided and
■^'d. Two Portu^uije Jews, who were taken on
he Coafc of Brafil, and whom they brought with
:iem to Firginia, were the princip.il Evidences.
'he htter had found IVIeans to lodge Part of their
Vealth with the Planters, w'ho never brouglit it to
iccount : But Captain Knot furrendered up every
hing that belonged to them that were t.ikcn a-
oard, even what they prei'ented to him, in lieu of
ich Things as they had plundered him of in tlieiV
:iil".ige, and obliged his iVlen to do the like.
Some Days after the taking of the Vhghna f/Ian
ft mentioned, in cruifing the Latitude ot 'Jnnuiica,
'er.ncdy took a Sloop bound thitlier from Boflon,
adcd with Bread and Flower ; aboard of this Sioop
ent all the Hands who were for breaking the Gang,
id left thole behind that had a iVIind to purfue fu.'-
er Adventures. Among the former were Kem,. Jy,
eir Captain, of whofe Honour they had fuch a Je-
icable Notion, that they were about to throw hun
er-board, when they found him in the Sloop, as
iring he might betray them all, at their return to
iglo.nd; he having in his Childhood been bred a
;k-pocket, and before he became a Pirate, a Houfe-
iaker ; both which are Profefilons that thefe Gen-
men have a very mean Opinion of. However,
ptain Kennedy, by taking iblemn Oaths of Fide-
/ to his Companions, was fuffered to proceed
th them.
In this Company there was but one that pretend-
to any Skill in Navigation ; for Kennedy could
ther write nor read, he being preferred to the
nimand merely for his Courage, which indeed he
J often fignaliz'd, particularly in taking the Portu-
;fe Ship. This Man proved to be a Pretender only
, fhaping their Courie to Ireland, where they a-
;ed to land, they ran away to the North- V^'eil
aft of Scotland, and there were toft about by hard
)rms cf Wind for feveral Days, without know-
; where they were, and in great Danger of perifli-
At length they pufhed the VeflTel into a little
eek, and went all alhore, leaving the Sloop at an
ichor for the ne.xt Comers.
The whole Company refrefhed themfelves at a
Je Vill.ige, about live Miles from the Place wiiere
y left the Sloop, and palled there for fhip-wreck'd
lors ; nor is there any doubt but they might have
veiled on without Sufpicion, but the mad and
tous Manner of their Living on the Road occafion-
their Journey to be cut lliort, as we liiall cblerve
jfendy.
Kennedy and another left them here, and, travcl-
g to one of the Sea-Ports, fliip'd themfelves for he-
ld, and arrived there in Safety, Six or feven wi;"c-
withdrew from the reil, travelled at their leifure,
1 got to their much defired Port of London, witli-
t being diliurbed or fufpeded ; but the main G:.ng
rin'd the CouiUry wherever they came, di inking
I roaring at fuch a Rate, that the People ftiut
mfelves up in their Houfes in fome Pixes, not
■ing to venture out among fo many m.-.d Fellows :
other Villages they treated the wnole 'i'own,
landering their Money away, as if, like JEfop,
y wanted to lighten their Burthens : This e,\-
ifive manner of Living procured two of their
mken Straglers to be knock'd on the Head, they
ng found murdered on the Road, and their Monev
4S
185
taken from them : AH the reft, to tiae Number of
feventjcn, as they drew nigh to Edinburgh, were ar-
reiled and thrown into Goal, upon Sufpicion of they
kneiv not what. However, the Magiltrates were not
long at a lofs for proper Accufations for two of the
G i:ig offering themlelves for Evidences, they were
accepted of; and the others were brought to a fpeedy
Tryal, at which nine were convifted and executed.
Kennedy hjviiig fpent all his Money, came over
fro.n LelitnJ, and kept a common Bawdy-Houfe on
Deptfbrd Road, and now and then, 'twas thought,
nK:de an Excurlion abroad in tlie Way of his former
Profcllion ; till one of his Koufhold Whores gave
Information againft him of a Robbery, for which he
was committed to Bridewell. But becaufe flie would
not do the Bufineis by halves, flie found oiit a Mate
of a Siiip that Kennedy Lad committed Piracy up-
pon, as iie foolithly confeifed to her : This IVIate,
whofe Name was Grant, paid Kennedy a, Vifit in
Bridewell, and, knowing him to be the Man, pro-
cured a Warrant, and had him committed to the
iXi.u-nialfea Prifon.
'J he Game that Kennedy had row to play, was
to turn Evidence himfelf; accordingly ne gave a
Li;t of eight or ten of his Comrades; bat not being
acquainted with their Flabitation.s one only was ta-
ken, who, tho' condemn'd, appeared to be a Man of
a fair Charailer, v.as forced into their Sei-vice, and
took the firft Opportunity to get from them, and
therefore receiv'd a Pardon; \mv Walter Kennedy y
being a notorious Offender, was ercecuted the igth
oi Juh, 1721, at E.xecution Dock. ■
The rcll of the Pirates who were left in the Ship
Rouer, ftaid not long behind, for they went afhore
to one oftlie Weft-India Iflands ; what became of
them afterwards, we can't tell, but the Ship was
tound at Sea by a Sloop belonging to St. Chrifto^hers,
and earned into that Ifland with only nine Negroes
aboard.
TJius we fee what a difaflrous Fate ever attend;
the Wicked, and how rarely they efcape the Puuiu.
nient due to their Crimes, who, abandon'd to Ilc.t
a profligate Life, rob, fpoil, and prey upon Man-
kind, contrary to the Light and Law of Nature, as
well as the pbfitive Command of God. It might
h.ave been hoped, that the Examples of thefe Deaths,
would have been as Marks to the Remainder of
tliis G;ing, how to fhun the Recks their Companions
had fplit on ; and that they would have furrendered
to Mercy, or diverted themfelves for ever from
fuch Purluits, left in the End they might be fubjefted
to the fame Law and Punifhment, which tiiey muft
be confcious they now equally deferved ; an impend-
ing La-u.', which never can let them fleep foundly
unlefs when they are drunk. But all the Ufe that
was made of it here, was to commend the Juftice of
the Court that condemn'd Kennedy, for he nvas a
fad Dog (they faid) and deferiied the Fate he met
'veith.
But to go back to Roberts, whom we left on the
Coaft oi Caiana, in a grievous PalTion -at what Ken-
nedy and the Crew had done ; and who was now
prcjefting new Adventures with his fmall Company
m the Sloop. Confidering now that hitherto tney
had been but as a Rope of Sand, they formed a fet
of Articles, to be figned and Avorn to, for the better
Confervation of their Society, and doing Juftice to
one another ; excluding all Lijh Men from the Be-
nefit of it, to vvi-.om tliey had an implacable Aver-
fion upon the Account of Kennedy. How indeed Kt-
herts could think that an Oath would be oblig;?t'^-y
where Defiance had been given to the Laws of God
and Man, I can't tell, but he thought their greatelt
Security lay in this. That it ixjas every Qne'i Intered
3 B ;,
i86
A General History of
to ohfervt the Articles, if they ivere minded to keep
up Jo abominable a Combination.
The following is the Subflance of the Articles, ao
taken from the Pirates own Informations.
EVERT Man has a Vote in Affairs of Moment,
and an equal Title to the frejh Pro'vifions, or
Jtrarig Liquors, at any Time feized; •which he may
ufe at Pleafure, unlefs a Scarcity make it necejjary,
for the good of all, to 'vote a Retrenchment.
II.
Another Particular ivas, that every Man Jhould
he called fairly in turn, by Lift, an Board of Pri-
ces, becaufe, over and above their proper Share, they
ixiere on thefe Occafions allonved a Shift of Cloaths :
But if they defrauded the Company to the Value of a
Dollar, in Plate, Jeivels, or Money, Marooning
ijjas their PuniUimetit. (This was a barbarous Cul-
tom of putting the Offender on Shore, on fome de-
folate or uninhabited Cape or Ifland, with a Gun, a
few Shot, a Bottle of Water, and a Bottle of Pow-
der, to fubfift with, or llarve.) If the Robbery ivas
only betiveen one another, they contented themfelves
luith fitting the Ears and Nofe of him that ivas
Guilty, and fet him on Shore, not in an uninhabited
Place, but fomei/jhere, inhere he luasfure to encoun-
ter Hardjhips.
III.
A'o Perfon to game at Cards or Dice for Money.
IV.
The Lights and Candles to be put out at eight o'' Clock
at Night : If any of the Creiv, after that Hour,
fill remained inclined for Drinking, they njcere to do it
on the open Deck. This Roberts believed would give
a Check to their Debauches, for he was a fober Man
himfelf; but he found at length, that all his Endea-
vours to put an End to this i3ebauch, proved ineffec-
tual.
V.
To keep their Piece, Piftols, and Cutlafh clean, and
fit for Service. In this they were extravagantly riicr,
endeavouring to out do one another in the Beauty
and Richnels of their Arms, giving fometimes at an
Auftion made at the Mall, 30 or 40 /. a Pair, for
Piilols. Thefe were flung in Time of Service, with
different coloured Ribbands, over their Shoulders, in
a Way peculiar to thefe Fellows, in which they took
great Delight.
VI.
No Boy or Woman to be allotced amongft them.
If any Man iverc found fduclng any of the latter
Sex, and carried her to Sea, difguifed, he ixas to fuf
fer Death : So that when any fell into their HanUs,
as it chanced in tl.e Onfo-fj, they put a Centinal im-
mediately over her, to prevent ill Confecjuences from
lb dangerous an Inllrument of Divifion and Quarrel ;
but then here lies the Roguery ; they contend who
ftiall be Centinel, which happens generally to one of
the greateft Bullies, who, to fecure the Lady's Vir-
tue, will let none lie with her but himfelf
VII. i
i
I
To defer t the Ship, or their garters in Battle, •was
punijhed voith Death, or Marooning.
VIII.
No ftriking one another on Board, but everv Man':
Sluarrels to be ended on Shore, at Sivord and Pifiol}
Thus: The Quarter-Mailer of the Ship, when thi
Parties will not come to any Reconciliation, accom-
panies them on Shore with what AfTillance he think
proper, and turns the Difputants Bjck to Back, at f<
many Paces Diftance : At the Word of Command
they turn and fire immediately, or elfe the Piece i
knocked out of their Hands : \{ both mifs, the',
come to their Cutlafhes, and then he is declared Vic
tor who draws the iirll Blood ,
IX.
No Man to talk of breaking up their Way ofLii
ing, till each hadjharcd I ooo /. If in order to thii
any Man foould lofe a Limb, or become a Cripple i
their Service, he ivas to have 800 Dollars, out t
the publick Stock, and for lejjer Hurts proportioi
ably.
X.
The Captain and ^arter-Mafter to receive tv
Shares of a Prize ; the Mafter, Boatfiuain, a;
Gunner, one Share and a half, and other Office
one and a Suarter.
XI.
The Muficians to have Refl on the Sabbath Dt,
but the other fix Days and Nights, none, ivit&il
fpecial Favour.
Thefe, we are afTured, were fome of Robert
Articles ; but as they h.id ta'.i : Care to throw ov.
board the Original they ux.. f'gned and fworn t
there is a great deal of Room to fufpe^, that the R
mainder contained fometiiing too horrid to be d
clofed to any.except fuch as were willing to be Sh£
ers in the Iniquity of them ; let them be what tL
will, they were together the Tell of all new Coraei
who were initiated by an Oath taken on a Bible, i
ferv'd for that Purpofe only, and were fubfcrib|
to in Prefence of the Worfhipful Mr. Roberts. A\
in Cafe any Doubt Ihould arile concerning tiie Co
flrudion of thefe Laws, and it (hould remaui a B
pute whether the Party had infring'd them or no.
Jury w.as .^ppointed to explain them, and bring inl
Verdift upon the Cafe in Doubt.
Since we are now fpeaking of the Laws of til
Company, t (hall go on, and, in as brief a Mi
ner ?is I can, relate the prir.ci.il Cuftoms, and Gl
vernmenr, of this roguilli Common-Weath ; w]
are pietty near the fhme with all Pvrates.
For the Punifhment of fmall Offences, which J
not provided for by the Article.', and which are r|
of Conf; quencc enough to be left to a Jury of
Mens own chufmg, the Qiiarter-Mafter, who isi
principal Officer among the Pyrate = , claims all .41
thority this Way, excepting in Time of Battle:
they difobey his Command, are quarrelfome aj
mutinous with one another, mifufe Prifoners pli
c^er beyond his Order, and, in particular, if they
negligent of their Arms, which he mullers at Dif'c
tion, he punifhes at his own Arbitrement, w
drubbing or whipping, which no one elfe dare f
withe;
I
Pyratesy Highwaymen, Murderers, &c.
187
thout incurring the La{h from all the Ships
iiTip.iny : In lliort, this Officer is Trullea for
; whole, is the firll on Board any Prize, fe-
rating tor the Company's Uie what he pleafes,
i ret'jrning what he thinks fit to the Owners,
:cpting Gold and Silver, which they have voted
: returnable.
Atier a Defcription of the Quartcr-lVIafler, and
Duty, who aiits as a io;: ot a civil iVIagiftrate
Bn.irJ a Pirate Ship, we fhall confider their mi li-
■/ Officer, the Captain ; and what Privileges and
.vers he exerts in fuch anarchy and unrulincl^ of the
•mbers : Why truly very little, they only permit
1 to be Catpain, on Condition that they may be
Dtain over him ; they feperate to his Ufe the great
jin, and fometimes vote him fmall Parcels ot Plate
I China, (for it may be noted that Roberts drank
Tea conllantly) but then every Mun, as the Hu-
ur takes him, will ufe the Plate and China, in-
le into his Apartment, fwear at him, feize a Part
lis Victuals and Drink, if they like it, without his
.■ring to tind Fault or contell it; Yet Roberts, by
letter IVlanagement than ufual, became the chief
eftor in every Thing of Moment, and it h.appened
s : The Rank of Captain being obtained bv
Suffrage of the Majority, it falls on one fupcnor
Knowledge and Boldnels, who is Piflol Proof, as
t call it, and can make thofe fear, who do not
: him ; Roberts is faid to have exceeded his Fellows
:hefe Refpeds, and when he was advanced, he
.rged the Refpeft that followed it, by making a
of Privy-Council of half a Dozen of the greateit
ies ; fuch as were his Competitors, and had Inte-
enough to make his Government eafy ; yet even
fe, in the latter Part of his Reign, he had run
nter to in every Projeft that oppoled his own O-
on ; for which, and becaufe he grew refen'ed,
would not drink and roar at their Rate, a Cabal
formed to take away his Captainthip, which
th did more elFeftually.
'he Captain's Power is uncontroble in Time of
:ce, or in Battle, when he drubs, cut.% or even
jts any one who dares deny his Command. The
c Privilege he takes over Prifoners, who receive
d or ill Ufage, moftly as he approves of their Be-
iour ; for the' the meaneft would take upon them
nifufe a Mailer of a Ship, yet Roberts would con-
il herein, when he faw it, and merrilv, over a
tie, give his Prifoners this double Reafon for it.
il, 1 liat it preterved his Precedence ; and fecondly,
at it took the Puniiliment out of the Hands of a
ch more rafh and mad Set of Fellows than Ijimiilf
len he found that Rigour was not expected from
People, (for he often praftifed it to appeafe them,)
n he would give Strangers to underftand, that it
i pure Inclination that induced him to a good
satment of them, and not any Love or Partiality
their Perfons ; for, fays he, there is none of \>ou
imll hang me, I knoiM, nrhene-ver you can clinch v:e
'bin yot^r Pov:er.
\nd now, feeing the Difadvantages they were un-
for purfuing the Account, 'visi, a fmall Vcflt-1 ill
aired, and without Provifions or Stores ; thcv re-
zed one and all, witli the little Supplies thev could
to proceed for the Weft-Indies, not doubting to
a Remedy for all thefe Evils, and to retrieve tfieir
is.
In the Latitude of Defeada, one oftheldands,
y took two Sloops, which fupply'd them with Pro-
ons and other NecelTaries ; and a few D.iys after-
rds, took a Brigantine belonging to Rhods Ijland,
1 then proceeded to Barbadoes ; otF of which
nd, they fell in with a BriftoIShip of ic Gun', in
her Voyage out, from whom they took abundance of
Cloaths, (Qiiie A/foney, twenty five Biles of Goods,
five Barrels of Powder, a Cable, Hawfer, 10 Calks,
of Oatmeal, fix Calks of Beef, and feveral other Goods,
befides five of her Men ; and after they had detained
her three Days, let her go. This Veflel being
bound for the abovefaid Itland, flie acquainted thit
Governor with what had happened, as foon as fhe ar-
rived.
Upon thi:, a Bri/o/ Galley that by in the Har-
bour, was ordered to be fitted out with all imrigina-
ble Expedition, with 20 Guns, and So Men ; there
being then no M.in of War upon that Station ; and
alio a Sloop witli 10 Guns, and 40 Men : The Gal-
ley was commanded by one Captain Rogers, of Brif-
tol, and the Sloop by Captain Gra'ves, of that Ifland,
and Captain Rogers, by a Commiffion from the Go-
vernor, was appointed Commodore.
'The fecond Day after Rogers failed out of the Har-
bour, he was difcovered by Roberts, who, knowing
nothing of their Defign, gave them Ch;;ce : The Bar-
badoes Ships kept an jn eafy fail tJl the Pirates came
up with them, and then Roberts gave them a Gun,
expecting they would have immediately itruck to his
piratical Flag ; but inftead thereof, he' was forced to
receive the Fire of a Broadfide, with three Huzzas at
the fime Time. An Engagement enfued, in which
Roberts, being hardly put to it, was obliged to crowd
all the S.iil the Sloop would bear, to get off: The
Galley failing pretty well, kept Company for a long
while, keeping a conftant Fire, which galled the Pi-
rate ; however, at length, by throwing over their
Guns, and other heavy Goods, and thereby lighten-
ing the \ elli;!, they, -with much ado, got clear ; but
Roberts could never endure a Barbadoes Man after-
wards, and when any Ships belonging to that Ifland
fell in his W^iy, he was more particularly fevere to
them than others. ■
Captain Roberts failed in the Sloop to the Ifland of
Lotnini-o, v/hcre he watered, and got Provifions of
the Inhabitants, to whom he gave Goods in Ex-
change. At this Place he met with 13 Englijhtheir,
who had been fet a-fhore by a French Guard de Li
CoJIe, belonging to Martinico, taken out of two AW-
England Ships, that had been feized, as Prize, by
the faid French Sloop : The Men willingly entered
with the Pirates, and it proved a feafonable Re-
cruit.
They ibid not long here, tho' they had immediate
Occ.fion for cleaning their Sloop, becaufe they did
not think this a proper Place ; and herein they judg-
ed right ; for the touching at this Ifl:^.nd, had'like to
have been their Dellrudion, becaufe they having re-
folved to go away to the Granada Iflands, for the
aforefaid Purpofe, by fome Accident it came to be
known to the French Colony, who fending Word to
the Governor of Martinico, he equipped and man-
ned two Sloops to go in Queil of them. The Pirates
failed directly for the Granadilloes, and hall'd into a
Lagoon, at Corvocoo, where they cleaned with unufual
Dilpatch, flaying but a little above a Week, by which
Expedition they miifed of the Martinico Sloops only
a tew Hours ; Roberts failing over Night, and the
French arriving the ne.xt Morning. This was a for-
tunate Efcape, efpecially confidering, that it was not
from any Fears of their being difcovcred, that they
made fo much haft from the llbnd ; but, as they had
the Impudence themfelvcs to own, for tl.e want of
W-ne and Women.
Thus narrowly efcaped, they failed for Neivfound-
Innd, and arrived upon the Banks the latter End of
June, 1 720. They entered the Harbour ofTrepaJJi,
with their black Colours flying. Drums beating, and
Trumpets founding. There was two and twenty
Vefltls
i88
yi General History of
Veflels in the Harbour, which the I\4en all quitted
upon the Sight of the Pirate, and iled a-fhore. It is
impoflible particularly to recount the Dcftrudtion and
Havock they made here, burning and finking all the
Shipping, except a Brijiol Galley, and deftroying the
Fifheries, and Stages of the poor Planters, witnout
Remorfe or Compundlion ; for nothing is fo deplora-
ble as Power in mean and ignorant Hands ; it makes
Men wanton and giddy, unconcerned at tl.e Misfor-
tunes they are impofing on their Fellow Creatuies,
and keeps them fmiling at the Mifchiefs, that bring
themfelves no Advantage. They are like mad Men,
that caji Fire-Brand!, Arroi,vs, and Death, and fay,
are not tue in Sport ?
Roberts mann'd the Brijiol Galley he took in the
Harbour, and mounted i6 Guns on Board her ; after-
wards cruizing out upon the Banks, he met with nine
or ten Sail of French Ships all which he dellroyed
except one of 26 Guns which they feized and
carried off for their own Ufe This Ship they
chriftened the Fortune and leaving the Brijiol Gal-
ley to the French Men they fail'd away in Company
with the Sloop on another Cruize, and took fe-
veral prizes (i/z. the Richard of Biddiford Jonathan
Whitjield Mailer ; the Willing Mind of Poole; tlic
Expeiiation of Topjham ; and the Samuel, Captain
Cary, of Londot ; out of thefe Ships they encreafed
their Company, by entring all the Men they could
well fpare, in their own Service. The Samuel was a
rich Ship, and had feveral Paflengers on Board, who
were ufed very roughly, in order to make them dif-
cover their Money, threatening them every Moment
with Death, if they did not reiign every Thing up to
them. They tore up the Hatches and entered the
Hold, like a parcel of Furies, and, with Axes and
Cutlafhes, cut and broke open all the Bales, Cafes and
Boxes, they could lay their Hands on ; and when any
Goods came upon Deck, that they did not like to
carry a-board, inflead of toffing them into the Hole
again, they threw them over-board into the Sea ; all
this was done with inceflant curfing and fwcaring,
more like Fiends than Men. They carried with them.
Sails, Guns, Powder, Cordage, and 8 or 9000 /.
worth of the choiceft Goods ; and told Captain Cary,
That they Jhould axcept of no Ail of Grace ; that the
K ■— "^^ and P 1 might he damned 'with their
jiils of G for them ; neither luould they go to
Hope-Point, to he hanged up a Sun-drying, as KiddV
and Braddifh'j Company nvere ; hut that if theyjhonld
tver be oiier-piiver d they ivould fet Fire to the Ponu-
der, nuith a Pijiol, and go all merrily to Hell toge-
ther.
After they had brought all the Booty a-board, a
Confultation was held whether they Ihould link or
burn the Ship ; but whillt they were debating the
Matter, they fpy'da Sail, and fo left the Samuel, to
give her Chace. At Midnight they came up with th.e
lame, which prov'd to be a Snow from Brijiol, bound
for Bojion, Captain Eoivla Matter. They us'd him
barbaroufly, becaufe of his Country ; Captain i?«jf;/,
who attack'd them oS Barbodoe), being of the City of
Brijiol.
July 16, which was two Days afterwards, they
took a Firginia Man call'd The Litt't York, James
Philips Matter, and The Lo-ve, of Liverpool; which
they plunder'd, and let go. The next Day, a Snow,
from Brijiol, call'd The Phcenix, John Richards Ma-
fter, met with the fame Fate from them ; as alfo a
Brigantine, Captain Thomas, and a Sloop call'd The
Sadbury. They took all the Men out of the Brigan-
tine, and funk the Veffel.
When they left the Banks of Newfoundland, they
fail'd for the Weji-Indies ; and the Provifions growing
flaort, they went for the Latitude of the Illand Defea-
da, to cruize, it being efrccni'd the lihclieft Place!
meet with thofe Siiips chat (.0 they us'd in their M
to fay) were confign'd to them with Supplies. Ai
has been very much fuf'pefic-J, th:.t Ships, have lo,
with Provif.ons at the Englijh Colonics, on pret
of trading on the Coaft of .*,'"/-«> ,7 ; when they h
in Reality, been coniign'd to thtm : And thou
Sr.ew of Violence 'is on'er'd fo them when theyiul
yet ti.cy are pretty fure of bringing their Cur'gu
gcod Market. ^
iJowcver, at this Time they trifs'd of tr.eir u'
Luck ; and Proviiionii and Neci-rrines becoming n
fcarce every Day, tiiey ret'r'd towards St. Chr
pheri, where, being denied all Succour or Affiil;
troin the Government, th.ey fir'd, in I<cvcns;e, bn-
Town, and burnt two Ships in the Road, one of t.i
commanded by Captiiin Cav, of Brijiol. 'I'hcy 1
retreated farther, to the 111 .nd of St. Bartbohm
wiiere they met with much nandiomcr TreatnK
the Governor not only fupplying them with
frefhments, but he and the Chiefs c.jrefling thei
the molt friendly Manner; And the Women, fro
good an Example, endtavour'd to out-vie each 0
in Drels, and Behaviour, to attraft the good Gi
of fuch generous Lovers, that paid well lor their
vours.
Sated, at length, with thele Pleafures, and ha
taken on board a good Supply of fiefll Provifions,
voted iMianimoufly for the Coall of Guinea, and
the Latitude of 22 Degrees North in tiicir Vo
thither, they met witli a French Ship from Marti
richly laden, aiid, which was unlucky for the Ma
had a Property ol being fitter for t:-eir Purpofe
tiie B:;nker. Exchange ivas no Robbery, thevi
and fo, after a little Iviock-complaiiance to M'onji
for the Favour he had done them, they ihifted '
Men, and took Leave. 1'his was their firll: I.
Fortune. .
In this Ship .^o^^r/j proceeded on his defign'd'1
age ; bat, before they reach'd Guinea, he pr6{
to touch at Braza, the fouthermoil of Cape
Illands, and clean. But here, again, by an into
ble Stupidity, and Want of Juogirent, they gc
far Leeward of their Port, that, defpairing to re
it, or any of the Windward Parts of yi'/,;Va,
were obiig'd to go back again with the '1 rade-W
fur the ll'e/i-Indics, which had very ne.:r been
Dcllrudion of them all. Surinam was the Place
defign'd for, which was no lef; tl-.an 700 League
llant ; and they nad but one Hogfhead of Water
to fupply J 24 Souls for that P^flage: A fad Circ
Itance, that eminently expofcs ti;e Folly and Mac
common among Pirates ; ai^.dhemuft be an incon-
rate Vv'retch, indeed, who, if he conld ;
W ickednels and Punilhnient from the f'
yet hazard Jiis Life aniidii ii.ch Dangci
Want of Skill and Forecall otti-n makes
ble to.
Their Sins, we may prelume, were never fo t
bleiome to their Memories, as now, when- inevili
Deliruftion feem'd to threaten them, without
lealt Glimpfe of Comfort or Alleviation to thisr
iery ; for, with what Face could \'v'retci:e.% who
ravag'd and made fo many neceiTitous, iook'Uf
Heaven for Relief.? They had to tiiat Moment
in Defiance of the Povver that now alone they 1
trud to for their Prefervation ; aud, indied, witl
the miraculous Intervention of Providence, there ij
pear'd only this miicrable Choice, wz. a pre it
Death by their own Hands, or a hiig'ring one by
mine.
They continu'd their Courfe, and came to ait^B»l
lowance of one fingle Mouthful of Water for Mti
Hours. Many of them drank their Urine, or i3>i
.rate
them
(i!
Pyratesy Highwaymen y Murderers ^ 5Cc.
l8r
Water, which, inftead of allaying, gave them an
inextinguifhable Thirft, that kill'd 'em : Others pi-
ned, and wafted a little more Time in Fluxes and
Apyrexies ; lb that they dropp'd away daily. Thofe
that fuftain'd the Mifery bell, were fuch as alraoll
ibrv'd themfelves, forbearing all Sorts of Food, un-
lei'i a mouthful or two of Bread, the whole Day : So
that thofe who furviv'd, were as weak as it was pof-
fible for Men to be, and alive.
But if the difmal Profpeft they fet out with gave
them Anxiety, Trouble, or Pain, what mull their
Fears and Apprehenfions be, when they had not one
Drop of Water left, or any otJier Liquor to moillen
or animate ? This was their Cafe when (by the work-
ing of Divine Providcnce,nodoubt) they were brought
into Soundings, and at Night anchored in feven Fa-
thom Water. This was an expreffible Joy to them,
and, as it were, fed the expiring Lamp of Life with
frelh Spirits : But this could not hold long. When
the Morning came, they faw Land from the Mail -
Hwd, but it was at fo great a Dillance, that it af-
forded but an indifferent Profpedl to Men who had
drank nothing for the two lall Days : However, they
dii'patch'd their Boat away, and late the fame Night
It return'd, to their no fmaJl Comfort, with a load
of Water ; informing them, that they had gat off the
Mouth of MeriiL-in^a River, on the Coalt of Suri-
nam.
One would have thought fo miraculous an Efcpe
Ihould have wrought fome Reformation; but, alas!
they had no fooner quench'd their Thirlt, but tliey
had forgot the Miracle, till Scarcity of Provifions a-
waken'd their Senfes, and bid them guard againft
ftarving. Their Allowance was very fmall, and yet
they would profanely fay. That Pro-iiJence luhich
had gave them Drink, ivoidd, no doubt, bring them
Meat alfo, if they ivould u/e but an honeji Endea-
vour.
In purfuance of thefe honeft Endeavours, they
were lleering for the Latitude of Barbadoes, with
what little they had left, too look out for more, or
ftarve, and in their Way, they met a Ship that an-
fwer'd their NeceiTities, and after that a Brigantine.
The former was call'd The Greyhound, belonging to
St. Chriftopher s, and bound to Philadelphia; the
Mate of which fign'd the Pirate's Articles, and was
afterwards Captain of The Ranger, Confort to The
Ro\<al Fortune.
Out of the Ship and Brigantine the Pirates got a
good Supply of Provifions and Liquor, fo that they
gave over the defign'd Cruize, and water'd at Tobago,
where hearing of the two Sloops that had been fitted
out and fent after them at Cornjocoo, they fail'd to
the Idand of Mcrtmico, to make the Governor fome
fort of an Equivalent for the Care and Expedition he
had (hewn in that AiF.iir.
It is the Cullom at Martinico for the Dutch Inter-
Roberts was fo enrag'd at the Attempts that had
been made for taking of him, by the Governors of
Barbadoes and Martinico, that he order'd a new
Jack to be made, which they ever after hoifted, with
his own Figure pourtray'd. Handing upon two
Skulls, and under them the Letters J B H and
A M H ; lignifying a Barbadians and a Martini-
can i Head : As (hall be feen in the Plate of Captain
Robert!.
At Dominica, the next Ifland they touch'd at,
they took a Dutch Interloper of 22 Guns, and 75
Men, and a Brigantine belonging to Rhodes Iflind,
of which one Kort-m was Mafler. The former
made fome Defence, till fome of his Men being killed,
the reft were difcourag'd, and llruci; tiieir Colours.
With thefe two Prizes ttiey went down to Guadalupe,
and brought out a Sloop, and a Fnnch Fly -Boat la-
den with Sugar; the Sloop they burnt, and went on
to Moonay, another Ifland, thinking to clci.n : But
finding the Sea ran too high there to undertake it with
Safety, they bent their Courfe for the North Part of
Hi/paniola, v»here, at Bennet'% Key, in the Gulf of
Suminah, they clean'd both the Ship and the Brigan-
tine. For though Hi/paniola be lettled by the Spa-
niards and French, and is the Refidence of a Prefident
from Spain, who receives, and finally determines Ap-
peals from all the other Spanijh Weft-India Iflands ;
yet is its Peopic by no Means proportion'd to its
Magnitude : So that there are many Harbours in it,
to which Pirates may fecurely refort, without Fear of
Difcovery from the Inhabitants.
Whilft they were here, two Sloops came in, as they
pretended, to pay Roberts a Vifit ; the Mailers, whofe
Names were Porter and Tuckerman, addrefs'd the
Pirate as the Queen of Sbeba did Solomon ; to wit.
That, hai-ing heard of his Fame and At chi elements,
they had put in their to learn his Art and Wildom in
the Bufinefs of pirating, being \''eflels on the fame
honourable Defign with himfelf ; and they hop'd, with
the Communication of his Knowledge, they (hould
alfo receive his Charity, being in Want of NecelTaries
for fuch Adventures. Roberts was won upon by
the Peculiarity and Bluntnefs of thefe two Men, and
gave them Powder, Arm:, and what ever elfe they
had Occafion for, fpent two or three merry Nights
with them, and at parting, faid. He hoped the i—
nuoiild profper their Handy IVorks.
They pafled fome Time here, after they had got
their Veilel ready, in their ufual Debaucheries ; they
had taken a confiderable Quantity of Rum and Sugar,
fo that Liquor was as plenty as Water, and few there
were who denied themfelves the immoderate Ufe of
it ; nay. Sobriety brought a Man under a Sufpicion
of being in a Plot againft the Commonwealth, and in
their Senfe, he was looked upon to be a Villain that
would not be drunk. This was evident in the Affair
of Harry Glafby, chofen Mafler of the Royal Fortune,
opers, that have a Mind to trade with the People of who, with two others, laid hold of the Opportunity
the Ifland, to hoill their Jacks when they come before
he Town. Roberts knew the Signal, and, being an
Jtter Enemy to them, he bent his Thoughts upon
Mifchief. Accordingl)', he came in with his Jack
.lying, which, as he expefted, they millook for a
good Market, and thought themfelves happiell that
;ould foonell difpatch off their Sloops and Veflels for
Trade. When Roberts had got them within his
i'ower {one after another) he told them, he would
liot have it faid that tliey came off for nothing, and
J herefore order'd them to leave their Money behind,
or that they were a Parcel of Rogues, and he hop'd
hey would always meet with fuch a Dutch Trade
jS this was. He referv'd one Veffel to fet the PafTen-
j;ers on fhore again, and fr'd the reft to the Num-
iier of 20.
•*9
at the laft Ifland they were at, to move off without
bidding farewell to his Friends. Glajby was a re-
ferv'd fbber Man, and therefore gave Occafion to be
fufpeded, fo that he was fcon miffed after he wenta-
way. A Detachment being fent in queft of thefe De-
ferters, they were all three brought back again the
next Day. This was a capital Offence, for whick
they were ordered to be brought to an immediate
Tryal.
Here was the Form of Juftice kept up, which is as
much as can be faid of feveral other Qourts, that
have more lawful CommiiTions for what they do.
Here was no feeing of Council, and bribing of Wit-
neffes was a Cullom not known among them; no
packing of Juries, no torturing and wreflingthe Senfe
of the Law, for bye Ends and Purpofes, no puzzling
3 C or
190
or perplexing the Canfe with unintelligible canting
Terms, and ufelefs Diflinftions ; nor was their Sei-
fions burthened with numberlefs Officers, the Mini-
Hers of Rapine and Extortion, with ill boding Afpefts,
cnougli to fright Aftraa from the Court.
l"he Place appointed for their Trials, wa» the
Steerage of the Ship ; in order to the Procedure, a
large Bowl of Rum Punch was made, and placed upon
the Table ; the Pipes and Tobacco being ready, the
judicial Proceedings began ; the Prifoners were brought
forth, and Articles ot Indiftment againll them read;
they were arraigned upon a Statute ot their own mak-
ing, and the Letter of the Law being ftrong againll
them, and the Faft plainly proved, they were about
to pronounce Sentence, when one of the Judges mo-
ved, that they ihould firll Smoak t'other Pipe ; which
*va$ accordingly done.
All the Prifoners pleaded for Arreft of Judgment
very movingly ; but the Court had fuch an Abhor-
rence of their Crime, that they could not be prevailed
upon to Ihew Mercy, till one of the Judges whofe
'Hsime v/ii Valentine Jjhplant, Hood up, and, taking
his Pipe out of his Mouth, laid he had fomething to
offer to the Court in behalf of one of the Prifoners ;
which he delivered to this EffeCl. By G- ,
GlaJby Jhall not die; d n me ifkejhall. After
this learned Speech, he fit down in his PI. ce, and re-
fumed his Pipe. 'J his Motion was loudly opjoled
by all the relt of the Judge.--, in equivaleri 'i erms ;
but AJhflant, who was relolute in his Opinion, mr.de
another pathetical Speech, in the fo'lowirg IVlarner.
G— d n ye Gentlemen, I am as good n Itlan
/n the beji of you; d — m my S——1 if ever I turned
my Bad to any Man in my Life, or ei'er nxill, by G — ;
Glafby is an honeft Fellonu, notviithjieinding this Mis-
fortune, and I love him, the D — / d n me if I
dont : I hope he'' II live and repent ofiuhat he has
done ; but d-——n me, if he muf die, I 'will die a-
long "with him. Having delivered this, he pulled out
a Pair of Piflols, and prefented them to fome of the
Isarned Judges upon the Bench ; who, perceiving
his Argument ^q well fupported, thought it reafona-
able that Glafby (hould be acquitted ; and fo
they all came over to his Opinion, and allowed it
to be Law.
But all the Mitigation that could be obtained for
the other Prifoners, was, that they fliould have the
Liberty of choofmg any fo«r of the whole Company
to be their Executioners. The poor Wretches were
ty'd immediately to the Mart, and there fhot dead,
purfuant to their villainous Sentence.
When they put to Sea again, the Prizes, which
had been detained only for lear of fpreading any
Rumour concerning them, a Thing that had like to
hade been fo fatal at Corvocoo, were thus difpofed of:
They burnt their own Sloop, and mann'd Merton't
Brigantine, fending the Mailer away in the Dutch In-
terloper, not diflatisfied.
With the Royal Fortune, and the Brigantine, which
they chriflened the Good Fortune, they pufhed to-
wards the Latitude of Difiada, to look out for Pro-
vifions, being very Ihort again ; and jull to their
Wilh, Captain Hingjione'i ill Fortune brought him
in their Way, being richly laden for fitmaica ; him
they cirried to Berbadas and plundered ; then ftretch-
ing back again to the Wsft-Indies, they continually
met with fome Confignment or other, (chiefly French,)
which ftored them with Plenty of Provifions, and re-
cruited their llarving Condition j fo that. Hocked with
this fort of Ammunition ; they began to think of
fomething worthier their Aim ; for thefe Robberies
that only fupplied what was in conftant Expenditure,
by no Means anfwered their Intentions ; and accord-
ingly, they proceeded again for the Coaft of Giiiney,
A General History of
where they thought to buy Gold Dull very cheap.
In their PafTage thither, they took Numbers of Ships
of all Nations, fome of which they burnt or funk, as
the Behaviour or Charadters of the Mafters difpleaf-
ed them.
Notwithftanding the iuccefsful Adventures of this
Cre\i , yet it was with great Difficulty they could be
kept together, under any kind of Regulation ; for be-
ing almoft always mad or drunk, their Behaviour
produced infinite Diforders, every Man being in his
own Imagination, a Captain, a Prince, or a King.
When .^0^^/-/.* faw there was no managing of fuch a
Company of wild ungovernable Brutes, by gentle
Means, nor any Method of keeping them from drink-
ing to excefs, which was the Caufe of all their Diftur-
b.inces, he put on a rougher Deportment, and a more
magillerial Carriage towards them, correding whom
he thought fit : If any feemed to relent his Ufage,
he told them, They might go a-Jhore and take Sa-
tisfaaion of him, if they thought fit, at SiuorJ
and Piftol, for he neither valued «r fear''d any of
them.
About 400 Leagues from the Coafl of Africa, the
Brigmtine, who h .d hitherto lived with them in all
amicable Coirefpo dence, tiiougiit fit to take the Op-
porti n ty of a dark Night, and leave tlic Commodore,
which i£. ds me back to the Relation of an Accident,.
t.iPt hij-peiitd it one cf t::e IfLnds of thtff'e/.'-/ndieSf
wneie ihey v. iter'd bufore they undertook tins Voy-
age, which h:d like to have t.irown tiieir Govern-
mert (luch as it wa-) cfF tlie Hinges, and was partly
I c (Jccifion of tne Sepir:;tiOn : The Story is as fol-
lows. I
Captain i?e^«-//, having been infulted by one of- 1
the drunken Crew, whofe Name ue have not learnt, I
he, in the Heat of his PafTion, killed the Fellow or- I
the Spot, which was refented by a great many others, I
but particularly by one Jones, a brifli aflive youngl
Man, who died lately in the Marjhalfea, and was [
his Mefs-Mate. This Jones was at that .Time a-
fhore, a watering the Ship, but as foon as he came'l
on Board, he was told that Captain Roberts had killeii'l
his Comrade ; upon which he boldly curfed Roberts, \
and faid, he ought to be ferved fo himfelf. Robert>\
hearing ^oflfj's Inveftive, ran to him with a Sword, |
and ran him into the Body; and Jones, notwithftand-
ing his Wound, feized the C^tain, threw him oveil
a Gun, and beat him handfomely. This Adventur«i
put the whole Company in an Uproar, and fomeJ
taking Part with the Captain, and others againll
him, there had like to have enl'ued a general Battli^
with one another, like my Lord Thomont's Cocks:
however, the Tumult was at length appeas'd, by thai
Meditation of the Quarter-Malter : and .is the MaJ
jority of the Company were of Opinion, that thtf
Dignity of the Cptain ought to be fupported OB
Board ; that it was a Poll of Honour; and therefore
the Perfon whom they thought fit to confer it onf
fhould not be violated by any lingle Member ; there-}
fore they fentenced Jones to undergo two Lnfhes fromi
every one of the Company for Ins Mifdeineanourjj
which was executed upon him as foon as he was wen
of his Wound.
This fevere Punilhment did not at all convinc
Jones that he Wis iii the wrong, but rather animate
him to fome fort of a Revenge : However, not beinrf
able to do it upon Roberts's Perfon, on board th'l
Ship, he and feveral of his Comrades correfpond witi
Anjfis, Captain of the Brigantine, and confpire wit)*
him and fome of the principal Pirates on board tha 1
VefTel, to go off from the Company. What mad
Anfiii a Malecontent, was, the Inferiority he ftooi
in with refpeft to Roberts, who carried himfelf wit i
a haughty and znagilleria! Air to him and his Crew
h '
Pyratssy Higb<waywefij Murderers^ SCc.
Girding the Brigantine only as a Tender, and
j h, left them no more than the Refufe of their
1 er. In (hort, Jones and his Confort got on
3 of Captain Anjiis, on Pretence of a Viiit, and
;i confulting with their Brethren, they find a Ma-
i for leaving of Roberts, and fo came to a Refo-
i to bid a foft Farewel, as they call it, that Night,
J ) throw over-board whofoever Ihoulti Hick out :
t,iey prov'd to be unp.nimoas, and efFefted their
(1 1 as abovemention'd.
^ (hall have no more to fay of Qiptain Anftis,
; • Story of Roberts is concluded ; therefore we
1) to him, in the purfuit of his Voyage to Gui-
i: The Lofs of the Brigantine wr.s a fenlible Shock
t Crew, fhe being an Excellent Sailor, and ha-
c 0 Hands a-board : However, Roberts, who was
:cafion of it, put on a Face of Unconcern at
i 1 Conduft and Mifmanagement, and reiolv'd
; alter his Purpofes upon that Account.
R jr/j fell into Windward nig], the Senega/, a
ri of great Trade for Gum, on this Part of the
I monopoliz'd by the French, who conftantiy
■I >uizers, to hinder the interloping Trade. At
! ime they had two fmall Ships on thnl Service,
• 10 Guns and 65 IVIen, and the other of ib
r ind 7; Men ; who, having got a Sigiit of Mr.
ii I, and fuppofing him to be one of thefe prolii-
II "raders, chac'd, with all the Sail they could
\t to come up with him ; but their Hopes, which
I )ught them very nigh, too late deceived them :
r, n the hoilling of yo//y Roger, which was the
0 they gave their black Flag, their French Hearts
'( and they both furrender'd without any, or, at
i vith very little Refiftance. With thefe Prizes
y /ent into Sierra/eon, and made one of them
^ ,'onfort, by the Name of The Ranger, and
|i* .er a Store-Ship, to clean by.
K aleoa River difgorges with a large Mouth, the
iJ ird-Side of which draughts into little Bays,
: 1 convenient for cleaning and watering. What
; de it preferable to the Pyrates, was, that the
II s fettled here are naturally their Friends.
t are about 30 EngUflimen in all, who, in fome
tf their Lives, have been either privateering,
xeering, or py rating, and ftill retain and love
hts and Humours common to that fort of,Life.
e ive very friendly with the Natives, and have
n; )f them, of both Sexes, to be their Grometta's,
Si 'ants. The Men are faithful, and the Women
01 lient, that they are very ready to prollitute
;n Ives to whomfoever their Mulfers fli.ill com-
0 them. The Royal Affrican Company has 3
rtn a fmall Ifland, call'd Bcnce Ijland, but 'tis of
leJfe, befides keeping their Slaves; the Dillance
kij it incapable of giving any Molellation to
ai larboard Shore. Here lives at this Place an
1 ;llow, who went by the Name of Crackers,
©I'as formerly a noted Buccaneer, and, while he
k>'d the Calling, had robbed and plundered many
% . He kept the bell Houfe in the Place, had
0' three Guns befors his Door, with which he
Jti his Friends the Pyrates, when they put in, and
'c; jovial Lifewith them all the while they are there,
h c follows a Lift of the reft of thofe law iefs
ti: ants, and their Servants, who carry on a pri-
tti'rade with the Interlopers, to the great Preju-
*; the Royal Affrican Company, who, with extra-
iijry Induftry and E^pence, have made and mnin-
aii ettlements, without any Confideration from
»(i who, without fuch Settlements and Forts,
)W foon be under an Incapacity of purfuing
y'lich private Trade. Wherefore, 'tis to be
pi proper Means will be taken, to root out the
sn ndtr of fuch a pernicious Set of P»ople, wh^
191
have all their Lives fupported themfelvss by the La"
bours of other Men.
Two oi thefe Fellows enter'd with Robertas Crew,
and continu'd with them, till the Deftruftion of tfee
Company.
A LIST of the 0Vte Men,
laho lived on the High Laud
oj Slerraleon, avhen Roberts
^as their y and the Craft they
occupy.
Jo HN Leadfiane, three Boats and Periagoe,
His Man Tom.
llis M..n John Broivn.
Alexander Middleton, one Long Boat,
His Man Charles Ha<wihis.
pMamThad, } ^"""^"' °"<= ^Ong-Boat.
Their Man John f^ernon.
Da-vid Chalmers, one Long-Boat.
John Chalmers, one Long-Bo? t.
Richard Richard/on, one Long-Boat.
Norton, p Partners, two Long-Boats, and
Richard Warren, > two fmall Boats.
Robert Glynn, J
His Man John Franks.
William Waits, and one young Man.
John Bonnerman.
John England, one Long-Boat.
Robert Samples, one Long Boat.
William Prefgro^'e, *)
Harry, / One Sloop, two Long Boaijc,
Da-vis, > a Imall Boat, and Peria-
Mitclul, I goe.
Richard Lamb, _/
With Rofuis Rodrigus, a Portugurfe.
George Bijhop.
Peter Bron-vn.
John Jones, one Long Boat.
His Irijh young Man.
At Rio Pungo, Benjamin Gun.
At Kidhain, George I'eats.
At Gallyneas, Richard Lemmons.
The Harbour is fo convenient for Wooding and
Watering, that it occafions many of our trading
Ships, efpecially thofe of Brijlol, to call in there, wit)»
large Cargoes of Beer, Cyder, and llrong Liquors,
which they exchange with thefe private Traders, for
Slaves and Teeth, purchafed by them at the Rio Nune''s,
and other Pi.ices to the Northward : So that here
was what they call good Living.
Hitherto Roberts came about the End of June,
1721. and had Intelligence iksxThe Smuallcw, and
Weymouth, two Men of War, of 50 Guns each, had
left that River about a Month before, and defign'd
to return about Chrijlmas ; fo that the Pirates could
indulge themfelves with :JI the Satisfaftion in the
World, in that they knew they were not only fecui*
whilft there, but that in going down the Coaft, after
the Men of War, they (hould always be able to get
fuch Intelligence of their Rendezvous, as would ferve
to make their Expedition fafe. So after fix Weeks
ftay, the Ships being clean'd and fitted, and the Men
weary of whoring and drinking, they bethought
themfelves of Bufinefs, and went to Sea the Beginning
of Augiift, taking their Progrefs down the whole Coaft,
as low as Jaquin, plundering every Ship they met ef
what
192.
what was valuable in her, and fometimes, to be more
mifchievoufly wicked, they would throw what they
did not want over board, accumulating Cruelty to
Theft.
In this Range, they exchanged their old French
Ship, for a iine Frigate built Ship, call'd the Onjloiv,
belonging to the Royal Jlfy'ican Company, Captain
Gee Commander, which happened to lye at Seftos, to
get Water and Neceffaries for the Company. A
great many of Captain Gee^s Men were a-(hore when
Roberts bore down, and fo the Ship was confequcntly
furpriz'd into his Hands, tho' had they been all on
Board, it was not likely the Cafe would have been
Othervvife, the Sailors, mod: of them, voluntarily
joining the Pirates, and encouraging the fame Dilpo-
fition in the Soldiers, who were going Faflengers
with them to Cape-Corfo-CttftU. Their Ears being
conftantly tickled with the Feats and Gallantry of
thofe Fellows, made them fancy, that to go, was only
being bound on a Voyage of Night Errantry, to re-
lieve the Diftrefs'd, and gather up Fame, and fo they
likewife offered themfelres ; but here the Pirates v\ tie
at a Stand, they entertained fo contemptible a No-
tion of Landmen, that they put 'em off with Rcfu-
fals for fome Time, till at length being weary 'd with
Solicitations, and pitying a Parcel of flout Fellows,
who, they faid, were going to tlarve upon a little
Canky and Plantane, they accepted of them, and :1-
lowed them a-quarter Share, as it was then terru'd,
GUI of Charity.
There was a Clergyman on Board the Onjloiv, fent
from England, to be Chaplain of Cape-Corfo-Cajlle ;
fome of the Pirates were for keeping him, alledg-
ing merrily, that their Ship wanted a Chaplain ; ac-
cordingly they offered him a Share to take on with
them, promifmg that he fhould do nothing for his
Money, but make Punch, and fay Prayers ; yet,
however brutifh they might be in other Things, they
bore fo great a Refpedl to his Order, that they re-
folved not to force him againll his Inclinations, and
the Parfon, having no Relifh for this fort of Life, ex-
cufe himfelf from accepting the Honour they defign-
ed him ; they were fatisfied, and generous enough to
deliver him back every Thing he owned to be his :
The Parfon laid hold of this favourable Difpofition
of the Pirates, and laid Claim to feveral Things be-
longing to others, which were alfo given up, to his
great Satisfaftion ; in fine, they kept nothing which
belonged to the Church, except three Prayer-Books,
and a Bottle-Screw.
The Pirates kept the Onfloiv for their own Ufe,
and gave Captain Gee the French Ship ; and then fell
to making fuch Alterations as might fit her for a Sea
Rover ; pulling down her Bulk Heads, and making
her Hufh ; fo that fhe became, in all Refpefts, as com-
pleat a Ship for their Purpole, .^s any they could have
found ; they continued to her the Name of the Roy-
al Fortune, and mounted her with 40 Guns.
She and the Ranger proceeded (as we faid before)
to Jaquin, and from thence to Old Calabar, where
they arrived about O8ober, in order to clean their
Ships. This Place was the moft fuitable along the
whole Coaft ; for there is a Bar with not above 1 5
Foot Water upon it, and the Channel intricate ; fo
that had the Men of War been fure of their being
harboured here, they might tlill have bid Defiance
to their Strength ; for the Depth of Water at the
Bar, .IS well as the Want of a Pilot, was a fufficient
Security to the Rovers, and invincible Impediments
to them. Here therefore they fat eafy, and oivid-
ed the Fruits of their diflioneft Induftry, and drank
and drove Care aiuay. The Pilot, who brougtit
them into this Harbour, was Captain L e, wiio,
for this, and other Services, was extrearaly well paid.
A General History of
according to the Journal of their own Acunt
which does not run in the ordinary and coi lot
Way, of Debtor contra Cred!tor,h\H much mor.o^
cife, lumping it to their Friends, and fo carryi thi
Debt in their Heads, againft the next honeflTn
der they meet.
They took at Calabar Captain Loane, amtwi
or three Brijiol Ships, the Particulars of all lid
would be an unneceffary Prolixity. We thifon
come now to give an Account of the Ufage th re
ceived from the Natives of this Place. The j/a
bar Negroes did not prove fo civil as they e,xj (ed
they refufed to have any Commerce or Trade viti
them, when they underftood they were Pirates An
Indication that thefe poor Creatures, in the i ro«
Circumflances they were in, and without the igh
of the Gofpel, or the Advantage of an Edui ion,
have, notwithftanding, fuch a moral innate Hi illy
as would upbraid and fhame the moll knowing hn-
ftian : But thi? did but exafperate thefe lawle Fel-
lows, and fo a Party of 40 Men were detacl to
force a Correfpondence, or drive the Negri to
Extremities ; and they accordingly landed und tbe
Fire of their own Cannon. The Negroes di ■ m
in a Body of 2000 Men, as if they intended
pute the Matter with them, and tlaid till the
advanced within Pidol-lhot; but finding the L
t'.vo or three made no Iniprellion on the ri
Negroes thought fit to retreat, which they die \
fome Lofs ; The Pirates fet Fire to the Tow ,-
then .-trurnM to their Ships. This terrified t Ni
tives, and put an entire flop to all the Inte utt
between them, fo that they could get no Si !
which obliged them, as foon as they had finiH t„
cleaning and triming of their Ships, to lofe no mt,
but depart for Cape Lopez, where they waten aiyi
at Anna-Bona took a-board a Stock of frefh ovi
fions, and then failed for the Coafl again.
This was their laft and fatal Expedition, lid
we fliall be the more particular in, becaufe 1 an.
not be imagined, that they could have had tl Af-
furance to have undertaken it, but upon a Pr mp-
tion, that the Men of War, (whom they knev mi
upon the Coail,) were unable to attack them, elfc,
purfuant to the Rumour that had indifcretions ob-
tained at Sierraleon, were gone thither again
It is impoffible at this Time, to think they lalii
know of the weak and fickly Condition they win,
and therefore, we may fuppofe, they foundi tin
Succefs of this fecond Attempt upon the Co , oh
the latter Prefumption ; and this I'eems to bcoif
firmed by their falling in with the Coafl as .v as
Cape Labou, (and even tiiat was higher than tl (!«•
figned) in the Beginning of yanuary, and tak: the
Ship called the King Solomon, witli 20 Men i heir
Boat, and a trading Veflel, both belonging the
Company. The Pirate Ship happened to fall soul
a League to Leeward of the King Solomon, a -2F«
Appollonia, and the Current and Wind oppofin to
working up with the Ship, they agreed to fe liit
Long-Boat, with a fufhcient Number of M , to
take her .• The Pirates are all Voluntiers on tht Oc-
cafions, the Word being always given, njjbo w. »»■'
And prefently the flanch and firm Men offer em-
felves ; becaufe, by fuch Readinefs, they recorienii
their Courage, and have an Allowance alfo 'f "
Suit of Cloaths, from Head to Foot, out tl"
Prize.
They rowed towards the King Solomon 'O '
great deal of Alacrity, and being hail'd by the om-
mander of her, anf'wer'd. Defiance. Captai ''■«-
hern, before this, obferving a great Number 0 wen
in the Boat, beg.an not to like tiis Vifitors, an p'"^'
pared to receive them, firing a Mulket as the) a'''*
ndet
Pyratesy Highwaymeny Murderers^ &c.
nJer his Stem, which they return'd with a Volley,
nd made greater Speed to get on board : Upon
his, he applied to his Men, and aflt'd them whether
ihey would fland by him, to defend the Ship, it be-
ig a Shame they ihould be taken by half their Num-
er, without any Repulfe ? But his Boatfwain, Phi-
'ps, took upon hira to be the Mouth of the People,
IndputanEnd to the Difpute; he faid plainly, he
I'ould no( fight, laid down his Arms in the King's
iJame, as he was pleafed to term it, and called out
1 the Boat for Quarters ; fo that the reft, by his
xample, were milled to the lofing of the Ship.
When they came on Board, they brought her un-
;r Sail, by the expeditious Method of cutting her
able ; Walden, one of the Pirates, telling the Mafter,
at the heaving up the Anchor would be a needlefs
rouble, when they defigned to burn the Ship. They
ought her under Commodore Roberti'^ Stern, and
)t only rifled her of what Sails, Cordage, i^c. they
inted for themfelves, but wantonly thrown'd the
cods of the Company over-board, . like Spend-
rifts, that neither expefted or defigned any Account.
On the fame Day alfo they topk the Flujhing, a
■Itch Ship, robb'd her of Maib, Yards, and Stores,
J then cut down her Fore-Maft ; but what fat as
avily as any Thing with the Skipper, was, their
;ing fome fine Sauipges he had on Board, of his
lie's making, and Itringing them in a ludicrous
anner round their Necks, till they had fufficiently
w'd their Contempt of them, and then they threw
m into the Sea. Others chopp'd the Heads of
Fowls off, to be dreffed for their Supper, and
irteoufly invited the Landlord, provided he would
i Liquor. It was a melancholly Requell to the
in, but it mull be comply'd with, and he was o-
ged, as they grew drunk, to fit quietly, and hear
m fing French and Spanijh Songs out of his Dutch
) er-Book, with other Prophanefs, that he (tho' a
tch Man) ftood amazed at.
In chafing too near in, they alarmed the Coaft,
1 Expreifes were lent to the Englijb and Dutch
ttories, giving an Account of it : They were fen-
e of this Error immediately, and, becaufe they
uld make the beft of a bad Market, they refolved
keep out of Sight of Land, and lofe the Prizes
y miglit expett between that and Whydah, to
ke the more fure of that Port, where commonly
he beft Booty ; all Nations trading thither, ef-
:ially Portuguefe, who purchafe chiefly with Gold,
Idol their Hearts were bent upon. Yet not-
hitanding this unlikely Courfe, they met and took
eral Ships between Axitn and that Place ; the cir-
nftantial Stories of which, and the pannick Ter-
they ilruck into his Majelly's Subjefts, being
:ous and unneceflary to relate, Ifliall pafs by, and
lie to their Arrival in that Road.'
Fhey came to IVhyiiah with a St. George's En-
1, a black Silk Flag flying at their Mizzen-Peek,
1 a Jack and Pendant of tne fame : The Flag had
)eath on it, with an Hour Glafs in one Hand, and
is Bones in the other, a Dart by it, and under-
th a Heart dropping three Drops of Blood.
e Jack had a Man pourtray'd on it, with a fla ■
ig Sword in his Hand, and Handing on two Skuls,
fcribed, J B H md J M H i. e. a Barbadian's
a Martiaicans Head, as has been before taken
tice of Here they found eleven Sail in the Road,
[lijh, French, and Portuguefe ; the French were
e ftout Ships, of thirty Guns, and upwards of
Men each ; yet when Roberts came to Fire, they,
1 the other Ships, immediately ftruck their Co-
5 and furrendered to his Mercy. One Reafon it
t be confels'd of hii eafy Viftory, was, that the
nm^nders and a good Fart of the Men were a-
5°
i93
ftiore, according to the Cullom of the Place, to re-
ceive the Cargoes, and return the Slaves ; they being
oblig'd to watch the Seafons for it, which otherwife,
in fo dangerous a Sea as this, would be imprafti-
cable. Thefe all, except the Porcupine, ranfom'd
with him for eight Pound of Gold-Duft a Ship, not
without the trouble of pafling or repaiCng from the
Shore, before they could fettle it ; and, notwithftand-
ing the Agreement and Payment, they took away
one of the French Ships, tho' with a Promife to re-
turn her, if they found (he did not fail well, taking
with them feveral of her Men for that End.
Some of the Foreigners, who never had Dealino-
this Way before, defired, for Satisfadion to their
Owners, that they might have Receipts for their Mo-
ney ; which were accordingly given ; a Copy of one
of them <Ve have here fubjoin'd, •via.
THIS is to certify 'whom it may or doth concern,
that 'we Gentlemen of Fortune, ha've recei'v-
ed eight Pounds of Gold-Duft , for the Ranfomofthe
Hardey, Captain Dittwitt Commander ; fo that ivt
difcharge the faid Ship.
Witnefs our Hands, this
I'^th of JKn. 1721-2.
Batt. Roberts.
Harry Glafty.
Others were given to the Portuguefe Captains,
which were in the fame Form, but being fign'd by
two waggifti Fellows, wx.. Sutton and Simpfon, they
fubfcrib'd by the Names of,
Aaron Whijffiingpiti ,
Sim. TitgmuttoB.
But there was fomething fo fingularly cruel and
barbarous done here to the Porcupine, Captain Fletcher,
as mull not be pafled over without fpecial Remark.
This Ship lay in the Road, almoll flaved, when
the Pirates came in, and the Commander, being on
Shore fettling his Accounts, was fent to for the Ran-
fom, but he excufed it, as having no Orders from
the Owners ; tho' the true Reafon might be, that he
thought it dilhonourable to treat with Robbers ; and
that the Ship, feparate from the Slaves, towards
whom he could millruft no Cruelty, w.as not worth
the Sum demanded. Hereupon, Roberts lends the
Boat to tranfport the Negroes, in order to fet her on
Fire ; but being in haile, and finding that unfliack-
ling them would coft much Time and Labour, they
aftually fet her on Fire, with eighty of thefe poor
Wretches on Board, chained two and two together,
under the miferable Choice of perilhing by Fire or
Water : Thofe who jumped over-board from the
Flames, were feized by Sharks, a voracious Fifh, ve-
ry common in this Road, and, in their Sight, tore
Limb from Limb alive. A Cruelty unparalell'd ! And
for which had every Individual been hanged, few
could have thought that Jullice had been rigoroufly
executed.
The Pirates, indeed, were oblig'd to difpatch
their Bufinefs here in hafte, becaufe they had inter-
cepted a Letter from General Phips to Mr. Bald-
ivin, the Royal Jlfrican''s Company's Agent at ifhy-
dah, giving an Account, that Roberts had been feen
to Windward of Cape ^hree Points, that Baldvuiu
might the better guard againft the Damages to the
Company's Ships, if Ihe ihould arrive at that Road
before the Siuallo'w Man of War, which he aflured
him, at the Time of that Letter, was purfuing them
at that Place. Roberts call'd up his Company, and
defired they would hear Phips''s Speech, (for fo he
was pleas'd to call the Letter.) and, notwithllanding
tlieir vapouring, perfwaded them of the Neceffity
-, D of
iP4
bf hidving ; ' for, fays he, fiich brave Fellows can-
'• not be fuppoled to be frightened at this News* yet,
' we mull ail own, that it were better to avoid dry
* Blows, which is the bell that can be expefted, if
' we are over-taken.
This Advice weighed with them, and they got un.
dcr Sail, having llay'd only from Thurfday to Sa-
turday N ight, and at Sea they voted for the Ifland
of Jnna Bona ; but the Winds, hanging out of the
W;iy,Grofl'cd their Purpofe, and brought them toCape
Lo/i-z, where we Ihall leave them for their approach-
ing Fate, and relate feme further Particulars of his
M;.jelly's Ship the Siia/Iozv, i<tz. where it was ihe
had fpent her Time, during the Mifchief that was
done, and by what Means fhe was unable to prevent
it ; what alio was the Intelligence flie receiv'd, and
the Meafure thereon formed, that at laft brought two
luch Strangers as Mr. Roberts and Capt. Ogle, to
meet in fo remote a Corner of the World.
The S-wallmu and Weymouth left Sierraleon, May
28, wiiere, we have already taken Notice, Roberts
arrived about a Month after, and doubtlefs learn'd
the Intent of their Voyage, and cleaning on the
Coall : This made him fet down with more Securi-
ty to his Divwfion, and furniihed him with fuch In-
timations, as made his firll Range down the Coall,
in Augujl following, more profperous ; the Sivn//oiv
and U'eymouth being then at the Port of Princes a
cleaning.
Their Stay at Princes was from July 28, to Sept.
20, 1 72 1, where, by a Fatality, common to the Ir-
regularities of Seamen, who cannot in fuch Cafes be
kept under due Reftraints, they buried 1 00 Men in
three Weeks Time, and reduced the Remainder of
the Ships Companies into fo fickly a State, that it
was with Difficulty they brought them to fail ; and
this Misfortune was probably the Ruin of Roberts,
for it prevented the Men of War's going back to
Sierraleon, as it was intended, there being a Necef-
fity of leaving his Majefty's Ship U'eymouth (in
much the worfe Condition of the two) under the
Guns of Cape Corfo, to imprefs Men, being unable
at this Time, either to hand the Sails, or weigh her
Anchor : Now Roberts, being ignorant of the Occa ■
fion or Alteration of the firll Defign, fell into the
Mouth of Danger, when he thought himfelf the
farthell from it ; for the Men of War did not endea-
>iour to attain further to Windward, when they came
from Princes, but to fecure Cape Corfo Road under
their Lee, they luckily hovered in the Track he had
took.
The Sivalloiu and Weymouth fell in with the Con-
tinent at Cape Jppollonia, Oclober 20th and there
received tlie ungrateful News from one Captain Bird ;
J Notice that awakened and put tiiem on their Guard;
hut they were far from e^peifling any 'i'emerity
(houM ever bring him a fecond Time on the Co.iit,
white they were tlrere ; therefore the Siaallonv ha-
ving feen the JVeymouth into Cape Corfo Road No-v.
10th, file ply 'd to Windward as far as Baffam, ra-
ther as an Airing, to recover a fickly Ship's Com-
[wiiy, and (hew hcrfelf to the Trade, which was found
every where dillurb'J, than to chafe the Pirate. E-
vcry 1 hing being quict^ they were returning to
their Cotifort, w hen p.ccidcntly meeting a Portuguefe
Ship, fhe told tliem, that the Day before, fhe favv
\.\\Q Ships cii.:ce an Englifh Vellcl into Junk, which
file belic\cd mull have f.illen into their Hands. Oh
this Story, the Sivalloiu clung her Wind, and en-
deavoured to giin tliat Place, but receiving foon af-
ter, I'iz. Oilober the I4tli, a contrary Report from
Captain Flunimer, an intelligent Man, in the yafon
of Bripol, who had come further to Windward, and
neither faw or heard any Thing o£ this ; (he turned
A General H i s t o r v of
her Head down the fecond Time, anchored at Ca{
Jppollonia the 23d, at Cape 7;v.f /^,v;/Caj tlie 27(1
and in Corfo Road January tke "th, 1721-2.
They learned that their Coniort ttie Weymout.
was, by the Affillance of fome Soldiers from t)
Catlle, gone to Windward, to demand Rellitution
fome Goods or Men belonging to the African Cor
pany, that were illegally detained by the Dutch
Des Minas ; and while they were regretting fo loi
a Separation, an Expreis came to General Phi^
from Axim, on the gtli, followed by another fro
Dtxcoue, an Englifh Faaory, with information th
three Ships had cfiafed and taken a Galley nigh Ax.
Caltle, and a trading Boat belonging to the Compan-
No doubt was made concerning wiiat they were,
being taken for granted they were Pirates, and iu
pofed to be the lame that had the Auguji before i
fefled the Coafl. The natural Refult tlierefore, fk
thefe two Advices, was, to hallen for U'hydah ; I
it was concluded the Prizes they had taken, had :
formed them how nigh the Sivalloiu was, and wii
al, how much better m Health than fhe had been :
fome Months pall ; fo that, unlefs they were w
mad indeed, they would, after being difcoven
make the bell o( their Way for Whydah, and feci 1
the Booty there, without which, their Time j
Indullry had been entirely loll ; moll of the Gi
lying in that Corner.
The Sivalloiv weighed from Cape Corfo, Ja >
ary the loth, but was retarded by waiting loniello ;
on the Margcret, a Company's Ship, at Accra, ■
gain on the Portugal, and a whole Day at Apong, :
a Perion they ulcd to ihle Mifs Betty : A Cond ;
that Mr. Phips blamed, when he heard the I'irr >
were miffed at Whydah, altho' he had given u as ,
Opinion, that they could not be palled by, and ■
timated, that to flay a few Hours would prove i
Prejudice.
This, howevtr, hinder'd the Sivalloiu's catch ;
them at Whydah, for the Pirates came into t i
Road, with a frelh Gale of Wind, the fame I •
the Sivalloiu was at Apong, and fail'd the 13 th f
January from thence, fhe arriving the 17111. .;
gained Notice of them by a French Shallop fr 1
Grand Papa, the 14th at Night, and from L ;
Papa next iViorning by a Dutch Ship ; fo that :
Man of War was on all Sides, iis fhe thought, i ;
of her Purchafe, particularly when fhe made :
Ships, and difcovercd three of them to get un r
Sail immediately at Sight of her, making Signals »
one another, as tho' they defigned a Defence ; t
thefe were found to be three French Siup?, and th;
at Anchor, Portuguefe ^ud Englijh, all honell Tradi,
who had been r.uifatk'd and ranfon eJ.
Tfeis Dilhppointment chagrin'd the Ship's Cc»
pany, who were very intent upon their Mark Ij
which was reported to be an Arni-Cheit lull of Gc,
and kept with ihrce Keys ; tlio' in all liklihood, 1-1
they met w'ith tlism in th.-.t open Road, one r
both would have made their Efcipes ; or if they H
thought fit to have fought, an F.nuil.ition in tlr
Defence would probnbly have made it del'per.ite.
WliJle they were contemplating; on the Matter i
Letter was received from Mr. Baldzvin, Goverir
here for the Company, fignilying, that the Pir;,s
were at Jaquin, fevcn Le.igucs lower. The.?-!:!-
low weighcil at two ne.\t Morning, January -•
l6th, and get to Jaqu-n by Day Light, but to
other End, than frightening the Crews of two /
tnguefe Ships on Shore, wiio took her for the Pii
that had ilruck fo much Terror at Whidah : e
returned therefore tliiU Night, and having brt
flrengthened with thirty Voluntlcrs, Engli/h d
FreKcc, the difcarding Crews ot the Porcupine, J
PjraieSf Highwdymefiy Murderers, SCd
le F/. ••;<:/• Sliip they had carried from hence, flie
It to Sc;i ag.Jn January the 1 9th, conjefturing,
,at either CMlabar, Princes, the River Gabone, Cape
7pez, or Annahona, mull be touched at for Wa-
r and Rehelliment, tho' they fhould refolve to
ive the Coart. As to the former of thofe Places,
; have before obferved, it was hazardous to think
' it, or ratner iiiipraciicable ; Princes had been a
lur Grape to them, but being the firll in the Way,
; came before the iiarbour the 29th, vi-here learn-
r no News, without lofir.g Time, they lleered for
■ River Gabone, and anchored at the Mouth of it
hritary the ill.
This River is navigable by two Channels, and
i an Ifland ai'Out fiw Leagues up, eall'd Papa-
ins or Parrots, where the Dutch Cruizers for this
' laft generally cle in, and where fometimes Pirates
1 ne in to look for Prey, or to refit, it being very
I ivenient, by Re:. foil of a foft Mud about it, that
; nits a Ship lying on Shore, with all her Guns
J 1 Stores in, without Darr.uge. Hither Captain
( le fe t his Boat a; d a Liejicnant, who fpoke with
■.lutch Siiip • bovc tiie l!i r.u, fri/in whom he had
1 , Account, 'viz. That he had btcn four Days
) m Cpe Lopez, and h -1 ittt no Snip there. How-
i r, they beat i.:p for tne Cape, v.itnout regard to
i: Story, and on the !;th, at jJawning, were fur-
I jed with the Noife of a Gun, wnich, as the Day
\ ^htened, they found was from Cape Lopez Bay,
^ .-re they dilcovered three Ships at Anchor, the
1 ;eil with the King's Colours and Pendant flying,
1 ich was foon after concluded to be Mr. Roberts
i his Conforts. The Sicnllo^iu being to Wind-
s d, and unexpedledly deep in the Bay, was o-
\ ed to ileer off, for avoiding a Sand, called the
J nchmans Bank, wr.ich the Pjrates obl'erved for
( i rime, and r'fhly interpreting it to be Fear in
\ , righted the French Ranger, which was then on
t Heel, and ordci-ed her to chafe out in all halle,
I ding leveral of her oails in the Purfuit. The
I n of War, finding tliey had foolilhly millaken
k Defgn, humoured tl'.e Deceit, and kept off to
S, as if llie had been really afraid, and managed
t Steerage fo, under the Direftion of Lieutenant
i' , an e.vperienced Officer, as to let t*e Ranger
tic up with her, when they thought they had got
fifar as not to have their Guns heard by htr Con-
f^". nt the Cape. Tiie Pirates had Inch an Opini-
,c of their own Couiage, that they never could
dim any Body would uit a Stratagem to Ipeak with
tim, and lb were tiie moie eafily drawn into the
Sre.
• rhc Pirates now drew nigh enough to fire their
Cife Guns ; they hoillcd tlic black Flag that was
. wrnin fCiya'ah Ro:.<l, and got their Spntfail Yard
ang-(hips, with Intent to board; no one having
er afked all ti]is while, what Country Ship they
!• t< the Chafe to be ; they would have her to be
.'. '^srlugucfe. Sugar being then a Commodity a-
rng them, and were Iwearing every Minute at
t Wind or Sails to expedite io fweet a Chafe ;
1" , alas ! all turned four in an Inftant : It was with
t utmoli Conliernation they faw her fuddenly bring
t and haul up her lower Ports, now within Pif-
• t:(hot, and they llruck their black Flag upon it
ictly. ;\rter the firll Surprize was over, they
' t firing at a DillariCe, hoilled it again, and va-
tred with their Cutlafhes on the Poop ; tho' wife-
li:ndeavouring at the lame Time to get away. Be-
i now at their Wits End, Boarding v.as propofed
1 the He;ais of them, and lb to make one riefpc-
■ Pafh ; b'Jt the Motion not being v.el! feconded,
• tiieir Main-Top-Mall coming down by a Shot,
;■ two Hoars firing, it was declined : They
^95
grew fick, ftruck their Colours, and called out for
Quarters, having 10 Men killed out right, and 20
wounded, without the lofs or hurt of one the King's
Men. The Ranger had 32 Guns, was mann'd with
16 French Men, 10 Negroes, and 77 Englifh. The
Colours were thrown over board, that they might
not rife in Judgment, nor be difplay'd in Tri-
umph over them.
While the Siualloiu was fending their Boat to
fetch the Prifoners, a Blaft and Smoak was feen to
pour out of the great Cabin, and they thought they
were blowing up ; but, upon Enquiry afterwards,
they found that half a Dozen of the moft defperate,
when they faw all Hopes fled, had drawn them-
felves round what Powder they had left in the Steer-
age, and fired a Pillol into it ; but it was too fmall
a Quantity to effetfl any Thing, more than burning
them in a frightful Manner.
This Ship was commanded by one Skyrme, a
Welchman, who, tho' he had loll his Leg in the
Adlion, would not fuffer himfelf to be dreffed, or
carried off the Deck ; but, like Widrington, fought
upon his Stump. The reft appeared gay and brisk,
moft of them with white Shirts, Watches, and Silk
Veils ; but the Gold-Dull belonging to them was
moll of it left in the Little-Ranger in the Bay, this
Company's proper Ship, with the Royal Fortune.
I cannot but take Notice of two, among the
Crowd of thofe disfigured from the Blaft of Powder
juft before-mentioned, -viz. William Main and Roger
Ball. An Officer of the Ship feeing a Silver Call
hang at the Waift of the former, faid to him, /
prefume you are Boatfwain of tlois Ship. Then yoU
prejume ivrong, anfwer'd he, for I am Boatfivaia
of the Royal Fortune, Captain Roberts Commander.
Then Mr. Boatlwain_)'!7K ivill be hangd I helie've,
replies the Officer. That is as your H:nour pleafcs,
aiifwered he again, and was for turning away : Bat
the Officer deiired to know of him, how the Pow-
der which had msde them in that Condition, came
to take Fire. By G , fays he, they are all
mad and be-a;itch'd, for 1 haic loft a good Hat by it
(the Hat and he being both blown out of the Cabin
Galler)' into the Sea.) But ivhatfignifies aHat Friend,
fays the Officer. ' ■ ' ' Not much, anfwer'd he. The
Men being bufy in ftripping him of his Shoes and
Stockings, the Officer enquired further of him, whe-
ther Roberts' % Company were all as likely Fellows
as thefe. There are 120 of them, (anfwer'd he)
as ch'ver FellonMs as e-ver trod in Shoe Leather :
Would I luere iiith them. No doubt ont. fays the
Officer, By G— it is naked Truth anfwered he,
looking down and feeing himfelf by this time quite
ftripp'd.
The Officer then approached Roger Ball, who was
feated in a private Corner, with a Look as fullen as
Winter, and asked him how he came blown up in that
frightful Manner. — Why, fays he, John Morris//W
a Pijlol into the Poivder, and if he had not done it I
'-.vould (bearing his Pain all the while without the leail
Complaint.) The Officer g.ive him to underlland he
was a Surgeon, and that if hedefired it he would drefs
him ; but he fwore it fhould not be done, and that if
any thing was applied to him he would tear it oft". Ne-
verthelels the Surgeon had good Nature enough to
drefs him, tho' with much Trouble. At Night he was
in a kind of Delirium, and nived on the Bravery of Ro-
berts, faying, he fhould Ihortly be rcleafed, as foon as
they (hoald meet him. This procured him a lafhing
down upon the Forccaffle, '.^hich he reliiiipg with all
his Force, it caufed him to be ufcj with the more
\'iolence, fo that he was tied down with fo much
Severity, that hh Fleih being fore and tender with the
blowing up, he died ri?.\t D.iy of a Mortifica-
kpn, ■ Thry-
196
A General History of
They fecured the Prifoners with Pinions and
Shackles, but the Ship was fo much difabled in the
Engagement, that they had once Thoughts to fet her
on Fire : This however would have given them the
Trouble of taking the Pirate's wounded Men on
board themfelves ; and as they were certain the
Royal Fortune would wait for her Confort's Re-
turn, they lay by her two Days, repaired her Rig-
ging, and other Damages, and fent her into France
with the French Men, and four of their own
Hands.
On the 9th in the Evening, the Swalloiu gained
the Cape again, and faw the Royal Fortune Handing
into the Bay, with the Neptune, Captain /////, of Lon-
don : A good Prefage of the next Day's Succefs; for
they did not doubt but the Temptation of Liquor
and Plunder, which they might find in this their
new Prize, would make the Pyrates very confufed ;
and fo it happened.
On the loth in the Morning, the Man of War
bore away to round the Cape. Roberts's Crew, dif-
cerning their Malls over the Land, went down into
the Cabin to acquaint him of it, he being then at
Breakfaft with his new Gueft, Captain Hill, on a
favory Difh of Solomongundy and fome of his own
Beer. He took no Notice of it, and his Men almolt
as little, fome faying flie was a Portuguefe Ship,
Others a French Slave Ship, but the major Part fwore
it was the French Ranger returning ; and they were
merrily debating for fome Time, on the Manner of
Reception, as whether they Ihould falute her or not;
but as the Siualloinj approached nigher. Things ap-
peared plainer ; and though they were ftigmatized
with the Name of CoTA'ar<A, who (hewed any Ap-
prehenfion of Danger, yet fome of them, now unde-
ceived, declared it to Roberts, efpecially one Jrm-
ftrong, who had deferted from that Ship, and knew
her well : Thofe Roberts fwore at as Cowards, who
meant to dilhearten the Men asking them if it were
fo, whether they were afraid to fight or no ? In fhort,
he hardly refrained from Blows. What his own Ap-
prehenfions were, till Ihe hawled up her Ports, and
hoilled her proper Colours, is uncertain ; but then,
being perfeftly convinced he flipped his Cable, got
under Sail, and ordered his Men to Arms, without
any Shew of Timidity, dropping a firft Rate Oath,
that it txias a Bite, but, at the fame Time, re-
folved, like a gallant Rogue, to get clear or die.
There was one Armjlrong, as I jull mentioned, a
Deferter from the Siualloiu, whom they enquired of
concerning the Trim and Sailing of that Ship ; he
told them Ihe fail'd bell upon a Wind, and there-
fore, if they defigned to leave her, they Ihould go
before it.
The Danger was imminent, and the Time very
fhort, to confult of Mesns to extricate himfelf; his
Refolution in this Streight, was as follows : To pafs
clofe to the Sivalloiv, with all their Sails, and re-
ceive her Broadfide, before they returned a Shot ; if
difabled by this, or that they could not depend on
failing, then to run on Shore at the Point, and every
one to (hjft for himfelf among the Negroes ; or fail-
ing in thefe, to board, and blow up together, for he
faw that the greatell Part of his Men were drunk,
paflively couragious, and unfit for Service.
Roberts himfelf made a gallant Figure, at the Time
of the Engagement, being drefled in a rich crimfon
Damaik Waiflcoat and Breeches, a red Feather in his
Hat, a Gold Chain round his Neck, with a Dia-
mond Crofs hanging to it, a Sword in his Hand, and
two P.air of Piftols hanging at the End of a Silk Sling,
flung over his Shoulders, according to the Fafhion of
the Pirates. He is faid to have given his Orders with
Boidnefs and Spirit ; Coming, aocording to what h«
had purpofed, clofe to the Man of War, he receipt
her Fire, and then hoilled his black Flag, and retu [
ed it, iliooting away from her, with all the Sail-
could pack ; and had he took Ar7nJ}roiig\ ."Advice, )
have gone before the Wind, he had probably efcapi;
but keeping his Tacks down, cither by the Win s
fliifting, or ill Steerage, or both, he svas taken a-b;:
with his Sails, and the Sivalloiv came a fecond Ti »
very nigh to him : He had now, perhaps, finifl I
the Fight very defper.itely, if Death, who too 1
fvvift Paffage in a Grape Shot, had not interpof,
and llriick liim direftly on the Throat. Heietii
himfelf on the 'J';.ckles of a Gun ; which one Step!. -
/on, from the Helm, obferving, ran to his Affiltar ,
and not perceiving him wounded, fwore at him, : i
bid him Hand up, and fight like a Man ; but w 1
he found his Miliake, and that his Captain was ( -
tainly dead, he gufhed into Tears, and wifhed e
next Shot might be his Portion. They prefei i
threw him ovei -board, with his Arms and Ornams s
on, according to the repeated Requeft he made in %
Life-time.
Roberts was a tall black Man near forty Year f
Age born at Nfuiey-bagk, nigh Ha-verforci M'cj a
Pembrokejhire, of good natural Parts, and peril J-
Bravery, tho' he applied them to fuch wicked ] '.
pofes as made them of no Commendation, freque v
drinking D n to him -^vho ever lit'cci to "ice. •
Halter. He forc'd himfelf at firlt among this C 1-
pany out of the Pnnce, Captain Plumb, at Ana •
boe, about three Years before, where he ferved a -
cond Mate, and ihed, as he us'd to tell the j %
Men, as many Crocodile Tears then, as they d
now, but Time and good Company had wore it '.
He could not plead Want of Employment, nor I \-
pacity of geting his Bread in an honell Way, t( 1-
vourfo viJe a Change, nor w.as he ib much a (lo\ d
as to pretend it ; he frankly own'd, it was to get d
of the difagreeable Superiority of fome Mailers he is
acquainted witii, and the love of Novehv d
Change that maritime Preregrination'; had acciUlc d
him to. In an honcjl Service, laid he there is w
Commons, loiv PI ages and hard Labour ; in s,
Plenty and Satiety, Pleafure and Eaj'e, Li, t)
and PoiKCr ; and 'vjho ivould not ballance Crejilt }»
this Side, ivlen all the ILizard that is run foi I,
at nvorjl, is only a four Look or t-zio at chou: f.
No, A merry Life and a fhort one, Jhall be my . '■
to. Thus he preach'd himlelf into an Appicb: m
of what heat firll abhorred j and, being d.iily l-
gal'd with Mufick, Drinking, and the Gsiri) id
Diverfions of his Companions, tliefe depraved j-
penfities were quickly edg'd and flrcngthtned, ti e
extinguiihing of Fc.ir and Confcience. Yet an 'g
all the vile ;nd ignominious A& he had perpetr. fli
he is faid to have had an Averfion towards loipg
Men into that Service, and hsd prccured fon^.e 'ir
Dilcharge, notwithlianding fo many made it ;ir
Plea.
When Roberts was gonr, as tho' he had been le
Life and Soul of the Gang, their Spirits lu. J
many deferted their Quarters, and all llupidly ;g-
levied any Means for Defcr.ee or Efcape ; and -'i'
Main-mail icon after being ihot bv the fioavd, ey
had no Way left, but to iurrender and call for C'f'
ters. The 5ti'«//'oiu kept aloof, while her Boat jf-
fed and repafled for the Prifoners ; becauie jcy
underilood they were under an Oath to blow p '•
and fome of the Deiperadoes ihewed a Williii;;''*
that Way, Matches being lighted, and Scuffici {'-
pcning between thofe who would, and thole '10
cppoled it : But we cannot eahly account for-'ii'
Humour, which can be termed no more tlM
fnlle Courage, lincc any of riicm had Power tc|e-
Pyratssy H'lgh'waymeny Murderers, bCc, ipf
oy his own Life, either by Piftol, or Drowning, y"" Fool, fays Sutton, did you eiiir hear of any Pi-
:Jiu'Jt involving others in the fame Fate, who rates gothing thither? Give me H //, it's a
re 111 no Temper of iVlind for it: And, at bell, merrier Place: Ptl ^/ir Roberts a Salute i>f 13
nad been only dying for fear of Death. Gutis at my Entrance. And when he found fucli
She had 40 Gun». and 157 Men, 45 whereof were ludicrous ExpreiTions had no Effed on dim, he made
sgroes ; three only were l<.illed in the Aiflion, a formal Complaint, and retjuelled that the Officer
tnoutany Lofs to the S-w.-:lloiv. There was found would either remove this Man, or talie his Prayer-
Book away, as a common Dilturber.
A Combination and Confpiracy was formed be-
twixt Moody, Apidant, Magiies, Mare, and others,
to rife, and kill tlie Olficeis, and run away with
the Ship. This they Jiad carried on by Means of a
.wards of 2000 1. in Gold-Dull in her. The Flag
(ild not be got eahly from under the fallen Mall,
; ;!iercfore was recovered by the S-moIIo-m ; it had
. igure ofa Skeleton in it, and a Man pourtray'd
ii ,1 riaming Sword in his Hand, intimating a De
.jc ofDeacn; but ti;is has been before delcribed. Mulatto Boy, who was allow'd to attend them, and
he Swallo-iM returned back into Cape Lo/ie::: Bay,
; . :oJ:id the little Ranger, whom the Pirates had
certed in halle, for the better Defence of the Ship :
i: had been plundered, according to wuat we h.ive
I -n'd, of 2000 1. in Gold-Dnlt, (the Siiares of
t le Pirates who belonged to Jier) and Captain Hill,
i :he Neptune, was not UhjulHy fufpeftcd ; for he
\ uld not wait the Man of War's returning into
t Bay again, but fail'd away immediately, making
r Scruple attcrwaidb to own tae Seizure ot oti.cr
t Dds out of her, and I'urrendenng, as a Confirma-
I I of all, 40 Ounces at Barhadoes. To fum up
X whole, if it be confidercd, iirll, that the fickly
5 e of the Men oi War, vi hen they fail'd from
i ices was the M.ofortune that hindered their be-
il as fir as SierruLon, and confequently out of
tl Track the Pirates then took : That thole Pirates,
d illy contrary to tlicir Dehgn in the fecond Fxpe-
d )n, (hould get above Cape Carfo, and tiiat nigh
^ K a Chace Ihould olfer, that nievitably mull ciif-
0 r them, and be loon communicated to the Men
01 Var : That the fatiating their evil and niuhci-
01 Tempers at Hhydah, in burning the Porcupine,
31 running off with the French Ship, had
fl. gthened the Sivallow with 30 Men : That tije
6 tlo-iM Ihould mils lui:.TXi in that Road, where pro-
k V flie had not, or at leall had not lo tffeiilually,
' .;d her End : That they ihould be fo f.ir in-
proved very trully in hie Mclfages between the
Principals; but tl.e Evening of thit Night tlie/
were to have made this Scruggle, tvvo of tne Prilo'-
ners that fr.t next to AjhpUnt, liCard the Boy whifper
tiiem upon tne Project, and name to iiim tne Hour
they lliould be ready ; upon which, they prefently
gave Notice of it to the Captain, which put tne
b.-iip in an Alarm for a litde Time ; and, on Ex-
amination, they found that feveraJ of them nad mada
Snift to break off, or loie, tiie:r Siiic^les ; but all
this tended only to procure to themfelvcs worl'e
CJfage and Confinement.
In the fame Pallage to Cape Corfo, the Prize,
Royal Fo I tune, was hi ti.e fame Danger. She was
leu at the llland of St. Th:mas''., 1:1 ti.e Polleffion
of an Officer, and a few Men, to take in fome iiQ]^
Provilions, (which were fcarce at C.^.pe Corfc,) with
Orders to follow tiie Ship. Tiiere were only fome
of the Pirates Negroes, tnrec or four wounded Pri-
ore their Sur^rtn ; fro.'n w"-^
they feemed to be
ally
voar on Account of his Emplo)-, and had Hood fo
much indebted for his Liberty, eating and dnnlunn-
conllantly with the Officer ; yet t.iis l-ellow, reward-
lefs of tne Favour, and loll to all Send- of Refor-
m.;tion, endeavoured to bring over tile Negroes to
his Delign of murdering the People, and run.-.intr
foners, and Scudaiuore their Surg.f'^n ; fro.'n w.';o;iv
feemed to be under no Apprehenfion, eipeci-
i'iom tile Lilt, who might liave hoped for Fa-
A at Cape Lopez, as to divide their Strength, away with the Ship. He eafiiy prevailed witii tiia
when collected, might have been fo fonnid-
i ; And lallly, that the Conquell ihould be wiili-
uiBloodffied: I fay, conlidenng all thefe Circum-
ifc es, it Hiews that the Hand of Provider.ce was
Merncd in tneir Ecdrufiion.
to the Behaviour alter they were taken, it was
Negroes to come into the Delign ; but when he
came to communicate it to his Fellow Pril'oners, and
would have drawn tliem into the fame Meafures, by
telling them, he underftood Navigation, that tiie
Negroes were llout Fellows, and, by a Smattering
he had in the A:i]r(.lan Language, he had fou:id
rnat they had great Incinations to rebel, if them willing to uadeitake fach an Entcrprize ; and
uld have laid hold of an Opportunity : For
Lie very unealy under Rciiramt, having been
-11 Commanders tnemleives ; nor cou»d they
Liieir Diet or Quarters, without curiing and
;.g and upbraiding eacii oLiier, with the Folly
ihihad brougnt tnem to it,
' that to lecure themfelvcs againll any mad de-
rpi te Undertaking ol tl.tiri,, the Crew of thcSwa/-
'stllrongly b-irrlcdo'd the Gun Room, and made
inner Piilbn before i: ; an Officer, with Piilols
■iniJutla.'hes, doing Duty, Night and Day, and the
I'riners witinn being manaclea and lliackled.
Uiat It was better venturing to do this, run down
the Coad and raife a new Company, than to proceed
to Cape C'^rjo, and be hangeu like Dogs, and Sun-
dry'd : O.ie of them abhonng tiie Cruelty, or fear-
ing the Succefs, difcovercd it to the Officer, uko
made him immediately a Priloner, and brought the
Ship fafe.
When they cime to be lodged in Cape Corfo-Caf-
tle, their Hopes of tins kind were ail cut off, and
they were alfured they mull theie foon receive a fi-
nal Sentence : The Note was now changed among
moll of them, and, from vain infolentjeiting, they
W'oald yet in thefe Circumllances be impu- became ferious and devout, begging for good h'ooks,
nen-y, faying, when they viewed their N a- and joining in publick Prayers, and urging of Pfalms,
Tkut they had not left them a Haljpeniiy, twice at leait every Day.
eld Charon, to ferry them o-uer Sty.x : And As to their Tryals, if we (houid give them at
thin Commons, they would oblerve, that length, it might appear tedious to the Reader, for
i away lo fall, that they Ihould no have which Realon, we have, for the avoiding 'J'auto-
logy and Repitition, put as many of them togetner
.as were try'd for the Ume P'ail, reserving the Cir-
cumllances which are molt materia!, with Obier-
vations on the dying Behaviour of luch of them as
came to our Knowledge.
And firll, it may be obferved, that a great P.irt
of thefe Pirate Ships Crews, were Men entered on
tile
: left to hang them. Sutton ufed to be very
le ; he hiippening to be in the fame Irons
.11. other I'uior.er, who was more ferious than
ir), and read and pray 'd often, as became his
^\\\ this Man Sutton Ui'ed to fwear at, ar.d
■■:, nxhat he propofed by fuch Noife and Dc-
..? Hea-^en, iays the Other, /hope. Heaven.
\ 5'
3 t.
198
A General H i s t o r v of
the Coaft of Ajrka, not many Months befol-e they
were tnken ; from whence it may be concluded,
that tlie pretended Conl'traint of Robots on them,
was very often a Compiotment between Parties e-
qually willing: And this Roberts feveral Times
openly declared , particLilariy to the OnJlo'vJ's Peo-
ple, whom he called aft, and afic'd them tiho ivas
vjiUiiig to go, for he. f.-oidd force no Body ? This
was depofed, byTome of his beil Hands, after Ac-
quital ; nor is i: reafonable to think he fhould re-
jcrt Lifi Vohantiers, only from a Pique againll Ken-
nedy, aiid force others, that might hazard, and, in
Time, deitroy his Government : But their Behavi ■
our foon put hi;n out of this Fear, and convinced
him, that' the Plea of Force was the only beft Ar-
• tilice they had no flielter themfclves under, in Cafe
they (hould be taken ; and that they were lefs Rogues
than others only in Point of Time.
It may likcwife be taken notice of, that the
Country, wherein they happened to be tried, is, a-
mong other Mappinefles, exempted from Lawyers,
and Lav.'-Books ; fo that the Office of Regifter, of
ncceliity, fell on one not verfed in thofe Affairs;
which might juftify the Court in want of Form,
more eflentialiy fupply'd with Integrity and Impar-
tiality.
But, perhnp-^, if there was lefs Law, there might
be more Jultice, than in fome other Courts ; for,
if the civil Law be a Law of univerfal Reafon, judg
ing of the Reftitude or Obliquity of Mens Aftions,
every Man of common Scnfe is endued with a Por-
tion of it, at leail fufficient to make him diftinguifh
Right from Wrong, or what the Civilians call. Ma-
lum in fe.
Therefore, here, if two Perfons were equally guil-
ty of the fame Faft, there was no convifting one,
and bringing the other off by any Quirk, or Turn
©f Law ; for they form'd their Judgments upon
the Conftraint, or Willingnefs, the Aim, and In-
tention oftlie Parties, and all other Circumftances,
which make a material Difference. Befides, in
Crimes of this Nature, Men bred up to the Sea
miift be more knowing, and much abler than others
more learned in the Law ; for, before a Man can
have a right Idea of a Thing, he mull know the
Terms llanding for that Thing : The Sea Terms
being a Language by it felf, which no Lawyer can
be iuppofed to underftand ; he muft therefore of
Confequence want that difcriminating Faculty, which
ihould diretl him to judge right of the Fails meant
by thofe Terms.
The Court well knew, it was not pofTible to get
the Evidence of every Sufferer by this Crew, and
therefore, firft of all, confidered how the Deficiet •
fhould be fupplied j whether or no they could p
don one Jolm Dennis, who had early offered hi .
felf as King's Evidence, and was the beft read in th-
Lives and Converiations : Here indeed, they w :
at a Lofs for Law, and concluded in the Negati
becaufe it looked like compounding with a Man >
fwear falfly, lofmg by it thofe great Helps he go i
have afforded.
Another great Difficulty in their Proceedings, v\ ,
how to underlland thofe Words in the Adl of \ '.
liament, of, particularly fpecifying in the Chai
the Circumftances of Time, Place, (ffc. i. e. fo j
underlland them, as to be able to hold a Court; r
if they had been indidled on particular Robberies, j
Evidence had happened moftly from the Royal .
frican Company's Ships, on which thefe Gender 1
of Cape Corfo-Caftle were not qualified to fit, t r
Oath running. That they harve no Intereft, din ji
or indireSlly, in the Ship or Goods, for the Robber f
nvhich the Party flands accufed: And this I ir
thought they had, Commiffions being paid then n
fuch Goods : And on the other Side, if they v e
incapacitated, no Court could be formed, the C -
milTion abfolutely requiring three of them by Na !.
To reconcile all Things, therefore, the Cour :.
folved, to bottom the whole of their Proceedings n
the S'walloi<j'% Depofitions, which were clear d
plain, and had the Circumflance of Time w 1,
Place where. Manner how, and the like, partici ■-
ly fpecified, according to the Statute in that 'e
made and provided. But this admitted only a g •
ral Intimation of Robbery in the Indidlment, tl 1-
fore, to appro've their Clemency, (it looking Arb l-
ry on the Lives of Men, to lump them to the I-
lows, in fuch a fummary Way as mull have n
done, had they folely adhered to the Siualt
Charge) they refolved to come to particular Try I
Secondly, That the Prifoners might not he
rant nvhereon to anf'wer, and fo have all fair
vantages to excufe and defend themfelves, the C I
farther agreed, with Juftice and Equanimity, to
any Evidence that could be brought, to weake I
corroborate the three Circumftances that com [
a Pirate : firft, being a Voluntier amongft thai I
the Beginning ; fecondly, being a Voluntier at [
taking or robbing of any Ship ; or laftly, volunt ly'
accepting a Share in the Booty of thofe that did ; t,
by a Parity of Reafon, where thefe Aftions werj
their own difpofing, and yet committed by theil
muft be believed their Hearts and Hands joined!
gether, in what they aded againft his Majefty's [
the Sivalloiv.
h
Pyratesy H/ghwajwer/, MurdererSy dCc.
99
The Trials of the Pirates,
''aken hy His Majejiys Ship the Swallow, Ipegm at
Cape Corfo-Caftlej on the Coajl of Africa, March
the 2Sth, 1722.
TH E Commiffion impowered any Three na-
med therein, to call to their Affillance fuch a
Number of qualified Perfons, as might make
; Court always coniift of Seven : And accordingly,
mmons were ligned to Lieut. Jo. Barnjley, Lieut.
Fatjjhaiv, Capt. Samuel Hartfeafe, and Capt.
lliam MetiKtes, wz.
BY Virtue of a Power and Authority unto us
given, by a Commiffion from the King, un-
ler the Seal of Admiralty, You are hereby requi-
ed to attend and make one of the Court, for the
rying and adjudging of the Pirates, lately taken
)n this Coaft, by his Majefty's Ship the Siua/-
iiv.
Given under our Hands this 2Sth of March,
1 722, at Cape Corfo-Cajile.
Mtingo Heardman, j Francis Boye,
James Phips, I Ediuard Hyde
Henry Dodfon, \
The Commiffioners being met in the Hall of the
l^le, the Commiffion was firft read ; after which,
; Prefident, and then the other Members, took the
ith prefcribed in the Ad of Parliament, and having
cded the Form of that for Witneffes, as follows,
; Court was opened.
A. B. do folemnly framife and ptvear on the Holy
Enjangelijis, to bear true and faithful Witnefs, be-
■een the King and Prifoner, or Prifoners, in Rela-
n to the Fad, or Fahs, of Piracy and Robbery, he
they do no^w Jland accujtd of.
So help me God.
The Court confilled of
Captain Mungo Heardman, Prefident.
mes Phips Efq; General Mr. Edward H}'de, Secre-
of the Goaft. tary to the Company.
>. H. Dodl'on, ? J^, Lieut. John Barnflev,
>. F. Boye, 5 Lieut. Ch. Fanfhaw. '
There v^ere 78 Prifoners, out of the Pirate Ship
tnger, having been commanded before them, the
large, or Indiftment, was e.xhibited.
Ou, James SJtyrm, Michael Lemmon, Robert Hart-
ley, &C.
YE, and every one of you, are, in the Name,
and by the Authority, of our drec;d Sovereign
Lord George, King of Great Britain, indicled as
■'ollows :
' Forafmuch as, in open Contempt of the Laws of
your Country, ye have all of you been wicked!/
united, and articled together, for the Annoyance
and Dirturbance of his Majefty's trading Subjects by
Sea. And have, in Conformity to the molt evil
and mifchievous Intentions, been twice down the
Coall of Africa, with two Ships ; once in the Be-
ginning of Augufi, and a fecond Time, in January
lalt, finking, burning, or robbing I'uch Ships, and
Veflels, as then happened in your Way.
' Particularly, )e Hand charged at the Inllance,
and Information, of Captain Chaloner Ogle, as
Iraytors and Pirates, for the unlawful Oppofitioti
ye made to his Majelly's Ship, the Sivallow, under
'his Command.
' For that on the 5th of February laft paft, upon
Sight of the aforefaid King's Ship, ye did iinme-
diately weigh Anchor from under Cape Lopez, on
the Southern Coall: of Africa, in a French built Ship,
of 32 Guns, called the Ranger, and did purfue .'.nd
chafe the aforefaid King's Ship, with fuch Difpatch
and Precipitancy, as declared ye common Robbers
and Pirates.
' That about Ten of the Clock the fame Morning,
drawing within Gun-fhot of his Maj-i'ty's afore-
faid Ship the S"A;allow, ye hoilled a piratical blac'K
Flag, and fired feveral chafe Guns, to deter, as
much a5 ye were able, his IVIajefiy's Servants from
their Duty.
' That an Hour after this, being very nigh to
the aforefaid King's Ship, ye did audacioufly con-
tinue in a hoftile Defence and Afl'ault, for about
two Hours more, in open Violation of the Laws,
and in Defiance to the King's Colours and Com-
miffion.
' And laftly, that in the afting, and compaffinr of
all this, ye were all, and every o.ne of you, in a
wicked Combination, voluntarily to exert, and ac-
tually did, in your feveral Stations, ufe your ut-
moll Endeavours to diilrefs the faid King's Snip,
and murder his Majelly's good Subjecls.
To which they feveraUy pleaded, Nat Guilty.
Then the Court called for the Officers of the
Szvallozu, Mr. Ifaac Sun, Lieutenant, Ralph Bald-
rid, Boatlwain, Daniel Macklauglin, Mate, defir-
iiig them to view the Prisoners, and fny whether
they knew them .? And requiring them to give an Ac-
cout in what Manner they had attack'd and fou°-ht
the King's Ship ; and they agreed aj fojiows.
Tliat .
t
iOO
A General H i s t o r v of
That they had viewed all the Prifoners, as they
flood now before the Court, and were aflured they
were the fame taken out of one, or other, of the
Pyrate Ships, Royal Fortune or Ranger; but ve-
i-ily believe them to be taken out of the Ranger.
That they did in the King's Ship, at break of
Day, on Monday, the 5th of February, 1721-z. dif-
cover three Ships at Anchor, under Cape Lopez, on
the Southern Coaft of Africa ; the Cape bearing
then W.S.W. about three Leagues, and perceiv-
ing one of them to have a Pendant flying, and hav-
ing heard their Morning-Gun before, they imme-
diately fufpefted them to be Roberts the Pyrate,
his Confort, and a Frencit Ship, which they knew
had been lately carried out of Wbydah Road.
The King's Ship was oblig'd to hawl off N.W.
and W.N.W. to avoid a Sand called the French
Man's Bank, the Wind then at S.S.E and found,
in half an Hour's time, one of the three had got
under Sail from the Careen, and was bending her
Sails, in a Chace towards them. To encourage this
Raftinefs and Precipitancy, they kept away before
the Wind, as tho' afraid ; but with their Tacks on
Board, their Main- Yard braced, and making at the
fame Time, very bad Steerage.
About half an Honr after Ten, in the Morning,
the Pyrates Ship came within Gun-(hot, and fired
four Chace Guns, hoifted a black Flag at the Miz-
zen-Peek, and got their Sprit-fail Yard under their
Bowfprit, for boarding. In half an Hour more,
approaching ftill nigher, they ftarboarded their
Helm, and gave hera broadfide, the Pyrate bring-
ing to, and returning the fame.
After this, the Deponents fay, tlieir Fire grew
flack for fome Time, becaufe the Pyrate was fhot fo
far a Head on the Weather-Bow, that few of their
Guns could point to her ; yet in this Interval their
black Flag was either fhot away, or hawled down
a little Space, and hoilled again.
At length, by their ill Steerage, and the Favour
of the Wind, they came near a fecond Time ; and
about Two in the Afternoon fhot away their Main-
Topmaft.
The Colours they fought under, befides a black.
Flag, were a red Englijh Enfign, a King's Jack,
and a Dutch Pendant, which they flruck, at, or a-
bout, Three in the Afternoon, and called for Quar-
ters ; it proving to be a French built Ship of 32
Guns, called the Ranger,
Ifaac Sun,
Ralph BaUrick,
Daniel Macklauglin.
When the Evidence had been heard, the Prifo-
ners were called upon to anfwer, how they cair.e on
Board this Pyrate Ship ; and their Reafon for fo
i'.udacious a Reliflance, as had been made againft
the King's Ship was alfo demanded.
To this, each, in his Reply, owned himfelf to
be one of thofe taken out of the Ranger ; that he
had figned their pyratical Articles, and fhared in
tlieir Plunder, fome few only accepted, who had
been there too ftiort a Time. But that neither in
this figning, or (haring, nor in the Refiftance that
had been made againll his Majefty's Ship, had they
been Voluntiers, but had afted in thefe feveral
Parts, from a Terror of Death ; which by a Law a-
rnongll them, was to be the Portion of thefe who
refuted. The Court then ask'd who made thofe
Laws ? How thofe Guns came to be fired ? Or w!iy
they had not deferted their Stations, and mutiny'd,
when fo fair a Profpeft of Redemption offered ?
They replied ilill, with the fame Anfwers, and
could extenuate their Crimes with no other Plea, than
being forced Men. Wherefore the Court were 0
Opinion, that the Indictment, as it chaiged cl-.cr;'
with an unlawful Attack and Reliftjnce of tne Kiny'
Ship, was fufficiently proved ; but then, it being uu.
deniably evident, th.u many of thefe Prilbiicrs hui
been forced, and fome of tiiem of veiy ilioi t UauJiiio-
they did, on mature Deliberation, coiije to this nicr
ciful Refolution.
That they would hear further Evidence for, 0
againll, each Perlon fingly, in Relation to thoi
Parts of the Indiflmeiit, which declared them V'o
luntiers, or charged them with aiding and ;ifiillinc
at the burning, imking, or robbing of other Sliips
for if they atted, or alTifted, in any Robberies c
Devaifations, it would be a Conviftion they wei
Voluntiers ; here fuch Evidence, though it migl
want the Form, ftill carried the Realbn of the La\
with it.
The Charge was exhibited alfo againft 86 Prifoner
taken out of the Royal Fortune.
You, Harry Glajby, IVilliam Dai-ifon, IViUic
Champnies, Samuel Moriveil, &c,
YE, and every one of you, are, in the Nam*
and by the Authority, of our dread Soverei;
Lord George, King of Great Britain, indided
follows :
' Forafmuch as, in open Contempt and V^ioiatic
of the Laws of your Country, to which ye ought
have been fubjeft, ye hive all of you been wicked
united, and articled together, for the Annoyan
and Difturbanceof his M:;jeity's trading Subjects 1
Sea. And in Conformity to fo wicked an Agre
ment and Aflbciation, ye have been tv\ice late
down this Coaft of Africa, once ;a Auguft, and a
cond Time in January laft, fpoiling and deftroyi
many Goods and Veflels of his Majefty's Subjef
and other tradirg Nations.
' Particularly, je iland inilided at the Informati
and Inltance of Captain Cbaloner Ogle, as Tra
tors. Robbers, Pirates, and common Enemies
Mankind.
' For that on the loth of Feh>-uary laft, in a Sh
ye were pofTefs'd of called the Ro^ml Fortune,
40 Guns, ye did maintain a holiile Defence a
Refiftance for fome Hours, againft his Majefty's Sh
the S^jualloiv, nigh Cape Lopc'z Bay, on the Sout
em Coafl of Africa.
' That this Fight and infolent Refiftance agaii
the King's Ship, was made, not only without a
Pretence of Authority, more than that of your oi
private depraved Wills, but was done alfo undei
black Flag, flagrantly by that, denoting yourleh
common Robbers and Traytors, Oppoiera and Vi
lators of the Laws.
' Andlaftly, that in this Refiftance, ye were all
you Voluntiers, and did, as fuch, contributeyo
utmoft Efforts, for difabling and dilirefling the ■
forefaid King's Ship, and deterring his Majeft)
Servants therein from their Duty.
To which they feverally pleaded. Not Guilty.
"Whereupon the Ofiicers of his Majefty's Shi
the S-ivalloiu were called again, and tclbfied as fi'
lows.
That they had feen all the Prifoners now befc
the Court, and knew them to be the fame' whi
were taken out of one or other of the Pirate Shi(l
Royal Fortune or Ranger, and verily believed them
be thofe taken out of the Royal Fortune.
That th^ Prifoners were pofl'efs'd of a Ship of,
Giu!
Pj/i cites, Highwayme?!, Murderers, dCd
2.01
Cims, called the Royal Fuitiou, .luJ were at an An-
c:ior under Cape Lopez, on the Coaft oi Jfnca, with
two others, when his Majelly's Ship the &zva//o--w,
(CO which the Deponents beiong'd, and were Officers)
liood in for the Place, on SaturJuy the loth ot /v-
\bi-uary, 1721-2. The largell had a Jack, Enfign and
i Pendant i^ymg, being this Royal Fortune, who, on
Siwht of them, hid their Boats paffing and repaffmg,
from the other two, wiiich they liippofed to be with
Men : The Wind not favouring the aforefaid King's
.-'.lip, ihe was oblig'd to make two Trips to gain
n.ch enough the Wind, to fetch in with the Pirates ;
und ; and being at length little more than random
Shot frem them, they found fhe flipped her Cable,
ind got under Sail.
At Eleven the Pirate was within Piftol-Shot, a
Breall of them, with a black Flag, and Pendant
hoifted at their Main-topmaftHead. The Deponents
lay, they then ftruck the French Enfign, that had con-
:inued hoilled at their Staff all the Morning till then,
md diiplay'd the King's Colours ; giving her, at
he fame Time, their Broadfide, which was imme-
liately return'd.
The Pirates Mizzen-topmaft fell, and fome of her
digging was torn, yet (he ihll out failed the Man of
.Var, and Aid half Gun-Shot from them, while they
ontinued to fire without Intermiffion, and the o-
her to return fuch Guns as could be brought to bear,
ill, by favour of the Winds, they were advanced
ery nigh again ; and, after exchanging a few more
ihot, about half an Hour paft one, his Main-Mail
ame down, having received a Shot a little below the
'arrel.
At Two fhe ftruck her Colours, and called for
Quarters, proving to be a Ship formerly called the
')n/low, but by them, the Royal Fortune ; and the
'rifoners from her affured them, that the fmalleft
'hip of the two, then remaining in the Road, be-
ong'd to tliem, by the Name of the Little Ranger,
I'hich they hud deferted on this Occafion.
Ijaac Sun,
Ralph BaUrick,
Daniel Macklauglin.
The Piifoners were ask'd feveral Queftions by the
Court, to the fame purpofe with thofeput to the others
n the Morning, as. What Exception they had to make
igainft what liad been fworn ? And what they had
:o lay in their Defence ? And their Replies were
iiuch the fame with the other Prifoners ? that they
vere forced Men, had not fired a Gun in this Re-
illance againll the Six/allovj; and that what little
\flillance they did give on this Occafion, was to the
jaik and Rigging, to comply with the arbitrary
Commands of Roberts, who had threatened, and
:hey were perfwaded would, have lliot them on
Refudd
The Court, to difpenfe equal Juftice, mercifully
i.-efolved for tliele, as they had done for the other Py-
irate Crew ; that iurther Evidence Ihould be lieard
ligainfteach Man fingly, to the two Points, of being
1 Voluntier at firll, and to their particular Acl s of
Pyracy and Robbery fince : That fo Men, who had
:)t:en lately received amongit them, and as yet had
lOt been at the taking, or plundering, of any Ship,
.night have the Opportunity and Benefit of clearing
;heir Innocence, and not fall promifcuoufly with the
juitty.
By Order of the Court,,
John Atkins, Regifier.
H'ni. Magnes, The. Oughterlauney, Mm. Main,
'/';«. Mackintofh, Val. Jfiplant, John Walden, If-
r.iil Hind, Marcus Jchnfon, IJ'm. Petty, H'm. Ff-
^■2
tion, Abraham Harper, U'm. P/ood, thd. Ho~u
John Stephen/on, Cb. Eunce, and John Griffin.
. Againft thefe it was depofed ty Captain Jo/eph .
Trahern, and George Fenn his Mate that they were
all of them, either at the attacking and taking of ti;e
Ship King Solomon, or afterwards at the robbing and
plundering of her, and in this Manner ;
That on the 6th ai January laif, their Ship riding
at Anchor near Cape Appollonia in .Ifrica, they dil'-
covered a Boat rowing towards them, avrunil: Wind
and Stream, from a Ship that l.<y aboutlhree Mile*
to Leeward : 'I'hey judged from the Number of Men
in her, as fhe nearer advanced, that flie was a Pirate
and made fome Preparations for receiving her j be-
lieving, on a nigher View, they uould think fit to
withdraw from an Attack, that mull be on their Side
with great Difadvantage in an open Boat, and againft
double the Number of Men , yet by the Rafhnefs
and the Pufillanimity of his own People (who laid
down their Arms, and immediately called for Quar-
ter) the Ship was taken, and afterwards robbed by
them.
Prefident. Can you charge your Rlemory with any
Particulars in the Seizure and Robbery .?
Etvidence. We know that Magnes, Quarter-Mafler
of the Pyrate Ship, commanded the Men in this
Boat that took us, and afTumed the Authority of or-
dering her Provifions and Stores out, which being of
different kinds, we foon found were feized and ienc
away under more particular Directions ; for Main,
as Boatfwain of the Pyrate Ship, carried away two
Cables, and feveral Coils of Rope, as what belong-
ed to his Province, beating fome of our own Men
for not being brisk enough at working in the Rob-
bery. Petty, as Sail-maker, faw to the Sails and
Canvas ; Harper, as Cooper, to the Cask and Tools ;
Grijjin, to the Carpenter's Stores; and Oughterlau-
ney, as Pilot, having fhifted himfelf with a Suit of
my Cloathes, a new tie Wig, and called for a Bottle
of Wine, ordered the Ship, very arrogantl)', to be
fleer'd under Commodore Rohcrts\ Stem, which I
fufpofed was to know what Orders there were con-
ceriiing her. Soflir particularly. In the general. Sir,
they were very outragious and emulous in Miichief.
Prefident. Mr Caftcl, acquaint the Court of what
you know in Relation to this Robbery of the King
Solomon ; in particular, after what Manner the Pyrate-
Boat was difpatch'd for this Attempt.
Jho. Caftel. I was a Prilbner, Sir, with the Pi-
rates, when their Boat was ordered upon that Ser-
vice, and found, upon a Refolution of going. Word
was pafFed through the Company, Who would go ?
And I faw all that did, did it voluntarily j there be-
ing no Compuifion, but rather a prefTing who fhould
be foremoft.
The Prilbners yielded to what had been fworn a-
bout the Attack and Robbery, but denied the latter
Evidence, fa)'ing, Roberts hedlor'd and upbraided
them with Cowardice on this very Occafion ; and
told fome, they were very ready to ilep on board of
a Prize when within Command of the Ship, but now
there feem'd to be a Trial of their Valour, they were
b.'.ckward and fearful.
Prefide!:t. So that Roberts forced ye upon this
Attack.
Prifoners. Roherts commanded us into the Boat,
and the Quarter-Mailer to rob the' Ship; neither of
u hofe Commands we dared to have refufed.
Prefident. And granting it fo, thofe are ffill your
ou'n Afts, iince done by Orders from Officers of your
own Klcftion. Why would Men, honeflly diipofed,
oive their Votes for fucli a Captain and fuch a Quar-
L02,
A General H i s t o ji y of
ter-Mafter, as were every Day commanding them on
dilhftfj! Services ?
Hcie fucceeded a Silence among the Prifoners ;
bat r»t length Fernon very honeftly own'd, that he
did not give his Vote to Magnes, but to Dan/id
Sy/iipfin? (the old Quarter-Mailer,) /o;- in Truth,
fjys he, 7/00.^ Magnes for too honejl a Man, and
unfit for the Bufinejs.
The Evidence was plain and home, and the Court,
without a-oy Hefitation, brought them in Guilty.
William Church, Phil. Haak, James White,
Nich. Brattle, Hugh Riddle, William Thomas,
'I ■jumas Roberts, Jo. Richards, Jo. Cane, R. Wood,
R. Scot, Wm. Da-vijon, Sam. Momvell, Edward E-
•vans, Wm. Guineys, and i8 Fre?ich Men.
The four firft of thefe Prifoners, it was evident to
the Court, ferved as Mufick on board the Pirate,
v^ere forced lately from the feveral Merchant Ships
they belonged to ; and that they had, during this
Confinement, an uneafy Life of it, having fome-
times their Fiddles, and often their Heads broke,
only for excufing themfelves, or faying they were
tired, when any Fellow took it in his Head to de-
mand a Tune.
The other EngUJh had been a very few Days on
board the Pirate, only from Whydah to Cape io/fzj
and no Capture or Robbery done by them in that
Time. And the French Men were brought with a
Defign to recondudl their own Ship, or the Little
Ranger in exchange, to Whydah Road again, and
were ufed like Prhoners ; neither quarter'd, nor fuf-
fered to carry Arms. So that the Court immedi-
ately acquiefced in acquitting them.
TH O. Sutton, David Sympfon, Chrifio. Moody,
Phil. Bill, R. Hardy, Hen. Dennis, Dawid
Rice, Wm. Williams, R. Harris, Geo. Smith, Ed.
Watts, Jo. Mitchell, and James Barrow.
The Evidence againft thefe Prifoners, were Geret
de Haen, Matter of the Fluflnngham, taken nigh
Axim, about the Beginning of January laft.
Benj. Kreft Mafter, and James Groet Mate of the
Gertruycht, taken nigh Gabone in December laft, and
Mr. Caftel, Wingfield, and Others, that had been
Prifoners with the Pirates.
The former depofed, that all thefe Prifoners (ex-
cepting Hardy] were on board at the Robbery and
Plunder of their Ships, behaving in a vile outragi-
ous Manner, putting them in bodily Fears, fome-
times for the Ship, and fometimes for themfelves ;
and in particular, Kre/t charged it on Sutton, that
he had ordered all their Gunner's Stores out ; on
which the Prifoner prefehtly interrupted, and faid,
he was perjured. That he had not taien Half. A Re-
ply, 1 believe, not defign'd as any fancy Way of
jelling, but to give their Behaviour an Appearance of
more Humanity than the Dutch would allow.
From Mr. Caftel, Wingfield, and others, they were
proved to be dilUnguilh'd Men ; Men, who were
confulted as Chiefs m all Enterprizes ; belonged to
the Houfe of Lords (as they cali'd it) and could car-
ry an Authority over others. The former faid par-
ticularly of Hardy, Quarter- Malier of the Ranger,
t lat when the Diligence Sloop was taken (whereto
he belonged) none was bufier in the Plunder, and
jie was the very Man who fcuttled and funk
that Veflel.
From fome of the Prifoners acquitted, it was far-
ther demanded. Whether the Acceptance or Refu-
lal of any Office was not in their own Option ? And
it was declared, that every Officer was chofen by a
majority of Votes, and might refufe, if he plealed,
fmce others gladly embraced what brought with it
an additional Share of Prize. Guilty.
The Court on the 31ft of March, remanded the •
following Six before them lor Sentence, viz. David
Sympfon, Wm. ]\Ing>ies , R. Hardy, Thomas Sutton,-
Chrifio. Moody, ana falen. Jlhplant.
To whom the Prefident fpoke to the following
Purpofe : ' The Crime of Piracy, of which all of
you have been juftly convitled, is of all other Rob-
beries the moft aggravating and inhumane ; in that
being removed hum tiic Fears of Sui prize, in re-
mote and diftant Parts, ye do in Wantonnefs of
Power often add Cruelty to Theft.
' Pirates, unmoved at DiUrefs or Poverty, not on-
ly fpoil and rob, but do it from Men needy, and
and who are purchaling their Livelihoods thro'
Hazards and Difficulties, which ought rather to
move Companion ; and what ii ftill worfe, do of-
ten, by Perfwafion or Force, engage the inconfi-
derate Part of them, to their own aid Familiej
Ruin ; removing them from their Wives and Chil-
dren, and, by that, from the Means tliat (hould
fupport them from Mifery and Want.
' To a trading Nation, nothing can be fo deftruc
tive as Piracy, or call for more exemplary Puniflv
ment ; befide^, the national Reflci^ion it infers
It cuts off the Returns of Indultry, and thofi
plentiful Importations that alone can make an I
fland flourilhing ; and it is your Aggravation, tha
ye have been tlie Chiefs and Rulero in thefe licen
tious and lawlefs Practices.
' However, contrary to the Meafures ye hav"|
dealt, ye have been heard wifh Patience, and tho
little has, or poffibly could, have been faid in Ei
cufe or Extenuation of your Crimes, yet Charitf
makes us hope, that a true and fmcere Repentanc I
(which we heartily recommend) may entitle ye t [
Mercy and Forgivenefs, after the Sentence of th
Law has taken Place, which now remains upon m I
to pronounce.
YOU Dav. Sympfon, Wm. Magnes, R. Hardjl
Tho. Sutton, Chrifio. Moody, and Fal. Jfijplant\
Ye, and each you, are adjudged and fentenced, to hi
carried back to the Place from whence }e came, froul
thence to the Place of Execution, without the Gate]
of this Caftle, and there, within the Flood-Marks |
to be hanged by the Neck till ye are dead.
After this, ye, and each of you, Ihall be taketl
down, and your Bodies hanged in Chains.
U'arrant of Execution.
PUrfuant to tr.e Sentence given on Saturday, bij
the Court of Atlniiralty, at Cnpr-Corfo Cafilc\
againft Dav. Sympfon, H m. Magnes, R. Hardy, Tho\
Sutton, Chrifto. Moody, and J'ai. Jfijplant.
You are hereby direfted to carry the aforefaitJt
Malefaftors to the Place of Execution, without thij
Gates of this Caftle, To-morrow Morning at Ninil
of the Clock, and there, within the Flood-Marks I
caufe them to be hanged by the Neck till they ariji
dead, for which, this (hall be your Warrant. Givetjl
under my Hand thii 2d D^y oi April, 1722.
To Jofeph Ccrttp!, Mungo Hcardmafl
Provort-Marfhal.
The Bodies remove in Chains, to the Gibbets alf
ready erefted on the adjacent Hillocks.
M. H\
William Phillips.
IT appeared by che Evidence of Captain Jo. T''o\%
hern, and George Fenn, Mate of the Kincr Solo \
mon, that this Pri loner was Boatfwain of the fanie|j
Ship I J
Pyraks,
Highwaymeny
Murderers. &c.
205
\ when (he w.ii attacked and taken ofF Cape
kllma, the 6th ol '^"'"""^ '^^'> by tiie Pirates
den the Boat drew nigh, (they fay,) it was
J li from the Number of Men in her, that they
e Pirates, and being hailed, they anfwered, De-
,;•; at which the Commander inatched a iVluf-
i< from one of his Men, and fired, allcing them
e fime Time, VVnecher they would Hand by
rr to defend the Ship ? But the Pirates return-
a Vulley, and crying out, they would give no
u ers if any Relillince was made, this Prifoner
3 upon him to call out for Quarters, without the
la r's Conlent, and mifled tne reft to the laying
IV tlieir Arms, and giving up the Ship, to half
e J umber of Men, in an open Boat. It was
rt r evident, he became, after this, a Voluntier
ic 'It them. Firll, becaule he was prefently very
rv d and brisk, in robbing the Ship King Solo-
^ ' her Proviiions and Stores. Secondly, becaufe
: Jeavoured to have his Captain ill ufed ; and
11 becaufed he had confelTed to Fenn that he had
ei blioed to fign their Articles that Night (a Pif-
I mg laid on the Table, to fignify he muft doit,
' jt) when the uliole appeared to be an Un-
;a other Evidence, who alfo alferted his
in armed in the Adion againil the Siualloxv.
II •\niwer to this, he lirfc obferved. The Unhap-
ie he wa5 under, of being Priendlefs in this
rt f the World, which, eliewhere, by Vv-itnefs-
ne Hone(ty of his former Life, would, he
. in a great Meafure, have invalidated the
01 Evidence that had been given of his being a
)h ier with the Pirates. He own'd, indeed, he
di 10 Application to his Captain, to intercede
a )ifcharge ; but e.xcufed it with faying, he had
D ke to him, and therefore was fure that fuch
pi tion would have availed him nothing.
r Court obferved the Pretences of this, and o-
Ki f the Pirates, of a Pillol and their Articles
^ .-rved up in a Difh together, or of tlieir be-
r uled and forced from an honelt Service, was
m Complotment of tiie Parties, to render them
■pedted of tiiofe they came from, and was to
wi the End of being put in a News Paper or
id: It; and the Pirates were fo generous as not
Kfe a Compliment to a Brother that coll them
hi , and, at the fime Time, fecured the bell
id the bell i cill them, becaufe fuch a De-
d. :e made them ad more boldly. Guilty.
Harry Glajhy, Mailer.
"^ERE appearing ieveral Perfons in Court, who
1 id been taken by Roberts's, Siiip, whereof the
ji was iVlailer, their Evidence was accepted as
jhern. Commander of the King Solomon,
;:i:it trie Priloner, indeed, attempted to adt
; of tlie Pirate Ship, v.iiiie he was under
tnere, but was oblerved like no Mailer,
obeying at Dilcretion, of which he had
'tice, ana complained to him, how hard a
it was, to be a Chief among Brutes ;
iiC was weary of his Life, and luch other
S now out of his Memory, as ihewed
great Meafure not inclined to tliat Courle
:>ifJie/J, a Pnfoner with them at Calabar,
I l.aiie, as to the Quality he afted in ; but
was civil beyond any of tnem, and verily
, that wr.en the Bngmtine he ferved on
.16 a Fai;ior tor the African Company, was
lie bjrnt, tins Man was the Inllrument of
■ ^ i.j c.vpreiriug hiinfelf witii a great deal
of Sorrow, for this and the like malicious Rogueries
of the Company he was in ; that to him Ihewed,
he had afted with Reluftancy, as or.e who could
not avoid what he did. He adds further, that when
one Hamilton a Surgeon was taken by them, and
the Articles were about to be impofed on him, he
oppoled, and prevented it. And tiiat Hunter, ano-
ther Surgeon among them, was clear'd at the Pn-
foner's Jnllance and Perfwafion ; from which laii,
this Deponant had it affured to him, that Glajlf
had once been under Sentence of Death, on board
of them, with two more, for endeavouring an Ef-
cape in the U'eJ}. Indies, and that the other two were
really fhot for it.
Elizabeth Trengroi'e, who was taken a Paffencrcr
in the African Company's Ship Onfazv, ftrenCTthened
the Evidence of the lail VVitnefs ; for having heard
a good Charafter of this Glr.fby, ftie enquired of
the Quarter-Mailer, who was then on board a rob-
bing. Whether or no Ihe could fee him .' And he told
her 'No J they never ventured him from the Ship,
for [he had once endeavoured his Efcape, and they
had ever fmce continued jealous of him.
Edi-vard Crifp, Captain Trengroue, and Ciptain
Sharp, who had all been taken in their Turns, ac-
knowledged for themfelves and others, who had un-
luckily fallen into thofe Pirates Hands, that the
good Ulage they had met with, was chiefly thro'
tne Prifoncr's Means, who liad often interpofcd,
and was for leaving fufScient Stores and Inllruments
on board the Ships they had robbed, alledging
they were fuperflaous and unnecelTary on board
their own VefTel.
James IVhite, whole Bufinefs was Mufick, and
who was on the Poop of the Pirate S.iip in Time
of Atlion with the Sivallo-ix-, depofc^d, that during
the Eng.agement, and the Defence ihe made, he
never faw the Prifoi.er bufied about the Guns, or
giving Orders, either to the loading or firing of
them ; but that he wholly attended to the fetting
or trimming of the Sail:, as Roberta commanded ;
and that in the Conclufion, he verily believed him
to be the Man, who prevented the Ship's being
blown up, by fetting trully Centincls below, and
oppoling himfelf againll luch hot-headed Fellows,
as had procured lighted Matches, and were going
down for that Purpofe.
Ifaac Sun, Lieutenant of the Man of War, de-
poled, that when he came to take PoiTcflion of the
Prize, in the King's Boat, he found the Pirates in
a very diltrafled and divided Condition ; fome be-
ing for blowing up, and others (^vho fuppofed them-
felvC) leall culpable) oppofing it : That in this Con-
fufion he enquired for tlic Priioner, of whom he
liad before heard a good Charader j who then ren-
dered all the Service in his Power, for preventing
the Mifchief; in particular, he underllood by all
Hands, that he had feized and taken from one
James Philips, a. lighted Match, at the Inllant he
was going down to the Magazine, fwearing, that
he would fend them ail to H 1 together. He
had heard alio, that, after Roberts w.is killed, the
Prifoner ordered the Colours to be llruck , and had
lince ihown, how oppofue his Pradice and Princi-
ples had been, by dilcovering who were the greateft
Rogues among tnem.
'i'iie Prifoner in his own Defence faid. That when
he had the Misfortune of f lling into the Pirates
Hands, he was chief Mate of the Samuel of London,
Captain Cfirey ; and when he had hid himfe.T, to pre-
vent the Dehgn of carrying him away, they found
him, and beat him, and threw him over-board. Se-
veil Days afterwards, upon his objeding againll, and
refuhng to (ign their Articles, he was cut and abus'd
4^4
A Gmeral History of
•r.1 1 1;,^' afrpr this he ingratiated himfelf,
agam : That tho after this, n g ^^ ^^^^^ ^.^^
''■^V' "" W Shl'^es tTey^h'ad given him, having been
f- .^Ti4= to TiSeturnelagain to fach Prifonevs
nHU..sW )^; till of late, indeed, he had made
""'r 1 R^favat on and had def.red Captam Loane
JJ^irorX^Moidor..omhin.toc^^^^
him, and b-".y "S. ;f ,° j! " a Pocket Compafs.
was obliged, after two u j^ ' ;„„ with egre-
'■^"'Var the^ Def g ' hfw^s chLg?d with,^or
g.ous O^'hs the iJ g P^^^ jhi3 T,me he
fear they ~ ."'°° Extenuation of his Fault, that
'°^.:if t^lu t "Sers can wtnefs, they en-
moft ot the acquiuc Po^^r/j would not
iedtfie Court would think highly probable from
theCircumftancesoftered^ ^ ^.^ ^^^^
ArSftstdSb ft PreteX to the pJ of Force
f m he Neceffity Pyrates are fomet.mes under of
'r 'd he'^d ^h Rel^^ -'^ 'L^'* ^^Pf
fS a Concern and Trouble for the httle Hopes tha
lea a <-oii<-c extricatms himfelf. 1 hat
remained to hm, of ever extnca^^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^.^^
he had ufed ^J^'^^^H^Xl^ „ot in any military
Acquitted him.
Name of Crt6/«i« if it were allowed to give hi mo
Precedence out of Battle, yet here it was pro4 ,
Title of Authority ; fuch an Authority as coul|d^
, ail -»"' -y ^S COulfl^
iVa'anEngagement agalnll the King's Colours ind
therefore he was in the highell Degree, Gudt_^
Caotain James Siyrm. , „ . ^
^rL runs to be loaded and fired, having a Sword
and the Guns to De Commands ; and beating
f" K^o thl Duty vhoni he efpied any way negli-
fuch to their uuty, > r ^^^ ^ ^ ^^
^r\°a^on h" TenTper' was fo warm, as to refufe
SilJ^eM'^e^,-^:
fT'^:^ hlSin e indee7blunted. and, m
Cuftom and ^^^cels naa ^^^^ . (^^^j
'r^^'td^r or eveS Months paft been fick,
that he had reauy loi though iJofo'/j
anddifqualiiiedfor «"y D" y. ^1 ^'^ jf i^n his
had forced him on this E'^^J"°"'f'^j.,ye, that the
Will, yet the Kv.dence '""^ °e ~ce ; for he
Title of Captain g-^ hnn no P e eminen^^ .^^^^^^ ^^
Tm "to itf Jff'ihl^r te,'^ when he perceived it
-?{:^sSedg^.b.^^j^^^^
Circumftance of lof.ng ^'^^e|. were Agg ^^^^_
Join Wcliien.
CAptain John Trahern, and Qeotjc Fenn, def.^i
That the Prifoner was one of the Number, in
in an open Boat pyratically affi.ilcd, ^^nd took |e
Ship and was remarkably bufy at Mifchief, h it
a Pole-ax in his Hand, which iervcd him initeai|i
Key to all the lock'd Doors and Boxes he i
nish: Alfo in particular, he cut the Cable (^
Ship, when the other Pirates were bufied at he
up the Anchor, faying, detain, -what figmfie^
'Trouble of Yo Hope, and ftraming in hot VVcu p
there are vme Anchors at London, an:l bejtdei.,r^
Ship is to be burnt. .
miliam Smith (a Prifoner acquitted) dey
That Walden was known among the Pirate ■; n .ly,
by the Nick-name of Mifs Nanney (ironica lU
prefumed from the Hardnefs of his Temper) t he
was one of the twenty who voluntarily cm on
board the Ranger, in the Chace Ihe made ou ter
the Sival/o^; and by a Shot from that Slup, M
his Leg ; his Behaviour in the Fight, till then, ;ir,g
bold and daring. , , „ nj/i -U
The Prelident called for Harry Glajiy, ^ H
him relate a Charaftcr of the Prifoner, and ta
Cuftom was among them, in Relation to the vo-
luntary Expeditions, out of their proper ipi
and this of going on board the Ranger, in ,ra-
"""Andhegave in for Evidence, that the F inn
was looked on as a briflc Hand (i. e. as he «
explained it, a ftanch Pirate, and a great Rogu that
when the S^vaJ/o'w firll appeared in bight evt ore
was wilUng to believe her a Portugue/e,btc^' Su-
gar was very much in Demand, and had mad .-
tarring and Diflcntion between the two Lor '
the Fortune's People drinking Punch wh .^
W'-'^ could not) that Roberts, on S.glU tl^
sJno^., hailed the new ^/"^-'/"^^ '', J
right their Siiip, and get under Sail; the e ia
he: Sugar in the Offing, bring it '". ^hat ^ ^;
have no more mumbling ; ordering at the am .
the Word to be pals'd among the Crew, whc oul
go to their Affillance ; and immediately the t. >w
full of Men, to tranfport themielves. .
Pre/.dent. Then every one thatgoesonbd
any Prize, does it voluntarily: Or were tlulhs
any other Re'afons for It ? , ^,H'
H GLi/if. Every Man is commonl> c.ifl
Lift, andini.fts in his Turn to go on bo. o
Prize, becauie they then are ^'H^"! a Sh, of o
(the bell tliey can fmd) over and above tn. D ^
kom the Robbery; and this they are fo f ^ J.
ina compeird to, that it often becomes the ni
and Qiiarrel amonglt them: But m the p e, ,
Lh like Cafes, where there appears a Pro ^.
Trouble, the Lazy and Timerous are of.nj-
to decline their Turn, and yield to their Bette
therebv eftablilh a greater Credit.
Thc^ Prifoner, anl the reft of thofe Men wl
from the Fortune on board the Kange'''o J
this Expedition, were \ oluntiers, and the
Men among us. ^ .l, A,
Prejidc"^- Was there no Danger of the /|
leaving you in this Chace, or at fome othei
in order to furrender ?
H. Glajhx. Moft of the Ranger s Crew W
Men, Men who had been enter'd only fmce
„g on the Coaft of Gumey, and therefore ha
Pyratesy Highwaymen^ Murderers^ &c.
!i:ral a Share in frefh Provifions, or Wine, as the
} tune's People, who thought they had born the
Ithen and Heat of the Day, which had given Oc-
c on, indeed, to fome Grumblings and Whifpers,
a tho' they would take an Opportunity to leave
u but we never fuppofed, if they did, that it would
bvithany other Defign than fetting up for them-
ftes, they having, many of them, belmved with
g Iter Severity than the old Standers.
^he Prifoner appeared undaunted, and rather fo-
liious about relHng his Stump, than giving any
Akver to the Court, or makmg any Defence for
hi felf till called upon ; and then he related in a
calefs, or rather hopelefs Manner, the Circum-
ft,:es of his firft Entrance, being forced, he faid,
01 of the Blejjlng of Lemmingtan, at Ne-wfaitntilunJ,
at It 12 Months pail ; this he was fure, moll of the
ol Pirates knew, and that he was for fome Time as
ficof the Change as any Man ; but Cullom and ill
C ipany had altered him. He then own'd very
fr;:ly, that he was at the Attack, and 'faking of
di King Solomon, that he did cut her Cable, and
th none was forced on thofe Occafions.
i to the lall Expedition in the Ranger, he con-
fei 1 he went on board of her, but tnat it was by
Ri i-ts'i Order ; and in the Chace he loaded one
3 , to bring her to ; but when be faw it was a Bite,
'» rlired to his Comrades, that it was not worth
:o refill, forbore firing, and affilled to reeve
,« idces, in order, if they coulJ, to getaway; in
vl: 1 fort of Service he was bufied, when a Shot
re the Man of War took off his Leg : And being
Jk , What he would have done, fuppofing the Chace
ai proved a Portuguefe? Why then, fays he, I
lo know what 1 might have done ; intimating
vii 1, that every Body tnen would have bee,
B( ;h at plundering. Guilty.
Peter Scudamore.
\_Arrt Glajly, Jo. Wingficld, and Nicholns Brat-
[ tie, depofed thus much, as to his being a Vo-
in r with the Pirates, from Capt. Roels, at Caln-
ir Firft, That he quarrell'd with Moody, one of
le leads of the Gang, and fought with him, be-
vx he oppofed his going ; alking Rolls in a leer-
ig i^anner. Whether he would not be fo kind as
) t him into the Gazette, when he came Home.
ilK at another Time, when as he was going from
le irate Ship, in his Boat, a Turnado arofc, I itiijh,
y^tie, the RaJ'cal may be droi<jned, for he is a
tk Rogue, and has endeavoured to do me all the
I fjices he could among thefe Gentlemen (i. e.
iris.)
id fecondly. That he had flgned the Pirate's Ar.
cl( with a great deal of Alacrity, and gloried in
iVi; been tiie firll Surgeon that had done fo (for be-
Tehis, it was their Cullom to change their Sur-
.'01 when tliey defired it, after having ferved a
'" rind never obliged them to fign ; but he was
to break thro' this, for the Good of thofe
■■ ivcie to follow) fwearing immediately upon it,
■ ii now, he hoped, as great a Rogue as any of
leii
C'tain Jo. Trahern, and George Fenn, his Mate,
T'M, That the Prifoner had taken out of the K.
' " their Surgeon's capital Inftruments, fome
|«:!nes, and a Back-Gammon Table ; which lat-
r icanie the Means of a Quarrel between one
<m and he, whole Property they Ihould be, and
eyvere yielded to the Prifoner.
5 Sharp, Mailer of the Elizabeth, heard the
''•' T ask Roberts leave, to force Comry, his Sur-
or|frora hijn, which was accordingly done, and
■ 55
he
her
with
205
with him, he carried alio fome of the Ships Medi-
cines: But what gave a fuller Proof of the Dilho-
neflyofhis Principles, was, the treacherous Defign
had toriiied of running away with the Prize, in
Paflagc 10 Cape Cor/o, tho' lie had been treated
all rlumanity, and very unlike a Prifoner, on
Acconnt of his Employ and better Education, which
had rendered him lefs to be fufpeftcd.
Mr. Child depofed. That in tl,eir PalTige fro.-n
the Ifland of St. Thomas, in the Fortune Prize, this
Prifoner w.as feveral Times tempting him into IWea-
fujes of riling with the Negroes, and killing the
Szvallo^v's People, Ihewing Jiim, how eafily the
white Men might be demoliflied, and a new Com-
pany raifed at Mgola, and tiiat Part of the Coall ;
Jor, fiys he, I under jl and how to navigate a Ship,
and caufoon teaehyou to fleer ; and is it not betttr
to do ^ this, than toga back to Cape Corfo, and he
hang\l and Sun-drfd? To which the Deponent
replying, 'i'hat he was not afraid of being liang'd,
Sutdamore bid him be lh!l, and no Harm flioulj co.xe
to him ; but before the ne.xt Day-evening, which
was the deiigncd Time of executing this Projeft, the
Deponent uncovered it to the OiScer, and affurcd
him, that Scudamore had been talking all the pre-
ceding Night to the Negroes, in the Angolan L.in-
guage.
Ijdac Burnet heard the Prifoner alk James Harris,
a Pirate who had been left with the wounded in the
Prize, whether he was willing to come into the
Project of running away with the Ship, and endea-
vouring to raife a new Company ; but he turned the
Difcourfe to Horfe racing, as the Deponent crept
nigher; he acquainted the Officer with what he had
heard, who kept the People under Arms all Night,
n ready their Apprehenlions of the Negroes not being ground-
Itfi ; lor many of them, having lived a long Time
in tnis pyratical Way, were by the thin Commons
they were reduced to, as ripe for Mifchief as any.
The Priloner in his Defence faid. That he Was a
forced Man from Captain Rolls, in OJlober laft, and
if he had not fliewn fuch a Concern as became him,
at the Alteration, he mull remark the Occafion to be,
the Difagreement and Enmity between them ; but
that both Roberts and Fat. AJhplant, threatned him
into figning their Articles, and that he did it in
Terror.
The King Solomon, and Elizabeth Medicine-
Chell, he own'd, he plundered, by Order of Hun-
ter, the then chief Surgeon, who, by the Pirates
Laws, always diredls in this Province, and Mr.
Child, tho' now acquitted, had by the fame Orders
taken out a whole French Medicine-Chelt, which he
muft be fenlible for me, as well as himfelf, we nei-
ther of us daring to have denied ; it v/as their be-
ing the proper Judges, that made fo ungrateful an
Office impoied. U after this he was eleded cliief
Surgeon himfelf, both Comry and Wilfon were fet
up alfo, and it might have been their Cn^nce to
have carried it, and as much out of their Power to
have refufed.
As to the Attempt of rifing and running away
with the Prize, he denied it altogether ai untrue :
He own'd, indeed, a few foolifh Words, but only
by Way of Suppofition, that if the Negroes iliould
take in their Heads (confidering the Weaknefs and ill
look-out that was kept) it would have been an eafy
Matter, in his Opinion, for them to have done it j
but that he encouraged fuch a Thing was falfe. His
talking to them in the Angolan Language, was only
a Way of fpending his 'i'ime, and trying his Skill
to tell Twenty, he being incapable of furtner Talk.
As to his uijue.rllanding Navigation, he had fre-
3 G quently
A General H i s t o r
166
ao-,iinil liim. Guilty.
Robert Johnfoit.
T .-.-.eued tot Co^art/ Chat the ?" «"- W-
Lt the twenty Men, in that Boat of the Pi-
an Anchor near apeJ^M-'- ^^',^„,,,,3, and
n-econJl Time, Ao"^ o^- „h'S T^
The Pnloner, '"^is Defence « ^^^^
G/./y, who witneffed to ]" ^5'"S,;°^ l^, they
^^^''^ ,'^ed'to"^a\"::L ofon'-e'Iip .nto th^
f-';t;d'":ti:S::i:£t"r.nning Battle they
'"t SilJforXSf likewife, on Captain T.-
.S Affidavit of his being forc'd on which others.
:;jwlfe\. Ship-mates had been c ear d.
Th" Court confidermg the fartiaucy uwl ^
Pf ,; w fucir'who it muft be allowed, would
tt^i:d\of pr^m-fcuouay co„den,«ed, .1 th^^^
had not been heard upon any or Fad than^ ^._
of tne S-''«f-''/"Ser Id Behaviour from
,ea them, Jan a Charader a ^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^
'•^"i' r4a?e S be doubtful, yet his conie-
with the iirates may material how
qaent A&ons are not and ,t . noHo ^^^^
a Man comes among Pirates, as now
he is there. Guilty.
Georie Wilfon. , , . , • ,
TOfe Sharp, Mailer of the Elizabeth m which
T Ship the Prilbner was Paffenger and which fell
-^r^A Time into the Pirates Hands, depofed,
^u'T .Ir thlfaid V;7A« off from Seftos, oa
•^°'"i:S%f, ■ under he Bowfprit ; for Moody and
';i\ ^wth tS Piftols cock'd, fearched every
Harper, witii tlieir r ^^^^^ ^^ ^^,5
Corner of the Ship to hndnim j^^ j.^^^,,
Deponent;s Hammock whom they ^^^^_ ^^y
to have miftaken for Ta,lton , but 6^^^_
,hey found their E-or, a"d Jef^ h.m ^^^^^^^^^^^^
fortable A"odyne Tha '^^ ^^ ; ^^^ the
r / ' .„ /r..,/^,,^ rnndV It.
Y o/
:;
reply a, u = "^ "•" — ' * -^
before meeting with the Pirates, he yet underft
it was thro' his and Scudamore\ Means, that he
been compelled among them: The Pnloner
very akrt and chearful, he laid, at meetmg with ..
herts hailed him, told him he was glad to fee h ,j
and would come on board prelently, borrowin;fc
the Deponent a clean Shirt and Drawers, tor his
ter Appearance and Reception ; he figned their
tides willingly, and ufed Arguments with him K
the fame, faying, they (hould make their Voyag
eight Months to Brafil, ibare 6 or 700/. a Man,
then break up. Again, when the Crew came t
Eleaion of a chief Surgeon, and this Deponent
fet up with the others, ml/on told him, he he
he ihould carry it from Scudamore, for that a qua
Share, which they had more than others, nvouI
worth looking after ; but the Deponent miffed
Preferment, by tlic good Will of the Ranger s 1 ec:
who in general, voted for Scudamore, to get n
him,' the chief Surgeon being always to remain ■
the Commodore. •
It appeared like^-ife, by the Evidence of Up
Jo. Traherr,, Thomas Caftel, and Others, who
been taken by the Pirates, and thence had Op I-
tunities of obferving tb.e Prifoner's Condaft, th: ^
feem'd thoroughly iatisfy'd witn tliat Way of
and was particularly intimate with Roberts;
often fcoffing at the. Mtntion of a Man of War,
faying if they ftould ever meet with any of the
nip-man's Ships, they would blow up and g.
U. 11 together. Yet, fettiiig aiide thele
Freaks to recommend himfelf, his Lazinets got
many Enemies ; even Roberts told him on the (
plaint of a wounded Man whom he retufed to (
that he was a double Rogne to be there a k
Time, and threatned to cut his t-ars off.
The Evidence further affuied the Court, trom
tain Jhomas Tarlton, that the Prifoner was take, |llt
of his Brother's Ship, fome Montn before, ; r.
Time ; and, being forward to obuge his nevv t n
pany, he prefently alk'd for the Pirate s Boa .a
fetch the iVIedicine Cheft away ; when the VV.n< d
Current proving too hard to contend with, tljey .«
drove on Shore at Cape iV<>»/zf«.-</»-
The Prifoner called for William Darling, 6, |(((
Morwl, and Nicholas Butler.
William Darling depoied, That the firft Tin J
Prifoner fell into their Hands, Roberts ^^^\ooU^
for 7.. Tarlton the Mailer, and being mtorm: t
was the Surgeon who came to reprefent h.m h< ^
fently fwore he ihould be his Mefs mate, to ij
r.//L reply'd, he hop'd not for h^had a W.hn
Child, which the other laughed at. 1 h'^ ^^
added, that he had been two Days on boa, dt
he went in that Boat, whicli vyas drove on bh..
Cape Montzerado. And at his lecond com.n«
X\l Elizabeth, he heard Roberts oraer he ihoi|&
brought on bo;ird in the firll Boat.
Samuel Morruel faid, That he had he. d hir e
walhisCondicion, while on bonrd the Pirate
defire one Ihomas to ufe his Intereit with /5
fo aDifcharge, faying, his Employ and the
he had left at Home, would, he hop'd, exemp "
from the further Trouble of leeking his Br.l.
^^^cholas Butler, who had remained with tP
rates about 48 Hours, when they took the /«
Ships at //v./., depofed. That in his Spa
Prifoner addrelTed him m the French Langu
veral Times, deploring the Wretchcdnefs and 1 c
tune of beine confin'd in inch Company.
'The PrifoLrdefiring the Liberty ot two or
Oneftions, alk'd. Whether or no he had not ex
UTed With Roberts, for a Realon ot hi. obhgm; |
J
lyrateSi Highwaymen^ Murderers, 5Cc;
;ons to fign tlieir Articles, when heretofore they
d not ? Wliether he had not expreffed himfelf glad
" having formerly efcaped from them ? Whether he
id not faid, at the taking the Ships in Whydah Road,
at he could not like the Sport, were it lawful r And
hether he had not told him, that fliould the Com-
,ny difcharge any Surgeon, he would infift on it as
3 Turn ? The Deponent anfwered Yes, to every
ueftion feparatel}' ; and farther, that he believed
miamore had not feen Wilfan when he firft came and
und him out of the Elizabeth.
He added, in his own Defence, that being Sargeon
th one Jofm Tarlton of Li'verpool, iio- was met a
(I Time on this Coait of Guiney, by Roberts the
race ; who, after a Day or two, told him to his
rrow, that he was to Itay there, and ordered him
fetch his Cheft ; (not Medicines, as was ailerted)
lich Opportunity he took to make his Efcape ; for
; Boat's Crew happening to confiil of iive French
i one Englijh Man, all as willing as himfelf, they
reed to pulh the Boat on Shore, and trull them-
ves with the Negroes of Cape Montzerado : Ha-
dous, not only in Relped of the dangerous Seas
It run there, but the Inhumanity of the Natives,
0 '.ometimes tike a liking to human CarcafTes.
■.ir he remained five Months, till Thomas Tarlton,
Kher to his C^iptain, chanced to put in the Road for
ade, to whom he reprefented his Hardlhips and
\ ing Condition ; bat was, in an unchriilian Man-
•. both refufed a Rcleafe of this Captivity, or fo
ch as a fmall Supply of Bifcuit and fjt Meat;
:aufe, as he faid, he had been among the Pyrates.
little Time after this, the Mafter of a French Ship
d a Ranfom for him, and took him off; but, by
afon of a nafty leperous Indifpofition he had con-
L^ed bv hard and bad Living, he was, to his great
^fortune, fetafhore at 6'iy?oj again, when Captain
:<■*) met him, and generoufly procured his Releafe
ihe Manner himfelf h:;s releated, and for which he
lids infinitely obliged. — — That ill Luck threw
n a fecond Time into the Pirates Hands, in this
ip Elizabeth, where he met Thomas Tarlton,
d thoughdefly ufedfome Reproaches of hhn, for his
,ere Treatment at Montzcrado ; but w ithout Defign
It his Words fhould have had fo bad-a Conle-
ence ; for Roberts took upon him, as a Difpenfer
Jultice, to corred Mr. Tarlton, beating him un-
ercifully ; which Severity, he hopes it will be be-
ved, was contrary to any Intention of his, becaufe
a Stranger, he might be fufpnfed to have no In-
lence, and he believed, there were fome other Mo-
■es for it. He coiild not remember that he e.x-
ciTed himfelf glad to fee Roberts this fecond Time,
■ that he dropped thofe Expreffions about Comry, as
ere iworn ; but if immaturity of Judgment had
Caf.oned him to flip rafh and inadvertent Words,
■ that he had puid any undue Compliments to Ro-
• .'.', it v/as to ingratiate himlelf, as every Prifoner
'!, for a more civil Treatment, and in particular,
icure his Difcharge, which he had been pro-
, and was afraid would have been revoked, if
a Perfon as Comry did not remain there to
his Room ; and of this, he faid, all the Gen-
-11 (meaning the Pirates) could witnefs for
fie urged alfo his Youth in Excufe for his Rafh-
if' The firft Time he had been with them,
iic:! was only a Month in all, and that in no milita-
' F,;Tiploy ; but in particular, the Service he had
3r.e, in difcovering the Defign the Pirates had to
le in their Paflage on board the S'wallo'w.
uilty.
But Execution to be refpited till the King's Plea-
ire be known, becaufe the Commander of the
Stvallofj had declared, that the firft Notice he re-
ceived of this Defign of the Pir-ites to n(e, was from
him.
Benjamin Jefferys.
BY the Depofitions of G/«/y and Z/7W«, (both
acquitted) againft this Prifoner, it appeared, that
his Drunkenneis was what at firft detained him from
going away in his proper Ship, the Norman Galley ; •
and next Morning, for having been abufive in his
Drinlc, and faying to the Pirates, tliere was not a
Man aniongft them, he received for a Welcome, fix
Laihes from every Perfon in the Ship, which difor-
dered him for fome Weeks ; but on Recovery, he
was made Boatfwain's M.;te ; the ferving of which,
or any Office on board a Pirate, is at ti.cir own Op-
tion (tho' cleded) becaufe others' arc g!.;d to accept
wliat brings an additional Share in Prize.
The Deponents further faid, that at Sierraleon
c\'ery Man had more efpecially the Means of eicaping ;
and that this Prifoner in particular ncglefted it, and
came ofl^ from that Place, after their Ship was under
Sail, and going out of the River.
The Prifoner in his Defence, protefted l:e was at
firft forced ; and that the Office of Boatfwain's Mate
was impofed on him, and what he would have been
glad to have relinquifh'd. That the barbarous Whip-
ping he had received from, the Pirates at firft, was
for telling them, that none who could get their Bread
in an honeft Way, would be on fuch an Account. And
he had certainly taken the Opportunity which pre-
fented at Sierraleon, of ridding himfelf from fo di-
ftafttul a Life, if there had not been three or four of
the old Pirates on ftiore at the iarae Time, v.'ho, he
imagin'd, muft know of him, and would doubtlefs
have ferved him the fame, if not v.'orle, ^than thev
once had done William Williams ; who, for fuch 'a
De-fign, being delivered up by the treacherous Na-
tives, had received two Lafhesthro' the whole Ship's
Company.
The Court obferved, that the Excufe of thefe Pir
rates, about want of Means to efcape, was oftentimes
as poor and evafive, as their Pleas of being forced at
firft ; for here at Sierraleon, every Man had his Li-
berty on fhore, and it was evident might have kept
it, if he, or they, had fo plcafed. And fuch are
further culpable, who, having been introduced inlzj
the Society by fuch uncivil Methods as whipping or
beating, negledt lefs likely Means of regaining Liber-
ty ; it fhews ftrong Inclinations to Diilionefty, and
they iland inexcufably. Guilty.
Jo. Mansfeld.
IT was proved againft this Prifoner, by Captain
Trahern, and George Fenn, that he was one of
thofe Voluntiers who was at the Attack and Robbery
of the Company's Ship, called the Ki?ig Solomon:
That he bully'd well among them who dar'd not
make any Reply, but was very eafy with his Friends,
who knew him ; for Moody, on this Occafion, took
a large Glafs from him, and threatned to blow his
Brains out (a favourite Phrafe with thefe Pirate?) if
he muttered at it.
From others acquitted, it likewife appeared, that
he was at firft a Voluntier among them, from an I-
fland call'd Dominieo in the Weft-Indies, and had, to
recommend himfelf, told them, he was a Deferter
from the Rofe Man of War, and before they had
been on the High-way ; he was always drunk, they
faid, and fo bad at the Time they met the Sivallovj,
that he knew nothing of the Aftion, but came up
vapouring with his Cutlafh, after the Fortune had
ftruck her Colours, to know who would go on board
the Prize ; and it was fome Time before they could
perfwade him into the Truth of their Condition.
He
ao8
A Qeneral H i s t o r v of
He could fay little in Defence of himfelf, and ac-
knowledg'd this latter Charge of Drunkennefs ; a
Vice, he faid, that had too great a Share in enfnaring
him into this Courfe of Life, and had been a greater
Motive with him than Gold. Guilty.
William Davis.
William Allen depofed. That he knew this Prl-
foner at Sierraleon, belonging to the Anne
Galley ; that he had a Quarrel with, and beat the
Mate of that Ship, for which, as he faid, being afraid
to return to his Duty, he conforted to the idle Cu-
iloi»s and Ways of living among the Negroes, from
whom he received a Wife, and ungratefully fold her
one Evening for fome Punch to quench his Thirll.
After this, having put himfelf under the Proteftion
of Mr. Plunket, Governor there for the Royal African
Company, the Relations and Friends of the Woman
apply'd to him for Redrefs, who immediately furren-
dered the Prifoner, and told them, he did not care
if they took his Head off ; but the Negroes, wifely
judging it would not fetch fo good a Price, they fold
him in his Turn again to Seignior Joffee, a Chriftian
Black, and Native of that Place ; who expedled and
agreed for two Years Service from him, on Confide-
ration of what he had dilburfed, for the Redempti-
on of the Woman : But long before the Expiration
of this Time, Roberts came into Sierraleon River,
where the Prifoner (as Seignior JoJJee affur'd the De-
ponent) entered a Voluntier with them.
The Deponent further corroborates this Part of the
Evidence ; in that he being obliged to call at Cape
Mount, in his Paffage down hither, met there with
two Deferters from Roberts's Ship, who affured him
of the fame ; and that the Pyrates did defign to
turn Da'vis away the next Opportunity, as an idle
good for-nothing Fellow.
From Glasby and Lilhurn it was evident, that
every Pyrate, while they llaid at Sierraleon, went on
Ihore at Difcretion. That Roberts had often affur'd
Mr. Glyn and other Traders, at that Place, that he
would force no Body ; and, in fhort, there was no
Occafion for it ; in particular, the Prifoner's Row-
mate went away, and confequently he might have
done the fame, if he had pleafed.
The Prifoner alledged his having been detained
againrt his Will, and faid, that returning with Ele-
phants Teeth for Sierraleon, the Pyrate's Boat pur-
fued and brought him on board, where he was kept
on Account of his underftandir.g the Pilotage and
Navigation of that River.
It was obvious to the Court, not only how frivolous
the Excufes of Conftraint and Force were among
thefe People, at their firil commencing Pyrates; but
alfo it was plain to them, from thefe two Deferters
met at Cape Mount, and the difcretional Manner
they lived in at Sierraleon, through how little Dif-
ficulty feveral of them did, and others might, have
efcaped afterwards, if they could but have obtained
their own Confents for it. Guilty.
This is the Subftance of the Tryals of Roberts'' s
Crew, which may fuffice for others that occur in
this Book.
We are not ignorant how acceptable the Behaviour
and dying Words of Malefedors are to the generality
of our Countrymen, and therefore (hall dehver what
ocurr'd, worthy of Notice, in the Behaviour of thefe
Criminals.
The firft Six that were called to Execution, were
Magnes, Moody Sympfon, Sutton, AJhplant, and
Hardy ; all of them old Standers and notorious
Offenders. When they were brought out of the Hold,
OB the Parade, in order to break off their Fetters, and
fit the Halters ; none of them, it was obferved
appeared the leall dejefled, unlefs ^az/ow, who fpoke
faint, but it was rather imputed to a Flux thaf
hadfeized him two or three Diys before, than
Fear. A Gentleman, who was Surgeon of the Ship,
was fo charitable at this Time, as to oifer himfelf in
the Room of an Oiiiinary, and reprefented to them
as well as he was able, the Heinioufnefs of their Sin]
and the NecefTity which lay on them of Repentance }
one particular Part of whjch, he obferved ought to
be, acknowledging the Juftice they had met with.
They feemed heedlefs for the preient, fome calling
for Water to drink, and others applying to the Sol-
diers for Caps ; but when this Gentleman prefs'd
them for an Anfwer, they all exclaim'd againll the
Severity of the Court, and were fo hardened, as to
curfe, and wifh tlije fame Jullice might overtake all
the Members of it, as had been dealt to them. 7hey
ivere poor Rogues, they faid, and fo hang'd;
ivhile others, no lefs guilty in another Way, t-
faped.
When he endeavoured to compofe their Minds, ex-
horting them to die in Charity with all the World
and would have diverted them from fuch vain Dif
courfe, by afl;ing them their Country, Age, and thf
like J fome of them anfvver'd, What ivns that to him
they fuffercd the La-J.', andjhould gi've no Account hu.
to God. They walked to the Gallows without :
Tear in Token of Sorrow for their part Offences oi
(hewing fo much Concern as a Man would expref
at travelling a bad Road ; nay, Sympfon, at feeing :
Woman that he knew; faid, he had lain ivith tha.
B h three Times, and noiv fhe woas come toft,
him hanged. And Hardy, when his Hands were ty'(
behind him (which happened from their not bein;
acquainted with the Way of bringing Malefaftors t<
Execution) obferved. That he had feen many a Mai
hangd, hut this Way of the Hands being ty'd behitu
them, he luas a Stranger to, and ne-ver fazu before ii
his Life. We mention thele two little Inftances, tc
(hew how ftupid and thoughtlefs they were of thei:
End, and that the fame abandon'd and reprobat<
Temper that had carried them thro' tiicir Rogueries
abided with them to the lall.
Samuel Fletcher, another of the Pirates order'd foi
Execution, but reprieved, feemed to have a quickei
Senfe of his Condition ; for when he faw thofe thai
were alloted, gone to Execution, he (ent a MelFage
by the Provoft-Mnrflial to the Court, to be, inform" c
of the Meaning of it, and humbly defired to knonx.
ivhether they defign' d him Met-cy, or not? If the\
did, he flood infinitely obliged to them, and thought
the ivhole Service of his Life an incompetent Return
for fo great a Fwvour ; hut that if he ivas to fuffer,
the fooner the better, he faid, that he ?night be out oj
his Pain.
There were others of thefe Pli-..tcs the reverfe ot
this, and, tho' deltitute of Minillcrs, or tit Perfons
to repreftnt their Sins to them, and iifnll them with
fpiritual .advice, were yet alv.ayi employing their
Time to good Purpoles, and behaving withagreaf
deal of feeming Devotion and Penitence ; among thefe
jmay be reckon'd. Scudamore, U illiams. Philips,
Stephenfon, Jefferys, Lefly, Harper, Armfirong,
Bunce, and others.
Scudamore too lately difcerned the Folly and Wick-
ednefs of the Enterprize that hadchieHy brought him
under Sentence of Death ; from which, feeing there
was no Hopes of Elcaping, he petitioned for two or
three Days Reprieve, which was granted, and for
that Time he applied himfelf inceflantly to Prayer,
and reading the Scriptures, feem'd to have a deep
Senfe of his Sins, and of this in particular, and de-
fired
)
.L
T
PyrateSy Highwayme^y Murderers^ 6Cc.
"ired at the Gallows, that they would have Patience
*ith him, to fing the firll Part of the thirty firll
'iaim , which he did by himfelf throughout. _
Armflrong, having been a Deferter I'rom his Maje-
ly's Service, was executed on board the Pf'eymouth
and the only one that was) there was no Body to
reis him to an Acknowledgment of the Crime he
y'd for, nor of forrowing in particular for it, which
'ould have been exemplary, and made i'uitable Im-
reffions on Seamen ; fo that his lall Hour was fpent
1 lamenting and bewailing his Sins in general, ex-
orting the Speftators to an honeft and good Life,
1 which alone they could find Satisfadlion. In the
nd, he defired they would join with him in finging
,e two or three latter Verles of the 140th Plalm;
id that being concluded, he was, at the firing of
Gun, tric'J up at the Fore-Yard Arm.
Butue wai r. young Man, not above 26 Years old,
209
but made the moftpathetica! Speech of any at the
Gallows. He firll declaim'd againft the gilded Baits
of Power, Liberty, and Wealth, that had enfnar'd
him among the Pyrates, his unexperienc'd Years
not being able to withftanding the Temptation ; but
that the Brisknefs he had ihewn, which fo fatally
had procured him favour amongrt them, was not fo
much a Fault in Principle, as the Livelinefs and Vi-
vacity of his Nature. He w.as now extreamly afflifted
for the Injuries he had done to all Men, and begg'd
theirs and Gods Forgivenefs, very earneflly exhort-
ing the Speftators to remember their Creator in their
V^outh, and guard betimes, that their Minds took
not a wrong Byafs, concluding with this apt Simili-
tude, That he fiood there as a Beacon upon a Rock
(the Gallov/s fianding on one) to ivarn ening Mart-
ntrs of J} anger.
The LIFE of Madam CHURCHILL.
>
Eborah Churchill, alias Miller, was born
withinfix Miles of the City of Aorw/VA, in the
County oi Norfolk, of worthy honeft Parents,
.» 0 gave her very good Education, and brought her
« in her younger Years in the Wa} s of Religion
» I good Manners ; but Ihe had wickedly thrown
t all thoie good Things, which were endeavoured
tDe fixed in her, and abandoned herfelf to all man-
r of Filthinefs and Uncleannefs, which afterwards
pved her Shame and Ruin. She was firll married
toae fohn Churchill, an Enfign in Major General
lingdoni Regiment; by whofe Name ihe com.
Enly went, but feldom hy her fecond Husband's;
VD, tNVO or three Years before her Misfortunes, was
nrried to her in the Fleet Prifon, upon Agreement
fi made between them both, that they fhould not
Ji together, nor have any Thing to do with each
oer. Which Agreement was llncUy performed ;
a fo (he continued freely to keep Company with
o Hunt a Life-Guard Man, as (he had begun to
di in ner former Husband's Time.
he had lived with the aforefaid Bully Hunt for
fcn Years together, in a lafcivious and adulterous
knner, which broke her firll Husband's Heart, by
«i)m fne had two Children furviving at the lime
Cher ur.fortur.a:e Death. She had liv'd alio in In-
Xfdnency about three Months, with one Thomas
S.ih, a Cooper, who w:is hanged at Tyburn, on Fri-
d- the 1 6th Day ot December, 1709, for breaking
0 1 and robbing the Houfe of the Right Honourable
tr tiarl oi H'eJlnioreLind ; at which 'I'ime were like-
w hanged Jaron Jones and Jof:ph Wells, for the
X der of one Mr. Lanirs near Marybone.
nis noted Jilt bore a gicit Sway in Drury-Lane,
a; 1 taking Tribute of all new Whoies who pre-
1l :d to walk there at Night, to venture their Souls,
it len \\ould their Bodj;;^, for the fmall Price of
J i-pence v.et, and Twci-pence dry. She was here
a immon Strumpet, and proftltutcd herielf to all
C .cfs and Goers, whofe Pockct.<. (lie conlbintly
p: "d. An Infhnce of her Manner, was wiiK ft»c
did vvith one Mr. Jeffery W , a Bookfeller,
livmg in St. PauPs Church-Yard, from whom taking
a Pocket-Book, in which were feveral Notes and
Bills of Value, Hunt her Bully, went the ne.Yt Day
to his Shop, and returning the Pocket-Book to him,
faid, By this 1 underjisnd yau La-je bstn more fami-
liar luith my Wife than became you ; but take No-
tice, I Jball require Satisfailion for the Affront, or
olherivi/e take ivhat folloius. The Bookfeller being
coni'cious of what was laid to his Charge, rather
than the Scandal (hould come to his Wife's Ears,
to whom he was newly married, he gave him ten
Guineas, with a Promile of paying him thirty more
the ne.\t Day. But in the mean i'ime acquaintincr
a Bookbinder, living in Little-Britain, with the Mat-
ter, he, knowing the World pret-.y well, met Hunt
at the Place where Mr. Vf i- was to givf him
thirty Guineas, and theatning to fecure him with a
Conllable, the Sharper was forced not only to fur-
render his Pretenfions to the thirty Guineas, but to
return the former 1 en, for fear of being carry 'd be-
fore his Betters.
As ihe was once going thro' Ckeapf.de, upon the
Bjttock and File, Ihe pick'd up a LinnenDraper
living in Cornhill, who being as (liarp as fhe, he
found he had loft his W.itch m the Tavern where
they were drinking, whi^h was at the Three Tuns
in Neu:gate-jireet, and charged her with Jt. She
deny'd it inlly, neither could it be found upon her,
tho' the Maids of the Houfe had Itript her (lark
niked. But the Linnen-Draper fwearing point-blank
that fhe had it, and fending for a Conftable to fe-
cure her, ihe difcovered the Watch, which was hid
in the Bottom of a Leather Chair ; whereupon ihe
was committed to Wood fireet Compter.
But the abovelaid Linnen-Draper never appear-
ed againft Madam Churchill, when under Con-
finement, ilie was at laft difcliarged ; but had not
long enjoy'd her Liberty before Ihe was committed
to Nenu-Prifon, for picking a Gentleman's Pocket
of a Purfe, wherein was ao hundred and four Gui-
3 H neas.
2IO
A General History of
neas. Whilll (he was there, (he fcemed to be really
a pious Woman ; but only her Religion was of five
or fix Colours ; for this Day fhe would pray that
God would turn the Heart of her Adverfary, and
To-morrow curfe the Time that ever fhe faw him.
She at laft got out of this Manfion of Sorrow alfo,
but foon forgetting her Affliftions, llie purfued her
Wict:ednefs continually, till (he had been fent no
lefs than twenty Times to Clerkenivell Brideiuell ;
where receiving the Correftion of the Houfe every
Time, by being whipt, and kept Ito beating Hemp
from Morning till Night, for the fmall Allowance
of fo much Bread and Water, which will but juft
keep Life and Soul together, fhe commonly came
out like a Skeleton, and walked as if her Limbs
had been ty'd together with Packthread ; yet let
what Punifhment would light on this common Strum-
pet, Ihe was no Changling, for as foon as fhe was
out of Goal, fhe was Hill running into greater E-
vils, by deluding, ifpoffible, all Mankind.
One Night picking up one William Foivlsr, a
Barber, living in Bull-Inn-Comt , in the Strand, and
carrying him to her Lodging in Caftk-ftreet, be-
hind the North Side of Long-Acre, they went to
Bed, where the amorous Folly of thefe two
Lovers confifled, no doubt, more of Adion than
ExprefFion : But in ths Height of thefe Enjoyments,
Bully Hunt unexpeftedly came Home, and knock-
ing hard at the Door, flartled our. two Inamora-
to's, who were more flriftly entangled in each o-
thers Arms, than Mars was by Fulcans crafty Net,
when entwin'd in amorous Folds with the Cyprian
Goddefs. In the mean Time Deborah Churchill, be-
ing otherwife employ'd than to come out of a warm
Bed, and endanger the catching of Cold, was as mute
as aFifh; neither could fhe in Reafon make An-
fwer to the Difturber of her Joys, till the Bufinefs
ihe was about confummated.
But Bully Rock, impatient of Delay, repeating
his Strokes on the harmlefs Door, Madam found
herfelf conflrained to demand Who ivas there ? tho'
in Words imperfeft, as one waked out of a pro-
found Sleep. Knowing the Voice, upon Reply,
fhe capitulated with liint, till fhe might hide her
Cully, for whom there was no other Refuge but
crawling under the Bed ; where being fecured, fhe
jumped out, and in great Hafte ran to the Door,
fpeaking as fhe was wont, Oh ! my Soul ! Oh thou
mofi •welcome Man te me ali'ue : When in herfelf
fhe thought. What envious Devil has brought thee
hither at this JunBure to difturb my Pleafure ?
The Bully thus entered, began to falute her in
his ufual Language, You Whore, you Bitch, avhat
Rogus bttvtjeu got in Bed wth you no^v ? But find-
ing no Body there, he kicked her about the Root
like a Foot-ball, faying again, Where have you hi
the Scoundrel, that durfi frefume to hcjioiv a Cit
Zen's Fate upon my Honour, in making me a Cuckold
Then drawing his Sword, quoth he, Fwe not kill
a Man this great ivhile, hut by G d I'll fet
one out of the World noiv. So thrulHng his Swoi
under the Bed, poor Ton/or began to cry out f
Quarter ; at the fame Time creeping out of h
Neft fo extreamly povvder'd with Dull and Feathet
that Bully Hunt taking him rather for a Dei
than a Man, the Fright he was in gave the
much frighted Cut-beard the favourable Opportui
ty of making his Efcape out of the Houl'e, wi
only the Lofs of his Breeches, in which was a goi
filver Watch, and about four Pound in Money. B
for this Trick he fwore. He ixiculd never go
Whoring again, which was as dangerous as trudi
his Arms in the Throat of a Lyon, or his Pu
with a Highwayman.
Now after IVladam Churchill had teign'd a Ic
Time in her Wickednefs, as fhe was coming <
Night along Drmy-Lane, in Company with Ri
ard Hunt, William Leivis, and John Boy, they tc
an Occafion to fall out with one Martin Were, i
fhe aggravating the Quarrel, by bidding them
crifice the Man, they killed him between Kim
Head Court and Vinegar-Tard. The three Men v ■
committed this Murder made their Efcape;
fhe being apprehended as an AccefTary therein, i
fent to Newgate, and fhortly after condemned r
it on the 26th of February, 1707-8.
After Sentence of Death was pafTed on her, r
Execution was refpited, by virtue of a Reprieve ■
ven her, upon the Account of her being thoi t
to be with Child ; which fhe pretended to be 1
Hopes it might be a Means to fave her Life, c |
leall put off her Death for a Time. But «
fhe had laid under Condemnation almoft ten Mor I
and was found not to be with Child, fhe was cs I
to her former Judgment Then being convil
in a Coach to Tyburn, on Friday the 1 7th of
cember, 1708, fhe was there hang'd in the
Year of her Age. But, before fhe was turn'd t,
fhe defired all the Spectators to pray for her,
that God would be pleas'd to be merciful tc|
poor Soul : Moreover, calling to one ihe call'd Ni [
an Apple- Woman's Daughter in Drury-Lane, \
eameftly begg'd of her to take Care of her
Children, for whom fhe teemed to be very nl
concerned. Theie were her lait Words, whicll
fpoke in the Cart, into which fhe was pul
foon as fhe came to the Place of Execution.
Pyrates, Hi^txtaymefii Murderers, 6cc.
.II
The LIEE 0/ JACK OVET.
rHiS notorious Malefaftor, Join Ovet, a
Shoemaker by Trade, was born at Notting-
ham, where his Abode was for four or five
ears, after he had ferv'd his Apprenticefhip, But
ine always of a daring, audacious Difpofition, his
iruly Temper induced him to keep very lewd
d quarrelfome CompDny, and depending on his
anhood, it infpir'd him with aa Inclination of lay-
; afide his mechanical Employment, to tranflatc
nfelf into a Gentlemen, by maintaining that
• lality on the Highway.
Immediately equipping himfelf, as a Highwayman
ght, with a good Horfe, Hanger, and Pillols, he
« towards London ; and on the Road had the good
t xefs of robbing a Gentleman of Twenty Pounds ;
\ 0 being one of great Courage, told Ovet, that if
? had not come upon him unawares, and furpriz'd
^ n at a Difadvantage, he Ihould have given him
1 le Trouble before lie wou'd have parted with his
)ney. Quoth 0-vct, Sir, I liave ventur'd my Life
I ;e already in committing this Robbery; however,
ou have the Vanity to think ) ourfelf a better
' iu than me, I'll venture once more, for here's
; ir iVIoney again, let it be betwixt us, and who-
1 r of us is the bell Man let him win it and wear it.
11' Gentleman very willingly accepted the Propo-
, and making ufe of their Swords on Foot, Jack
I :it had the Fortune to kill his Antagonift on the
at.
Not long after he kill'd another Man in a Quarrel
. Lekefter ; but flying from Juliice, he ftill cheated
; Hangman of iiis due, and without any Dread
jrfued his unlawful Courfes to the higheft Pitch "of
Ilany. One Day in particular meeting the Pack-
irfes of one Mr. Rogers, who goes from Leominjter
: ihrefordjhirs to LondoK, and being in great want
i Money, he turn'd one of them out of the main
>ad into a narrow Lane, where cutting open the
uk, he found tiiarein about 280 Guineas in Gold,
.iides three Dozen of Silver-hafted Knives and
inks, and Spoons, which he carry'd off. The other
ck-horfes were gone above two Miles before Mr.
:/n mifs'd this ; and then making a ftridt Search
. er It, he found it ty'd to a Tree, and the Pack
rown off his Back, and rifled of what was moft va-
ibie ; but not knowing who had done thisgreatln-
y, he was forc'd to make the Lofs good to the
ivner of tha Plate and Money.
; Another Time Jack Oniet being drinking at the
\ar Inn in the Strand, he overheard a Soap boiler
jutriving with a Carrier how he ihould fend an
undred Pounds to a Friend in the Country. At
igth it was concluded upon, to put the Money
,;o a Barrel of Soap ; which Projeft was mightily
proved off by the Carrier, who anfwer'd. If any
:>gues Jhould rob my U'uggon ('which they ne'ver did
t ottce) the Deniil mujl be in them if they look for
■y Money in the Soap Barrel. Accordingly tlie
oney and Soap was brought to the Inn, and next
urning tiie Carrier going out of Town, Jack Ovet
overtook him in the \fternoon, and cofnmsnding
him to flop, or otiierwife he would Ihoot him and
his Horfes too, he was oblig'd to obey the Word of
Command. Then quoth the horeft Highwayman,
/ muji tnake bsld to horroiu a little Money cut of your
Waggon, therefore if you haije any direSi mi to it,
that I may not lofe any time, ivhichyou knotv is al-
luays precious. The Carrier told him he had nothing
but cumberfome Goods in his Waggon, as he knew
of; however, if he would not beheve him, he might
fearch evtx) Box and Bundle there if he pleafed.
Ovet ibon got into the Waggon, and threw all the
Bo.\es and Bundles about, till at laft he came to the
Soap Barrel, which feeling fomewhat heavy, quoth
he to the Carrier, What a pox do you do ii:itb this
najiy Commodity in your Waggon ? V II Jling it aicay.
So throwing it on the Ground the Hoops burfted,
out flew the Head, and the Soap fpreading abroad,
the Bag appear'd : Then jumping out of the Wag-
gon, and taking it up, fays he again. Is not he that
felts this Soap a cheating Son of a M'hore, to put this
Bag of Lead into it, to make the Barrel nveigh heavy
If I kneav ivhere he lived Fd go and tell him his
oinn ; hoiuever, that he may not fuccced in his Rogue-
ry, ril take it, and fell it at the next Houfe I come to,
for it vcill ivet ones WhiJIle to the Tune oftiuo or three
Shillings.
He was going to ride away, when the Carrier
cry'd after him. Hold, Hold, Sir, that is not Lead
that's in the Bag, it is an Hundred Pounds, for which
( if you take it away ) I mull be accountable. No, no,
( reply 'd Jack Ovet )^ this can't be Money, but if it is
tell the Owner that I'll be anfwerable for it if he'll
come to me. Where, Sir, (faid the Carrier ) may one
find you ? Why, truly, ( reply 'd Jack ) that's a Quef-
tionfoon ask'd, but not fo foon to beanfwered ; the
bell Direftions I can give is, 'tis like you may find me
in a Jail before Night, and then, perhaps, you may
have again what 1 have took from you, and Forty
Pounds to boot.
Another Time Jack Ovet meeting with the Wor-
cejhr Stage-Coach on the Road, in which were feve-
ral young Gentlewomen, he robb'd them all ; but one
of them being a very handiome Perlon, he entertain'd
fuch aPalTion for her exquifite Charms, that when he
took her Money from her, he i.iid. Madam, Call no:
your Eyes down, neither cover your Face with thofe
modell Blufhes, your Charms have foftened my Tem-
per, and I am no more the Man I was ; what I have
took from you (through meer NecelTity at prelent) is
only borrow'd ; for as no Objedi on Earth ever had
fuch an ElFed on me as you, allure yourfelf that liyou
pleafe to tell me where I may direft to ■^o:^, I'll upon
Honour make good your Lofs to the very utmoft.
The young Gentlewoman told him where he might
fend to her ; and then parting, it was not above a
Week after that before Jnck fent the following Letter
to the .aforefaid Gentlewoman, who had gain'd fuch
an abiblute Conquell over his Soul, that his Mind ran
DOW as much upon Love as Robbing.
MADAM,
,11
A General H i s t d r y of
M /I D A A/,
THESE kvj Lines are to acquaint you, that
:ho' I lately had the Cruelty to rob you of
Twenty Guineas, yet you committed a greater Rob-
bery at the fame time, in robbing me of my Heart ;
on which you may behold yourfelf enthroned, and
all my Faculties paying their Homage to your un-
paralcll'd Beauty. Therefore be pleafed to propofe
bat the Method how I may win your Belief, and
were the Way to it as deep as from hence to the
Centre, I will fearch it out : For, by all my Hopes
by all thofe Rites that crown a happy Union, by the
Rofy Tiniture of your Cheeks, and by your all
fubduing Eyes, I prize you above all the World.
Oil ! then my fair Venus, can you be afraid of Love ?
His Brow ib fmooth, and his Face befet with Banks
full of Deligiit ; about his Neck hangs a Chain of
golden Smiles. Let us tafte the Pleafures which Cu-
p'ld commands, and for that unmerited Favour I
ihall become another Man to make you happy. So
requeuing the fmall Boon of a favourable Anfwer to
■ be lent me to Mr. Walker i, who keeps an Ale-
■ houfe at the Sign of the Bell in Thornbury in Glocef-
■ tcrjhire, give me leave to fubfcribe myfdf your moft
' humble Servant to command for ever,
JOHN BURTON.
The Gentlewoman's Anfwer.
SIR,
' T7 O U R 9 I received with as great Diflatisfac-
' X tion as when you robbed me, and admire
• at your Impudence of offering me yourfelf for a
" Hu(band, when I am fenfible 'twould not be long
'ere you made me a hempen Widow. , Perh;
fome foolifh Girl or another may be fo bewitci
as to go m White to beg the Favour of nlarry
you under the Gallows ; but indeed I fhould i
ther venture there, nor in a Church, to marry (
of your Profeffion, whofe Vows are treachero
and whofe Smiles, Words, and Aftions, likefnjl
Rivulets, thro' a thoufand Turnings of loofe I
fions, at lall arrived to the dead Sea of Sin. Sho
you therefore diflblve your Eyes into Tears, i
every Accent a Sigh in your Speech, had you
the Spells, and Magick Charms of Love, 1 iho |
feal up my Ears that I might not hear your D:
mulation. You have already broke your Wo l
in not fending what you villainoufly took from ii
but not valuing that, let me tell you, for fear \
ihould have too great a Conceit of yourfelf, t
you are the firll, to my Remembrance, whor
ever hated : and fealing my Hatred with the Ho
of quickly reading your dying Speech, in cafe )
die in London, I prefume to fubfcribe myfelf Yo
never to command,
D.
This was the End of Jaci Off/'s warm Amc-
and he was foon after as unfuccefsful in his Villa
as he was here in Love ; for committing a Robb
in Le'uefterjhire, where his Comrade was killed
the Attempt, he was clofely purfued by the Counl
apprehended, and fent to Jail. At laft the Afli
being held at Leicejier, he was condemned. Wl
he was under Sentence of Death, he feem to have
Remorfe at all for his Wickednefs, nor in theleaii
repent of the Blood of two Perfons, which he
fhed ; fo being brought to the Gallows, on Wedv^
day the Fifth ol May 1708, he was juftly hang't
the thirty fecond Year of his Age.
■^>*i^^— » VI '
%
PyrakSf Highwaj>we»f Murderers, 5Cc.
213
The LIFE of WILLIAM CADY.
rHIS unhappy Gentleman was born at Hhetford
in the County of Norfolk : His Father was
an eminent Surgeon in that Place, and very
Jul of his Son's Education. After a Courfe of
mniar Learning, JVillv/zi fent to the Univerfity of
nbriiige, where he was Servitor to theFather of the
ent Right Honourable the Lord Vifcount Toiunf.
r, at that Time a Student in 'Trinity College. He
!tted (o well as in lime to be made Batchellor of
;, and continued at hi> Studies till the Death of
Father.
"he Deceafe of a Parent to a young Gentleman,
lady was, is often the Crifis ol Fortune, and the
le that fixes his future Fate. When a Man be-
es his own Mailer, we learn in what he places
^appinefs, and what has before given a prevail-
Purn to his Thoughts, then influences his Ac-
i. Will, immediately upon the News, with-
/ from the Mufes, and went up to London, whei e
jrofefs'd Phyfick ; for his Father made fo good
of what he had in his Life-Time, as to leave
ing behind him. The firil Patient he had was
own Uncle, who w.ta dangeroufly ill of an Im-
lumc ; and the Manner how he cured him is
well worth relating in this Place.
'hen he came into his Uncle's Chamber, the firll
ig he did was to ctaniine the State of the old
tleman's Stomach. To this Purpofe he hunted
Room all over, moved every Ui(h, Plate, and
n he could fee, all under a Pretence of finding
what they gave him to eat ; tho' in Reality to
a proper Occafion for the E.xptriment he after-
Is tried. At lall he I'picd an old Saddle under
Bed : Upon which he Teemed to ftart, crying
Uncle, your Cafe is njery defperate. Not ft)
1 liofe, fays the Uncle, as to make me pa/i Re-
7. Hea'veii iiioivs that, cried Cady ; but a
lit ii a tenible Thing, and I fercei've you ha<ve
violent one. A Surfeit '. replied the old Gen-
an, you mijlake, Nepht\c, ''tis an Impofthume that
afiided ivith. The De-uil it is ! quoth
•vjl.y I could ha-ve /kvorn it had been a Sur-
fer /perceive you have eat a 'whole Horfe, and
only the Saddle. At this he held up the Sad -
n his Hands, and the old Gentleman fell into
a I'it ui L.iuijliing, as inltantly broke
lunie ; lo t!iat he beC'cne a «ell Man
than a i'ortniglit.
iiis is not tilt only Inlhnce that has been re-
of an Inipolihume's being broke by a violent
fudiien Fit of Laugl.ter, occalion'd by foine odd
3n or fniar: ij-iying. We ihall relate two Sto-
of the like N..tarc.
he fill! is of a certain Cardinal at Padoua, who
at tlie Point of Death, and fcemcd fo far gone,
the Servants had begun to rifle tlie Houfe, and
ill down tlie very Hangings of the Chamber
e his Eminence lay. An Ape, in the Midlt of
Hurry, pick'd up an old Cap that lay by the
Slue, and clapp'd it on his own Head, Ihew-
55
his Jm-
again in
ingfo many out of the Way Tricki, that the Car-
dinal laugh'd, broke hi.^ Impollhume, and fav'd
both his Life and his Money.
The other is of a Lady at Orleance, who vvat in
a very dangerous Condition, and began to defpair
of any Remedy. The Maid, who lay in a Pallet-
Bed by her, happen'd to thrull out her Porteriors a
litde beyond the Cloaths, and at the fame Time to
let a roufing Fart : Upon which a Monkey who
was in the Room, went immediately to the Part
from whence the Noife came, fmell'd to it, chatter'd,
and made fo many wry Faces, that the Lady laugh'd
herfelf into a Recovery.
Cady\ Uncle gave him fify Guineas for perform-
ing fo fpeedy and une.xpefted a Cure ; all which h«
fpent in lefs than a Month. It was not long after,
that he bid adieu to Galen and Hippocrates, and be-
took himfelf to the Highway for a Livelihood.
The firll Exploit which he perform'd was on Uoun-
flo^u-Heath, where meeting with Monfieur Cheva-
lier, Captain of Grenadiers in the firll Regiment
of Foot-Guards, afterwards kill'd in the U'eft, in
the Engagement againft the Duke of Monmouth,
and another Gentleman, he rid boldly up to them
and enquired the Way to Stains, telling them he
was a Stranger in the Country. They courteoufly
told him they were going thither themfelves ; and
that they Ihould be very glad of his Company, if
he pleafed to keep Pace with them, ^'/'//thanked
them for their Civility, and accepted of their Prof-
fer, riding and talking by the Side of them for a-
bout a Mile. At lall ieeing the Coaft clear, he with-
out Ceremony ihot one of the good-natur'd Guides
thro' the Head; ithen turning upon Chevalier, he
told him. If he did not deli-ver his Money, he Jhould
fuffer the fame Fate 'Jvith his Companion. Che-valier
faid. He ivas a Captain of the Guards, and t.-ere-
fore he rnuf fight, if he got any Thing from him.
If you are a Soldier, Sir, quoth Cady, you ought
to obey the Word of Command, othemvife you knoiv
the Sentence : 1 ha-ve nothing to do tut ti tie yon
Neck and Heels. Tou are an unconfcionable Son
of a B h, lays Monfieur, to dematid Money of
me, nvho ne-ver oivd you any. • Sir, reply'd Ca-
dy, there's not a Man travels the Road, but lul'at
(Twes me Money, if he has any about him. There-
fore, as you are one of my Debtors, if you do not
pay me injiantly, your Blood Jhall Jatisfy my De-
mands. The noble Captain exchanged a Shot or
two with our Highwayman, but Iiad the Mistbr-
tune at lall to have his Horfe killed ; upon which,
feeing it was in vain to make any more Refillance,
he furrender'd his Gold-Watch, a Diamond Ring,
and a Purle of twenty-fix Guineas. Will, havii/y
collected all he could, tied the /vfnf//m«« Neck anii
Heels, nailod the f ri!id-L..ppets of his Coat to a
Tree, and then rode ofi" with his Booty.
I'he next Per'bn he robb'd was on Batjhot Heath.
It was Lord \iicount Dundee, who was killed a'.
the Fight tji G:ilj-cranky u\ S:cr'<:i..i. after the Re-
3 ^ vol 1.1; ion
ai4
A General History of
volution. His Honour was on Horfe-back, attend-
ed only by a Couple of Footmen. Cady rode up
to them full Speed, enquiring if they did not fee a
fingle Man ride that Way harder than ordinary.
Being told Tes, he prefently added, he has robb^J
tne of tiutnty Pounds, nvhich I nvas going to pay my
Landlord, and 1 am utterly ruin'd. The Man who
h.id rid by was a Confederate of Cady's who had
parted from him for that very Purpofe. My Lord
was touched with Compaffion at ff'ilPs Complaint,
and immediately order'd his Footmen to purfue the
Villain. The Servants rode away full Stretch, and
Cady after them fome Dillance, till he thought they
were far enough ; then he turn'd back on his Lord-
and robb'd him of a Gold- Watch, a Gold SnufF-Box,
and fixty Guineas in Money. To make all fafe, he
Ihot the Vifcount's Horfe, and then rode after the
Footmen, whom he found a Mile off, with his Com-
rade between them, Prifoner. The Fellows were
furpriz'd, when (fill hid them let the Man go, and
feem'd to laugh at them for what they had done,
till at lall they abfolutely refufed to part with their
Prize. Cady, upon that, fwore they Ihould, and a
warm Engagement enfu'd, continuing till one of the
Footmen was killed, and the other was obliged to
fly, who found his Lord difmounted and robb'd.
Dundee complain'd at Court of this Abufe, and a
Reward of one hundred Pounds was promifed in the
London-Gaxette to any one that Ihould apprehend
Cady or his Comrade, who were both very particu-
larly defcrib'J. Our Adventurer now thought it
fafeft toget out of the Reach of Jullice ; and to that
End, made the beft of his Way to Douay in Flan-
ders, where was an Englip Seminary. As he was
a Scholar, he was eafily admitted, upon the Supe-
rior's Examination, into the Fraternity of Benedi^ine
Friars, among whom he behaved with a great Deal
of feeming Devotion and Piety ; fo that he ihortly
attain'd a very extraordinary Charafter. The natu-
ral Refult of this was his having a great Number
of Penitents continually rcforting to him, to make a
Confeflion of their Sins. Cady's Pity, however, at
lad began to fit very iineafy upon him, and he was
afraid his Hypocrify would in Time be found out
for he look'd upon himfelf as incipable of keeping
the Vows of Poverty and Chaftity which he had
made. This made him refolve to return into Eng-
land again at all Hazards, choofing to enjoy a merry
though but a Ihort Life, rather then to drag out
many Years under the Striftnefs of Ecclefiaftical Dif-
eipline. But there was money wanting before this
could be done, and now his Invention was rack'd for
foir.e Method of raifmg a fufficient Quantity.
He feign'd himfelf indifpofed, andkepthis Cham-
ber feveral Days, during which Time he received
Vifits from Abundance of People ; and among others,
from all of the Fair-Sex, who ufually made him
their ConfeiTor. He h.ad fingled out in his Mind a
Couple of young Gentlewomen who commonly came
together, and were both very rich and \exy handfome.
A Brace of Pillols he had alfo found Means to pro-
cure. At lail the Ladies came, and when they had
made their Confeflion, he defir'd them to hear his.
In fliort, he told them, he was in great Want of
Money, and if they did not inftantly fupply him,
they Ihould never depart alive. At the fame Time
he held the Piilols to their Breafts, and commanded
them not to make the leaft Noife. The poor Gentle-
women were almoit out of their Wits for fear, and
trembled like Afpen Leaves, while Cady made En.
quiry into their Pockets, and found them lin'd with
;i)Out fifty Pilloles. To this he compelled them to
make an Offering of two Diamonds-Rings, which
w«»e OD their Fingers, and thfn laying them both
on the Bed, he gave them, after one .mother, a T,L'
of his Manhood, and robb'd tlicni of tlieir V'lrgiX
into the B;irgain. Next he gagg'd and ty'd tl.H
Neck and Heels, and then went out, preicndin-o
thcFather of theConvcnt, tiiat lie would only \e
the Air in the Fields a iutle. Bjt lie wtnt itijH
farther a Field then they e.\pefted ; for he never
turn'd again, but chang'd his ~
return'd back into England.
he never j.
alHabk, [l,
Even before he arriv'd at London, he fell again ,-
to his old Courfes, tho' he had been two Years it
of his native Country ; for as he rode over Bl f.
//i?«i^, he met with one Sandal, a. great Hop-fti.
chant, and his Wife, whom he commanded to Siid
and Deli-ver. Sandal llood up fmartly in his ■ In
Defence, and fir'd two Piilols without Succef ; ; ;r
which he was oiliged to lie at the Marcy of the '.■
nemy, who prefently difmounted them both, and 1-
led their Horfe (for they had but one) and then II
to rifling their Pockets. He found about twenty e it
Pounds upon the Hufband, but the Wife hac lo
more then Half-.a-Crown. Is this your Way of |.
•veiling, fays Cady ? What ! carry but Half-a-Cr m
in your Pocket, ivhcn you are to meet a Genth n
ColleSor on the Higlmiay ! Fll ajjure you. Ma. n,
I Jhall be enien ivith you ; therefore off ivith a ■
Ping on your Finger. Mrs. Sandal heg^d hin ;o
ipare her Wedding-Ring, becaufe (he would not it
it for double the Value, as (he had kept and ' m
it above twenty Years. Tou nuhining Bitch, q |
Will, Marriage may be d n'd, and you too . Wi\
becaufe you are a Whin by Licenfe, 1 mujl be
fanjourable to yon then another Woman Fll laarA
Gi've me the Ring in a Moment ivithout any
Cant, or I Jhall make bold to cut off your F I
avifh it for Difpatch, as I ha've fernjed fever
your Sex before.
The remaining Part of this Story is oi fuch a
king Nature, that it can neither be related nor
without Horror. I could even wifti intirely
mit it, were not that fuch an unparallel'd Infi^
of Cruelty may deter others from entering ini
Courfe of Life, in which they will certainly b<|
on from bad to worfe, till at lall they will be
ble of committing what they before would
trembled at the Rchearfal of
The good Woman finding all Entreaties w«
vain pulled of her Ring ; but inftead of giving
Cady, inftantly clapp'd it into her Mouth, and
low'd st, in Hopes, by that Means, of prefel
what /he fo luperftitioufly priz'd. Cady fej
fwearing and ftamping like a Madman, teJling
That all her Tricks itjere in 'vain ; for he i
that Moment fend her to the Devil ivithout her
ding-Ring. Accordingly he (hot her througi
Head ript her open ami took the Ring out o Jtf
Body in the prefence of her Husband, whom hej
before bound, and who was incipable of utteij
Word at the Sight of fuch an unheard of Picf
Barbarity. Tour Uifi a Bite, Sir, faid the ut-
cherly Vill.iin, but I thittk I have hit the tit
fo remounting his Horfe, he rode away with as itU
Concern as if he had done no Crime, leaving the W-
rowful Widower bound by his Wife's Body, tii! iw
Paflengers came by and loos'd him, and then at-
riedthe mangled Corps to the next Inn. i
The fame Night Cady came llrait to Londii, out
was afraid that even tnat great City wa.s not rji<
enough to conceal him from the Enquiry, whic!
a horrid AAion would naturally Occafion. H.J
not ftay therefore above an Hour befoie he
Horfe for Scotland, where he arrived and llaU
bout a Month, vvitnoutanyNotice being taken o|
After this, he came into England again, .".nd
J in
PyraleSy Highiuaymen, Marderersy 5cc.
ii5
WIS making towards London between Ferry-bridge
anil Donculler in Torkjhire he overtook Dr. More-
ton, a Prebendary of" Durham. It would not be
nioie Ihnnge to fee a Horfe refufe Oats, than to hear
tnit UiCil a Gciitlcmiii as Cadi would let a plump,
> lleek Clergynum pab unmolelled, when he was in
ins Power. Stand and deliiier, was the Precept,
v.ith tlie .Addition of D n you are a dead Man,
if you hcjitate. "I'lie Clergyman had never been
iil'ed to (uch Language before, and began to give
him good Advice, councelling him very gravely to
rcfrani from fuch ill Courfts, and telling him the
Hazard he ran, both with Refpeft to his Soul and his
Body. Lut all his preaching was in vain ; for Cady
ook'd upon him with all the Morefenefs he could
;olled in his Countenance, and told him, That his
Oiflrine had no EjfeSt, and the Pretence of Reli-
gion tvas framed on If to frefer<ve nvhat he had be-
''ore gat in the fame Way. Adding That if he did
at fpeedily deli'ver, 'what he had, he jhould fend
'iim out of the IVorld. But that, quoth he with
Sijeer, ii nothing to a Man of your Cloth ; Jor
loubtlefs all the Clergymen are prepared for Death
■.t any Time, and certain of eternal Happinefi.
While Cady was uttering thefe Words, a Stone-
iorfe in an adjacent Field, fmelling his Mare, leaped
iver the Hedge, and came fnorting and neighing to
ler, like a mad Creature. Will was fo bufy with
f/lt. Doftor, that he took no Notice of the Stallion,
ill his Mare was covered, and he difmounted. The
oor Parfon was glad of an Opportunity to fave his
aeon ; fo as foon as he faw Cady on the Ground,
e rode ofF as fall as he could. The De'vil take all
'^boring, Cry'd M'ill, if Horfes mufl praBife it too.
forever, Mr. Mettle, 1 /hall go nigh to fpoil your
'^f tort before the Game be over. He was as good as
is Word, for intently pulling out a Piftol, he ihot
le Horfe, and then remounted his Marc, and rode
fter Divinity.
In three Quarters of a Mile he overtook poor
\ii)reton, and accolled him with, Tou unreajonable
nmttnnerly Dog, ivhat do you mean to leave a Man
t the midjl of his Journey, luithout giving him any
hing to pay his Charges ? The Doftor had taken
^re, as he rode off, to hide his Money in a Hedge,
),that wheri Cij(/v fearch'd him, he found never a
arthing. He could not however, think that a Man
f his Figure would travel on Horfe-back without
ny Money in his Breeches ; fo that he fwore the
leverend Prieft fhould never go Home alive, if he
id not inform him what he had done with his Mam-
on : The Do£lor (landing to it, that he had none,
lur bloody Wretch mdantly fhot him through the
leart, which to him was no more than making a
ood Meal when he was a hungry.
After this he took a Journey into Norfolk with an
nlfeijt to fee his Friends and Relations at Thct/ord ;
ut meeting a Coach within two or three Miles of
hat Town, with three Gentlemen and a Gentle-
iJpman in it, coald not forbear riding up to it, and
laking the uiual Compliment. The Gentlemen were
ifolved to difpute a Point with him, and ftoodbrave-
j—j' upon their Guard, one of them firing off a
Hunderbufs without doing him any other Damage
han jull grazing a-crofs his Left- Arm, and tearing
is Coat, Waiikoat, and Shirt. This put him in-
0 a violent Paflion, fo that after he had taken about
ne hundred and thirty Pounds from them all, he
wore that the Lofs of his Money fhould not entitle
lim that had (hot him to any Quarters. He was
'
ha
always as good as his Word ilil thefe Cafes; the
poor Gentleman was left dead in the Coach ; and
then cutting the Reins and Traces of the Horfes, he
rode off, without going to Thetford to fee his Ac-
quaintance.
Now he fleers his Courfe towards London, as faft
as he can ; and coming over Finchly-Common attacks
a Lady, who was riding there for the Air, attended
by a fingle Footman. He [fell upon her in a very
rude Manner, pulling a Diamond-Ring from her
Finger, and a Gold-Watch from her Side j taking a
Purie with eighty Guineas in it, out of her Pocket,
and giving her a great Deal of ill Language. The
honelt Footman, though the Lady had commanded
him not to meddle, could not forbear (liewing his
Refentment at Cady\ unmanly Behaviour. He re-
rurned his foul Words with others of the fame Kind,
calling him Villain, Rafcal, Thief, and other Names
of the fame Import, which were fuitable to his
Charader. Will. Cady, without fpeaking a Word,
anlwer'd the poor Fellow, by fending a Brace of Balls
thro' his Head ; then he cut the Girls of the Lady's
Saddle, and was a-going to make off.
But the Time which Providence had fixed for a
Period to his wicked Aflions was now come. Two
Gentlemen, who had feen the Tranfaftion at a Dif-
tance, intercepted him, iuft as he put Spurs to his
Horfe, with Piftols in their Hands. Cady was very
defperate when he faw his own Danger. He fired
as faft as he was able, and they as nimbly returiKd
the fame Compliment, till a lucky Ball lodged in
his Horfe, and made him fall under him. After
this, he refolutely maintain'd his Ground on Foot
for a conliderable Time, even till he had difcharged
all his Pillols, and entirely weary'd himfelf. He
was then apprehended, and carried before a Juftice
of tiie Peace at Highgate, who committed him un-
der a ftrong Guard to Neivgate, where he continu-
ed till the next SefTions without any Signs of Re-
morie for the Blood he had (o plentifully fhed with-
in four Years before.
When his Tryal came on at the Old-Bailey, he
beiiaved agreeably to his Character before that ve-
nerable Court. The Lord Mayor and Recorder, he
faid, were a Couple of old Almfwomen, and the
Jurymen was treated in the fame Manner. The Mat-
ter of Fail which he was indided for, was proved
fo plainly againlt him, that he received Sentence
of Death, and was put into the Condemn'd-Hold,
but even this Place of Horror and Darknefs had no
Eft'eft upon h,s Mind ; for he continued to fvvear,
curfe, fmg, roar, and get drunk, as he had always
done before. What hardened him the more, was,
the Dependence he had on fome Friends at Court,
who had given him Room to hope for a Reprieve
from King James II. who then reign'd ; but the ma-
ny Murders he had committed put a Stop to the
Mercy which he might otherwife have obtain'd.
His Day of Execution being come, and the Cart
flopping as ufual, under St. Sepulchre's Church Wall,
whilll the Bellman rang his Bell, and repeated his
exhortatory Lines inllead of being afFeiled with the
Admonition^ he fell a fwearing at the Sheriff's Of-
ficers, asking them. Why they detain d him there to
hear an old Puppy chatter Nonfenfe ? At Tyburn he
was jull the fame, being turn'd off without either
converfing with the Ordinary, praying by himfelf, or
making any Speech to the People. His Exit was in
ib%j. when he was juft twenty-five Years of Age.
The
2l6
A Qemral History of
The LIFE o/THOMAS WYNNE,
A Houfe-breaker and Murderer.
THIS notorious Criminal was born at //>/-
ivich in Suffolk, where, for aught we find
to the contrary, he continued till he was be-
tween fifteen and fixteen, at which Age he betook
himfelf to the Sea, which he followed between eight
and nine Years. Happening then to come to London^
and habituating himfelf with ill Company, efpecially
lewd Women, he left no Villainy unperpetrated for
the Support of himfelf and them, in their Extrava-
gancies, till, at laft, he became (b expert in Houfe-
breaking, and in Ihort, all Sorts of Theft, that he
was reckoa'd the moft notable Artill in his Way, of
thofe Times.
It was in the Reign of that glorious Monarch,
Queen Elixahcth, that our artift flouriflied ; accord-
ingly, we find, that fcorning a meaner Prey he had
once the Boldnefs, or rather Impudence, to rob the
Royal Lodgings at lf^/>iteia// Palace, of as much Plate
as amounted to above four hundred Pounds ; for
which he had the ill Luck to be taken, and com-
mitted to Newgate : But, fortunately for him, her
Majelly 's Aft of Grace coming out foon afterwards,
granting a free Pardon for all OfFeucef, except Trea-
ion. Murder, and forae other notorious Crimes, he
was allow'd the Benefit thereof, and obtained his
Liberty, amongft many other Criminal*, whom their
Evil Courfes had brought into the fame Condi-
tion.
But Ifynne making a very ill ufe of the Royal
Mercy, and taking no Warning, ilill purfued his
vitious Ways, till at laft being in eminent Danger of
being apprehended, he got into the Service of the
Earl oiSaliJbury, into whofe Kitchen he was recei-
ved in the Capicity of a Scullion.
Whilrt he was in this Poft, he had the Impudence
to »retend Love to the Cojntcfs's Woman, who ad-
miring at fuch Infolence in a Fellow of his Rank,
return'd his AddrelTes with the greateft Scorn and
Contempt. This exafperating Wynne, his pretended
Love turn'd to Hatred, and he vow'd Revenge,
■which he effefled foon after in this Manner.
As (he was coming down Stairs one Night after un-
•drefling her Lady, and putting her to Bed, he met
her full But, and throwing her on her Back, run his
Hand fuddenly up her Coats, caught her by a Place
ruhich H'cmen dont Care to have ufed too roughly, and
finch' d her by it fa terribly, that Jhe roar'd out as
had as any Bull that is baited. In the mean while
Jf'ynne kept pulling and tugging at his Game as fierce
and as eager as any MaftifF, never offering to quit
his HoW, till feveral of the Servants came to her
Aifillance, and refcued her. The poor Gentlewo-
man was immediately put to Bed very ill ; and the
Earl being next Day made acquainted with the whole
Story, took upon himfelf to be his Judge, and order-
ed him to be fofOwuii Ibipt, and feverely Mied by
his Coachman, which was executed to fome Turn
upon the Spot. However his Lordlhip not thinl
ing this a fufficient Punilhment, threaten'd to have
repeated once a Week for a Month together, bi
Wynne, not liking his Sentence, thought proper i
feek out frelh Quarters, and accordingly pack'd t
his Awls and went off: But refolving to be r
venged of his Profecutors, before he took his fir
Leave of the Family, he broke open the Trunk
the Coachman that had Head him, and robb'd hi
of nine Pounds : He borrow'd likewife fifteen Pour
of the Mafter-Cook, a Silver-Difh of his Lord's, a
all the beft Cloatbs of the poor Woman whofe A'<
refifting Fart he had handled fo unmercifully ;
ter which he fet out in Queft of new Adve
tures.
It feems in Wynne\ Tim», Inn-keepers were i
fo (harp as they are at prefent ; wherefore our I
lift would frequently drefs himfelf in a Porter's I-
bit, with a knot and Cord, and going to one of t
beft Inns, fix his Eye on any Bundle or Parcel wh
feem'dtobeof Value, and throwing it upon
Shoulders, when he faw the Coaft clear, walk
with it direftly, without the Servants having i
leaft Sufpicion of him, although they met hi
each of them thinking he was known by one
his Fellow-Servants.
He followed this Courfe about two Years,
which Time he got above two hundred Poun
which fell heavy on the Carriers, who were oblij
to make good what was loft. But dear-bought Ex ■
rience making tJlem look better after what ti
were entrufted with for the future, he had no Opp
tunity of fupporting himfelf any longer that W ,
which obliged him to have Recourfe to other A
thods.
One Day then hearing a Man, as he was go [
out of his Houfe, tdl his Wife he (hould not:
back again in lefs then five or fix Hours; he i'r
ged him to the Place whither he went and going )
an Alehoufe hard by enquir'd the Name of the f ■
pie of the Houfe. This done, he went back ii>
theTradefman'sNcighbourhood,andgettinghi3Na:
after the fame Manner goes to his Wife, and t'^
her, that he was fent by Mr. Such-aone, Vi\xxt \
Husband was taken on a fudden fo violently ill, 1 1
'twas queftion'd whether he would live or d^
wherefore (he was defired to make all the Ha/le :
cold thither. At this the poor Wife fell a Shri -
ing terribly, and after bidding the Mriid take Carf
the Houfe, hurried away with the Sham-.Meffcnj ,
either to alTift her Husband, or take her Leave »f i i
before he departed t.hx'- World.
They had not gone very far togethe beforer Jf'y
pretending BufineCs another Way, left the Womai
purfue her Journey by herfelf j and returriiiig to
flok
Pyrates, Hlghwaymef?, Marckrers, 5Cc.
Houfe again, told the Maid, Her Mijhefs had fcnt
Ijim to acquaint her. That if Jhc did not come back
tj^fuch an Hour, Jhe might go to Bed; for Jhe Jhould
,(,/ come Home all Kight. As I'Fyime pretended to
be mightily tried with having made lb much Halle,
the iVlaid asked him very civilly to walk into the
Kitchin and reft himfelf, which being what he
wanted, he readily accepted. In the mean while
he poor Wench going to fi;tch him fomething to
■at whilll her Back was turn'd he knock'd her
iown fuddenly. and binding her Hand and Foot, and
tagging her, rifled all the Trunks, Boxes, Cherts,
!f Drawers, and Cup-boards, carrying off to the V'a-
ue of 200 1. in Plate and IVIoney.
He had now reign'd about eight years in his \'il-
liny, when taking Notice of an Old Man, who had
jrmerly been a Linnen-Draper, but being rich had
;ft off Trade, and liv'd on what he had, together
/ith bis Wife, in Honey Lave near Chtapfide, he
ad for a long Time a Itrong Defire of robbing him
■ iccordingly one Nightiie reiolved to putit in E.\e-
ation, and broke into their Houfes ; but not content
■ith robbing them, he determined alio to murder
lem, to prevent a Difcovery, which he did by cut-
ng their 'I'hroats in a moll barbarous Manner, as
ley were fleeping in their Bed together. This done
;robb'd the Houfe to the Value of 2500 1. and fled
,vay with his Wife and four Children he had by
■r, to Virginia.
Next Day, the old People being not fcen by their
eighbours either to go out or in as ufual, and the
oufe being clofe fliut up from Morning to Night
ey began to be furpriz'd at the Meaning of it ; and
me among them fufpefting fome foul Play, a Con-
ble was fent for, and the Door broke open, when
on entering their Chamber the old Couple were
jnd in their Bed, to their great Aftonifliment and
arror, with their Throats cut from Ear to Ear, and
■ ;ltering in their Blood.
A great Enquiry and Search was then made after
; Murderer; and a poor Man, who begg'd his
ead having been obferv'd to walk to and fro a-
ut the Door, and fometimes to fit on a Bench be-
iging to the Houfe, the Day before the Murder
IS perpetrated, he was apprehended on Sufpicion,
d being carried before a [ullice of Peace, was by
11 committed to Ne-ivgate. Tlie poor W^retch
IS afterwards brought upon his Trial, and though
:re was no other Proof againll him, than fome
:'pitlous Circumftance?, he was caft for his Life,
id fentenced to be hanged before the Door of the
•: ijrder'd Perfons, which was accordingly executed.
217
though he denied the Faft to the lafl:, as well he
might, and he was afterwards hang'd in Chains at
Holloii:ay.
In the mem while Wynne was fafe enough with his
Family beyond Sea, where it pleafed God, that he
thrived prodigioufly with his ill-got Money, the
Price of innocent Blood. But having now been ab-
fent from his native Country twenty Years, and be-
ing very delirous of feeing it once before he died,
defigning afterwards to return back and lay his Bones
in Virginia, he took his Leave of his Wife, Chil-
dren, and Grand-Children (for his Family had mul-
tiplied as well as his Riches) and came over to Eng-
land. ' But mark how Providence puri'ued
him.
Being one Day at a Goldfmith's Shop in Cheap-
fide to buy a Parcel of Plate, which he defign'd to
carry with hiin to Virginia, whilll he was baro-ain-
ing for it, and the Mailer of the Shop was \veighing
it, a great Uproar arole in the Street, for fome Ser-
jeants having arrelled a Gentleman, and he breaking
from the CatJ.poles, who were in Purfuic of him.
Hereupon Wynne ran out of the SIiop the lame Way
as the Mob, and fome that were behind iiim, crying
out. Stop him. Stop him, his Confcience flew in his
Face, fo that he ftopt Ihort, and faid, / am the
Man. 7'ou the Man^ cry'd the People, What
Man? The Man. reply 'd Wynne, that com-
mitted fuch a Murder in Honey -Lane, ti'jenty Tears
"S"' f""" '"'^""^ ti poor Man ivas hang'd iicrong-
fully.
Upon this Confeflion he was taken into Cullody,
and carried to a Magillrate, before whom hi again
owns the fame, and being committed to Nenvgate,
was try'd, condemn'd, and e.xecuted alfo before the
Houfe, where he had perpetrated the Murder ; after
which he was carried to Holloivay, and hanged in
Chains.
Thus the juft Judgment of God at laft overtook
him for ftiedding innocent Blood, when he thought
himfelf fecure from the Stroke of Jullice ; neither
was it wanting to punifli his Wife and Pofl;erity for
being privy thereunto, and living upon the Fruits
thereof. For his Wife ran diftraiSled, upon receiv-
ing the News of his ihameful End, and died fo : Two
of his Sons alfo were hang'd in Virginia, for a Rob-
bery and Murder they committed there, and what
Plantations he had purchafed were feiz'd upon for
the Queen.'s Ufe, as forfeited by his Conviftion of
Murder and Felony, fo that his Poilerity wwe redu-
ced to Beggary ever after, and died ver)- miferable.
I
56
K
The
ai8
A Gemral History of
The LIFE 0/ THOMAS SAVAGE.
THIS unhappy Wretch was born of very ho-
neft Parents in the Parifli of St. Giles'i in
the Fields, and between fourteen and fifteen
Years of Age, bound Apprentice to one Mr. Collins
a Vintner, at the Ship-favern at Ratcliff Crofs, with
whom he led but a very loofe and profligate Sort
of Life for about two Years.
Breaking the Sabbath (by his own Confeffion, he
having never once heard a whole Sermon during that
Time) was the firft Inlet to all his other Vices, ef-
pecially Whoredom, Drunkennefs, and Theft : For
he ufed commonly to pafs away the Sabbaths at a
Bawdy-Houfe in Ratcliff-Highiuay, with one Han-
nah Blay, a vile common Strumpet, who was the
Caufe of his Ruin, and brought him to his fliame-
ful End.
He was carried at firft to drink there by an Ac-
quaintance, who afterwards went to Sea ; but having
once found the Way, he went after that alone,
without his Companion, and would often carry a
Bottle or two of Wine to junket with her. This
however, not fatisfying her wicked Defires, fhe told
him frequently, That if he ivould enjoy her Company,
he muji bring good Store of Money nvith him : To
this he always replied. That he could bring none but
his Mafiers ; and that he had ne'ver nxjronged him of
Tiuo-pence in his Life. Neverthelefs fhe ftill continu-
ed urging him to rob him privately, but he an-
fwer'd, he could not becaufe the Maid luas always at
Home icith him. Hang her, a Jade, (faid this Limb
of the Devil) knock her Brains out, and Fll recei've
the Money, and go any nvhere ivith you beyond Sea,
to avoid the Stroke of Jujiice.
She was often giving him this bad Advice, and
preaching this infernal Dodlrine ; and flie repeated it
in particular on the very Day when he unhappily took
her Counfel, and perpetr.ited the Murder. For be-
ing at her Houfe in the Morning, fhe made him
drunk with burnt Brandy, and he warning a Groat
tD pay hib Reckoning, (he again perfwaded him to
knock the Maid's Brains out, iind bring her wliat
Money he could find.
Hereupon he went Home between twelve and one
o'clock, and ieeing his Mailer Handing at the Stiect
Door, did not dare to go in that Way, bat climbed
over a Wall, and getting in at the Back-Door, went
into the Room, where liis Fellow-Servants were at
Dinner : O Sirrah, faid the Maid to him, you ha^e
been na-iu at the Bawdy-Houfe, you ivill never leave
it till you are utterly ruind thereby.
Thefe Words provok'd him highly, and he was
fo much enraged at her, that from that Moment the
Devil took firm Pofl'cffion of him, and he fully re-
folved, even while he was at Dinner, to be her
Butcher. Accordingly, when his Mailer, witli the
reft of the Family were gone to Church, leaving
only the Maid and Tom. Savage at Home, he goes
into the Bar, and fetches a Hammer, with which
he began to raake 8 great Noife, as he fat by tlie
Fire, by knocking on the Bellows. Hereupon, 1
the Maid to him, Sure the Boy is mad ! s'lrr.
What do you make this Noife for ?
To this he made no Anlwer, but going to
Kitchen Window began to knock, and make
fame Noife there, of which the Maid then tak
no Notice, he, to provoke her, got on the cl
Drefler, and walk'd up and down thereon fev.
Times with his dirty Shoes. This Piece of J\
lice exafperating the Maid, fo that ihe fcoldec
him pretty heartily, he threw the Hammer at r
fuddenly with fuch Violence, that liitting her on c
Head, llie fell to the Ground and ihriek'd oat.
then went and took up the Hammer, intending
repeat the Blow, but laid it down again thii.e, x;
being yet harden'd enough in Cruelty, to ftrike ik
any more ; but at hll taking it up the fourth Tj ^
the Devil had then gain'd fuch an abfolute Mai )i|
over him, that he gave her feveral Strokes witl ^
the Force he could, and quickly dilpatdi'd hei iir,
of the World. j ,
The inhuman Wretch having perpetrated this U
lifh Piece of Barbarity, immediately broke opt I
Cupboard in his Mailer's Chamber, and taking
a Bag, wherein was about Sixty Pounds, hid il Wii
der his Coat, and went out at a Back-Door di |
ly away to Hannah Blay again. When he (
there, and had informed her what he had done,
cunning Slut, who was harden'd in Wicked I
would fain have had the Money from him ; bu [
would part with no more than Half a Crown, wl
having given her, he went away without the
Remorfe for what he had done.
But he had not gone very fir, v^hen meeting
a Stile, he fat him down thereon to refl hirafelf,|
than began to refled on the horrid Deed he had [
petrated, and tocry out to himfclf, Lord.vihatA
I done! wifhing that he coultl liave recalledl
fatal Blows, even at the Price of ten thou|
Worlds if fo many had been in his Power,
this, he was in fo much Horror and dread of ^ I
that he ftirred not a Step, but he thought evervl
he met, came to apprehend him.
That Night he reach'd Greetr.vich, where he
up his Lodging, telling the People of the HoufI
was going tu Grave fnd ; but being got to Be
could not flei'p, through the T. iror of a t
Confcience. but got up again, and walked
the Room for ftveral Hours. Next Mornin,
Millrefs of the Houfe, perceiving he had a"
Quantity of Money in a Bag not !enleJ up, beg
examine him about it, doubting he came no: '
houellly. Hereupon, to avoid her jult Sufpicio )>
told her. He v.-as carrying it down to Gra\7iw
to his Majler, viho ivas a Wi^ie-Csoptr, a
on London-Bridge ; and that if f>e ivovlti
lieve him, Jlie might fend to his Mi/lrefs,
the mean Tims he.ivQvdit lea'oe l':>e Monty
Hands.
le
tv
lU!
ill.
ge
to
'ti
I?"!* C ■■"■
- T
Pjratesy Highnjoaymefit Murderers^ &c.
fSiis was agreed upon, and accordingly he wrote
\()te liimfelf to liis pretended Miftrefs, which was
, Iv carried by lome People, who were then going
I Lon^-jn, whilll he went his Way, wandering to-
> rdi U''i,o'xvich, where he was in the Ship-Yard,
iich about the Time the Hue-and-Cry came to
ucii-xich oF a Murder committed at RatcUff-Crofs
I a Youth, upon a Maid, who was his Fellow-Ser-
,t ; and that he had alio robb'd his Mailer of a
of Money. .
non this News the Miftrefs of the Houfe, where
:.iV, prelently concluded, that it was the fame
ath who had lodg'd there, and that the Bag he
1 left with her was that whereof he had robb'd his
.iter. Hereupon, Ihe immediately difpatch'd le-
al Men in Search of him, who found him a-fleep
an Alehoule, with his Head upon a Table, and a
t of Beer by him. Upon this, one of the Men
ling him by his Name, faid, Tom, Did not you
'f a/ Ratcliff.? He anfwer'd, Yes, And did not you
rder your Fellmu-Ser-vant. He anfwer'd likewife
the Affirmative. And you took fa much Money from
thereupon, was heard to fay to Urn : " Others
" have made you drunk 'J'o-day, but I will make
" thee drunk To-morrow. He lamented this Back-
" Jliding grieuoujly, but faid. That it was not the
" Quantity he had drank, which was much lefs than
" he was able to drink at other Times, without be-
" ing in the leall diforder'd ; but it was fomething
" they had infufed into his Liquor to intoxicate his
" Senfes." Which made him ever afterwards very
cautious and fearful of drinking in their Company.
After he had received Sentence of Death, he was
again vilited by iMr. Baker ; and the Saturday be-
fore his Execution was again with him, when Sa-ja«e
faid to him, taking him by the Hand, " Oh I my
" dear Friend, come hither : Then opening his Ccffin,
" look here, continued he, this is the Ship wherein 1
" mull launch out into the Oceap of Eternity : is it
" not a terrible Thing to fee one's own Coffin and
" Burial Cloaths, when at the fame Time (as to
" my Bodily Health) 1 am every Whit as well as
" you?"
On the Sunday, expefling to be executed next Day ,
Majlir? He acknowledg'd all. Then, continued he dciir'd to be alone, and ipent it in Prayer, and o-
"" ther religious Duties. Next Morning the Sheriff's
Men and Cart came for him, but the Sheriff of Mid-
dlefex not having Notice, it was deferred till IVed-
nrfday, when looking upon his Cloaths that he had
put on to die in, he faid. What, hat-el got on my
, you muft go along nuith us. To which he replied,
f, nuith all my Heart. Accordingly they went
thwitli to Greenxvich, to the Houfe where he had
n the Night before.
By that Time he got thither, his Mailer and fome
lends were arriv'd there likewife, who exaggerated dying Claaths ? Dying Cloaths, did I fay? They are
?>iy li'ving Cloaths, the Cloaths out of 'ivhich I flail
go into eternal Glory : They are the hcfl Clsaths
that euer I put on.
Being brought to the Place of Execution at Rat-
cliff-Crgfi, he made a fhort Speech, wherein he ex-
horted People, both old and young. To take Warn-
ing by his untimely End, hoiu they offended againft
theLaixisofGodandMan. After which, having faid
11 but little fenfible of the Heinoufneis of the Crime a wy pathetick Prayer, and breath'd forth fuch pious
had committed. But the next Time, afeing him Ejaculations, as drew Tears from the Eyes of the
nether he was forry for the Faft, he anfwer'd with Beholder? he was turn'd off the Cart, and (Iruggl'd
ears in his Eyes, wringing his Hands, and llriking for a while, heaving up his Body : Which a young
s Breaft, " Yes, Sir ; for it cuts me to the Heart Man, his Friend, perceiving, he ilrnck him feveral
to think that I fhould take away the Life of an in- Blows upon his Breall with all his Strength, to put
noccnt Creature; and that is not all, but for any him out of his Pain, till no Motion could be perceiv-
Thing I know, I have fent her Soul to Hell, ed in him ; wherefore after he had hung a confider-
him the Barbarity of the Fadl, wherewith he was
t much affeiled at firll, though a little after he
rft out into Tears : From thence he was carried
:k to Rat cliff, and had before a Jullice of Peace,
10 committed him to Nevjgate.
Being now in fafe Cullody, he was vifitcd by one
r. Baker, to whom, after fome little Acquaintance,
gave the foregoing Account ; and he found him at
Oh! how can I think of appearing before God's
Tribunal, when flie Ihall Hand before me, and
fey. Lord, this Wretch took away my Life, and
gave me not the leall Time to coniider of the State
of my Soul, that fo I might have repented of my
Sins, and have turned to thee ; he gave me no
Warning at all, Lord. Oh ! then, What will
become of me."
He was then vifited by Mr. Robert Franklyn, Mr.
\hamas Vincent, Mr. Thomas Doolittle, and Mr.
Karnes Janevjay, who afk'd him. If he 'was the
'trfon that murder d the Maid at Ratcliff? To which
e anfwer'd. Yes. Hereupon they endeavoured to
\ii the Sin hoae upon his Confcience, telling him the
)anger he was in, not only of a Tempor.d, but of
n eternal Death, without true Repentance, and a
f.ncere and iirong Faith.
. The D.ay that he went down to the Seffions, hij
I'ellow-Prllbners gave him fomething to drink, which
|ery much diforder'd him ; and Hannah Blay, whom
I* had acculej, and who was taken into CuRody
able Time, and was to all Appearance dead, the
People moving a Way, the Sheriff ordered him to
be cut down: When being received into the Arms
of fome of his Friends, he was convey'd into a Houfe
not far from the Phace of Execution. There being
laid upon a Table, he began, to the Alloniihment
of the Beholders, to breath, and rattle in the Throar,
fo that it was evident Life was whole in him. Here-
upon he was carry 'd from thence to a Bed in the famp
Houfe, where he breath'd more llrongly, and open-
ed his Eyes and Mouth, though his Teeth were fi t
before, and he offer'd to fpeak but could not recover
the Ufe of his Tongue.
However, his Reviving being bkz'd abroad within
an Hour, the Sheriff. Officers came to the Houfe
where he was, and carrying him back to the Place
of Execution, hung him up again til! he he was really
dead : After which his Body was carried by his
mourning Friends to Iflington, and buried OSiiber 2S.
i66y. being feventecn Years of Age.
Tk
^%o
A General History of
The LIEE 0/ Colonel JACK.
IN this Account of the Life of Colonel Jad, as
written by himfelf, there is Room for jull and
copious Obfervations on the BlelTings and Advan-
tages of a fober and a well-govern'd Education, and
the Ruins of many thoufands of Youths of all Kinds
for want of it : Alfo how much Publick-Schools and
Charities might be improv'd to prevent the Deftruc-
tion of fo many unhappy Children, as in this City
are every Year bred up for the Gallows. The mi •
ferable Condition of unfortunate Children, many of
whofe natural Tempers are docible, and would lead
them to learn the beft Things rather than the worft,
are truly deplorable, and is abundantly feen in the
Hiftory of this Man's Childhood, where though Cir-
Cumftances form'd him by Neceffity to be a Thief,
a ftrange Reftitude of Principles remain 'd with him,
and made him early abhor the worll Part of his
Trade, and at laft wholly leave it off. If he had
come into the World with the Advantages of Edu-
cation, and been well-inllrufted how to improve the
generous Principles he had in him, what a Man might
he not have been ?
The various Turns of his Fortune in the World,
make a delightful Field for the Reader to wander in.
Every wicked Reader will be here encouraged to
a Change, and it will appear, that the bell and on-
ly good End of a wicked mifspent Life is Repentance.
While thefe Things and fuch as thefe are the End
and Defigns of the Undertakers of this prefent Book,
I think ho Apology need be made for any fmgle Life,
No, nor for the whole, if difcouraging every Thing
that is evil, and encouraging every Thing which is
virtuous and good : I fay, if thefe appear to be the
Scope and Defign of publifhing fuch Stories, no Ob ■
jeftion can be againft it, neither is it of the leaft
Moment to inquire whether the Colonel hath tald
his own Story true or not. If he has made it a Hif-
tory, or a Parable, it will be equally utetul and ca-
pable of doing good, and in that it recommends it-
ielf '.vitliout any further Introduction.
Seeing my Life has beea fuch a Chequer-Work
of Nature, and that I am able now tn look back up-
on it, from a fafer Diilance, than is ordinary to the
Fate of the Clan, to which I once belong'd, I think
my Hillory may find a Place in the World, as well as
fome, who I fee are every Day read with Pleafure,
though they have in them nothing fo diverting or
Inllrufting, as I believe mine will appear to be.
My Original may be as high as any Bodies, for
ought I know ; for my Mother kept very good Com-
pany ; but thai Part belongs to lier Story more than
to mine : All I know of it js by oral Tradition thus ;
My. Nurfe told me my Mother was a Gentlewoman ;
that my Father was a Man of (duality, snd fhe (my
Nurfe) had a good Piece of Money given her to take
me off his Hands, and deliver him and my Mother
from the Importunities that ufually attend the Mif-
fortune of having a Child to keep ihat fliould noc be
feen or heard of
My Father, it feems, gave my Nurfe fometl
more than was agreed for, at my Mother's Reqi
upon her folemn Promife, that (he would ule
well, and let me be put to School ; and charged 1
that if I lived to come to any Bignefs, capable to
derlland the Meaning of it, fhe fliould always t
Care to bid me remember, that I was a Gentlem
and this, he faid, was all the Education he wc
defire of her for me ; for he did not doubt, but t
fome Time or other, the very Hint would infpire
with Thoughts fuitable to my Birth ; and tha
would certainly act like a Gentleman, if I belie
myfelf to be fo.
But my Difallers were not direfled to end as fi
as they began ; 'tis very feldom that the uiifortur
are fo but for a Daj', as the Great rife by Degi
of Greatnefs to the Pitch of Glory in which they ihi
fo the miferable fink to the Depth of their Mifery
a continued Series of Difafters, and are long in
Tortures and Agonies of their dillieffed Circumfl
ces before a Turn of Fortune, if ever fuch a Th
happens to them, gives them a Profpefl; of Deli
ranee.
My Nurfe was as honeft to the Engagement
had enter'd into, as could be expected from one
her Employment ; .and particularly as honeft as .
Circumllances would give her Leave to be ; for
bred me up very carefully with her own Son, a
with another Son of Shame, like me, who flie 1
taken upon the fame Terms.
My Name was ^o/."/, as flie told me ; but neid
fhe nor I knew any Thing of a Sirname that belor
ed to me ; fo that I was left to call myfelf Mr. a
Thing what I pleafed, as Fortune and better C
cumllances fliould give Occafion. It happen'd, tl
her own Son, (for (he had a little Boy about 0
Year older than I) was called ^ohn too, and abc
two Ye.ars after, flie took another Son of Shame,
I call'd it above, to keep, as ihe did me, and
Name w.is Jo/j/i too. But my Nurfe, who may
allow'd to diliinguifli her own Son a little from t
reft, would have him call'd Captain, becaufe forfoo
he was the Eldel;.
I was provok'd at having this Boy called Captai
and cried and told my Nurie I would be called Ca
tain ; for fhe told me I was a Gentleman, and
would be a Captain, that I would. The good W'
man, to keep the Peace, told me. Av, ay, I ixms
Gentleman, and therefore I Jhould be abo've a Ca
tain, for Ifhould be a Colonel, and that miai a gre.
Deal better than a Captain : For, my Dear, fa
flie, eiiery Tarpaivlin, if he gets but to be Lieutena
of a Prefs-Smack, is called Captain ; but Colonels a
Soldiers, and none but Gentlemen are e'ver made Cot
neli : Befides, fays {he, / have inovjn Colonels con
to be Lords, and Generals, though they 'were Ba/lar.
at f.r/l ; and therefore you Jhall be called Colont
\\ cU I was hulh'd indeed, with this for the prefen
but not thoroughly pleafed, till a little while afte
\ heard her rcll lier o«n Bov, that I was a Geademan
'(TTie^ya^ /^o-^^-^^ //^^^J/m/Zi^yaT^ /^ ?Ce^i^Ajp ^^a??/^^
>«■■:■-
Fyraksy Highwaymeriy Murderers, &Cc.
zzi
,d therefore he muft call me Colonel ; at which
:r Boy fell a Cr^'ing, and he would be called Colo-
1 too ; fo then I was fatisfy'd that it was above a
iptain. So univerlally is Ambition feated in the
inds of Men, that not a Beggar Boy, but lias his
.ire of it. Before I tell you much more of our
5ry, it would be very proper to give foniething of
■ jr feveral Charadlers, as I have gather'd them up
J my IMemory, as far back as I can recover Things
(her of myfelf, or my Brother Jacks, and they
( II be brief and Impartial.
Capt. Jack, the Eldeft of us all by a whole Year,
iquat, big, ftrong made Boy, and promifed to
;.jat when grown up to be a Man, but not tall.
1 was an original Rogue; for he would do the
f leli: and moll vilhunous Things even by his own
J lination ; he had no Tafte or Senfe of being ho-
1 1, no not even to his Brother Rogues, which is
V It other Thieves make a Point of Honour of ; I
r, m that of being honeft to one another.
4.ijor Jack was a merry, facetious, pleafant Boy,
a had fomething of a Gentleman in him : He had
a -ue manly Courage, fear'd nothing, and yet, if he
h the Advant.ige, was the moll compr.ffionate Crea-
ti : alive, and wanted nothing but Honeily to have
a \i him an excellent Man. He had learnt to write
ai read very well, as you will find in the Procefs of
tl Story.
5 to myfelf, I pafs'd among my Comrades for a
b< refolute Boy ; but I had a different Opinion of
ir :lf; and therefore fhun'd fighting as much as
I uld. I was wary and dexterous at my Trade,
at was not fo often catehed as my Fellow-Rogues.
I an while I was a Boy, and never after I came to
bi Man, no not once for twenty fi.x Years, being
fo d in the Trade, and ftill unhang'd.
was almoll ten Years old, the Captain eleven,
'•: Major eight, when our good old Nurfe died,
jrband was drown'd a little before in the Glow
rigate, which was call away going to Scot-
.ith the Duke of Jlir/J, in the Reign of King
Ci.!es\\. and the honell Woman dying very poor
th i'arifh was obliged to bury her. Ttie good VVo-
ingdead, we were turned loofeto the World,
ing about all three together, and the People in
Htmary-Lane and Ratclijfe, knowing us pretty
wc, we got Vidluals eafy enough ; as for Lodging,
wuy in the Summer- Time on Bulk-Heads and at
Sh)-door.s as for Bed, we knew notiiing what be-
: to it for many Years after my Nurle died ; but
Iter got into the Alli-Holes, and Nealing-Ar-
ch in the Glafi-Houfes, where we were accompa-
r.K hv feveral Youngllers like ourfclves ; fome of
perfuaded the Captain to go a kidd-napping
;i.tm, a Trade at that Time much followed:
thiiang ufed to catch Children in the Evening,
fto their Mouth?, and carry them to fuch Houfes,
wie they had Rogues ready to receive them, who
'"' 'em on Board Ships bound to Virginia, and
they arrived there, they were Ibid. This
Gang were at lail taken, and fent to Ne^vj-
.nd Capt. Jack, among the relt, thougli he
t then much above thirteen Years old, and
cat a Lad was ordered to be three 1 imes
' 1 at SW.iV-ujf//, the Recorder telling him, it
le in order to keep him from the Galiosvs :
what we could to comfort him ; but he was
J lo feverely, that he lay fick for a good
but as foon as he regain'd his Liberty, he
' .nis old Gang, and kept among them as long
Trade lalted for it ceafed a few Years after-
i-- Mrijor and I, though very young, had fenli-
■ • |y,Teflioiiujm3de on us for fome I'lnie bv tiic
fevere Ufage of the Captain -, but it was within the
Year, that the Major, a good-condition'd eafy Body
was wheedled away by a Couple of young Rogues to
take a Walk with them. The Gentlemen were verv
well matched for the oldell of them was not above
fourteen, the Bufmels was to go to Baitholoyne-ic-
Fair, and the End of going there was to pick Poc-
kets.
The Major knew nothing of the Trade, and there-
fore was to do nothing, but they promifed him a
fhare with them, for all that, as if he had been as
expert as themfelves ; fo away thev went. The two
dexterous Rogues managed it fo well, that by about
eight o'clock at Night, they came back to our
dully Quarters at the Glafs-Houfe, and fitting them
down in a Corner, they began to Ihire their Spoil
by the Light of the Glafs-Houfe Fire : The Major
lugg'd out the Goods, for as fall as they made any
Purchafe, they unloaded themfelves, and gave all to
him, that if they had been taken, nothing might be
found about them. It was a Devilifh lucky Day
to them ; the Devil certainly alTilling them to find
their Prey, that he might draw in a young Gameller,
.and encourage him to the Undertaking, who had
been made btickward before by the Misfortune of the
Captain. The Lilt of their Purchafe the firll Night
was as follows :
1 . A lubhe Handerkerchief from a Country Wench,
asjhe nvas flaring up at a Jack-Pudding : There ivas
three Shillings and Six-Pence, and a Ro'w of Pins
tied up in one End of it.
2. A coloured Handkerchief out of a young Country
Fellow's Pocket, as he luas buying a China Orange.
3. A Ribbatid-Purfe tuith elenien Sbillinas and
three Pence, and a Sih'er Thimble in it, out of a
young Woman's Picket, juff as a Fello-zv offered to pick
her up. N. B. She mifs'd her Purfe prefent-
ly ; but not feeing the Thief, charged the Man nvith it
that iL-ould ha-ve picked her up, and cried out, A Pick-
pocket ! and he fell into the Hands of the Mob, hut
being knoT.vn ia the Street, he got of nuitb .great Dif-
ficult t. , . ' . :
4. A Knife and Fork that a Couple of Bors hadjuft
bought, and ivere going Home I'jith ; the young Rogue
that took it nuithiii a Minute after the Boy had tut
it into his Pocket.
5. A III tie Silver-Box -I'.'ith Se-jen Shilling in it,
all infmall Silver I d, 2 d, 3 d, 4 d. Pieces.
6. Tivo Silk Handkerchiefs.
7. A Jointed-Baby, and a little Lookittg-Glafs,Jloln.
off a Toy-Seller's Stall in the Fair. Vso :i ■.
All this Cargo to be brought Home clear in one
Afiernoon, or i'.vening rather, and by only two little
Rogues, io young, was, it mull be confefled e,\cra-
oidinary ; and the Major was elevated the next Dav
to a Itrange Degree ; for he came to me very ear-
ly, and called me out into a mrrow Lane, and Ihew-
ed me almoli his little hand full of Money. I was
lurpriz'd at the Sight, wJien he puts it up tigain,
and bringing his Handout, Here, i^y^\\e,youJhall
hanie fome of it, and gives me a Six- Pence and a
Shilling's worth of the Inial! Silver J'leces. This wss
very welcome to me, who never had a Shilling of
Money together before in :tll my Life, that I could
call my own. 1 was very etirnell to know how he
came by thib Wealth ; lie quickly told me the Stor\- j
and that he h.ad for his Share Seven Slii!lin<rs and
Six-pence m Money, the Silver-Thimble, and a
Silk-H indkerchief.
We vsent to Rag Fair, and bought each of us, a
pair of Siioes and Stockings and aftei wards went
to a Boiling Cooks in Rofemaiy-Lane, where wetreat-
' ' - ' ed
/^ ^ ■*
A Gemral History of
ed oiiirtK'ts nobly ; for we had boil'd Beef, Pudding,
a Ptuuy-Biiek, and a Pint of Strong-Beer, which
(»'A us Seven Pence in all. That Night the Major
triunipird in our new Enjoyment, and flept in the
ulual Plac&, witii an undillurb'd Repofe: The next
D ly the Major and his Comrades went abroad again,
and were liill fuccefsful, nor did any Difafter attend
tliem for many IVlonths ; and by frequent Imitation
;;nd Direction, Major Jaci became as dexterous a
Pick-Pocket as any of them, and went through a
long Variety of Fortune, too IcHig to enter upon now,
becaufe I am hall'ning to my own Story, which at
prefent is the main Thing I have to fet down.
Overcome by the Perfuafions of the Major, I en-
ter'd myfelf into his Society, and went down to
BiUinfgate with one of them, which was crouded
xvith Matters of Coal-Ships, Fifh-Mongers, and Oy-
ller- Women. It was the firft of thefe People my
Comrade had his Eye upon : So he gives me my
Orders, which was thus: Go you., fays he, into all
the AU-Houfes as tve go along, and objerve 'where any
People are telling of Money, and nuhen you find any,
came and tell me. So he Hood at the Door, and I
went into the Houfes. As the Collier-Mailers gene-
rally fell their Coals at the Gate, as they call it ;
fo they generally receive their Money in thofe Ale-
Houfcs, and it was not long before I brought him
Word of feveral : Upon this, he went in and made
his Obfervations ; but found nothing to his Purpofe.
At length I brought Word, that there was a Man
in fuch a Houfe, who had received a great Deal of
Money of fomebody, I believed, of feveral People ;
and that it lay all upon the Table in Heaps, and he
was very bufy writing down the Suras, and putting
it up in feveral Bags : Is he, fays he, Fll ivarrant
him, J ivill ha've Jome of it ; and in he goes, walks
«p and down the Houfe, which had feveral open
Tables and Boxes in it, and liften'd to hear, if he
could learn what the Man's Name was, and he
heard fomebody call him Cullum, or fome fuch
Name, then he watches his Opportunity, and fteps
up to him, and tells him a long Story, That there
ivaj tnxio Gentlemen at the Gun-Taniern fent him to
enquire for him, and to tell him, they defired to ffeak
luith him.
The Collier-Mafter had got his Money before him
juft as I had told him, and had two or three fmall
Payments of Money, which he had put up in little
black dirty Bags, and laid by themfelves ; and as it
was hardly broad Day, he found Means in delivering
hb Meflage, to lay his Hand upon one of thofe Bagf ,
and carry it off perfeSly undifcover'd. When he
had got it, he came out to me, who Rood but at
the Door, and pulling me by the Sleeve, Run,
Jack, fays he, for our Li'ues ; and away he fcours,
and I after him, never relling, or fcarce looking a
bout me, till we got quite into Moorfields. But not
thinking ourfelves fafe there, we run on till we got
into the Fields, and finding a By-place, we fat down,
and he pulls out the Bag, Ihou are a lucky Boy
jack, fays he, thou defer-veji a good Share of this
'Job, truly ; for 'tis all along of thy lucky Nev.'S ;
So he pours it all out into my Hat ; for, as 1 told
you I now wore a Hat.
How he did to whip away fuch a Bag from any
Man who was awake and in his Senfes, I can't tell :
I'here was about feventeen or eighteen Pound in the
Bag, and he parted the Money, giving me one Third,
with which I was very well contented. As we were
now fo rich, he would not let me lie any longer about
the Glafs-Houfe, or go naked and ragged as I had
done ; but obliged me to buy two Shirts, a Waillcoat,
^ind a Great-Coat ; for a Great-Coat was more pro-
per for our Bufmefs than any other. So 1 doathed
myfelf, as he direfted, and we lodged together
a little Garret.
Soon after this, we walk'd out again, and then w
tried our Fontune in the Places by the Exchange
fecond Time. Here we began to afl feparateiy, ui
I undertook to walk by mylelf, and the firll Thi'
I did accurately, was a Tiick I play'd that argu
fome Skill for a new Beginner ; for I had never k
any Bufmefs of that kind done before, I faw tv
Gendemen mighty eager in Talk, and one pull
out a Pocket-Book two or three Times, and th
flipt it into his Coat-Pocket again, and then c
came again, and P.ipers were taken out, and oth
put in, and then in it went again ; and lb feve
Times, the Man being ftill warmly engaged \v
another Man, and two or three others ihnding h;
by them the lad Time he put his Pocket Book
to his Pocket with his Hand, and the Book Liy Ei
Way, refting upon lome other Book, or fometh
elfe in his Pocket; fo that it did not go quit do\
but one Corner of it was feen above his Pod ,
When feeing the Book pafs and repafs, I bruf I
fmocthly, but clofely by the Man, and took it d i
away, and went direttly into Moorfields, wl ;
my Fellow Rogue was to meet me. It was t
long before he came ; I had no Occafion to tell i
my Succefs ; for he had heard of the Aftion am {
the Crowd. We learched the Book, and found -
veral Goldfmith's and other Notes ; but the be f
the Booty was in one of the Folds of the Cove f
the Book : There was a Paper full of loofe Diamo i.
The Man, as we underllood afterwards, was a ^ ,
and dealt in thofe glittering Commodities.
We agreed that Will (which was my Comn j
Name) fliould return to the Change to hear \ it
News was ftirring, and there he heard of a Rei d
of one hundred Pound for returning the Thi i.
The next Day he went to the Gentleman, and
him he had got fome Scent of his Book, and the
fon who took it, and who, he believed, would
ftore it, for the fake of the Reward, providei
was aflurec} that he" fhould not be punilh'd for
Faft. After many Preliminaries, it was conclu
that ^/7//ihould bring the'Book, and the Thing
in it, and receive the Reward, which on the t d
Day, he did, and faithfully paid me my Share
Not long after this, it fell out, we were ftrc
about in Smithfield on a Friday: There happ
to be an old Country Gentleman in the Market.
bng fome very large Bullocks ; it feems they (
out of Suffex, for we heard him fay, there
no fuch JSullocks in the whole County of Si
His Worlhip, for ib they call'd him, had reci
the Money lor thefe Bullocks at a Tavern, v)|
Sign ] have forgot now, and having fome of il
Bag, and the Bag in his Hand, he was taken wi
fudden Fit of Coughing, and ftands to Cough,.!
ing his Hand with the Bag of Money in it, up
Bulk-Head of a Shop, jult by the Cioiler-Gai
Smithfield, that is to fay, within three or four 1 31
of it : We were both jud: behmd him, fays //
me. Stand ready : Upon this, he makes an art ai
Stumble, and falls with his Head jull againl^l
old Gentleman in the very Moment when he i'
coughing ready to be flrangl'd and quite fper foi
want of Breath.
The \'iolence of the Blow, beat the old G le-.
man quite down ; the Bag of Money did not ii if'
diately jfly out of his Hand, but I ran to get hoi ol
it, and gave it a quick Snatch, pulled it clean ai/i
and run like the Wind down the C/o/?fr with i till
I got to our old Rendezvous. Will in the -Jii
Time, fell down with the old Gentleman, bui'M;
got up. The old Knight, for fuch. it leenis he "i
FyrakSj HighinjoymefTy Murderersy SCc.
ivas frighted with the Fall and his Breath fo flopp'd
vith his Cough, that he could not recover himlelf
loCpeak 'till iome Time, during which nimble in/!,
vas got up again, and walk'd off; nor could he call
)Ut Hop Thief, or tell any Body he had loft any
rhinif ibr a good while ; but coughing vehemently
ill i;e wns almolt black in the Face, he at lall:
•rough t it out, T.vt: Rogues has got anjjaj my Bag
f Money.
All tliis while the People underftood nothing of
he Matter ; and as for the Rogues indeed, they
lad Time enough to get clear away, and in about
n Hour, M'tll cinie to the Rendezvous ; there we
at down on the Grafs again, and turned out the Mo-
ey, which proved to be eight Guineas, and five
'ounds eight Shillings in Silver : This we (hir'd up-
D tiie Spot, and went to work the fame Day for
lore ; but whether it was that being flulh'd with
ur Succefs, we were not fo vigilant, or that no othir
ppportunity offer'd, I know not, but we got no-
iiing more that Night, nor fo much as any Thing
ffer'd itielf for an Attempt.
The next Adventure was in the Dusk of the Even-
i, in a Court which goes out of Grace-Church-
Urett into Lombard-Street, where the Shiaker's
tUeting-houfe is, there was a young Fellow, who,
; we learn'd afterwards, was a Woollen-Draper i
pprentice in Grace-Church Street, it feems he^had
cen receiving a Sum of Money, which was very
oniiderable, and he comes to a Goldfmiths in Lom-
^rd-Street with it, paid in the moft of it there, in-
(much that it grew Dark ; and the Goldfmith be-
an to be fhutting in the Shop, and Candles to be
,hted, we watched him in there, and flood on the
iher fide of the Way, to fee what he did, w hen he
aid in all the Money he intended, he ftayed a lit-
■ttle longer to take Notes for what he had paid,
lit lall he comes out of the Shop with Hill a pretty
"irge Bag under his Arm, and walks over into tlie
Oourt, which was then very dark, in the middle of
le Court is a boarded Entry, and at the End of it
Threlhold, and as foon as he had fet his Foot over
je Threlliold, he was to turn on his Left Hand in-
j Grace-CJiurch Street.
Keep up, fays Will to me, be nimble, and as foon as
e had faid fo, he flies at the young Man, and gives
lim fuch a violent Thruft, that pufhed him forward
vith too great a Force for him to Hand ; and as he
bove to recover the Threfhold, took hold of his
'"eet, and he fell forward. 1 Hood ready, and pre-
ently fell out the Bag of Money, which I heard fall,
or it flew out of his Hand, I went forward with
!.e Money, and Will finding I had it, run backward.
\nd as I made along Fenchurch-ftreet overtook me,
aid we fcoured Home together. The poor young
VI.:n was hurt a liitle with the Fall, and reported to
us Maficr ;-s we l.eard afterwards, that he was knock-
;d down : His Mailer was glad the rell of the Money
vas p.iid in to fhe B inker, and made no great Noife
It the Lois, only cautioned his Apprentice to avoid
uch dark Places lor the Future.
This Booty amounted to 14 1. iSs. apiece, andad-
'ed extremely to my Store ; which began to grow
;oo big for my management ; but llill I was at a
Lofs with whom to trull it. A little after thi;,
!' '//'// brought me into the Company of two more
.•oung felloivs ; uc met at the Lower part oiGr.ys-
Inn Lane, about an Hour before Sun-fet, and went
i|5ut into the Fields, towards a Plice called the Pin-
iar of Wakefield, where are ::bundance of Brick-
Hills ; here it was agreed to fpiead from the Field
^ath, to the Road-way, all the Way towards Pan-
■lafi Church, to ob-erve any Chance Game, which,
■■» they c.illtil 11, ihey migiit (hoot Flying. LTpon
223
the Path within the Bank on the fide of the Road go-
ing towards Kenti/h Toii-n, two of our Gang, Will,
and one of the other met a fingle Gentleman, walk-
ing apace towards the Town, being almoil Dark,
Will Cryed, Mark, ho, which, it feems was the
Word at which we were all to fiand Hill ata Diilance,
come in if he wanted Help, and give a Signal if an/
thing appeared that was D. ngerous.
M'ill Heps up to the Gentleman, flops him, and
put the Queliion, that is. Sir, your Money ; the Gen-
tleman feeing he was alone, flruck at him with his
Cane, but Will a nimble ftrong Fellow, flew in upon
him, and with Strugling got him down, then lie beg-
ged for his Life. M'ill having told him with an Oath,
that he would cut his Throat in that Moment. While
t lis w.s doing, comfs a Hackney Coach along the
Road, and the fojiti Man who was that Way cries
Marl:, ho, he vvhchwas to irtimate that it was a
Prize, not a Surprize, and accordingly the next Man
went up 10 affill him, where they flop'd the Coach,
which had a Doftor of Phyfick, and a Surgeon in it,
who had been to vifit fome confiderable Patient, and
I fuppofe had confiderable Fees ; for here they got
tivo gold Purfes, one with 11 or 12 Guineas, the o-
ther Si.v, with fome pocket Money, two Watches,
one Diamond Ring, and the Surgeon's Plailler Bo.x,
which was moft of it full of Clver Inftruments.
While they were at this Work, Will kept the Man
down, who was under him, and tho' he promis'd
not to kill him, unlefs he offered to make a Noife,
yet he would not let him Hir, till he heard the Noife,
of the Coach going on again, by which he knew the
Jobb was over on that fide. Then he carried him
a little out of tlie Way, ty'd his Hands behind him,
and bid him lie flill and make no Noife, and he
would come back in half an Hour, and untie him upon
his Word, but if he cry'd out he would come back
and kill him. The poor Man promis'd to lie ftiU and
make no Noife, and did fo, and had not above i is.
6d. in his Pocket, which PFill took, and came back
to the reft ; but while they were together, I who
was on the fide of the Pindar of Wakefield, cry'd
Mark, ho, too.
What I faw was a couple of poor Women, one a
kind ofa Nurfe, End the other a Maid-Servant, go-
ing for Kentijh Toivn. As Will knew I was but
young at the Work, he came flying to me, and fee-
ing how eafy a Bargain it was, he faid Go Col. fall
to work. I went up to them, and fpeaking to
the Elderly Woman, Nurfe faid I don't be in fuch
hafte, I «ant to fpeak with you, at which they
both flopp'd, and looked a little frighted, don't be
frighted Sweet-heart faid I to the Maid, a little of
that Money in the Bottom of your Pocket, will make
all eafy, and I'll do you no harm ; by this Time
/)'7//came up to us, for they did not fee him before,
then they began to fcream out, hold fiiys I, make no
Noife, unlefs you hfve a Mintl to force u; to Mur-
ther you whether we will or no, give me your Mo-
ney prefently, and make no Wordsr, and we (han't
hurt you. Upon this the poor M.aid pull'd out 5 s.
6d. and the old Woman a Guinea and a Shilling,
crying heartily for her Money, and faid it was all
fhe had in the \\'orld ; well we took it for all that,
tho' it made my Heart Bleed to fee what Agony the
poor Woman was in at parting with it ; and I ask'd
her where (he lived, fhe faid her Name was Smith,
and (he lived at Kentijh Tonun, I faid nothing to her,
but bid thcin go on about their Bufirefs ; and I
gave Will, the Money ; fo in a few Minutes we
were all together again ; fays one of the other Ro^UfS
come this is well enough for one Road, it's time to
be gone. So we jog'd away, crofling thi Field out
of tix Path towards ^o//f;//J'<»»-C)»;/ j but hold favs
mil.
"4
IFi'l, I muR go .-nd ur.tie theManE— — m him, fays
one of them, let him lye, no fays Will I wont be
worfe then my Word. I will untye him. So he went
to the FliC'-, but t!.e Man was gone j either he had
untied himfplf, or fomcEody had pafled by, and
)ie h:^d c^ilfd for Help, and io was untied, for he
could not find li-m, nor make him Hear, tho' he ven-
tured to cnll twice for him aloud.
This mndc us hailen away the fafter, and getting
into Tottenham Court Road, they thought it was a
little too ncrir, fo they made into the 'I'own at St.
Giln'f, rnd CioiTing to Piccadilly went to Hyde-
Park Gate ; here they ventured to rob another Coach
that is to fa), one of the two other Rogues and
Will, did it between the Park Gate and Knighti-
hridge ; there was in it only a Gentleman and a
Whore tliat he hadplck'd up it feemsat the Spring-
Garden a little farther, they took the Gentleman's
Money, and his Watch, and his filver hiked Sword ;
but when they came to the Slut, Ihe damn'd them
and curfed them for robbing the Gentleman of his
Money, and leaving him none for her ; as for her-
fe!f Ihe had not one Sixpenny-piece about her, tho'
fhe ^vas indeed well enough dreffed too. Having
made this Adventure, we parted, and went each
Man to his Lodging.
Two Days after this. Will amt to my Lodging,
for I had now got a Room by Myfelf, and appoint-
ed me to meet him the next Evening at iuch a
Place.' I went, but to my great Satisfadion mifs'd
him ; but met with the Gang at another Place, who
had committed a notorious Robbery near Houtijlowu ;
where they wounded a Gentleman's Gardener, fo
that I think he died, and robbed the Houfe of a
very confiderable Sum of Money and Plate. This,
however, was not fo clean carried, but the Neigh-
bours were alarm'd, the Rogues purfued, and bemg
at London with the Booty, one of them was taken ;
but IVill being a dextrous Fellow made his Efcape
with the Money and Plate. He knew nothing that
one of his Comrades were taken, and that they
were all fo dofely purfued that every one was ob-
liged to fliift for himfelf He happened to come
in the Evening, as good Luck then direfted him.
Juft after Search had been made for him by tlie
Conftables, his Companion who was taken, having
upon promife of Favour, and to fave himfelf from
tlie Gallows, Difcovered his Confederates ; and Will
among the rell, as the Principal Party in the whole
undertaking, he got Notice of it, and left all his
Booty at my Lodging, hiding it in an old Coat that
lay under my Bed, leaving Word he had been there,
and had left the Coat that he borrowed of nie, under
my Bed. I knew not what to make of it, but uent
up Stairs, and finding the Parcel, was Surprized lo
fee wrapped up in it, above a hundied Pounds in
Plate and Money, and heiird nothing of Brother I'Pill,
as he called himfelf, for three or font Days, when we
fold the Place after the Rate of two Shillings per
Ounce, to a Pawn-Broker near Cloth-Fair.
About two Days afterwards, going upon the
Strole, who Ihould I meet but my former Brother
Captain Jack ? When he faw me, he came dole to
me in his blunt M'^ay, and fays. Do you hear the News
I afivcd him. What Kenus ? He told me. My old Com-
rade and Teacher ivas taken, and that Morning car-
ried to Newgate ; that he iias charged luith a Rob-
bery and Murder, committed fomcKxihere beyond Brent-
ford ; and that the ivorfl nuai, he ivas impeached. I
thanked him for his Information, and for that Time
parted ; but was the very next Morning furpriz'd,
when going crofs Rag-Fair, I heard one call Jack ?
I look'd behind me, and immediately faw three Men,
A General History" of
and after them
with great Fury,
a Conftable, coming towards n.
I was in a great Surprize, ai
ftarted to run ; but one of them clapped in upon m
got hold of me, and in a Moment the reft furroun
ed me, and told me they were to apprehend ,
known Thief, who went by the Name of one of t
Three Jacks of Rag-Fair ; for that he was chargi
upon Oath, with having been a Party in a notorio
Robbery, Burglary, and Murther, committed in Im
a Place, and on fuch a Day.
Not to trouble the Reader with an Account
the Difcourfe that part between the Juftice, befo
whom I was carried, and myfelf I fhall, inbri(
inform him, that my Brother Capt. Jack, who h; i
the Forwardnefs to put it to me, whether I was
mong them or no ; when in Truth he was the
himlelf, had the only Reafon to fly, at the fai
Time that he advifed me to fhift for myfelf; fo ri
1 was difcharged, and in about three Weeks aft(
my Matter and Tutor in Wickednefs, poor Wi
was executed for the Faft.
I had nothing to do now but to find out the Ca
tain, who, though not without fome Trouble, I
laft got News of, and told him the whole Stor
He prefently difcover'd by his Surprize, that he v
guilty, and after a few Words more, told me, // ix
all true, that he tvas in the Robbery, and had .
greateft Part of the Booty in Keeping ; but iv).
to do nmth it, or himfelf he did not knonxi ; but thou^
of flying into Scotland, asking me, if I ivould go iv
him? 1 confented, and the next Day he (hewed;
twenty two Pound he had in Money. I honel
produced all the Money I had left, which was i.
wards of fixteen Pounds. We fet out from Lorn
on Foot, and travelled the firfl Day to M^are ;
we had learn'd fo much of the Road, that our W
lay thro' that Town ; from Ware we travelled
Cambridge, though that was not our dire(5l Roa
The Occafion was this : In our Way through Pu
ridge, we bailed at an Inn, and while we wi
there, a Countryman came and hung his Horfe at I
Gate,, while he went in to drink : We fat in i
Gate-way, having called for a Mug of Beer, ■
drank it up ; we had been talking to the Hoftler
bout the way to Scotland, and he bid us ask t
Road to Royflon : But fays he, there is a turning j
here a little farther, you mujl not go that Way ; j
that goes to Cambridge.
We had paid for our Beer, and fat at the Do
only to reft us, when on a fudden comes a Gent
man's Coach to the Door, and three or four Hor
men rode into the Yard, and the Hoftler was obli
ed to go in with them ; fays he to the Captai
Young Man, Pray take Hold of the Horfe, meanii
the Countryman's Horfe I mention'd above, a,
take hi/n out of the Way that the Coach may co,
up: He did fo, and beckoned to me to folic'
him: We walk'd together to the Turning; fa
he to me. Do you ftep before, and turn up the Lm\
rll overtake you; fo I went on up the Lane, ai
in a few Minutes, he was got upon the Horfe, and
my Heels, and bidding me get up, and take a Li
I made no Difticulty of doing fo, and away \
went at a good round Rate, having a ftrong Horj
under us. We fufpeded the Countryman would fi
low us to Royftan, becaufe of our Direftions fro
the Hoftler; fo that we went towards Cambridg
and went eafier after the firlt Hour's Riding, a'
coming thro' a Town or two, we alighted by 1 urr
and did not then ride double ; but by the Way picj
ed a Couple of good Shirts of a Hedge; and th
Evening got fafe to Cambridge, where the ne.vt D
I bought a Horfe for myfelf, and thus equipped, v
jogged on through feveral Places, till we got to Sta
\
i
PjirdteSi Htghivaymef^i Murderers, 6Cc.
/ \\\ iiniolnjhirt, ivhere it was impoffible to re-
,,1 tiiy Capcam from playing his Pranks, even at
(.jicli, where he wenti and placed himfelflo near
oiJ Lady, that he got her Gold Watch from her
^ ._• unpcrceived ; and tne fame Night we went a-
»i.' by Moon-light, after having the Satisfaftion to
\ix tne Watch cried, and ten Guineas ofFcred for it
a ia, he would h,ne been glad of the ten Guineas
iiead of the Watch; but durll not venture to carry
i'Honie. We went through feveral other Places,
fii as (jrantham, Ncn.vark, and Nottingham, uhere
«pl.i)'d our Tricks ; but at lail we got fafe to E
d hwg'-'.
without any Accident but one, which was
c (Tino^ a Ford, the Captain was really in Danger of
d'wning.hisHorfe being driven down by the Stream,
a fell under him ; but the Rider had a Proverb on
bSide, and got out of the Water.
\t Etiinburgh we remain'd about a Month, when
0 a fudden my Captain was gone, Horfe and all,
a I knew nothing what was become of him, nor
il I ever fee or hear of him for eighteen Months
s. r nor did he ib much as leave the leaft Notice
k me, either where he was gone, or whether he
w lid return to Edinburgh again or no. I took his
It iiig me very heinoully, not knowing what to do
\\ 1 myfelf, being a Stranger m the Place, and on
ti other Hand my Money abated a-pace too. I
h for the moll Part of this Time my Horfe upon
n Hands to keep ; and as Horfes yield but a for-
ri Price in Scotland, I found no Opportunity to
fc him to any Advantage : However, at lall I was
fc sd to difpofe of hihi.
eing thus eafed of my Horfe, and having nothing
al 11 to do, I began to confider with mylelf what
w Id become of me, and what I could turn my
I: d to. I had not much diminifhed my Stock of
^ lev ; for though I was all the Way (o wary, that
1 ould not join with my Captain m his dei'perate
A niDts. yet I made no Scruple to live at his Ex-
pze.' In the next Place, I was not fo anxious a-
bt my Money running low, becaufe I had made
a .eferve, bv leaving upwards of ninety Pounds in
a fiend's Pf-inds at London ; but tlill I was willing
t(get into fome Employment for a Livelihood. 1
«. Tick oi the wandering Life 1 had led, and re-
fccd to be a Thief no more, but ftuck clofe'to
V;ting and Reading for about fix Months, till I
g. into the Service of an OfHcer of the Cuftoms,
w) implov'd me for a Time ; but as he fct me to
d' ittle biit pafs and repafs between Leittf and Edin-
brh, leaving me to live at my own liixpence till
jr' Wanes ftiould be due, I run out the little Mo-
rn I had left in Cloaths and Sublillance, and a little
bore the Year's Rnd, when I was to have twelve
P nds EngUjh Money, my Mader was tBrned out
ohis Place, and which was worfe, having been
clged ^vith fome Milapplicacions, was obliged to
ta; Shelter in England ; lo we that were Servants,
fc there were three of us, were left to Ihift for
Oi't\L This was a hard Uife for me in a ilrange
P;j, ;;nd I was reduced by it to the lall Extremi-
' I might have gone for England, an Englijh
r:^:ng there ; the Mailer proffered to take my
tr,r ten SiiiUing, till 1 got there : But jull
sal yrj.i upon going, Captain y<jf^ appeared again.
have nientiuiicd how he left me, and that I
fai him no more for eighteen Months. His
lOie ;mJ .Adventures were many, in that
le he went lo GtaJ/co^i-, playing fome very
ri arkable Pranks there, efcaped, almoll miracu-
■ ' '.V, the Gallows, got over to Inland, wandered
.'. -It tl'.ere, cfc.iped from Londonderry over to the
hhlands, and about a Month before, I was left
d itu52 at Leitb, by my Malkr, noble Captain
225
yack came in there, on board the Perry-boat from
Fife, being, after all his Adventures and Succelles,
advanc'd to the Dignity of a Foot-foldier in a Body
of Recruits rais'd in the Nofth for the Regiment
of Douglas.
After my Difafter, being redut'd almoft as low
as Jack, I found no better Shift before me, at lealt
not for the prefent, than to enter my felf a Soldier
too ; and thus we were rank'd together, with each
of us a Musket upon our Shoulders. I was extreme-
ly delighted with the Life of a Soldier; for I took
the Exercifes naturally, that the Serjeant, who
taught us to handle our Arms, feeing me fo i.:.'jy at
It, ask'd me if I had never carried Arms before.
I told hira no. At which he fwore, though jeft-
mg, they call you Colonel, fays he, and I bclienje
you iK'ill be a Colonel, or you muji be foma Colonel's
Bajlard, or you luould ncfer handle your Arm: asyoii
do at once or fwice Jho-uoing. Whatever was my Sa-
tisfadlion in that Part, yet other Circumflances did
not equally concur to make this Life fuit me ; for
after we had been about fix Months in this Figure,
we were inform'd that we were to march iox Eng-
land, and be fhipp'd off at Nevjcajlle, or Hull, to
join the Regiment in Flanders. Poor Captain Jack'*
Cafe was p.Trticular ; he durll not appear publickly
at Ne^McaJlle, as he muft have done had he march'd
w'ith the Recruits. In the next Place, I remem-
ber'd my Money in Londou, which was almoll 100/,
and if it had been ask'd all the Soldiers in the Re-
giment which of them would go to F/^W^rj 3 pri-
vate Centinei, if they had 100/. in their Pockets, I
believ'd none of them would have anfwer'd in the
affirmative.
Thefe two Circumflances concurring, I began to
be very uneafy and very unwilling in my Thoughts
to go over into Flanders a poor Mufkcteer, to be
knock'd on the Head for 3 i. 6</. a Week. While
I was daily mufing on the Hardfliip of being fent
away, as above, Captain Jack comes to me one
Evening, and afk'd me to take a Walk with him into
the Fields, for he wanted to fpeak with me. We
w.-ilk'd together here, and t.ilk'd ferioufly of the
Matter, and at lall concluded to defert that very
Night. The Moon affording a good Light, and
Jack had got a Comrade with him thoroughly ac-
quainted with the Way crofs the Tiueed, and when
he arrived there we were on Engli/h Ground, and
fafe enough, from thence we propos'd to get to Neiu-
c:ijUe, and get fome Collier Ship to take us in, and
carry us to London.
About half an Hour pall Eight in the Morning we
reach'd the Tivetd, and here we otertook two more
of the lame Regiment, who had deferted from Had-
dingtotvn, where another Part of tne Recruits were
quarter'd. Thofe were ScAjmen, and very poor,
having not one Penny in their Pockets ; and when
they law us, who they knew to be of the fame Re-
giment, they took us to bePurluers; upon which,
they flood upon their Defence, having the Regimer.t
Swords on, as we had alio, but none of the Mount-
ing or Cloathing, for we were not to receive the
Clothes till we came to the Regiment in Fland^n.
It was not long before we made them underlland that
we were in the fame Condition with themfeKes, and
fo we become one Company. Our Money was ebb'd
very low, and we contnv'd to get into Nei.vcaJ}le in
the Dufe of the Evening, and even then we durft
not venture into the publick Parts of the Town, Lut
vn:\i.t down towards the River below the Town :
Here we knew not what to do with ourfelvcs, but,
guided by our Fate, we put a good Face upon the
Matter, went into an Alehoufe, fat dowiij and called
for a Pint of Beer.
3 M The
i26
A General History of
The Woman of the Houfe appear'd very frank,
and entertain'd us chearfully s fo we, at kil, told
her our Condition, and ask'd her if fhe could not
help us to fome kind Mailer of a Collier, who would
give us a Paflage to London by Sea. The fuhtil De-
njil, who immediately found us proper Filh for her
Hook, gave us the kindefl Words in the World, and
told us (he was heartily forry fhe had not feen us one
Day fooner J that there was a Collier-Mailer of her
particular Acquaintance who went away but with the
Morning Tide ; that the Ship was fallen down to
SheiUi, but fhe believ'd was hardly over the Bar yet,
and ihe would fend to his Houie and fee if he was
gone on board (for fometimes the Maikrs do not go
away till a Tide after the Ship ; ) and fhe was fure, if
he was not gone, fhe could prevail with him to take
us all in ; but then fhe was afraid we mull go on
board immediately, the fame Night.
We begg'd of her to fend to his Houfcj for we
knew not what to do ; for as we had no Money, we
had no Lodging, and wanted nothing but to be on
board. We look'd upon this as a mighty Favour,
that fhe fent to the Mailer's Houfe ; and, to our
greater Joy, fhe brought us Word, about an Hour
after, that he was not gone, and was at a Tavern in
the Town, whithej. his Boy had been to fetch ium ;
and that he had fent Word he would call there in iiis
Way Home. This was all in our Favour, and we
were extremely pleas'd with it. In about an Hour
he comes into the Room to us : Where are thefe bo-
nefi Gentlemen Soldiers, lays he, that are in fueh
Diftrefs? We ftood all up, and paid our Refpedts to
him. Well, Gentlemen, faid he, and is all pur Mo-
ney (pent?
indeed it is, faid one of our Company, and ive it-'ill
be infinitely obliged to you. Sir, if you ivill gi've
us a PaJJage. We ixill be iiery ivilling to da any
Thing ive (an, in the Ship, though ive are not Sea-
men,
Why, fays he, mere none of you ewer at Sea in your
Lii'es ?
No, fays we, not one of us.
Tou "uill be able to do me no Seruice, then ; for
you ivill all be feck. Hoiveiier, for my good Land-
lady's Sake here, I'll do it. But are you all ready to
go on board i for I go on board, myfelf, this nery
Night.
Tes, Sir, fays we, again, ive are ready to go, this
•very Minute.
No, no, faid he, very kindly. We'll drink toge-
ther. Come Landlady, fays he, make thefe honeji
Gentlemen a Sneaker of Punch.
We look'd at one another, for we knew we had no
Money, and he perceiv'd it Came, come, faid he,
don't be concern d at your having no Money ; my Land-
lady, here, and I, never parts ivith dry Lips, Come,
good Wife, make the Punch, as Ibid you.
We thanked him, and faid, God hlefs you, noble
Captain, a hundred Times over, being over -joy 'd at
our good Luck. While we were drinking the
Punch, he told the Landlady he would ftep Home,
and order the Boat to come at High- water, bad her
get fomethingfor Supper, which fhe did.
In lefs than an Hour, our Captain came again, and
came up to us, and blam'd us that we had not drank
the Punch out. Come, faid he, don't be boJI.ful; ivhen
that's out, '•Mt can have another : When 1 am oblig-
ing poor Men, 1 lone to do it handjomely.
We drank on, and drank the Punch out ; more
was brought up, and he pulh'd it about a-pace; Then
came up a Leg of Mutton. I need not fay we fed
heartily, being feveral Times told we fhould pay
nothing. After Supper was done, he bids my
Landlady ask if the Boat was coaie ; and fhe brought
Word no, it was not High-Water by a great dl
Then more Punch was call'd for, and, as was af|
wards confefs'd, fomething more than orainary '
put into it, that, by the 'Time the Punch was drJ
out, we were all intoxicated, and, as for me, ij
a-fleep.
. At laft, I was rouz'd, and told that the Boat
come : So I, and my drunken , Comrades, tumlj
out, almoll one over another, into the Boat, an
way we went with our Captain.- Moll ot us, if j
all, fell a-fleep till after Ibnie Time, though hi
much, or how far going, we knew not. Tlie \\
llopp'd and we were wak'd and told we were!
the Ship's Side, which was true and with ml
Help, and holding us, for Fear we fhould Lll < |
board, our Captain, as we call'd him, call'd us tl:|
Here. Boatfivain, take Care of thofe Gentle),\
giiie thetn good Cabins, and let them turn into Si\
for they are %<ery lueary. And fo indeed, we
and very drunk too.
Care was taken of us, according to Order, and!
were put into verv good Cabins, where we \ f
fure to go immediately to fleep ; in the mean Til
the Ship, which was indeed juli ready to go,
only on Notice given, had come to Anchor fol
at Shcilds vveigh'd. flood over the Bar, and \ j
off to Sea, and when we wak'd, rnd began to
Abroad, wliich was not till near Noon the next ] I
we found our felv es a great Way at Sea, the Lar j
Sight, indeed, but at a great Dillance, and all g
merrily on for London, as I thought. We were
well us'd, and very well fatisfy'd with our Cc I
tion, for about three Days i when we began to
quire whether we were not almoft come, and
much longer it would be before we fhould come o
the River. What Ri'ver? fays one of the J i.
H'hy the Thames, fays my Captain fack. n
Thames, fays the Sailor, ivhat d'ye mean by ti ,
What ha n't you had Time enough to be fiber.
So Captain Jack faid no more, but look'd very i
when, a While after, forae other of us afk'd the ill
QuetUon, and the Seamen, who knew nothirg oil
Cheat, began to fmell a Rat, and, turning to
other EngU^man, who came with us. Pray, fay.J
ivhere do you fancf you are going, that you aji J,a
ten about it? Why to London, fays he, muhei
ive he going ? We agreed ivith the Captain to c I
us to London.
Not with the Captain fays he, I daie fay, ||
Men you are all cheated, and I thought fo, \vh
faw you come aboard with that Kidnapping 1m le
Gilliman, poor Men adds he, you are .^ll Lt tr.: I,
for the Siup is bound to Virginia. Aflbon .<b e
heard this News, we were raving Man, liiew ir
fwords and fworc revenge ; but we were fc' r. o r-
poueied and carried beibie the Captain, who d
us, he wa-. forry for what had happened, but thaie
had no hand in it, and it was out of his powe o
help us, and let us know very p'ainly what our ( i-
dition was, namely, that we were putonboarcis
Ship as Servants to Maryland, to be delivered S
Perfon ti.ere, but that however, if we wouk le
quiet and orderly in his Ship, he would' ufe us :11
in the Pafliige ; but if we were unruly, we muhe
Handcufl'ed and kept between Deck, for it wa. is
Eufinefs to take care no Ditlurbance happened in le
8hip.
No hand in it ! Damn him fays my Captain ^i^,
aloud, do you think he is not a Confederate in is
Villainy.? would any honefl Man receive inno it
People on board his Ship, and not enquire of lir
Circumllances, but carry him aw.ay, and not fpea o
them ? Why does he not fet us on Shore again, I U
you hs is a Villain, and none but him; whys
PyrateSy Highwaymen, Murderers, &c.
'^-7
I he not compleat his Villainy, and Murder us, and
, then hc'U be free from our Revenge ? But nothing elfe
Ihall deliver him from my Hands, but fending us to
the D 1, or going thither himfelf; and I
iam honefterin telling him fo fairly, than he had been
to me.
All this Difcourfe availed nothing, we were forced
to be Quiet, and Imd a vciy good Voyage, no Storms
-ail the Way ; but jull before we arrived, one of the
iScotfmen asked the Captain of the Ship, whether he
would fell us. Yes faid he ; why then Sir ; fays the
kotfman, the Devil will have you at the hinder End
jf the Birgain. Say you fo, fays the Captain, Smil-
ng, well, well, let the Devil and I alone to agree
ibout that, do you be Quiet, and behave Civily as
/ou (hould do.
When we come afhore, which was on the Banlcs
if a River they call Potomack, Jack fays, I ha\e
.imething to fay to you Captain j that is, I have
romifed to cut your Throat, and depend upon it I
vill be as good as my Word. Our Captain or Kid-
apper, csill him as you will, made no Anfwer, biu
elivered us to the iVIerchant to whom we were cou-
gned, who again difpofed off us as he thought fit ;
id in a few Days we were feparated.
As for my Captain Jack, to make fliort of the
:ory, that defperate Rogue had the good Luck to
ive an ealy good Mailer, whom he abufed very
uch ; for he took an Opportunity to run away with
Boat, which his Mafter entrulled him, and another
itl», to carry Provifions to a Plantation down the
iver. This Boat and Provifions they run away
ith, and failed North to the Bottom of the Biy,
they call it, and there quitting the Boat, they
indered through the Woods, till they got into
■nfylvania ; from whence they made Shift to get a
liage to Neiu-Englaiid, and from thence Home ;
le.i-e falling in among his old Companions, and to
i old Trade, he was at length taken and hanged a-
-ut a Month before I came to London, which was
ar twenty Years afterwards.
' My Part was harder at the Beginning, tho' better
the Latter End ; I was fold to a rich Planter,
hofe Name was Smith. During this Scene of Lile
had Time to reflect on my pall Hours ; and tho'
had no great Capacity of making a clear Judgment
d very little Refleftions from Confcience, yet it
ide fome Impreffions upon me. I behaved myieli'
well, that my Mailer took Notice of me, and
iJe me one of his Overfeers ; and was fo kind as
fend my Note of my Friends Hand for the 93/,
fore-mentioned, to his Correfpondent ; who rccci-
d and returned me the Money. My good Mailer a
-tie Time after, fays to me. Colonel don't llattcr
.", I love plain Dealing ; Liberty is precious to
ery Body, I give you yours, and will take C.ire
lU ihall be well ufed by the Country, and will get
u a good Plantation.
I inlilted I would not quit his Service, for the bell
intation in Marjlaiui, tiiat he had been fo good
1 me, and I believed I was fo ufeful to him, that I
fjld not think of it ; and at lall I added I hoped he
mid not believe but I had as much Gratitude as a
)He fmiled and faid he would not be ferved upj^n
(':fe Terms, that he did not forget what he had pro-
ifed, nor what I iiad done in his Plantation ; and
tht he was refolved in the hrll Place to give me my
aerty, fo he pulls out a piece of Paper, and throws
0 me ; there, fays he, is a Certificate of your com-
; on Shore, aixi being fold to me for five Years,
which you have lived three with me, and now you
your own Mailer.
i Bowed and told him, that I was fure if I was
my own Mailer, I would be his Servant, as long as
he would accept of my Service. He told me he
would accept of my Service, on thefe tuo Conditi-
ons. Firll, That he would give me 30/, per Ann.
and my board, for my managmg the Plantation I
was then imploy'd in. And Secondly, That at the
fame Time he would procure me a new Plantation
to begin with upon my own account ; for Jack,
fays he, fmilmg, tho' you are but a young Man, 'tis
Time you was doing fomething for yourlelf
Not long after, he purchafed in my Name about
300 Acres of Land, near his own Plantation, as he
faid, that I might the better t.ike Care of hi-. My
Mailer, forfuch J mull llil! call him, generoufly gave
It me ; but Colonel fays he, giving you this Planta-
tion is nothing at all, if I do not affift you to fjp-
port it, and to carry it on, and there.'bre I will give
you Credit, for whatever is needful. Such as Tcoi.s,
Provifions, and fome Servants to begin. M.uerials
for Out-houfes, and Hogs, Cows, Horfes, for Stock,
and the Like^ and I'll take it out out of your re-
turns from abroad, as you can Pav it.
f hus got to be a Planter, and encouraged by a
kind Benefidor, that I might not be wholly taken
up with my new Plantation ; he gave me freely with-
out any Confideration, one of his Negro's named
Muuc'jat, whom I always elleeraed. Befides this,
he Cent to me two Servants more, a Man and a
Woman ; but thefe he put to my Account as above.
MoHchat and thell; two fell imriiediately to Work
lor me, they began with about two Acres of Land,
which had but little Timber on it at firll, and moll
of that was cut down by the two Carpe.nters who
built my Houfe. It was a great .Advantage to me,
that I had fo Bountiful a Mailer who help'd me out
in every Cafe ; for in this very firll Year, I received a
terrible Blow ; having fent a large Quantity of To-
bacco, to a Merchant at London, by my Mailer's
Direaion, which arrived fafe there. The Merchant
was ordered to make the Return in a forted C.^rgo of
Goods ibr me, inch as would have mrde a Man
ot me all at once, but to my iue.xpreflible Terror
and Surprize ; the Ship was loll, ard that jull at
the Entrance into the Capes, that is to fay, the Mouth
of the Bay ; fome of the Goods were recovered, but
fpoiled. In Ihort, nothing but the Nails, Tools,
and Iron-work wcie good for any Thing ; and tho'
the Vr.kie of them was very Conliderable in propor-
tion to die Rell ; yet my Lofs was irreparably great,
and indeed, the greatnefs of the Lofs confilled in its
being irrep.ir.ible.
I was perlediy nftonilhed at the firll News of tlie
Lois, knowing th.it I was in Debt to my Patron or
Mailer, fo much, that it mull be feveral Yesrs before
I fhould recover it ; and as he brought me the bad
News himfelf he perceived my Difo.der ; that is to
fay, he law I w;is in the utmoit Confufion, and a
kind ot Amazement: and fo indeed I was, beciufe
I was lo much in Debt. Bjt he fpoke chearfully to
me, come fays he, do not be i'o difcouraged, you may
make up this Lofs, no Sir, fays I, tnat never cnn
be, tor it is my AH, and I ihall never be out of Debt;
luell, fays he, you hai'e no Creditor, hof:en;er, but
me, and noiv remember I once told ton, I luould make
a Man of you, and 1 -luill not di [appoint you ; for this
Dilaller I thank'd him, and did it with more Cere-
mony and Refped than ever, becaufe I thought my-
I'elf more under the H.itches than I was before : But
he was as goad as his Word, for he did not Baulk me
in the Lealt, of any Thing I wanted, and as I had
more Iron work favcd out of the Ship in Proportion,
that I wanted, I fupplicd him with fome Part of it,
and took up fume Linnen and Cloaths, and other
Neccffjries ft am him in Exchange, and now I beo-an
to
•228
A Gemral History of
to increafe vlfibly ; I had a krge Quantity of Land
cured, that is treed from Timber, and a very good
Crop of Tobacco in view, and I got three Servants
more, and one Negro; fo that I had five white
Servants, and two Negro's ; and with this my Af-
fairs went very well on ; the firft Year indeed I took
my Wages or Sallary, of 30 /. a Year, becaule I
wanted it very much ; but the Second and Third Year,
1 refolved not to take it, but to leave it in my
Benefaftor's Hands, to clear oiF the Debt I had Con-
traded.
At the fame Time my Thoughts diftated to me,
that tho' this was the Foundation of my new Life,
yet that this was not the Superftrufture, and that I
might ftill be bom for greater Tilings than thefe,
that it is Honelly and Virtue alone, that made Men
Rich and Great, and gave them Fame, as well as
Figure in the World, and that therefore I was to lay
my Foundation in thefe, and expeft what might fol-
low in Time. To help thefe Thoughts as I had learn -
ed to Read and Write when I was in Scotland ; fo I
began now to love Books, and particularly, had an
Opportunity of Reading feme very ConfideraWe
ones, fome of which I bought at a Planter's Houfe,
who was lately Dead, and his Goods fold, and others
I borrowed. I confidered my prefent State of Life
to be my meer Youth, tho' I was now above 30 Ye us
«ld, becaufe in my Youth I had learned nothing :
and if my daily Bufmefs, which was now great, would
have permitted, I would have been content to have
gone to School ; however. Fate which had fome-
thing elfe in Store for me, threw an Opportunity into
my Hand, namely, a clever Fellow that came over
a tranfported Felon from Brijlol, and fell into my
Hands for a Servant : He had led a loofe Life that
he acknowledged, and being driven to Extremities,
took to the High way, for which had he been taken,
he would have been hanged ; but fiilling into fome
low priz'd Rogueries afterwards, for want of Oppor-
tunity for worfe, was Catched, Condemn'd, and
Tranfported, and, as he faid, was glad he came off
fo.
He was an excellent Scholar, and I perceiving it,
asked him one Time, if he could give a Method how
I might learn the Latin Tongue j he faid, fmiling,
yes, he could teach it me in three Months, if I would
let him have Books, or even without Books if he had
Time. I told him a Book would become his Hand
better then a Hoe, and if he could promife to make
me but underlland Latin though to read it, and un-
derlland other Languages by it, I would eafe him
of the Labour which I was now obliged to put him
to ; efpecially if I wasaffured that he was fit to re-
ceive that Favour of a kind Mafter. In (hort, I
made him to me, what my kind Benefaftor made me
to him ; and from him I gained a Fund of knowledge
infinitely more valuable than the Rate of a Slave,
which was what I paid for it ; but of this here-
after.
In this Poflure I went on for 1 2 Years, and was
very fuccefsful in my Plantation, and had gotten by
means of my Mafter's Favour, who now I called my
Fri«nd, a Correfpondent in London, with whom I
Traded ; (hipped over my Tobacco to him, and re-
ceived Europian Goods in Returns, fuch as I wanted
to carry on my Plantation, and lufficient to fell to
others alfo. In this interval, my good Friend and
BenefaiElor died ; and I was left very Difconiolate
on account of my Lois, for it was indeeda great Lofs
to me ; he had been a Father to me, and I was like
a forfaken Stranger without him ; tho' I knew the
Country and the Trade too well enough, and had for
fome Time chiefly carried on his whole Bufmefs
•^01 him, yet I feeqi'd now at a Lofs, ray CounccU
lor and my chief Supporter was gone ; and I had i\6
Confident to communicate myfelf too, on all Occa-
fions as formerly but there was no Remedy. I was
however, in a better Condition to lland alone then
ever: I had a very large Plantation, and had near
70 Negro's, and other Servant?.
Now I looked upon myfelf as one Buried alive in
a remote Part of the World, where I could fee no-
thing at all, and hear but a little of what was fecn.
and that little not till at leall half a Year after it was
done, and fometimes a Year or more, and in a Word,
the old Reproach often came in my Way, namely,
that even this was not yet the Lile of a Gentleman.
However. 1 now began to frame my Thoughts fbt
a Voyage to England, refolving then to Aiit as I
fiiould fee Caufc, but with a fccrct Rcfolution to tw
more of the World if poffible, and Realize thoft
Things to my Mind, which I had hitherto only ea
tertained remote Ideas of, by the Help of Books.
It was three Years after this, before 1 could ge
Things in Ordar, fit for my leavmg the Country
In this Time I delivered my Tutor frtm his Bondage
and would have given him his Liberty, but to m'
great Difappointment I found that I could not em
power him to go for England till his Time was ex
pired, according to the Certificate of his Tranfpor
tation, which nas regilier'd ; fo I made him one c
my Overleers, and thereby raifed him gradually to
Profpeft of Living in the fame Manner, and by th
like Steps, that my good Bencfador raifed me, onl
that I did not afTilt him to enter upon Planting fc
himfelfas 1 was alfillcd, neither was I upon the Spc
to do it : but this Man by his Diligence and hone
Application delivered himlelf, even unaffifted, an
farther than by making him an Overfeer, which w;
only a prefent Ealc and Deliverance from the hai
Labour and Fare, which he endured as a Servan
However, in this Trult he behaved (o faithfully, ar
fo diligently, that it recommended him in the Com
try, and, when I came back, I found him in Circun
ftances very differing from what I left him in ; b
fides, his being my principal Manager for near 2
Years, as you fliall hear it its Place.
I was now making Provifion for my going to En^
land, after liaving fettled my Plantation in fui
Hands as was fully to my Satisfaftion. My lii
Work wa3, to furnilh myfelf with fuch a Stock
Goods and Money as might be fufficient for my O
cafions abroad, and p.articularly, might allow to mal
large Returns to Maryland, tor the Ufe and Supp
of all my Plantations ; but when I came to loc
nearer into the Voyage, it occur'd to me that
would not be prudent to put my Cargo all on boaii
the fame Ship tn:;t went in: So 1 Ihipp'd, at fever]
Times, five iiundied Hogfheads of Tobacco, in fev(f
ral Ships, for England, giving Notice to my Corref
pendent, in London, that I would embark abo
fuch a Time to come over myfelf, and ordering hi
to infure for a confiderablc Sum proportion'd to tl
Value of my Cargo.
About two Months after this, f left the Place, aij
embark'd for England in a float Ship, carrying :|
Guns, and about 600 Hogllieads of Tobacco ; ai'
we left the Capes oi I'irghiia on the firll of Augh
■■ We had a very four ;;nd rough Voya][
for the firft Fortnight, thoiigii it was in a Seafon
generally noted for good We.ither. We met with
Storm, and olt Ship was gre.itly d;unag'd, .ind fon
Leaks we had, bat not fo bad, but, by the Diligeni:
of the Seamen, they were Itopp'd ; after which, »
had tolerable Weather, and a good Sea, till we cani
into the Sounding-., for lb they call tlie Mouth oft!
Britijh Channel. In the Grey of t.'ie Morningi
/r^>!i,:' Privateer, of z:) Guns, appear'd, andcroiv;
I
PyrakSy High'JOci)^menf Murderers^ &c.
eJ after us with all the Sail they could make. Our
Captain exchang'd a Broad-fide or two with them,
which was terrible Work to me J for I had never
feen fuch before ; the Frenchman s Guns, having
rak'd us, and kili'd and wounded fix of our Men.
In (hort, after a Fight long enough to fhew us that
if we would not be tiken, we mull refolve to fink
by her Side, for there was no Room to expeft De-
liverance, and a Fight long enough to fave the Maf-
ter's Credit, we were taken, and the Ship carried a-
, way for St. Malays. I had, however, befides my
being taken, the Mortification to be detain 'd on
board the Cruifer, and feeing the Ship I was in,
mann'd by Frenchmen, fet fail from us. I afterwards
heard that fhc was re-taken by an Engli/h Man of
War, and carried into Port/mouth.
Robbing generoully, as they called it, without mur-
theiing, or wounding, or ill-ufmg thofe they rob-
bed, to be broke upon the Wheel, at the Crfve
in Paris.
All thefe Things I found means to be fully in-
formed of, and to have a long Account of the Par-
ticulars of tlieir Conduft from fomc of their Com-
rades, who had the good Fortune to efcape, and who
I got the Knowledge of, without letting them fo
much asguefs at who I was, or upon what Ac-
count 1 eiiquir'd.
I was now at the height of my good Fortune,
and got the Name of a great Merchant. I lived
fingle, and in Lodging, and kept a French Serv.int,
bemg very defu-ous of improving myfelf in that
Language, and received ^ or 600 Hogiheads a Year
The Rover cruis'd abroad again, in the Mouth of from own Plantations^, and fpent my Time in that.
the Channel, for fome Time, and took a Ship rich-
ly laden, bound homeward from Jamaica. This
was a noble Prize for the Rogues, and they hailened
sway with her to St. Ma/o's, and from thence I went
to Bourdeaax, where the Captain ask'd me if I would
and fupplying my People with Nec'eflaries at Marj-
land, as they wanted them.
In this prirate Condition I continu'd about two
Years more, when the Devil owing me a Spleen
ever fince I refus'd o^ing a Thief, paid me home.
be deliver'd up a State Prifoner, get myfelf e.xchang- with Intereft, by laying a Snare in my Way, whiclx
ed, or pay 300 Crowns. I detlr'd Tirae to write to had almoil ruin'd me.
There dwelt a Lady in the Houfe oppoCte to
the Houfe I lodg'd in, who made an extraordinary
Figure, and was a moft beautiful Perfon. She was
my Correfpondent in England, who fent inc a Let-
ter of Credit, and in about fix Weeks I was ex-
:Iiang'd for a Merchant Prifoner in Plymouth. I
jot PalTage from hence to Dunkirk, on board a French
Veffd ; and having a Certificate of an exchang'd Pri-
oner from the Intendant of Bourdiaux, I had a PafT-
)ort given me
ind fo whither
and was a moft beautiful Perfon
well bred, fung admirably fine, and fometimes I could
hear diftindly, the Houfes being over-againft one
another in a narrow Court. This Lady put hcr-
to go into the Spanijh Netherlands, ^^^i fo often in my Way, that I could not in good
I pleas 'd. I went to GAif«/, afterwards Manners forbear taking Notice of her and giving
0 Neviport, where I took the Packet-Boat, and came
)ver to England, landing at Deal inftead of Do-ver,
he Weather forcing us into the Downs. When
came to London, I was very well receiv'd by my
"riend to whom I had confign'd my EfFefts ; for all
ny Goods came fafe to hand, and my Overfeers I
lad left behind, had (hipp'd, at feveral Times, 400
ioglheads of Tobacco, to my Correfpondent, in my
\bfence. So that I had above 1000/. in my Fac-
er's Hands, and 200 Hogfheads befides, left in
:iand. unfold.
I had nothing to do now but entirely to conceal
nyfelffrom all that had any Knowledge ofmebe-
bre ; and this was the eafieft Thing in the World
0 do, for I was grown out of every Body's Know-
edge, and moll of thofe I had known, were grown
3ut of mine ; my Captain who went with me, or ra-
:her who carried me away, I found by enquiring at
:he proper Place, had been rambling about the World,
lime to London, fell into his old Trade, which he
:ould not forbear, and growing an eminent Highway-
man, had made his Exit at the Gallows, after a Life
of 14 Years mofl exquifite and fucceisful Rogue-
ries ; the Particulars of which, would make, as I
obferved, an admirable Hillory. My other Bro-
ther Jack, who I sailed Major, followed the like
giving
the Ceremony of my Hat, when I faw her at her
Window, or ac the Door, or when I pafs'd her in
the Court : So that we became almoft acquainted ac
a Difance. Sometimes Ihe alfo vifited at the Houfe
I lodg'd at, and it was generally contriv'd that I
fliou'd be introduc'd when fhe came. And thus, by
Degrees, we became more intimately acquainted,
and often convers'd together in the Family, but
always in publick, at leail for a great While. I
was a meer Boy in the Affair of Love, and knew
the lealt of what belong'd to a Woman, of any
Man in Europe of my Age ; the Thoughts of a
Wife, much lefs a Millrefs, had never fo much as
taken the leall Hold of my Head, and I had been,
till now, as perfedlly unacquainted with the Sex,
and as uHConcern'd about them, as I was when I
was ten Years old, and lay in a Heap of Afties at
the GUfs-houfe.
She attack'd me without ceafing, with the Fine-
nefs of her Conduft, and with Ajts which were
impoihble to be inefFeilual. She was ever, as it were,
in my View, often in my Company, and yet kept
herfelf fo on the Referve, fo furrounded continually
with Obilruftions, that for feveral Months after flic
could perceive I fought an Opportunity to fpeak to
her. She render'd it impoffible, nor could I ever
ivicked Trade ; but was a Man of more Gallantry break in upon her, ftie kept her Guard fo well.
ind Generofity, and having committed innumerable
Depredations upon Mankind, yet had always fo much
Dexterity, as to bring himfelf off, till at length he
ivas laid laid fall in Neivgate, and loaded with
Irons, and would certainly have gone the fame Way
lis the Captain, but he was fo dextrous a Rogue, that
10 Goal, no Fetters would hold him ; and he with
:wo more, found means to knock off their Irons,
wrk'd their way thro' the Wall of the Prifon, and
,et themfelves down on the Outfide, in the Night :
)0 efcaping, they found means to get into France,
vhere he followed the fame Trade, and that with fo
nuch Succefs, that he grew famous by the Name
jrf Anthony, and had the Honour with three of his
i-omradeE, who he had tanght the Engiyh Way of
59
rhis rigid Behaviour was tiie greateft Myftery
that could be, confidering, at the fame Time, that
ftie never declin'd my feeing her, er converfing with
me in publick, but fhe held it on. She took Care
never to fit next me, that I might flip no Paper in-
to her Hand, or fpeak foftly to her. She kept
fome Body or other always between, that I could
never come up to her. And thus, as if fhe was re-
folv'd really to have nothing to do with me, fhe
held me at the Bay feveral Months. In fhort, we
came nearer and nearer every Time we met, and at
kit gave the World the Slip, and were privately
married, to avoid Ceremony, and the publick In-
conveniency of a Wedding.
No fooner were we married, but ftie threw off
3 N the
i3&
A General History of
the Mask of her Gravity and good Conduft, and
tarried it to fuch r-.n Excefs, that I could not but be
dilTatisfied at the Expence of it. In about a twelve-
month Ihe was brought to Bed of a line Boy ; and
her Lying-in coll me as near as I can now remem-
ber, 1 36 A which, Ihe told me, Ihe tliought was a
Trifis. Such |arring continually between us, pro-
duced a Sepanition ; and Ihe demanded 300 /. per
Annum for licr Maintenance. In the Interim of this,
by means of two trully Agents. I got Proof of my
Spoufe's being caught feveral Times in Bed with
another Perfon, and by whom ihe had a Daughter.
I fued her in the Ecclefiallical Court, in order to
obtain a Divorce j and, as Ihe found it impoflible
to avoid it, fhe dedin'd a Defence, and I gain'd a
legal Decree of Divorce.
Things being at this Pafs, I refolv'd to go over
to France, where I fell into Company with forae
Irijh Officers of the Regiment of Billon, where I
bought a Company, and fo went into the Army di-
reftly. Our Regiment, after 1 had been feme Time
in it, was commanded into Itnly, and one of the
moll confiderable Aftions I was in, was the famous
Attack upon Cremona in the Milanese, where the
Germans being treacheroufly let into the Town by
Night, through a kind of Common-Shore, furpriz'd
the Town, and took the Duke de Villeroi Prifoner,
beating the French Troops into the Citadal, but
were in the Middle of their Viilory fo boldly at-
tack'd by two Irljh Regiments, that, after a moll de-
fperate Fight, and not being able to break through
us to let in their Friends, were obliged to quit the
Town, to the eternal Honour of thofe Lijh Re-
giments. Having been in feveral Campaigns, I was
permitted to fell my Company, and got the Che-
valier's Bre'vet for a Colonel, in cafe of raifmg
Troops for him in Great Britain. I, accordingly,
embark'd on board the French Fleet, for the Firth
of Edinburgh ; but they over-lhot their Landing-
place : And this Delay gave Time to the Englifl}
Fleet, under Sir George Byng, to come to an An-
chor juft as we did.
Upon this Surprize, the French Admiral fet fail,
and crouding away to the North, got the Start of
the Englijh Fleet efcap'd, with the Lofs of one
Ship only, to Dunkirk ; and glad I was to fet my
Foot on Shore again, for all the While we were thus
flying for our Lives, I was under the greatell Ter-
ror imaginable, and nothing but Halters and Gibbets
run in my Head, concluding, that if I had been tak-
en, I (hould certainly have been hang'd.
I took my Leave of the Chevalier and the Army,
and made Halle to Paris, a Place full of Gallantry,
and where I again foolifhly tried my Fate in Matri-
mony ; for in lefs than three Months I caught my
good-natur'd Wife in Bed with a French Marquifs,
whom I the next Day fought, »d left for dead. I
took Poll Horfes for Flanders, and, at lalt, got fafe
once more to London, from which Place I embark'd
for Virginia, and had a tolerable Vovage thither
only that we met witha Pyrate Sliip, who plunder'd'
us of every Thing they could come at that was for
their Turn : But, to give the Rogues their Due,
though they were the moil ab.^ndon'd Wretches that
ever were ieen, they did not. ufe us ill ; and, as to
my Lofs, it was not confiderable.
I found all my Affairs in very good Order at Vir
ginia, my Plantations prodigioufly increas'd, and my
Manager, who firll infpir'd me witii travelline
Thoughts, and made me Mailer of any Knovvledg*
worth naming, receiv'd me with a Tranfport of Joy,
after a Ramble of four and twenty Years. I wa;
exceedingly fatislied with his Management, for he hac
improv'd a very large Plantation of his own, at th«
fame Time ; however, I had the Mortification to lei
two or three of the Prefton Gentlemen there, wh(
being Prifoners of War, were fpar'd from the pub
lick Execution, and fent over to that Salvery, which
to Gentlemen, mull be worfe than Death.
During my Stay here, I married a Maid I brough
over from England, who behav'd her I'elf, for lorn
Time, extraordinary well, but at lall turn'd Whore
like the reft, got the Foul Difeafe, and died ; and 1
not liking to ftay long in a Place, I was fo rnuc
talk'd of, fent to one of my Correfpondents for
Copy of the general ii&^ Pardon then granted, an
wherein it was manifeft I was fully included.
After I had fettled my Affairs, and left the lam
faithful Steward, I again embark'd for England, ant
after a Trading Voyage ' (for we touch'd at fever
Places in our Way,) I arriv'd fafe, determining 1
fpend the Remainder of my Life in my native Cour
try ; for here I enjoy the Moments which I had nt
ver before known how to employ, I mean that 1 1
looking back upon an ill-fpent Life.
Perhaps, when I wrote thefe Things down, I di 1
not forefee that the Writings of our own Storinl
would be fo much the Fafhion in England, or foi
greeable to others to read, as I find Cullom, an^
the Humour of the Times, has caus'd it to be.
any one that reads my Story pleafes to make
fame jull ReHedions, which I acknowledge I ougl
to have made, he will reap the Benefit of my Mil
fortunes, perhaps, more than I have done myfell
'tis evident, by the long Series of Changes and TunJ
which have appear'd in the narrow Compafs of oil
private mean Perlbn's Life, that the Hiftory of MenJ
Lives may be many Ways made ufeful and inftrudl
ing to thofe who read them, if moral and religioi '
Improvement, and Reflexions, are made by the
that write them.
n
Pjrates, Highwaymenj Murderers^ &c.
251
The LIFE 0/ WHITNEY.
»• "^ H I S notorious Mafefaftor was born at Ste-
njenage in Hertfordfiire, where he was put
J . Apprentice to a Batcher, as foon as he was
lit • Servitude. He ferv'd his Time, as far as we
Ml heard, very faithfully ; but was not long his
3W Mailer before he took to the irregular Courfes
:lia jrought Deftruftion upon him, and branded his
>ia s with Infamy.
] was pleafantJy dilappointed, as he would him-
eli requently confefs afterwards, in the firft Piece
)f . livery that ever he contrived. Going with ano-
lie Butcher to Rumford in Effcx, in order to buy
Ja. s, they met with one which they had a parti-
al Fancy to : but the Owner demanded what they
k ;ht an extravagant Price for it, fo that they could
,ot rike a Bargain : However, as the Man kept a
'ul ;k Houfe, our Companions agreed to go in and
lii with him 'They weie very much vex'd in their
li i, to think that they could not have their VVilh,
DC .vere contriving how to be revenged of their
rd ; when Whitney fuddenly whiipered thefe
to his Comrade, What Bujlnefs ha've lue to
v:uch Money out of our Pockets, for iK-hat ive
and bf get far nothing? ii'e knouu nuhere the
4t. 's, and ivhat Jhould hinder our taking him, nvhen
ve ive an Opportunity ? The other came direftly
is Meafure, and fo they fat boozing till
3 the Evening there came a Fellow into the Town
ni a great She Bear, which he carried about for a
IIk, and was his Fortune to put up at the Houfe
/hj;our two Butchers were drinking in an inner
toi; for it being jull at tlie Town's End, there
a 0 Place fo convenient befides. The Man oi the
Ice was fonie Time before he conclude where to
mi the Bear, at lall he relblved to move the Calf
ntanother Out-houfe, and tie Madam Bruin up in
" '"ce, which was done accordingly, without the
uge of Whitney, and his Friend, who conti-
■ ui unnking till they were told, it was "I'ime to
;o,, Bed.
pon this Warning they paid their Reckoning,
Bcvent out, (laying in the Fields near the Town,
til hey imagined the Time favour'd their Defign.
fi! Night was very dark, and they came to the
ithout making any Noife or Dillurbance.
. was to go in and fetch out their Prey, while
k-T watched without. When he w.is entered,
[cd about for the Calf till he got hold of the
>ei, which lying after thelluggilh M.ii ner peculiar
oicfe Creatures, he began to tickle it to made it
if' At kll being "awaked, the poor Beall, being
Di-'.led and blind, rofe up on her Hind Legs, not
mj/ing but it was her M.'.ller going to ihow her.
t^\ney llijl continued feeling about, wondering at
h(|length of the Calf's H;;ir, and that he fhoald
yj in fuch a Pollure, till the Bear caught
ic^ofi^j and hugg'd him tall between her tore
In this Pofture he remain'd, unable to move, antj
afraid to cry out, till the other Butcher, wondering
at his long Stay, put his Head in at the Door, and
faid, with a low Voice, What a Pox, tvili you be
all the Night Jiealing a Calf? A Calf, quoth Whit-
ney, 1 believe it's the Devil, that 1 am goingtofteal;
for he hugs me as clofely as he does the Witch in the
Statue. Let it be the De^il, fays t'other bring him out
ho'wever, that ive may fee mihat he is like, ivhicb it
fome thing that I Jhould be 'very glad to kntvj. Whit-
ney was too much furprized to be pleaied with the
Jefling of his Companion, fo that he replied with
fome Choller : Come and fetch himyourfelfy fr may
I be pox' d, if I half like him. Hercupcn t'other cn-
ter'd, and after a little Examination, found, how
they were bit. By his Aliillancc M'hitney got loofe,
and they both fwore, they wculd never atteaipt to
Ileal Calves any more for this Trick.
Whitney, after this, took the George- Inn at C'ef-
hunt in Hertford/hire, where he entertain'd al! Sorts
of bad Company ; but not thriving in this \^'ay, he
was in a little Time obliged to (ht't up his Doors, and
entirely give over the Occupation. He now came up
to London, the common Sandupry of fuch Men.where
he lived very irregularly, and at laft, when Necef-
fitous Circumftances came on him apace, wholly gave
himfelf up to Villainy.
It was ftill fome Time before he took to the High-
way, following onl>- the common Tricks praftifed by
the Sharpers of the Town, in which he was the more
fuccelsful as he always went dreifed like a Gentleman ;
it being eafier to impofe upon Mankind with a good
Suit of Cloaths, than any other Way whatfoever.
But the World is governed by Appe.ir-nccs, and al-
ways will be, unlefs Providence Ihould ever fee lit to
make the Charafters of Virtue and V^ce more vifi-
ble. A poor Man, tho' endovv'd with ever fo ho-
nell, and generous a Soul, is avoided by tvery Body ;
fo that he can hardly in his Life find an Opportunity
todifcover himfelf, and let a millaken World fee what
he poifelles : While the greatefl ^'illain that ever was
born, may be carafTed by all Companies, if he has
but Credit enough to get good Apparel, and Impu-
dence to thrufl himfelf forvvards.
One Morning, Whitney flood on Ludgate-Hill, at
a Mercer's Door, waiting for a Friend whom he ex-
peded to come by, when two MifTes of the Town
well habited came along. Thefe Ladies too!: our
Gentleman for the Mailer of the Shop, and fuppofing
hiin by his Looks to be an amorous young Batcnelor ;
oneoftlieni, in order to begin a little Convcrl'jtion,
afked him, if he had any fine Silks of the neuefl
Faihion, Whitney readily replied. That he had none
hy him at prefctit, but in a Day or tivo's 7ime, he
jhould ha've Choice. Ss-vcral Weniers being to bring
him in Piece > made from the lajl Patterns that iveri
going. Then Ladies, fays he, Ifiall be glad to /ap-
ply you ivith ivhat you i<;ant ; and there is no Man
in England V:ill ttje ygu htter. Only pleafe to leaue
your
J
2J4
your Names, end nuhere you live, that 1 may do my
/elf thi Honour to luaitonyou. Here our Madaras
were put to it for an Anfwer ; but looking a little on
one another, fhe that fpoke lirll told him, That being
vmulf tome to Toiun, they did not remember the Name
cj the Street ivhere they lodged ; but it •wai not far off,
and if he f leafed to go luith them, they 'would Jkevj
bim their Habitation, fucb ai it •was.
iVhitney, to be fare confenced, and to make the
AfFair appear with a better Face, he ftepp'd into the
Shop as if he went to give Orders to the Apprentice,
to whom he only put fome impertinent Queilions,
and came out again unfufpefted. Away trudge the
Ladies and theJr 'Squire, who when they told him
they were come to the Door, very civilly offered to
take his Leave of them. Nay, Sir, fays one of them,
iut you (hall lualk in, and take a Glafs of Wine
nxiith us, fince you ha've been fo good as to ginieyour-
felf all this Trouble ? Whitney thanked them, and
tvitk Abundance of Complifance, accepted the Fa-
vour.
Hitherto both Parties were deceived. Whitney
really took them for Gentlewomen of Fortune, and
came Home with them only to learn fomething that
might forward him to make a Prey of them, ana they
as confidently believed him to be tlie Mercer, wno
own'd the Shop at which they picked him up. Their
Defigns were to get his Money out of his Pocket, and
if they could, a Suit or two of Cloaths into the Bar-
gain, What confirm'd them in this Opinion was, the
Notice he took of feveral Gentlemen as he paiTed a-
long the Street, by pulling off his Hat to them ; and
their returning the fame Compliment. Whitney did
it for this very Purpofe, and it is natural and com-
mon for Men of Faftiion to re-falute thofe who fa-
lute them, whether they know them or no, becaufe
a M^ may be known by one whom he can't remem-
'9fXtx on a fudden to have ever feen before.
The Ladies introduced their fuppofed Cully into
an Appartment fplendidly furniftied, where a Table
was inftantly fpread with a fine cold Collation. This
being over, the Maid and one of the Miftrefles with-
drew, leaving the other to manage Whitney. She
immediately fell into amorous Dilcourfe, and foon
proceeded to greater Freedoms, telling him, he was
bafhful, and offering to teach him a fott Love-Leflbn.
Whitney now began to underftand his Company, yet,
as he hoped to get a little Love by the Bargain, he
was willing to keep on the Maflc, and profelfed him-
felf her Slave, devoted to her Service, and willing to
fulfil her Pleafure, promifmg withal after a great
jnany mutual Endearments, to give her as much
Silk as would make a Suit of Cloaths. This was all
flie required of him before ftie granted h" the laft
Favour, and upon this (ingle Promife, ihe fufFer'd
him to play over the feu d' amour as often as he pleaf-
#d, entertaining him, after all, with two or three
jBore Bottles free-coil.
Whitney was fo well pleafed with his Reception
at this Place, that he was refolved, if poflible, to
have a little more of the fame Sport ; and to that
End went to a Mercer, and told him, that fuch a
Lady had fent him to defire that he would let one
«f hi* Men carr- two or three Pieces of the richeft
Silk in liis Shop, for her to choofe a Gown and Pe-
ticoat. The Mercer knew the Perfon of Quality
whom he named, (he having been his Cuftomer be-
fore, and without miftrulling any Thing, fent a
Youth, who was but newly come Prentice, telling
him the Prices in Whitney's Hearing. Our Adven-
turer led the Lad through as many By-Streets as he
could, in order to carry him out of his Knowledge,
till obferving a Houfe in Suffolk-Street, which liad
^ Therough-^r into He^t-Laue, he de£red jhe
A General History of
young Man to ftay at the Door, whi!e he carr
the Silks to fhew them to the Lady, who 1
there. The Youth obey'd very readily, and
ney went into the Houfe, and afltetJ tlie Peoj
fomebody whom they did nor know ; upot
telling him no fuch Perfon liv'd in that Neigl
hood, he defired Leave to go through, whic
granted.
Now, Good Night Mr. Mercer, you ma;
till you are weary, and go back lighter by al
Load. In a Word, Whitney went to his Mifi
and diftributed the Prize between them,
which he revelled on all Manner of Excefs for 1
Days, till he was glad to retire of himfelf.
He was refolved, however, that no Body bu
felffhould enjoy the Fruit of his Induftry, fa
could not have the Profit of his Cheat, it wo
a Piece of Honefty in him, he thought, to i
the Mercer's Goods again. To this End he w
Letter where the Women lived, and the Shop-'
getting a Warrant, and a Conftable, went and
the Silks in their Cuftody. To be fure thei
enough frighten 'd ,to fee themfelves apprehend
what they thought had been given them I
Right Owner ; but all their Excufes were ir
they were hurried before a Magiftrate, wh(
mitted them to Tuthil-Fields Brideiuell, whei
were taught the Dilcipline of the Place, by thj
brated Liftor, Mr. Redding, and their Back
covered with Stripes of the Cat and Nine Ta
Head of the Elecmolynary Silks, which they i
themfelves fo fure of.
When Whituey was grown a confirmed Hi{
man, he one Day met a Gtntleman on B
Heath, whom he commanded to (land and c
To which the Gentleman replied, Sir, 'tis ixi
fpoke firji ; for I •was Ju/i going to fay th
Thing toyou.———Uhy, are you a Ger,
Thief then, quoth Whitney? T'es, fa
Stranger, but I have had I'ery bad Succefs to
for I ha've been riding up and doiun all this
ing, •u.ithout meeting ivith any Prize. Jf
upon thi^, wifhed him better Luck, and tc
Leave, really fappofing him to be what h
tended.
At Night it was the Fortune of Whitney, ai
Impoltor to put up at the fame Inn, when oui
tieman told lome other Travellers by what a i
gem he had efcaped being robb'd on the .
Whitney had fo alter'd his Habit and Speed;
the Gentleman did not know him again ; fo t
heard all the Story without being taken any I
of. Among other Things he heard him tell
the Company foftly, that he had fav'd an hi
Pounds by his Contrivance. The Peribn to
he whilper'd this, was going the fame Wa
next Morning, and faid, he had alfo a confid
Sum about hini, and if he pleafed, (hould bs
to travel with him for Security. It was agrei
tween them, and Whitney at the fame Time re
to make one with them.
When Morning came, our Fellow-Travelli
out, and Whitney about a (garter of an Houi
them. All the Dilcourfe of the Gentlemen \
bout cheating the Highwaymen, iftheylhould
with any, and all Whitney's Thoughts were up(
ing revenged for the Abufe which was put on hi
Day before.
At a convenient Place he got before them
bid them ftand. The Gentleman whom he
before, not knowing him, he having difguifed
felf after another Manner, brifkly cried out, Wi
going to fay the fame to you. Sir, It'e
fa i' quoth Whitney, j^rul are you of r>.y Pro
lin
iil.
for
nit
our
h,
fter
:rjl
im-
he
.(x
ore
fer
jnd
ett
for
the
lin,
m-
he)r
eie.
•m
k-
gki
■If
hi-
m,
;ti
Hit
thii
id:
hit
he
:ice
!0f
red
om
the
;blc
■lad
be-
led
fet
fei
ia-
eet
be-
,chc
ind
net
m-
■tri
jm
fm
i
Pyrates, High-wa}'meny IVhrderers, SCc.
236
k,„p Tet, fa id they both. If jnu are, reply 'd
Vhitney, I fitppofe you remember the old Pro-verb,
Wo of a Trade can never agree, fi that you mujl
ot expe^l any Favour on that Score. But to be
hix. Gentlemen, the Trick ivill do no longer. 1
to=w you 'very luell, and muji ha've your hundred
nds. Sir ; i7nd your confiderable Sum, Sir, turn-
ig to the other, let it be ivhat it ivill, or IJhall
aie bold to fend a Brace of Bullets through each
your Heads. Tou, Mr. Highwayman, Jhould
vJe kept your Secret a little longer, and not have
mfied fo foon of having out-iuitte't a Thief. There
HOIV nothing fir yon to do but deliver, or die. — —
hefe terrible Words put them both into a fad Con-
ernation : Tl.ey were loth to lofe their Money, but
lore loth to lofe their Lives ; fo of fAO Evils, they
lofe the leaft ; the Tell tale Coxcomb difburfing his
andred Pounds, and the other a fomewhat larger
jm, profelung that they would be careful for the
ture not to count without their Hoft.
Another Time Whitney met with one Mr. Hull,
old Ulurer in the Strand, as he was riding a crofs
ounJlo-v-Heath. He could hardly have chofen a
>etch more in Love with Money, and confequently
ho would have been more unwilling to have parted
ith it.
'When the dreadful Words were fpoken, he trem-
■d like a Paralitic; and fell to expollulating the
ife in the moft moving Eiipreffions he was Mailer
, profeiTing that he was a \tty poor Man, had a
rge Family of Children, and fhould be utterly
»ned, if he was fo hard hearted as to take his Mo-
f from him. He added, moreover, a great Deal
nceming the Illegality of fuch an Adion, and how
ry dangerou3 it was to engage in fuch evil Courfes.
hituey, who knew him, cried out in a great Paf-
n : Sirrah, do you pretend to preach Morality
an honejler Man than yourfelf? Is it not much more
lercus to take a Man''s Money from him bravely,
js /? grind 'Am to Death vjith eight or ten per Cent,
der Colour of ferving him? Tou make a Prey of all
aitkind, and KeceJJity in an honefl Man, often is
r Means of his falling into your Clutches, ivho are
■tain quite to undo him, I am a Man of more Hon-
' than tojhcw any Regard to one ivhom I ejleem an
teiny fo the ichole human Species. This once. Sir, 1
ill oblige you to lend me vjhat yon have ivithout Band,
i confequently ivithout Intereft; fo make no Words. ^
Id Hull, hereupon, pulled out about eighteen
Tiifid, which he gsve with a pretty Deal of Grum-
ing i telling 1. m withal, that he (hould fee him
e Time or another, ride up Holborn-Hill back-
irds.
Whitney was going about his Bufinef, till he
ard theie WorJs, when he returned, and pulled the
e old Gentleman off his Horfe, putting him on a-
in with his Face towards the Horle's Tail, and
ing his Legs. . A'otc, fays he, you old Rogue, let
• fee icbat a Figure a Man makes ivhen he rides
ckivards, and let me havt the Pleajure, at leaf,
'beholding you firji m tltat Pojlure. So giving the
Oife three or four good Licks with his Whip, he let
in a running (o tad, that he never ftop'd till he
me to Hounfo-M Town, where the People loofed our
entleman, after they had made themfelves a little
~^er'ry with the Sight.
'Whitney, like .a great many others of the famePro-
iinn, affc'lcd always to appear generous and noble :
are is one Inllancc of this Temper in him, which
may not be amifs to relate. Meeting one Day
th a Gentleman on Kevj- Market-Heath, whole
iinit was /.o/;^, and having robb'd him ofanhun-
jed Pounds in Silver, which was in his Portmanteau,
id up in a great Bag: The Gentlemaa told him,
I 6e
that he had a great Way to go, ar.J as he was un^
known upon the Road, (hould meet with many Dif-
ficulties, if he did not reftore as much as would bear
his Expences. Whitney upon this opened the Mouth
of the Bag, and holding it to Mr. Long, Here, fays
he, take vjhat you have Occajlon for . Mr. Long put
in his Hand, and took out as much as he could hold :
To which Whitney made no Oppofition, but only
fa id with a Smile, I thought you vjould have hadmore
Confcicncc, Sir.
Doubtlcfs it muft make fome of our Readers mer-
ry, wiien they obferve how often the Heroes of
thefe Sheets arc introduced as talking of Conicience,
Virtue, Honour, Generofity, dsV. And it muft be
confefled, that they have Reafon for their Mirth.
This may, however, prove the real Beauty of thefc
Perfections of human Nature , That even thofe v:ho
have leaft of them, difcover a Sort of Secret Value for
them, and vjould aff'eB to pojfefs v:hat thev are of all
Men the forth,/: from.
Our dext'.ro'js Butcher came once to Doncofter
in Torkftue, where he put up at the Red-Lyon-
Inn, ajid made a very great Figure, having a pret-
ty round Sum in his Pofleffion. While he refided
here, he was informed tlrat the Landlord of the
Houfe was reputed rich ; but that he was withal fo
covetous, as that he would do nothing to help a poor
Relation or Neighbour in Diftrefs ; and fo very
fharp in his Bufinefs, that it wus next to impoflible
for any one living to impofe on him in the leall
Particular. Nothing could be fo pleafing to fuch a
Man as // wV/jy, as out-witting one v>ho was ef-f^'
teemed able to out-wit all the World, wherefore he "•%
was refolved to attempt this Maller-ftroke of In-
vention, as he fuppofed it muft be, if he fucceed-
ed.
He now gives it out, that he had a good Eftate,
that he travelled about the Country merely for his
Pleafure, and had his Money remitted to him as the
Rents came in, ftill continuing for fome Time to
pay for every Thing he had, till fuppofmg his Hoil
fufficiently fatisfy'd that he was really what he pre-
tended, he one Day took an Opportunity to tell him
that his Money ran Ihort, and he Ihould be obliged
to him for Credit, till he could have Returns. O
dear. Sir, fays my Landlord, yeu need not give your-
J elf the leaf XJneafinefs about fiuh an Affair as
this. Every Thing that I have is at your Service,
and I fjall think myfelf honoured, if you pUa/e to
make ufe of me as a Friend. Whitney returned
the Compliment with Abundance of Thanks and
other Expreflions of Elleera, eating and drinking
from Day to Day at the good Man's Table, his
Horfe alfo, all the while, being fed plentifully with
the bell of Corn and Hay. hwi the better to Colour
the Matter, and to prove that he really came out of
Curiofity to i'ee the Country, there was feldom a
Day palfed, but he rode out to fome of the Neigh-
bouring Villages, fometimes getting Mr. Inn-keeper ;
fometimes other Gentlemen in the Town, to bear
him Company, they bemg all proud of the Hon-
our.
It happened, that while he remain'd tl ere, there
was a Fair, according to annual Cullom. Upon
the Fair Day in the Morning a fmall Box, careful-
ly fealed, and very weighty, came directed to him.
He open'd Jt, took out a Letter, and read, Icck'd
it up, and gave it to his Landlady, dcfiring her to
keep it in her CuUody for the prefent, becaufe it
would be fafer then in his own Hinds ; and or-
dering the Landlord, at the fame '1 irae to write
out his Bill, that he might pay him next Morning.
As foon ae he had done thus, he wen; out, as tiluugli
to fee the Fiur.
3O III
34
A General H i s t o r v of
fii the Afiernoou he comes home again in a great
tiurry, and deljres his Horfe may be dreiled and
I'addled, he havinga Mind to fliew him in the Fair,
iinJ, if" he could, to exchange him for one whicli
he had ("cen, and which he ttiouglit was the hnell
that ever he tix'd his Eyes on. I ilHI ha've him,
iays he, if poffible, luhether the Oi.viier ".(.ill buy
mine or no, and though he cojl me fort</ (Juiiieas :
He tlien aslced for his Landlady to help him to
his Box, but was told ihe was gone to the Fair ;
whereupon he fell a Swearing like a Madman, That
he fuppofed fhe had locked up what he gave her, and
taken the Keys with her, If Jhc has, quoth he, /
had rtaher ha've gi'ven ten Guineas ; for I hai'e no
Money at all, but ivhat is in your PoJJeJJion. En-
quiry was made, and it was tound to be as he
faid, which put him into a Hill greater P.iffion,
though it was what he wilhed f»r, and evenexpeited,
the whole Comedy having been invented for tlie fake
of this fingle Scene.
The Landlord quickly had Notice of our Gentle-
man's Anger, and the Occafion of it; upon which
he comes to him , and begs of him to be eal y, ofFcr-
Jng to lend him the Sum he wanted, till his Wife
came Home. Whitney feemed to refent it highly.
That he mull be obliged to borrow Money when he
had fo mach of his own ; however, as there was no
other Way, he condefcended, with Abundance of
Reluftance, to accept the Propofal, adding, That
he defired an Account of all he was indebted as foon
as poffible, for it was not his Cuftom to run Hand
over Head.
Having received forty Guineas, the Sum he pre-
tended to want, he mount* kis Horfe, and rides to-
wards the Fair ; but inltead of dealing there, for
another Horfe, he fpurred hij own thro' the Crowd,
as fall as he could conveniently, and made the bell of
his Way towards London. At Night the People of
the Inn fat up very late for his coming Home, nor
did they fufpeft any Thing the firll, or even the fe-
cond Night, when they faw nothing of him, he hav-
ing been out before a Day or two together in his Pro-
grefs round the Country, which they concluded was
now the Cafe. But at the End of two or three Days,
the Landlord was a little uneafy : and after he had
waifed a Week to no Purpofe, it came into his Head
to break open the Box, in ordfer to examine it. With
this View he goes to the Magillrate of the Place, pro-
cures his Warrant for fo doing, and a Conitable,
witli other proper Witnefles to be prefent. We need
not tell the Reader he was cheated, for every one will
nattrrally conclude io, nor need we fay, he was ready
to hang himfelf, when he found only Sand and Ston
covered over, his Charader may give an Idea of h
Temper at this Time : But IFhittiey did not Care f(,
hib Landlord's Paffion, fo long as he got ofFfafe vvi:
the Money.
This was however, the lall of his Adventures
the Country, for not long after his Arrival in Tow
he was apprehended in White Fitars, upon the Info
mation of one Mother Co/em, who kept a Bawd
houfe in Milford Lane, over-againil 5t. Clemeni
Church. The Magiftrate who took the Informatio
committed him to Newgate, where he remained t
the next Seffions at the Old-Bailey.
After his Convidion, Sir S / L e, Kr
Recorder of London, made an excellent Speech b
fore he pafled Sentence of Death, to him, and tl
Otlier Malefaftors, fetting forth the Nature of thi
feveral Offences in very ilrong Expreffions, and a
dreffing himfelf to Whitney in particular, who
exhorted to a fmcere Repentance, as it was imp(
fible for him to hope for any Reprieve, after fuel
Courfe of Villainies. Vindicating the Juilice of t
Law, and urging the Certainty of a Provideni
which purfues fuch as him, and at lall takes Veng
ance on them for their Crimes.
On Wednefday, the igth of December, i6c
Whitney was carried to the Place of Execution, whi
was at Porter's Block, near Smithfeld. When
came there, and faw no Hopes of any Favour,
addrefled thefe few Words to the People :
I Ha've been a -very great Offender, both agak
God, aad my Country, by tranfgrejpng all £«m
both Human and Di'vine. I believe there it not •
here prefent but has often heard my Name, befort ,
Confinement, and feen a large Catalogue of my Critm
'which has ban made publick fince. Why Jhould I ti\
pretend to '■-indicate a Life Jiain'd luithfo many i
mous Deeds f
'The Sentence pa ft on me is juft, and I can fit .
Footfteps of a Providence, ivhich I had before f\
fanely laugh'' d at, in my Apprehending and Con'viSn
1 hope the Senje ivhich I ha've of thefe Things, i
enabled me to make my Peace •uiilh Hecvin, the 1 1
Thing that ii no'iu of any Concern to me. Join\
your Prayers ivith -ne, my dear Countrymtn, that C
iMould Hot forfake me in my laft Moments.
Having fpoke thus, and afterwards fpent a 1
Moments in private Demotion, he was turned ofF, 1 1
ing about 34. Years of Age.
PyratcSj HighojOiiymeny Murderers^ 5Cc.
-^3
An Account of the Murder of the Reverend
Mr. John Talbot.
j|g-^ HIS Gentleman had been Chaplain to a
I Regiment in Portugal, in the Reign of King
IL. Charles 11. where he continued in tiie Dii-
(i.-ge of his Office, till the Recalling of the f,;id
; giment : When arriving in Lond^v, he preached
I ee Months at St. Alphage in the Wall. After-
\ rds he was Curate to a Town called Laindon in
. ';.v, where a Law Suit commenced between him
: 1 fome Perfons of the faid Parilli. upon the Ac-
1 jnt of which me came up to Lcndon at the un-
1 )py Time when a Period was put to his Life in
I following Manner.
several profligate abandon'd Wretches, to the
'. imber of fix Men, and one Woman, took into
I ir Heads one Day to way-lay, rob, and murder
I spoor Man. Whether hearing his Bufmefs, they
I ght think he had a pretty Deal of Money about
1 1 ; or whether they afted at the Inlligations of
i le of Mr. Talbot' % Enemies, is not certain ; how-
I T it was, they dogged him from four a-Clock in
1 Afternoon, whetherfoever he went. The Names
I fome of thcfe Mifcreants were, Stephen Eaton, a
t mfedtioner ; George Roades, a. Broker ; Henry
. ichard, Taylor ; and Sarah Savift.
Mr. Talbot had received Information, that his
.Iverfaries defign'd to arrell him, which made him
little circumfpeft while he was abroad; for every
<e who took any Notice of him, he imagined to
i an Officer. This occafioned him the 4ooner to
I alarm'd when he faw himfelf followed by five or
1 People, from Place to Place ; fo that turn which
;ayfoever he would, he was certain of meeting one
< more of them.
After he had fhifted about a long Time to no
. rpofe, in order to avoid, as he thought, their clap-
:;a Writ on his Back, he betook himfelf to Grax's-
n, whither being ilill purfued, he had there a
: od Opportunity to take particular and accurate No-
e of fome or all of thefe evil-dil'pofed Perfons.
.:re he took Shelter a little while, and writ Let-
:sto fome of his Acqunintjnee and Friends, re-
' efting them to come and lend him their .Affilhnce
order to fecure his Peribn.
The Perfons whom he ient to failing him, he got
imittance into the Chambers of one of the CJentle-
?n of the Place, where he ilay'd till he fuppofed
the Danger was over ; then taking a little Refrelh-
;nt, he took the back Way, through Old-Street,
d fo over the Fields to Shoreditch.
Not long after he had got into the Fields he per-
■ved the fame Perfons at his Heels, w ho had dog-
i him before. He was now more furprized then
:r, it, being Eleven a Clock at Night. I'he moll
Jb^ble Method of efcaping that he could fee, was
breaking through a RceJ-Hcdge, to a Garden
)ulc ; but before he could reach tiic Place, one or
)re of the Villains feiz'd hini, and begun to pick
his Pockets. They found about twenty Shillings,
and his knife, with which they attempted to kill
him by cutting his Throat.
Whether it was by Chance,on thefe Wretches pre-
tended to an extraordinary Skill in Butchering Man,
is uncertain ; but they firll cut out a Piece of his
Throat, about the Breadth of a Crown-Piece, with
out touching the Wind-pipe ; and then, in the de-
pendant Part of the Orifice, they Ibbbed him with
the knife fb deep, that the Point rdmoll reached
his Lungs. Howe.er, Providence fo far over-ruled
their Cruelty, that they did not cut the Rtccurent
Nerves, which would have flopped his Speech, nor
the Jugular Velr-- and Arteris, \\hich if they had
done, he had inltantly bled to Death without Reme-
dy, and then poffibly no Difcovery had been made.
There was a Cut in the Collar of his Doublet,
which feemed to Ihew that they attempted this Piece
of Butchery before they flripped him ; but then
the Nature of the Wound intimated, on the Con-
trary, that they pulled off his Coat and Doublet be-
fore they accomplifhed their Defign.
This bloody Deed was perpetrated at Annifeed-
Clear, on Friday the zd of July i66g. While the
Wretches were committing their Butchery, the Dogs
bark'd, and the Hearts bellow'd in an uncommon Man-
ner ; fo that feve.'al Gardeners rofe out of their Beds
K> prepare for the Market, fuppofing it had been
Day-light, foon after it thunder'd and rain'd in a
terrible Manner, which drew feveral Brickmakers
out of their Lodgings to feCure their Bricks from
the Weather, and was alfo the Occafion that the
Murderers did not get far from the Place where their
Barbarit)' was ailed before they were .ipprehended,
fo that He.iven and Earth feem'd to unite in crying
out againll the inhuman Deed, and detedling the
wicked Author* of it.
Some of the Brick-makers, who had been alanii^t"
by the Thunder and Rain, difcovcr'd Mr. Talbot ty-
ing in his Shirt and Drawers all bloody : Thefe gave
Notice to their Companions, who alfo came up.
They then railed hini, and cherilhed him with u
Dram which one of tiiem had at Hand ; whereupon
he immediately pointed which Way the Murderer;
went. The Watch near Worc^/Vi-A were foon inform'd
what had happen 'd, and fome of them came as well
to take Care of the wounded Gentleman, as to ap-
prehend the Authors of his Misfortune. One of the
Number quickly difcover'd a M.in lying among the
Nettles, and called up his Companions, fuppofing
he alio had been murder'd ; but when they cme
to a nearer Exanim.;tion, they fiw a bloody Kjiife
on one Side of him, and the Minilter's Doublet on
the other. Upon thefe Circumliance?, prefuming he
was guilty of the Munler, they apprtlienJed Jinn.
.At firfl he feign'd himfelf a-fleep, and then fudden-
ly ftaning up, he uttenipted to make his Efcape,
but
^n
A General History of
but iit vain. A Pewter Pot, with the Mark was new-
ly fcrnped out, was found near him, and one of tlie
Watchmen broke his Head with it, which made him
a little more traftabje. In the mean Time, Mr.
Talbot, by the great Care of the Officers of the Night,
was carried to the Star Inn at Shoreditch Church,
where he was put to Bed, and whither a Surgeon
utis fent for to drefs, and take Care of his Wounds.
This Man, who was apprehended, was Eaton,
the Confeftioner, he was carried before Mr. Talbot,
who inllantly knew him, and by Writing, declared
that he was the Man who cut his Throat ; and that
five more Men, and a Woman, were his Affociates.
A fecond Time, upon Mr. Talbot^i own Requeft,
Eaton was brought before him, when he continued
iiis former Accufation againll him ; whereupon he
was carried before Jullice Pitfield, and by him com-
mitted to Ne-ivgate. It was not long after Eaton,
before the Woman was found, who a!fo pretended
to be a-fleep. Mr. Talbot fwore as pofitively to
her, as he had done to the other, and enquired of
the Conftable whether her Name was not Sarah? For
he had heard one of her Comrades fay to her, when
in Holborn, Shall lue ha've a Coach Sarah ? The
Conftable demanded her Name, and fhe not fufpeft-
ing the Reafon, told him right, which confirmed
the Evidence of the dying Gentleman. Shortly af-
ter a Third, and then a Fourth was taken, who
were alfo committed to Newgate, Mr. Talbot know-
ing one of thefe alfo.
The Care of Mr. Talbot^ Wounds was commit-
ted to one Mr. Litchfield, an able Surgeon, who di-
ligently attended him ; and that nothing might be
omitted which might conduce to his Recovery, Dr.
Hodges one of the Phyficians employ'd by the City,
during the dreadful Vifitation in 1665, was likewife
called. To thefe, at the Roqneft of the Minifter
of the Charter-boufe, Dr. Ridgily was added. By
their joint Diredlion, he was in a fare Way to be
cured, no ill Symptoms appearing from Monday
Morning to the Sabbath-Day following, either up-
on Account of Wounds, or otherwife ; for though
lie lay fome Time in the Wet, yet thro' the Ex-
perience of thefe Gentlemen, he was kept from a
fever. Several other Surgeons alfo freely oiFered
their Aflillance,
About Noon on Sunday he was dreffed, the Wound
look'd well, and he feem'd more chearful than ordi-
nary ; but within two or three Hours after, a vio-
lent Fit of Coughing feiz'd him, which broke the
jugular Vein, and caufed fuch an Effufion of Blood,
that he fainted, and his extreme Parts were cold, be-
fore any one could come to his Affillance. The Flux
was once ftop'd, but upon coughing he bled again,
fo that his Cafe was almoft pad Hopes. About
one or two next Morning, he fent for Dr. Atfield,
Minifter of Shorditch Church to pray by him, and
within two Hours after, he expired, having been
very devout and compofed to the laft Moment.
Several Atteftations were made before the Juftice,
and at the Tryal of the Prifoners, concerning Mr.
Talbot\ having been dogg'd and murdered, by tliofe
who had either feen him the Day before, or came
up to him firft, when he was left in the lamentable
Condition we have been defcribing. Mr Went, in
particular, who was Conll^le of the Niglit, when
this Murder was committed, gave a particular s
lation of raking the I'rifoner', ,ind of what \-
Talbot faid and wrote, wlien he faw any one of thi
The Papers which the Dccealed wrote were like e
produced in Courr, and it was obfervabie thnt t
particularly exclaim'tl vigainli the Woman, vvhon^ 4.
called bloody every Time he mentioned her, affi i
ing, that Ihe faid to her Companions Icveral Tin
Kill the T)og, kill him. . ■
Tlie Fadts and Circumftancef wei'e fo plaifi, i|r
the Jury found all the four t):ai had been tal .
guilty of the Murder, not one 0! them being ;c
to give a fatisfadory Accoji t nt themfclves, or j
prove where they were after h.vo'Clock, the Ni t
the bloody Deed was done The Names of tl ;
four was given at the Beginning of this Relation
Mr. Coivfer, the Coroi;er, and Mr. Litchfield f
Surgeon, gave in their Informations, an exact .
count of Mr. Tn/Lt's Wound, and both of tl i
depofed. That they •verily thought it to be the 0 ■
fion of his Death. Mr. Litchfield ialii. The K,
really penetrated his Lungs.
The Night before Mr. Talbot died, he wrot j
Mr. Went the Conftable, defiring him to go to e
Ordinary, and enquire with him of Eaton, whe r
any of Laindon's People, employ'd or abetted i
in the Fad he had committed, if they did, to t
their Names of him. But Eaton perfifted in d' •
ing, not only that, but even the Faft itfelf, te j
them in the moft folemn Manner, That, to t
Knonaledge, he never in his Life faio Mr. T;il :,
//// he luas brought before him, after he luas to :.
Sarah Siuift likewife being queliioned conccr: j
her Guilt, and urged to confefs what file knew e
anfwered. That Jhe ivould burn in Hell before t
nvould oiun any Thing of the Matter. To fuel n
untommon Degree had thefe Wretches hard d
themfelves in their Crimes.
Mr. Talbot wrote alfo feveral Letters to is
Friends, with an exaft Account of the Manner »
he had been followed for feven Hours together, d
how he was at laft fet upon, and ufed in the bai •■
ous Manner herein related ; but the Subftanc )f '
thefe Letters being interfperfed in the Story i; f,
it is needlefs to give them at large.
On Wednejday the 14th of July, l66g. Sttn
Eaton, George Roades, and Sarah Siuift weic •
vey'd in a Cart to Tyburn, where the tu (j 11
coofefTed the Murder; but the Woman contii d
obftinate to the laft. Henry Prichard vjss t^f^nn i
upon fome favourable Circumftances that \\ ere n
duced.
'Tis wonderful what could excite thefe pooi C i-
tures to purfue the Blood of an innocent M.m at is
unaccountable Rate, and indeed 'tis fcarce to Le -•
gin'd, that they (hould pitch upon one from v/l n
they could have no very great Expeftations, ui is
they had been hired to do it, or had fome FerfM
Quarrel with him, which latter could not be tt.
However as none of them own'd who were t if
Abbettors, or whether they were employ'd .it ai:
no, we muft not take upon us to judge in tliis C »
but leave the Decifion of this Point to that gu
and awful Day, when the Secrets of Men's I Ids
ihall be revealed, and every Thing that has. In
hid fkall be m»de manifeft.
2f
Pjratesy Highnjoaymefii Murderers, 5Cc.
nr
^/j^ LI F E o/^k GERMAN PRINCESS.
rH I S Woman was fo called from her pre-
tending to be bom at Collogn in Germany,
and tliat her Father waa Henry I r.n Wolvw^y
Doftor of the civil Law, .md Lord oi Holmfieim.
it this Story was a Piece with her Adtiont, for .he
as really tne Daughter of or.e.ilffd'c'rf a Chorifter
the Catiiedral of Canterbury, or, as fomc fay, on-
an indifferent Trader of that City, in whicA ihe
is born the iithof January \6^z. We caii fay
tie of her Education, only from her Ixlinations
erwards we may fuppofe ftie had as macii L^arii-
7 as is commonly given to her Sex. She took great
dight in Reading, efpecially of Romances, and
loks of Knight Errantry ; Parifmui and Parifma-
r, Don BeUianii of Greece, and Amadis de Gaul,
re fome of her favourite Authors j and (he was fo
jched with the Charadler of Otiana in the Latter,
it (he frequently conceited herfelf to be a Princefs,
a Lady of high Quality. Ca/andra and Cleopa-
z were alfo read in their turns, and her Memory
3 fo Tenacious, that (he could repeat a great Part
their Amours and Adventures very readily.
Her Marriage was not agreeable to the high Opi-
in (he had entertained of her own Merit ; inftead
.1 Knight, or a Squire at leall, which (he had pro-
led herfelf, (he took up with a Journeyman Shoe-
iker whole Name was Stedman, by whom (he had
o Children, who both died in their Infancy. This
in beinf unable to maintain her Extravagances, and
■3port her in the Splendour (he alwa^'s aim'd at, Ihe
s continually dilcontented, till at lall; (he refolv'd
'leave him, and feek her Fortune. A Woman of
r Spirit is never long in executing Things of this
uture, (lie made an Elopement, (he went to Do'ver,
'. married another Huihand who was a Surgeon of
it Town.
Information of this AlFair was foon taken, and (he
;s apprehended and indided at Maidjione, for ha-
ng two Hufbands, but by fome matlerly Stroke,
iich (he never wanted on a preffing Occafion, (he
IS quickly acquitted. This emboldened her to a
ird Marriage, with one John Carleton, a Londoner,
iich was the Occafion of her being firft publickly
(Avn in Town; for fome of lier old Acquaintance
ving Ca;7t/i;«-s b»othef an Account of her former
cdding:, (he wa; again takea, committed to Kcw-
■tF, and try'd at the Old-Bailey for Polygamy.
e.'e again the Evidence againll her was infufficient,
that ihe was a fecond Time acquitted.
Tis fequifite, before we proceed any further in our
i.-lation, to obferve, that between the two lail Mar-
iigco, (he cmbaik'd on board a Merchant Ship
iich carried her to Holland, from ^vhence (he tra-
iled by Land to the Place (he had fo often talk'd of
e City of Cs/ti^?.', where being now Miilrefsofa
nhderable Sum of Money, (he took a fine Lodg-
; at a Houfe of Entertainment, and lived in great-
Splendour tlien (he had ever before done. As it
-uiumary in England, to go to Etfom or Jun-
6l
hridge Wells in the Summer Seafon, fo in Germany,
the Qu.Jity ufually frequent the Spaiv : Here our
Adveniuiefs had the picking of a few Feathers from
an old Gentleman who fell in Love with her, and
who had a good Eikte not many i/iiles c'llbnt from
Colog:i, at Liege or Luget : By the Ailillance of the
Landlady (he ni-^nageU this Affair with lo much Ar-
tifi;;e, that he prefe .ted her with feveral fine and va-
luable Jewels, befides a gold Chain, with a very
coltiy Medal, which had been foimerly given him
for foaie ismarkable good Service, under Count Til-
ly agr-Inil the valiant King of Siveden, Gujlawta
Adolphtu. 1 l.e fooli.li old Dotard urgea his ?i.ffion
with .-.11 the ^'ehemence of a young vigorous Lover,
pii-illnglier to M-trirnony, and making her \try large
Proraiies, till at lall (he gave her Confent to efpoufe
him in three Days, and he left the Preparation of
Things nereiTary to her Care, giving her large Sums
of Money fcr that purpofe. Madam now perceired
it was high Time fo be gone, and, in order to her
getting o.Twith the greater Security, (he acquainted
her Landlady with the Defign, who had before (hat-
ed pretty largely in the Spoils of the old Captain.
The Hoilefi to be fure, was willing to hearken to any
Propofal that would help he. a little more to fleece
the doting Inamorato.
The Princefs, however, was refolved this Time to
have all the Booty to herfelf; and to accomplilh this,
(he perfwaded her Landlady to go into the Town,
and get a Place for her in fome Carriage that did
not go to Collogn ; becaufe, fl;e faid her Lover
fhould not knew whether to follow her. The old
Trot faw that this Precaution was veiy necelTary, and
therefore a way goes (he, to provide fcr lii: fcfety of
her Gaeft, who was now (Efficiently to rew,u-d her
out of her Dotard's Favours. This was all our Ad-
venturefs wanted, for as foon as (he found herfelf left
alone, (he brok open a Cheft, wheie (he had ob-
ferved her Landkdy to put all her Treafure, and
there (he found not only what (he had (hared with her
out of the old Man's Benevolence, but alfo an ad-
ditional Sum of Money not inconfiderable, There is
little Reafon to tell the Reader that fhe took all that
was worth taking, there being none of her Charafter
apt to fpare what it is in their Power to Seize, tho' ic
be from a Brother or Siller of their own Profeffion.
Madam foon pack'd up her Parcel, and having before
privately made fure of a Paflage to Utrecht. She
fled thither, from thence (he went to Amjierdam
where (he fold her gold Chain, Medal, and fome of
the Jewels, then proceeded to Rotterdam, and then,
to the Brill, where (he took Shipping for Eng-
land. ,
She landed at Billing/gate one Morning very early ,
about the htter End of il/arrZ', in the Year, 1663.
but found no Houfe open till (he came to the Ex-
change Tavern, where fhe firft obtained the 1 itlc
of the German Prinitfi, in the following Man-
ner.
5 P She
2^8
A General History gf
She was got into the aforefaid Tavem, in Compa-
ny with fome Gentlemen who ihe perceived, were
pretty full of Money. Thefe Gentlemen addreffing
her in ttie Manner ufualon fuch Occafions, ihe im-
mediately feigned a Cry which flie had always at
Command. The Tean trickled down her Cheeks,
fhe figh'd (he fobb'd, and the Caufe being demand-
ed told them, fhat Ihe little thought once of being
reduced to fuch a wretched Neceflity as Ihe was now
in, of expofing her Body to the Pleafure of every
Bidder. Here Ihe repeated the Hiftory of her Ex-
tradions and Education, telling them a great Deal
about her pretended Father, the Lord Henry Van
Ifohvay ; who, fhe faid, was a fovereign Prince of
the Empire, independent of any Man but his facred
imperial Majefty. Certainly, continued Jhe, any
Gentleman may fufpefe luhat a Mortification it muji
bt to a Wotnan born of fuch noble Parents, and bred
up in all the Pomp of a Court, under the Care of an
indulgent Father, to fuffer as I no'iu do ; yet nvhy
did I fay indulgent Father ? Alas I itiat it not hit
Cruelty that banijhed me his only Daughter, from his
Dominions, only for marrying a Nobleman of fhe Court,
ivhom I loved to Excefs, 'without his JGio'Vuledge ?
Was it not my Father that occafioned my dear Lord
and Hujband take cut off in the Bloom of his Age,
by faljly accujing him of a Defign againjl his Per-
foi^, a Deed luhich his virtuous Soul abhorred. Here
flie pretended her Sorrow would permit her to re-
hearie no more of her Misfortunes, and the whole
Company was touched with CompalEon at the me-
lanchoUy Relation, which (he fo well humoured,
that they all looked upon it as true, giving her out
of mere Pity, all the Money they had about them,
promifing to meet her again with more. This they
alfo accompliihed, and ever afterwards called her,
the poor unfortunate German Princefs ; which Name
file laid Claim to in all Companies.
The Exchange Tavern was kept by one Mr. King,
who was the fame as kept it when our Princefs re-
ceived her Honourary Title. As Ihe was now come
from foreign Parts, with a great Deal of Riches, he
believed more than ever the Truth of what fiie had
before affirmed : Nor was Madam backwards in tel-
ling him that fhe had raifed all her Wealth by pri-
vate Contribution from fome Princes of the Empire,
who were acquainted with her Circumibnces, and
to whom fhe had made herfelf known : Adding, that
not one of thofe who had given her any Thing, dared
to acquaint her Father that they knew where fhe
was, be<^ufe they were all his Neighbours, and
vaflly Inferior to him in the Number and Strength
of their Force«, For, faid fhe, my Father is fo in-
exorable, that he "would make War upon any Prince,
1/nho hi knenu extended his Pity to me.
John CarUtm, whom we mentioned before at her
third Hufband, was Brother-in-Law to Mr. King.
He made his AddrefTes to the Princefs Fan tVohuay,
in the mofl dutiful and fubmilEve Manner that could
be imagined, making Ufe of his Brother's Intcreft,
to negotiate the Affair between them, till with a
great Deal of feeming Reluftance at Marrying one
of commoji Blood, her Highnefs confented to take
Itim to her Embraces. Now was Mr. Carleton as
great as his Majefty, in the Arms of an imaginary
rrincefs ; he formed to himfelf a thoufand Pleafures,
which the vulgar Herd could have no Notion of;
he threw himielf at her Feet inTranfport, and made
Ufe of all the Rhetoric he could coUefi, to thank her
for the prodigiotrs Honour fhe had done him. But
Alas ! how was he furprized, when Mr. King pre-
feht^ed film with tite following Letter.
SIR,
I Am an intire Stranger to your Perfon, yet comrn,
Juflice and Humanity obliges me to gii>e you A
tice, that the pretended Princefs, •vjho has pajjed he
felf upon your Brother, Mr. John Carleton, is a Che.
and an Impoftor.
If I tell you. Sir, that Ihe has already marri
feveral Men in our County cyKent, a'td afterwar
made off ivith all the Money Jhe could get into k
Hands, I Jay no more than could be proved, luert J
brought in the Face of Jufiice.
That you may be certain I am not miflaken
the Woman, pleafe to obferve that Jhe has hi
BreaJ}, a very graceful Apprtaranct, and ffet
fever al Languages fluently .
Yours unknovnn,
T. 1
After Mrs. Carleton (for fo we may at prefent <
her) had got rid of her Hufband, and of the Pre
cution for marr) ing him, fhe was entertained by \
Players, who were in Hopes of gaining by a Worn
who had made fuch a confiderable Figure on
real Theatre of the World. The Houi'e was v
much reforted to upon her Account, and fhe goi
great deal of Appiaufe in her Bramatical Capaci
by the feveral Characters Ihe performed, wh >
were generally either Jilt, Coquette, or Cbaml
Maid, either of which was agreeable to her artful •
trigueing Genius ; but what contributed moll to '
Fame, was a Play, written purely upon her Accoi ,
called the German Princcjs, from her Name, am i
which fhe performed a principal Part, befides fpe ■
ing the following Epilogue.
Pve paft one Trial, but it is my Fear
1 Jhall receive a rigid Sentance here :
fou think me a hold Cheat, buf Cafe 'tivere ft
Which of you are not ? No-iu yoi^d fixiar I in, ,
But do not, left that you dejerve to be
Cenfur^d luorje than you can Cenfure me:
The World's a Clieat, and vie that move in it.
In our Degrees, do exercife our Wit ;
And better ^tis to get a glorious Name,
Hovjever got, than live by common Fame.
The Prinoefs liad too much Mercury in her C '
flitution to be long fettled in any Way of Life wt •
foever : The whole City of London was too li i
for her to Aft in, how was it pofTible then 1 1
fhe fhould be confined in the narrow Limiti ol
Theatre ? She did not, however, le.ive the Stage )
foon but fhe had procured a confiderable Numbe; f
Adorers, who having either fcen her Perfon, or he 1
of her Fame, were deiirous of a uearer Acqu: -
tance with her. As (he was naturally given to C( -
pany and Gallantry, (he was not ycry difficult oi . •
cefs i yet when you were in her Prei'ence, you we
certain to meet with an Air of IndifFerency.
There were two of her Bullies wlio doted on r
beyond all the Rejt, a couple of fmart young 1 »
lows, who had abundance more in their Pock ,
than they had in their Heads. Thefe from a i-
ficiency of Wit in themfelves, were very fond in e
large Quantity of that Commodity which they -
covered in her Company. There is no Doubt t
they had other Defigns than juft to converfe v ^
her, for they feveral Times diicovered an Incl. ■
tion to come a little nearer to her Body : And h ■
dam was not (o ignorant, but die knew their Me-
ing by their Whining ; fhe therefore gave them . -
couragemenr, till fhe had drained about 300 /. ••
pij
PyrakSj Highwaymen, Murderers, &c.
\ece out of them, and then , finding their Stock
retry well exhaufted, flie turn'd them both off, tel-
ng them (he wondered how they could have the
mpiidencf to pretend Love to a Princefs.
After this, an elderly Gentleman fell into the
me Coniiition, at feeing her, as feveral had doni
;fore, tlio' he was fifty Years of Age, and not ig-
mint other former Tricks. He was worth about
)0 /. per Jnnum, and immediately refolv'd to be
' the Cii:;rge of a conftant Maintenance, provided
e would confent to live with him. To bring a-
)ut which he made her feveral valuable Prelents of
Ings, Jewels, i^c. At laft, after a long Siege, he
came -iVlalier of the Fort ; yet in fuch a Manner,
at it fcemed rather to be furrender'd out of pur«
jve and Generofity, than from any mercenary
lews, for fhe always protefted againll being Cor-^
pted, io far as to part with her Honour, for the
:;e of filthy Lucre, whici is a common Artifice of
i; Sex. Our Gentleman, tho', as has been re-
jirk'd, he was fenfible what fhe ;was ; yet by De-
j ;es he became fo enamour'd, as to believe every
' ling (he faid, and to look upon her as the moil
' tuous Woman alive.
Living now as Man and Wife, (he feem'd to re-
( jble her Endearments, and to give them all a grea-
I Air of Sincerity, fo that he was continually gra-
t 'ing her with fome collly prcfent or another, which
1 always took Care to receive with an Appearance
< jeing afhamed he (hculd bear fo many Obligati-
( on her, telling him continually that (he was not
* rthy of fo many Favours. Thus did (he vary in
I Behaviour, according to the Circumlknces and
'mper of the Perfon (he had to deal with. At
1 , our old Lover came home one Night very
r ch in Liquor, and gave her a Jewel of 5 /. Va-
1 , and our Princefs thought this as proper a Time
a any (he was like to meet with, for her to make
t inoft of his Worlhip's Paflion. Accordingly
I ing got him to Bed, and feen him fad afleep,
\ ich he foon was at this Time, (he proceeded to
r;him, finding his Pocket-Book, with a Bill for
I ) /. upon a Goldfmith in the City, and the Keys
chis Trunks and Efcrutoires,
)he now proceeded to fecure all that was worth
h while ; among other Things, (he made herfelf
Mlrefs of 20 pieces of old Gold, a gold Watch, a
gd Seal, an old Silver Watch, and ieveral pieces of
ite, with other valuable Moveables, to the Value
iiillofi5o/. Now (he thought it heft for her to
nke ofFas fall as fhe co^jld with her Prize. So as
f<n ab it was Day ftie took Coach, and drove to the
tUfmith, who miflrulled nothing, having feen her
bore with tiie Gentleman, and mftantly paid the
ID /. upon which llie delivered up the Bill.
-laving thus overreached her old Lover, Madam
tk a convenient Lodging, at which fhe pall for a
\ gin, with a Fortune of a icoo/. left her by an
Icle ; to this (he added, that her Father was very
I h, and able to give her as much more, but that
diking a Man whom he had provided for her
I (band, (he had left the Country, and retired to
I don ; wliere fhe was in Hopes none of her Rela-
1 15 would find her. That this Story might ap-
F:r the more probable, (lie contrived Letters from a
J.-nd which were brought her continually'; and in
w ch, fhe pretended, fhe received an .Account of all
ti: pall, v/ith refpedl to her Father and Lover.
^■;fe Letters being loofely laid about the Chamber,
V e pick'd up by ner Landlady, who out of Curio-
fi perufed the Contents, and by that Means became
Be and more fatisficd in her Tennant. This
I'ldlady had a Nephew of conliderabie Subllance,
^ it was now all her Endeavour to make a Match
between him and her young Gentlewoman, whom
fhe foon brought to be pretty intimately acquainted
together.
The new Lover prefents her with a Watch, as a
Token of his Efleem for her Perfon, but the poor
innocent Creature refufed it with abundance of Mo •
defly. However, fhe was at laft prevailed upon to
accept this little Favour, and the young Man thought
himielf with one Foot in Paradiie already, that Ac
was fo condefcending. Their Amour ifter this, went
on to both their Satisfaftions ; M.'dam feeing a fair
Profpeft of making a Penny of her Mamorato, and
he not in the leall doubting but he fhould obtain
his Wifh, and one Day or another enjoy that Hea-
ven of Blifs, wliich, as he frequently exprefTed it,
was treafured in her Arms.
One Da)' as they were converfmg together, and
entertaining e.ich other with all the foft and tender
Endearments of young Lovers, a Porter knocks at
the Door, and upon being admitted, delivers a Let-
ter to our Lady, being introduced by the Maid, who
had received her Inltruftions before-hv.d. Madam
immediately opens and reads the Letter, but fcarce
had fhe made an End, before altering her Counte-
nance, (he Shrieked out. Oh ! I am undone, I am
undone. All the Company could fcarce prevent her
falling in a Swoon, tho' the fmelling Bottle was at
Hand, and her young Lover fitting by her ; who,
to be furc, did not fail to ufe all the Rhetoric he
was Mailer of, in order to comfort her, and learn
the Caufe of her Surprife. Sir, quoth fhe at \cA,fince
you are already acquainted ivitb moft of my Concerns^
1 Jhallnot make a Secret of this: There/ore if you
pleaj'e, read this Letter, and kno'w the Occajton of
my Afflielion. The young Gentleman rectived it at
her Hands, and read as follarujs.
Dear Madam,
I Have feveral Times taken my Pen in Hand,
on purpofe to write to you, and as often -laid
it afide again, for fear of giving you more Trou-
ble than you already labour under. However, as
the Affair fo immediately concerns you, I cannot
in Juflice hide what I tremble to difclofe, but
mull in Duty tell you the worft of News, what-
ever may be the Confequence of my fo doing.
' Know then, that your alFediooate and tender
Brother is Dead. I am fenfible how dear he was
to you, and yoii to him ; yet let me intreat you for
your own fake to acquiefce in the Will of Provi-
dence as much as poffible, fince our Lives are all
at his Dil'pofal who gave us Being.
' I could u(e another Argument to comfort you,
that with a Siller leis loving than you would be of
more Weight than that I have urged, but I know
you your Soul is above :U1 mercenary Views. I
cannot, however, forbear juft to inform you
that he has left you all he had ; and you know
further, that your Father's Ellate of 200 /. per
Annum, ean now devolve upon No-Body after his
Decafe, but yourfelf, who are now his only Child
' What I am next to acquaint you with, may per-
haps be almoll as bad as the former Particular.
Your hated Lover has been fo importunate with
your Father, efpecially fince your Brother's De-
ceafe, that the old Gentleman refolves, if ever he
(hould bear of you any more, to marry you to him,
and he makes this the Condition of your being re-
ceived again into his Favour, and having your
former Difobedience, as he calls it, forgiven :
While your Brother lived, he was every Day en-
deavouring to I'often the Heart of your Father,
and we were but laft Week in Hopes he would
have confcnted to let you follow you: Iriciinarions,
' if
1^0
" if you would come Hofne to him again ; but now
' there is never an Advocate in your Caufe, who can
' Work upon the Man's peevifli Temper ; for he
' fays, as you are now his fole Heir, he ought to be
* more refolute in the Difpofal of you in Mar-
* riage.
' While I am Writing, I am furprifed with an Ac-
* count that your Father and Lover are both prepar-
' ing to come to Lohdon, where they fay they can
' find you out. Whether or no this be only a De-
' vice, I cannot tell, nor can I imagine where they
' could receive their Information if it be true : How-
' ever, to prevent the Worft, confider, whether or
^ no you can call off your old Averfion, and fubmit
' to your Father's Commands ; for if you cannot,
' it will be moft advifeable, in my Opmion, to change
* your Habitation. I have no more to fay in the Af-
' fair, being unwilling to dired you in fuch a very
' nice Circumftance, the Temper of your own Mind
* will be the beft Inftruftor you can apply to, for
' your future Happinefs or Mifery, during Life, de-
' pends on your Choice. God grant that every
' Thing may turn for the Better."
from your Friend,
S. E.
Our young Lover having read the Letter, found
that ftie had real Caufe to be afflidled. Pity for her,
and above all, a Concern for his own Interell, and the
Fear of lofmg his Miftrefs to the Country Lover,
thro' the Authority of her Father, put him upon per-
fwadirg her to remove from her Habitation, and
come to refide with him, having very handfome
Rooms, fit for the Reception of a Perfon of fuch high
Quality. Thither fhe went the next Day, with her
Maid, who knew her Deftgn, and had engaged to
affift her theeein to the utmoft of her Ability. When
they were come into Madam's Bed-Chamber, they
refolved not to go to Rett, that they might be ready
to move off in the Morning at the nrft Opportunity.
By turns they flept in their Cloaths on the Bed, and
towards Morning when all were feft, but themfelves,
they went to Work, broke open a Trunk, took a
Bag with loo/. in it, and feveral Suits of Apparel,
and then flipt out, leaving our poor Lover to look
for his Money and Miftrefs together when he was iHr-
ring, who were both by that Time far enough out of
his Way.
In a Word, it would be impoffible to relate half
the Tricks which fhe play'd, and mention half the
Lodgings in which (he at Times refided. Seldom did
Ihe mifs carrying offa sonfiderable Booty wherefoever
ftie came ; at beft (he never fail'd of fomething, for
all was Fiih that came to her Net, where there was
no Plate, a pair of Sheets, half a dozen Napkins, or
or a Pillobier ; nay, even Things of a lefe Value than
thefe would fervc her Turn, rather than Ihe would
fuffer her Hands to be out of Praaice. Captain
Smith, for the Sake of fwelling her Life, has made
her the Adrefs of feveral Things which he has in o-
ther Places apply'd to other People. We can fee no
Caufe he had to do thus, fmce there are many more
genuine Fafts that have come to knowledge then we
ihall infert.
One Time fhe went to a Merctr\ in Cheapfide,
with her pretended Maid, where (he agreed for as
much Silk as came to 61. and pulled out her Purfe
to pay for it, but there was nothing therein but feve-
ral particular pieces of Gold, which fhe pretended
to have a great Value for .- The Mercer to be fure,
would not be fo rude as to let a Gentlewoman
•f Figure part with what ihe had fo much ellesra
A General History of
th
for J fo he ordered one of his Men to go alon
with her to her Lodging, and receive the Mone
there. A Coach was ready which (he had brougl
along with her, and they all three went up into i
When they came to the Royal-Excbangi, Madai
ordered the Coachman to fet her down, pretendin
to the Mercer that fhe wanted to buy ibme Kibboi
fuitable to the Silk ; upon wliich he fuffered tl.
Maid, without any Scruple, to take the Goods alon
with her, flaying in the Coach . for their retun
But he might have flayed long enough, if he hi
attended till they came again, for they, found Meat
to get off into Threadneadle-Jireet and the youi
Man having waited till he was quite Weary, mad
the beft of his Way home to rehearfe his Misfortui
to his Mafter.
Something of a Piece with this, was a Cheat iH
put upon a French Mafter Weauer in Spittlefileik
of whom (he bought to the of Value 40 1. taking hii
Home with her to her Lodging, and bidding hi)
make a Bill of Parcels, for halt the Silk *as for
kinfwoman of hers in the next Room. The Frenchm;
fate down very orderly to do as (lie bid him, whii
fbe took the Silk into the nex t Room for her Nie
to fee it : Half an Hour he waited pretty contentedl
drinking fome Wine, which Madam had left hir
Atlaft beginning to be a little uneafy, he mai
bold to Knock, when the People of the Hou
came up, and upon his asking for the Gentl
woman, told him (he had been gone out foD
Time, and was to come there no more. The po
Man (eeming lurprirfii, tliey tooii him into the ne
Room, and (hewed iiimapair of back Stairs whi
was the proper Way to her Apartment. Moi(/U<
was at firlt in a Paiiion with the People, till thi
convinced him that they knew nothing of his Ge<
tlewoman, any more then that fhe had taken thi'
Room for a Month, which being expired, fhe w
removed they could not tell whether.
The next Landlord fhe had was a Taylor, who
file employed to make up what (he bilked the }M
cer and Weaver of. The Taylor imagines he 1
got an excellent Job, as well as a topping Worn
for his Lodger, fo he (ell to Work immediate
and by the Afliftance of fome Journeymen which
hired on this Occafion, he got the Cloths finid:
againft a Day which (he appointed, when
pretended (he was to receive a great Number of ^
fiters. Againil the fame Time Ihe gave her Lan
lady JO J. to provide a Supper, defiring her
fend for what was needful, ai;d (lie would pay t
Overplus next Day. Accordingly ,nn elegant Enti
tainment was prepared. Abundance of Wine V
Drank, and the poor Taylor was as Drunk asi
Beaft. This was what our Princefs wanted, for t
Landlady going up to put her Husband to Bed, 1|
and all her Guefts flip'd out, one with a (ilver Tai
ard, f^nother with a Salt, Lcr Maid with th
Cloths which was not on their B .ck^ ; and, in aWoi
not one of them all went off empty-handed. Bci
got into the Street, they put the Maid aiid'the Eoc
into the Coach, getting themfelves into others, a
driving by different Ways to the Pi.ice of their ni
Refidence, not one of them being dilcnvered.
Another Time, fhe had a mighty Mind, feei
to put herfelf into Mourning, to wiiich Purpofe,
fent her Woman to a Shop in the Nen.v- Exchange
the Strand, where (he had bought fome Tilings I
Day before, to defire that the People would bri
Choice of Hoods, knots Scarves, Aprons, Cu
and other Mourning Accutrements to her Lodgi
inftantly, for her Father was dead, and fhe muil
ready in {o many Days to appear at his Funei
The Woman of the Shop presently look'd out
Pyratesy H'tghnjoaymm^ Murderers^ dCc.
Ibert (lie liaJ ofench of there Commodities, and made
tne be:t ot' her VVV.y to Madam's Qtiarters. When
c.ime there, the poor Lady was ladly indifpos'd,
t,i,.t flie was not able to look over the Things till
:;ji- Dinner; when, if Madam Milliner wou'd pleafe
r ) come r.g lin; fhe did not doubt but they Ihou'd
if.il. The good Woman was very well fati.'fy'd,
md refus'd to take hci lionc.t back again, but defir'd
Tie might trouble her Ladyfhip fo far as to leave them
:neie till fne came again; which was very readily
granted. At the Time appointed comes our Tradef-
icaian, and alk if the Gentlev.oman above Stairs was
aUoiiie, but was told, to her great Mortification,
;: llie was gone out they could not tell whether, and
.t tiiev believ'd {be would never return again ; for
. had found Means, before her Departure, to con-
V V away ftvcral of tr.e moil valuable Parts of Fur.
.i»;"c 111 the Room N.hich fhe had hir'd. The next
)^y coiifmn'd their Suipicion, and made both the
j.-.iid'ord and Milliner give her up for an Impollor,
iid their Goods for loll.
Being habited, a la Mode, all in Sable, (lie took
^jonis in Fuller'' s- Rents in Holborn, and (ent for a
ouiig Rirrifter of Gray's- Inn. When Mr. Juftinian
.uiie, (he told him (he was Heir to her deceas'd Fa-
;ier, but that having an extravagant Hulband, with
horn Ihc did not live, fhe was willing to fecure her
!iLte in fuch a Manner as that he might not enjoy
ic Benefit ol it, or have any Command over it, for,
hl- had, (he was ctrt.iin ot coming to want Bread
1 a little Time. Here fhe wept plentifully, to make
c; Cafe have the greater Effed, and engage the
,juyer to ftay with her till the plot flie had laid
Duld be executed. Wtiile the grave young Man was
Lilting his Face into a proper Poiition, and (peaking
' ihe Affair in Hand W'ith ail the Learning of Coke,
Vonvm came up Stairs on a fudden, crving out, O
/, Madam, ive arc all undone ! for my Mnjier is
-jif. He has been ajlcing ajter you, and pwears he
.ill come up to your Chamber. I am afraid the P:o-
!; of the Houfe luill not able to kinder him, he ap-
earsjo refolute. O Hea'vens ! fays our Counterfeit,
L'hat Jhall Ida? //%.? fayi the Lawyer, llhy!
uoth file, I mean for you, dear me, nuhat Excufe
'■•nil I make for your being here? 1 dare not tt II him
our Quality and Bujincfs ; for that ivould endanger
II. And, on the other i^ide, he is extremely jealous,
hcrefore, good Sir, Jlep into that Clofct till 1 can
end him a-way. The Law) er being furpnz'd, and
lot knowing what to do lb on a ludden, complied
vith her Requeil, and fhe lock'd him into the Clo-
et, drawing tiie Curtains of the Bed, and going to
he Door to receive her counterfeit Hutband, who, by
his Time, had deni.indcd Entrance.
No iooner v9as our Gentleman enter'd, but he be-
j.in to give his Spouie the molt opprobrious Lan-
;ir!ge he could invent. O Mrs. fjcvil, fays he, /
inierjland you hwve a Mai: in the Room ! A pretty
- '"panion for a poor innocent II oman, truly, one
•- 3 is alirays complaining hoiu hardly I uje her.
' /-•ere is the Son of a Whore ? I jhallfacrifce him
his Moment. Is this your Modeftt, Madam? This
y.ir Virtue? Let me fee your Gullant immediately,
r, by the Light, you jhall be the firj} Vidim your/elf.
Jpon this, he made to the Cloiet-Door, and foic'd
t open in a great Fury, as he had before been di-
j'eiSed. Here he dilcovers our young Lawyer, all
>ale, and trembling, ready to (ink through the Floor
: :he Sight of one from w horn he could e.vpcfl no
jiicy. Out flies the Sword, and poor Littleton
v..'-. upon his Marrow-bones in a Moment. Jult in
.lis Lillant Madam interpos'd, being refolv'd r-ther
0 die herfelf than Ice the Blood of an innocent Man
'lit in her An.-.rtmenr, and upi;ii h'.r Account. A
24t
Companion, alfo, of our Bully Hufband, ftepp'd up,
and wrefted the Sword out of his Hand by main
Strength, endeavouring to pacify him with all the
Rcafon and Art he was Mailer of Bat flill, that
there might be no Appearance o( Impollurc, the
more they llrove, the more enrag'd our mjur'd poor
Cornuto appear'd, for fuch he thought to make the
Lawyer believe he imagin'd himfelf.
They could not, however, fo eJevilually impofc
on our Limb of the Law as than hedifcern'd no-
thing of the .Artifice : He began to fee himfelf tra-
pann'd, and ventur'd to fpeak inhis own Eehalf, and
tell the whole Truth of the Story. Bat he raignt as
well have faid nothing; for the other infilled upon it
that this was only Pretence, and that he came there
for other Purpofe?. His Honour was injur'd, and
nothing would ierv e but Blood, or other iufiicieiit Re-
paration. It v^as at lall re.l-rr'd to the Arbitr.itioa
of the other Man, who ciime with the fh:jm Hus-
band ; and he propos'd the Sum of 500 /. to raalie
up tae Matter. This was a large Sum, and indeed,
more than the Lawyer could weil raife : However
he at lafl confented to pay down 100/. rather than
bring himfelf into frefh Inconveniences ; which they
oblig'd him immediately to fend for, firil looking
Over the Note, to fee that he did not fend for a
Conllable inftead of the Money. Upon the Payment,
they difcharg'd him from his Confinement.
Not long afer tais, our Princefs was apprehended
for llealing a Silver Tankard in Covent Garden, and
alter E.\amination, committed to NexLgate. At the
following Seffions fhe v\ai found gui ty, and con-
demn'd, but v. as afterwards repriev'd, and order'd
for Tranfportation. This Sentence was executed,
and (he was lent to "Jamaica, where fhe had not
been above two Years, before fhe return'd to Eng-
land again, and fet up for a rich Heirefs. By tfds
Means, (he got married tea very w-. althy Apo:heciry
at IVeflmiiftcr, whom fii; robb'd cf above 30c /. and
then left hini.
After this, fhe took a Lodging, in a Hdil'e where
no body liv'd l)ut the LanJhdy, a Waichmiker, who
w.as alio a Lodger, and heifelf and Maid. When
file thought her Chara6ter here pretty well eft::b!ini-
ed, flie one Night invited the VYttcl-.m;:ker and her
Landlady to go svith her and fee a PI '.y, pretending
fhr had a Prefent of fome Tickets. Tney confented,
and only Madam's Mud, who was almolt as good as
hcrfelf, was ieftat Home. She, according to Agree-
ment, in their Abience broke open almoll all the
Locks in the Hoafe, ftole zoo/, m Money, and a-
bout thirty Watches; fo that the Prize, in all, a
mounted to about 600/. which fhe carried to a Place
before provided, in another Part of the Townr Af-
thc the Play was over, our Princtf. invited her Com-
panions to drink with her as tiie Green Dragon Ta-
vern in Flertjfreef, where fhe gave them the Slip,
and went to her Maid.
We now proceed to the Cataftrophe of this prodi-
gious Woman, who, had fhe been virtuotfly inclin'd
was capable of being the Pho.'nix of her Age; for it
was impofTibic for her not to be admir'd in every
Thing fhe faid and did. The Manner of her lafl and
fatal Apprehenf on, was as follows, we having taken
the Account from the Papers of thofe Tinges.
One Mr. Freeman, a Breiver in Southzvark, had
been robb'd of about 200/. whereupon he went to
M.I. Lo^\:man, Keeper af the Marjhaljea, and defi-
red him to fearch all i'uipicious Places, in order to
difcover the Thieves. One Lancafter was the Per-
fon moll fi'fpeiled, and while they were fer.rching a
Houfe near Ke--M Spring-Gardens for him, they
fpied a Gentleivoman, as ihe teemed to be, walking
in the two pair of Stairs Room in a Nigtit-GDun :
3 Q_ Mi.Lov:-
14-
Mr. Li'wman immediately enter's the Room, fpies
three Letters on the Table, and begins to examine
them : Madam feems offended with him, and their
DiCpute caui'ed him to look on her fo ftedfaftly that
lie l^new her, call'd her by her Name, and carried
away both her and her Letters.
This was in December 1672, and ftie was kept
clofe Prifoner till the 1 6th of January following,
when fhe was brought by Writ of Habeas Corpus to
the Old Bailey, and alk'd whether or no flie was the
Woman who ufually went by the Name of i1f<7ry
Carleton, to which (he anfwered, that (lie was the
fame, the Court then demanded the Reafon of her
returning (0 foon from the Tranfportation (he had
been Sentenced to. Here (he made a great many
triflng Evaiions, to gain Time, by which Means (he
gave the Bench two or three Days Trouble. Atlaft,
when (lie found nothing elfe would do, (he pleaded
her Belly, but a Jury of Matrons being called, they
brought her in not quick with Child. So that on
the lall Day of the Se(rions (he received Sentence of
Death, in the ufual Form, with a great deal of Intre-
pidity.
After Condemnation (lie had abundance of Vifi-
tants, fome out of Curiofity, others to converfe with
her, learn her Sentiments of Futurity, and give her
fuch Inftruftions as were needful. Among the Lat-
ter, was a Gentleman to whom (he gave a great
many regular Refponfes ; in which (he difcovered
herfelf to be a Roman Catholick, profeft her Sorrow
for her paft Life, and wilh'd (he had her Days to
live over again ; (he alfo blam'd the Women who
were her Jury for their Verdift, faying, that (he be-
lieved they could not be fure of what they teftify'd,
and that they might have given her a little more
Time.
On the 2zd of January, which was the Day of
h^r Execution, (he appeared rather more Gay and
Bri(k than ever before. When her Irons were taken
o(F, (for (he was (hackled) (he pinn'd the Pifture of
her Hu(band Carleton on her Sleeve, and in that
manner carried it with her to Tyburn. Seeing the
Gentleman who had converfed with her, (he faid to
him in French, Man Ami., le ban Dieu •voss henijfe.
My Friend, God blefiyoH. At hearing St. Stf^idre's
A General H i s t o r v of
Bell toll, (he made ufe of fereral Ej^ukrions. One
Mr. Crouch, a Friend of hers, rode with lier in the
Cart, to whom (he gave at the Gallows two Popiih'
Books, called, The Key of Paradife, and The Ma-
nual 0/ Daily De'votio/i. At the Place of Execution :
(he told the People, That foe had been a wery 'vain ,
IVoman, and expeSed to he made a Precedent for ^in ;
that tho' the World had condemned her, fe had nuth
to fay for herfelf ; that Jhe pray'd God to forgive her,
as Jhe did her Enemies ; and a little more to the fame
E(Feft. After which, (he was turn'd off, in the jSth
Year of her Age, and in the fame Month (he was
born in.
Her Body was put into a Coffin, and decently bu-
ried in St. Ajar//?;'s-Church-Yard, on which Occa^
fion a merry Wag wrote this Diltich.
The German Princcfs here, againll her Will,
Lies Underneath, and yet. Oh itrange ! lies fill.
Verfes on the GERMAN PRINCESS.
I.
Tl^H A T might our Princefs be efleemed;
If Women all are Wonders deemed ;
Since, from the fame unfounded Caufe,
Of Wonders, the the Wonder ixias ?
II.
A Woman's Arts, the learned pretend.
No Man ali<ve can comprehend :
Carleton in <ujiles, ivheneijer try' J,
Exceeded all the Sex befide.
III.
No Woman's Cran/ing can be flill'd.
So Solomon the ivife Man held;
Bt any Jingle Man he meant ;
Not fifty Carleton could content.
IV.
In Vain her Qualities lue trace ;
O'er all the Sex Jhe claims a Place',
For all the rwondrous Sex comhin'd
To call her Wonder of their Kind.
Th
m
PyrateSf Highwajme^f Murderers, &c.
243
The LIFE o/THOMAS WATERS.
r-^HO M AS IV AT E RS was borp of very
reputable Parents at Henley upon Thames in
. . Oxford/hire. His Father and Mother both
\y when he was very young, and left him to the
Ja of an Uncle, who put him Apprentice to a No-
arPublick hthmd t\\c Royal Exchange. But Bufi-
lei vas what his Mind was not turn'd for, and the
iei tude of feven Years appear'd to him a grievous
ft g ; whereupon he gave himfelf a Difcharge with
iU he Leave of his Mafter, before he had ierv'd
al he Term. What little Money he had was foon
xfided, and he was expos 'd to the wide World,
:■ Jt any vifible Way of getting a Living in it :
: Ciicumllances foon inclin'd him to apply him-
■it 0 the Highway, as the only Method he could
«' f fupportnig himfelf; there being this peculiar
ge in the Life of an Highwayman, that he
lot want a Livelihood fo long as he has
ciion for it, if he will but be indulirious in this
0 ion : He may rob till he is taken, then the
■ mull maintain him till the Seflions or Aflizes,
- .ic has the Luck to be hang'd, there's an End
. ce of all his Wants. This was Tern's, Way of
lit ng, and his whole Life afterwards was a Series
rlions agreeable thereto.
' is true he enter'd himfelf at firfl into tlie Earl
■" |9OT)'s Troop of Guards, but the P,iy of this
ffi'.e was not at all proportionsble to his Expences,
1 jit he was a Soldier rather to conce.il himfelf
aibr the Profit of his Place. The Highway was
y» more advantageous, and he foon entirely neg-
fii his Duty, and deferted, for the fake of livmg
01 at Freedom upon the Stock of his good For-
I. firft Exploit was on about twenty Or thirty
)■ es, whom lie faw near Bromlct in Kent, as
lejwere coming one Morning early out of a Barn,
h«: they had lam all Night. He rid up to them,
idommandcd them to Stand, with threatening to
iO( half a Score of them tl.rough the Head, if
ie;jid not obey his Command inllantly. Thefe
:rcers were p:ctty patient thus far; but when he
;^j'J them to draw tlieir Purfe-Strings, they fet up
I <ucry as terrible, as the Hok loo of the IVild-IriJlj,
lie they lofe a Cock or a Hen. The being robb'd
i -■ Highway was iometiiing new ro them, who
i li ciieir Lives long been us'd to defraud every
met with. Some of tiiem intreated his Pity
:-ipafilon in a miferable Tone : Others began
1 ,1 his Fortune ; promifing him abundance of
■'cis, and every Thing elfe tiiey could think of
delirable, and bellowing on him more Blef-
i^n tiie Pope would have fold for all the
■ >•■ they had to lofe, tho' perhaps his Benedicfli-
ive not a Halfpenny more intrinlick V'alue in
'1 iieirs. Tom w.as not fo fuperllitious at this
!■! as to take Notice either of their Prediftions
•ir BlelTings; he wanted the ready Rhino; for
d ProVerb, Tr-nr one^ Biid in Hand is I'jorth
«»i 1 the Biijh, was one of his darling Maxims. A
iJ
Plague take you, fays he, for a Corrpany of canting
M hores and Rogues, I knozu nx)hat my Fortune n
'well enongh : 1 jhall be hang'd, if I don't mend
my Manners, and fa 'tis pojfible fome cf you may he
too : However, neither this Similitude in our For-
tunes, nor all the Jargon you can mufer, ivill do ycu
auy Ser'vire ; fo dtli-vcr, or I'll fend half of you to
your old Friend the Devil.
When our Tribe of Jugglers found he was refolute-
ly bent upon taking what they had, they began to
empty their Pockets of a large Quantity of Silver
Spoons, Taifers, Gold Rings, i^c which they either
fiole, or pcrfuaded ibme of the filly Country People
to give tham, for having their Fortunes told. Thefe
Moveables, together with what Money they produc'd,
amounted in all to Sixty Pounds. By that Time Tcm
had got his Booty, fevcral Country Fellows in the
Neighbourhood, who were alarmed at the lirft Out-
cry, came running to fee what was the Matter, with
Clubs, Flails, and Pitchforks in their Hands. Tont
faw them coming, and rode to meet them, crviiig
out, 'Ihat luhile one of the Gipfia ivas telling hit
Fortune, fe pick'd his Pocket to a corfiderable Va-
lue, and -Mould not return him any Thing again ; far
ivhich Rcafon he had hcen lajhin^ fome of them ivith
his IVhip. Tou did -very ivell, Majier, faid the Boors ;
for there are nol fuh Thieves in Hell r.s thefe Gypfies
are. This turn'd the Rage of the Countrymen up-
on the Tawiiy Tribe, fo that they drove them all
ouc> of Sight with their Sticks, and throwing Stones
at them, while Tom rode laughing off, to think
how he had impos'd on them.
One Time he met with an Hpftler on the Road
from Torhfiire to London, who had once liked to
have betray 'd him at an Inn in Dcncaficr. This Fel-
low had fav'd together Forty Pounds, and was com-
ing to Town in order to improve it, either by jocky-
ing, or keeping an Alehoufe ; the two Ways his
Countrymen commonly apply thenifelves to. Tom
knew him again, and the Remembrance of fueh a
grofs Affront was enough to m&ke him a little
rough ; however, he promis'd to fpare his Life,
tho' he did not defervc fuch a Favour, if he deli-
ver'd what he had without Wcr Js. The Hollltr
was confcious of what he had done, and fo he iur-
rcndcr'd ; but at the fame Time begg'd tl;..c IFa-
tei s would return him P.irt of it, becaufe other-
wile he was utterly undone. But in.lead of heark-
ening his Repuell, Tom fhot his Horfe, and advi='d
hijn to tramp down into Torkfire again on Foot
and take to his old Vocation, at which he would
fppn find Ways and Means to make up his Lo.'s.
If Travellers lay true, our Adventurer might not be
much miltaken ; for the Honeily of an Hoitier is a
Proverb on the Road.
Another of Waters'^ Adventures was with Sir
Ralph DcLival, at that Time Vice-Admiral o{ the
Englijh Fleet, whom he \zxy well. The Meeting
was on the Road between Portfmouth and Pctersfeld.
I!' til overtaken. Brother Tar, quotil'5"oOT, pray i\ihat
ktU'Aoit
44
A Gemral History of
Religion are you of? Sir Ralph flared at him, and
fo-em'd aftonilli'd at his Impudence. IVhat Bujinefs
have you, fays he, to enquire about my Religion ?
Kay, Sir Ralph, Waters reply'd, I had only a Mind
to a Ik a civil iihiejiion, becaufe I haije been infortnd
that you Sailors ha-ve no Religion at all: But fine e
you are fo crujty upou this Head, give me Leave to afk
you another "Thing. Pray do you apprehend you Jhall
he robh'd before you come to the End of your Journey?
Not at all, quoth the Admiral, / have my Footman
behind me. Novj there you and I are of tivo Opinions,
fays Tom; for I believe you viill be robb'd very
quickly. While he was fpeaking his Piftols were out,
and Mafter and Man were threaten'd with Death,
if they ofFer'd to llir Hand or Foot: In this Con-
dition the Knight thought it his beft Way to fave
his Life by delivering his Money ; which he did,
to the Tune of ninety Guineas, befides a Gold
Watch. Tom thank'd him very heartily, bid him
not be fo pofitive another Time of efcaping a Rob-
bery, and fo took his Leave to go in queil of other
Adventures, and fpend the Profit of this.
On the fame Day, between Guildford and Godal-
ming, he met with the famous Hermaphrodrite, who
liv'd formerly in Lamb^ s-Conduit-Fields, and after-
wards at Gofport. A mere Frolick excited him to
rob this Perion, that he might have fuch an Adven-
ture to talk of afterwards. He ftopp'd her (for (he
was drefs'd in Woman's Apparel) with a Volley of
Oaths and hard Names ; calling her Mafculo-Fe-
minine Moniler ; half Dog, half Bitch ; and abun-
dance to the fame Purpofe ; telling her. That he did
not at all fear Profecution : For, as thou art neither
Man nor IVoman, fays he, '' tvoill be impojjlble for thee
to lodge a Bill again]} me. He got from this Perfon
about Twenty Pounds, which pleas'd him mors than
any other Booty he ever got in his Life, as he fre-
quently us'd to declare.
For the Space of five Years and upwards he con-
tinued his Robberies, during which Time he com-
mitted almoft an incredible Number : But as few of
thefe Fellows efcape the Demerit of their Crimes,
though they may elude it for fome Time, fo Tom
fell at lall into the Hands of the Law. His laft
Robbery was on Hounfovi-Heath, a Place where al-
moll all of them at one Time or another try their For-
tunes. He took from one John Hofey, a BriJiolC^t-
rier, above Fourteen Hundred Pounds in Money and
Plate ; fome of which latter was found on him when
he was apprehended. For this Faft he receiv'd Sen-
tence of Death ; and being convey 'd xo Tyburn in 3.
Coach, on Friday the feventeenth Day of July, in
the Year i6gi, he was there executed, in the Twenty
fixth Year of his Age ; going off the Stage jn a very
refoluce Mrnner.
Before he was carry'd from Newgate, he cJeliv J
a Paper to fome of his Friends, the Subllamof
which was as follows.
IT muft be confefs^d, that at firjl Thought a r-
fon in my Condition feems to have the lenj'. ( ,;.
to be merry of any cne in the IVorld ,: I am jull • „
to leave all my Companions, all niy Pleafures, uii.h
a IVord, all that at pre fcnt fear.s moft engaging it-
iher in a literal Senfe, To be no more, or to tt
Leap in the Dark tiie Lord knows whither.
If the firft of thefe vsere certain, I Jhould
nothing more to do than to bid all my Friends C
b' w' ye, and take the finifli'ng Saving ivitb the
Pleafure that 1 go to feep at Night ; or if, on t
I her Hand, I nvere fure of taking a Supper this i
ing, either in P.iradiie or Tartarus, and of he
my Habitation there to Eternity, provided I ivei
form' d in luhich of thefe Places itivas to be, I j
have no Occafion to remain in thisfluBuating, c,
ful. State of Mind ; but give Way either to Di
Or Tranfport, according as my Eniei tainment vjo\
pleajing or dreadful.
But none of thefe Things can be determin'd
this very Uucertainty of Affairs is enough to m
Man thoughtful : We are apt alvjays to fea
ivorft ivhere t^vo Extremes are before us, one of '
cannot be avoided ; efpecially if ive are confci
not having perform'' d the Terms on luhich the
promifed.
Yet, after all, vjhy Jhould voe fear the 1
ivhere every Thing is equally doubtful? Dot
Sailor ahvays think of droivning ivhen he
Sea ? No ; he is as cheerful, as though the E,
he ivas upon expofed him to no Danger. Why t
Death only are our Fears fo povoer ful? lean
Reafon for it, and therefore I ivill endeavour to
no more of it, but turn all my Thoughts to the .
ment of the few Moments I am to be here, i,
Manner ivhich has ujually afforded me the mofl
fure; and as to Futurity be as eafy as ,
Shoe.
I
7'ou fee. Gentlemen, 1 have reafon d myfelj
out of Breath, and neither I nor you are the ivij
all 1 havefaid. Things fill remain as they
and ivill do fo in fpite of all our Enquiries. 1 a
ing the Way of all Flejh, and yet I knoiv not a
the Road beyond TyhMta j nor am I like to knov.
come thither, and then I muft take it as it rui
am to be hang' d ; that's all you"" II ever kiiovj .
and all I ivould ever have you dcfire to knovj. ha
the Job's over, go home and be merry, and ht ain
Waters never more give you an uneafy Thou\^i : .
\i
PyrakSy Highwaymen^ Murderers^ &c.
^45
The LIFE of Captain EVAN EVANS.
"ra-^ II E Title of Captain, was only affumed by
I this noted Criminal, who was born in Sonth-
JL Wales, and his Father, who kept an Inn at
Brecknock, the chief Town in Brecknocklhirs, having
iven hini good Education, put him Apprentice to
n Attornc^• at Law ; but his vicious Inclinations,
gether with the Opportunity he had of correfpond-
ig with fome Gentlemen of the Road, (as fuch
.ogues afFcfted call tliemfelves) who frequented his
actier's Houfe, he foon came to aft in the fame
•icked Courfes they follow'd, and in a little Time
jcame the moft noted Highwayman in thefe Parts,
iving made prodigious Booties of the WelJI} Grafi-
■s and others.
The C.if'tain once happening to be under a Guard,
ho were condufting him to Shreivjbury Goal, with
s Legs tyM under tlie Belly of the Horfe, one of
s Attend:ints had got an excellent Fowling-Piece,
hich was tnea loaded, and the Prifoner ei'pying a
leafant pearching upon a Tree, with a deep tiigh
.prefs'd the Dexterity he had ufed formerly m kill-
g fuch Game ; fo humbly requefting the Gun, that
: might llioot at fo fine a Mark, the ignorant Fel-
w readily complied with his Requell. But no fooner
d the Captain got the Piece into his Hands, but he
arged upon his Guard, and fwore a whole Volley
Oaths, that he would fire upon them if they ftir-
d one Step farther. Then retreating from them
)on his little Poney to a convenient Diilance, he
'inmanded one of them that was beft mounted, to
■me near him and alight ; which being done, and
e Bridle of the Horfe on a Hedge, the poor Fel-
w was obliged to throw him his Piftols, and then
as admitted to approach nearer the Captain, who,
efenting one of them at his Head, obliged him
lofe his Legs, and retire to his Companions :
his being alfo done, he foon left his little Scrub,
aunted the fine Gelding, and rode off".
The Captain then conimg to London, the Coun-
r being too hot to hold liim, upon his handfome
:haviour and Carriage, which was fomewhat E.x-
lordinary, as likewife his Perfon, he got to be
erk to Sir Edmund Andrewi, then Governor of
ternfey, and continued there in that Capacity for
ree or four Years ; but Money not coming in faft
QUgh in that honeft Employment, to fupport his
eked Inclinations, he foon left that Service, re-
rn'd to London, and took a Lodging at the three
eats Tongues in Nicholas-Lane, where he pafled
r a Gucrnjcy Merchant, or a Captain of a Ship, and
sk his younger Brother William Enjans, as a Ser-
nf to wait on him, giving him a Livery, under the
lour of which he committed (everal notorious
ibljferies on tiie Highways about London.
One of his boldeft and moft daring Robberies, was
mmicted on 'Squire Hayvey of EJ/ex, between
ile-End zr\A Boiv, in the Day-time, from whom
took a diamond Ring, and Money, to a confi-
able Value, as he was riding home in his Coach hi
m the
Cathedral Church
6;
of St. Paul's, the late
Queen Jnne having that Day honoured the City with
Royal Prefence.
Sometime after that, meeting not lar from Hamp-
Jlead, with one GflwW a Writmg-Mailer, living in
Exeter-Jlreet, behind Exeter-Exchange, in the Strand,
walking with his Wife, he made bold to command
them to deliver what Money they had, which they
very obftinately refufing, the Captain took what
Money he found in their Pockets, which was about
thirty or forty Shillings, and for their Prefumption
of not being obedient to the Dodiine of Non-re-
fiftance, obliged them upon pain of Death, to ftrip
themfelves Itark naked, and then tying them kloie
Belly to Belly, with their Clothes by them, (for
he did not take them away) bound them to a
Tree, and rode off.. Bat before he, left them, he
had chalk'd in great Letters jufi; over their Heads
on the Body of the Tree, that Gambol , ar;d his
Wife were Adamites ; which is a fort of Sed which
teaches their Profelytcs both Men and Women, to
pray in their Meetings, and perform other divine
Services, llark naked; vdiich Pofture- they call the
Itate of Innoceccy, and the Places tiey affemb'e
in, Paradife. ■ '' . • •;'-''
Another Time, Captain iTva-!!^ ■ and his Brother^
with two other I'erfons, attacked a Member of Pap-:
liament on B^gJho(-H.eath, who, was travellino- in
a Coach and ax ; Horfcs, v/ith three, other Gentle-
men in it, and no Jefs than four Gentlemen on Horfe-
bock well arm'd, befides three Footmen, a Coach-
man and Poftillion. This honourable Perfon and the
reft had a Jealoufy they were Highwaymen comino-
to approach them, and with their Arms, as two Blun-
derbuifes, a Carbine, and Piftols loaded, flood up-
on the defenhve Part, which occiiion'd a Field
Fight for above the Space of a Quarter of an Hour,
feveral Charges and Dil'charges being made between
them, but to no other Hurt done but the Horfe
(hot dead on which the Captain's Brother it'iUiam,
alias his Footman, rode on.
The Captain and the reft of his Accomplices be-
ing Itil! dciperate, the Parliament Man drew his
Sword, and Evans his, and ventur'd to engage in
a iingle Combat to fave farther BloOLllhed ; but in
this tiairly trying their Skill, Evans difarming the
other, generoufly return'd him his Sword again, ac-
cepting only of a good Horfe to carry nis Bro-
off, and what Money tl.ey plca^'d to collect a-
mong them; for which genteel Piece of Behaviour,
that honourable Perfon alter\\arJs endeavoured co
fave his Life.
Not long after this E.vploit, Captain E-vans meet,
ing by Kilburn-li'arren, one H argent a Bricklay-
er, who for his vaft Bulk might be term'd a Co-
hj's, his vaft Bignefs at firft, put our liighwaym. n
into a Surprize, till appro.iciiing him nearer, he
commanded him to Hand ; when narrowly leaiching
his Head, and viewing his back Part, he found by
'-•' having no Horns and Tail, that he was no 0.<,
as he firft fuppofed him to be at fome Diftance, he
3 ^ ventured
2^6
A General H i s t o r v of
ventured to fearch his Breeches next, in which he
found a filver Watch, and feventeen or eighteen
Shillings in Money, which converting to his own
Ufe, he rode ofF in quell of another Prey.
One remarkable Robbery he committed with his
Brother, was this : As he was travelling Port/mouth
Road in Surrey, meeting a parcel of Headboroughs
or Conlbbles condufting about 30 poor Fellows
they had preft to Portfmoiith Garrifon, Captain E-
'vans afked the Reafon of Vheir being led fo as Cap-
tives ty'd with Cords. The Officers told him they
were for the Service, and that they had ten Shil-
lings for each Man they had fo impreft. He high-
ly commended thern for performing their Duty, and
rode off: But ct)ming up with them again in a
more convenier.t Place, he and his Brother attack-
ed them with fo much Fury, that letting all the
Prifoners at Liberty, they robbed all the Headbo-
roughs of every Penny they had, and then binding
them Ha'iid and Foot in a Field, they made the
beft of their Way off.
Another Time Captain Evans meeting on Finch-
ly Common, one Cornijh an Informer, and com-
mon Affidavitman, he faluted him with the un-
welcome Words Stand and Deli'ver, Or otherwife
he would ftioot him thro' the Head. Poor Cor-
nijh ftood trembling like an Afpin Leaf, and hearti-
ly begged and prayed that he would fave his Life,
the' he took all he had from him ; but if he did
rob him, he was certainly ruined and undone.
Quoth Evans, What a Plague are you a Spaniard,
that you carry all your Riches abouut you ? No,
Sir, (reply 'd Cornijh J I am a poor honejl Man, as
all my Neighbours in St. Sepulchre'j Parijh knonu,
belonging to the Chamberlain. Said Evans then.
What Inn do you live at ? Perhaps you may do me
a Piece of Service, by informing me of ivealthy
Pajfengers lying at your Houfe ; aud if fo, 1 Jhall
generoufty retxiard you. Quoth Cornijh, Sir, J be-
long to no Chamberlains of Inns, but to the Cham-
berlain of London, to ixihom I give an Informa-
tion of Perfons fetting up in the City, that are not
Freemen, of Apprentices not taking up their Freedom
ivhen out of thiir fitnes, ami *'*<''■ Matters
'which came miiler the Cognizance of that OJict\
Said Evans, D « you am! the Chamberlain
London too, I thonght all this vjhile you had L'
longed to feme Inn, and fo might have given >
Intelligence in my H'ay of P.nfinefs, but as I Ji\
the contrary, I have no more lime to lofe vcith yo.
■Deliver, or you are a dead Man ! So fearchi
Corn!jh\ Pockets, in whic* lie found but five Pen'
in Brafs Mojiey, he was fo cor.foiMided mad, t;'
he flung them over the Heath, and then fevcrf
caning him, in the midrt ot twenty G d
me's and more, he mounts his Horfc again, s
rode off to feek a better Booty,
Aniongft the many Robberies which he comm
ted, we Ihall now proceed to thst which proi
moll fatal to him. He h:iving Intelligence of '■
Chejier Coach's coming with P.ilTengers to Lona ,
fent his Brother William the Night before to ;
at Barnet, and to be in Baldock-Lane at a c
tain Time next Morning. But the poor Lad h .
pening to light of a Scotch Cheefmonger, whov
travelling to Edinburgh, and he pretending to \
going fome P;at of tlie Way on his Mailer's ( ■
cafions, they mull needs lie together, and proc I
on their Journey ne.\t Day. When they were :
into Baldock-Lane, a Pillol, to the great Surprivt f
the Scotchman was fired over Wilti, Head by 1
Captain, that being the Signal propofed ; they t 1
foon commannded the Scotchman to lie by, 1
in Sight robbed all the Coaches, Then in Th •
derclaps of Oaths, the Captain riding up to :
Scotchman, he robb'd him of feven Guineas, I
two Watches ; but by Wiir% Interceffion, who I
lain with him all Night, return'd him his i :
Watch, and three Guineas to bear his Charges ■
to his own Country ; for which generous Af 1
the fame Scotchman hang'd them both at the •
fizes held at Hartford, in 1 708, the Captain a 1
29 Years, and his Brother tVill 23. Several 1 •
fons of Quality, and others ofnofmall Diftincl ,
whom they robbed, would not appear againft th
but rather endeavoured to fave their forfeij
Lives.
Pjrates, Highiaa^/merfy A^rderers, 5Cc.
247
n^LIFE 0/ STEPHEN BUNCE.
r-^^HIS unfortunate Malefaftor took to all
manner or Dilbrderlinefs and Theft, even in
, . his very Childhood ; for playing very often
1 one of his Neighbour's Children, whofe Father
va a Charco.il-Man, he would privately fill his
, "b et with that Commodity, and vend it for Cod-
n to an old Apple-Woman that kept a little Bulk,
r ill, in Ncivtners-Lane ; but, at length, being
ve y of this petty Thieving, he wanted once to
«• fo many Codlings before-hand, and allow for
he in tlie next Bargain ; tho' he defign'd to mer-
hi lize no more with her. The old Woman mif-
ru ng his Intent, would not give him Credit. 6'/*-
kt was very angry to himfelf that fhe fhould fcru-
ile IS Honelly, and refolvcd to be even with her.
T( his Intent, one could frofty Morning, bringing
t\ good Parcel of Charcoal, whofe Hollownefs in
iw Middle he had fill'd with Gun-Powder, and
•a 1 it up with black-Wax, he had for it what
h( Id Woman thought fit to give him in her Ware.
!i irefently thrull an Heap of it under her Kettle
, i 1 v.as boiling, and being hard bitter Weather,
It t hovering over it with her Coats almoft up to
,e, -iavel. At length the Gunpowder concealed in
hi-harcoal taking Fire, up bounced the Kettle,
in lew the Codlings and Water about her Ears,
»1 1 in the midll of Fire and Smoak, the old Wo-
rn cry'd out. Fire and Murder in a hideous Manner,
vl h brought a great Mob about her prefently, to
iff her in her great Diftrefs. However, it was the
j.dnefs of her kind Stars, to let her come off in
Jiimminent Danger, with the Damage only offcald-
flner a little, and burning a large Hole thro' her
sack, and the Trouble of picking up her Codlings
'So-
fter Stephen Dunce was grown to Years of Difcre-
ti(, he foon undertook great Exploits : For Inlknce,
beg one Day very genteely drefs'd, and going into
a ')fFee-Hojfe, >v*iere an old Gentleman had tiien a
filr Tobacco Box, v.liich opened in two feparate
Pes, lying the Table where this Sharper fate, af-
te;urning the News I'lpers over and over, whilfthe
W, drinlsm;~L a Dilh of Tea, he paid for the fame,
ar went p ^vately away with the Lid of the Box, and
h; his Cypher preiently engraved thereon ; then re-
tt.ing back to the Coffee-Houfe, and very courte-
C'y pulling off his Hat, quoth he, Gcntlcmati, ha've
»i / left the Bottom of my Tobacco Box behind me ?
S -umbling among the News Papers, he there found
it crying, as he clapp'd the Lid on. Oh, here it is !
i'this, the O.vner thereof claim'd it for his ; but
S.'fo/? impudently Ihewing his Cypher on it, he
Cileng'd it ns l.is Property, and kept it, which put
al:he Company in the Coffee Room into a great
Cifternation, about what fhould become of the o-
t ■ Gentleman's Box.
\nothet Time, Stephen Bunce being benighted
t'^t Bromya.il in lUrefordfhiie, and much ftraiten'd
f want of Money, a Though!; came into his Head
to make up to the Parfon's Houfe, where knocking
at the Door, he defired the Maid to tell her Mailer
a Stranger fain would have the Honour of fpeaking
with him ; the Parfon coming out, and enquiring
his Bufinefs, he being a good I'ongue Pad, told him.
he was a poor Student lately come from Oxford, in
order to go home to his Friends, and being belated,
he moll humbly begged the Favour that he would
give him Entertainment under his Roof, but for one
Night. The Parfon being taken with his modeft
Carriage and Behaviour, withal believing what he
faid to be true, he kindly received him, and courte-
oufly entertained him at Supper with him and his Fa-
mily ; which being over, the Maid was ordered to
fhew him his Bed Chamber.
When he was bidding them all good Night, Ste-
phen moll humbly requefted of the Parfon,. that he
might give him a Sermon in the Morning, which
was Sunday, and the Parfon very thankfully accepted
of his Proffer. So the Morning being come, theZf-
'Vile equipp'd his young Student in his Gown and
CalTock ; and, becaufe it was about a Mile to the
Church, lent him his Horfe too, whilfthe, his Wife,
and Children, wonld go the foot Path over the Fields,
When Sir Reverend came to Church, one was bowing,
another Icraping, to the Parfon of the Parilh, won-
dering to fee him without his canonical Habit, on a
Day when he (hould perform hisfacred Funftion. But
he foon alleviated their Admiration, by tellinj; his Pa-
rifhoners, that a young Gentleman of the Univeriity
of Oxford, would be there prefently, that would preach
to them an excellent Sermon. Now Prayers were
faid, and the lail Pfalm fung, but none of the Gen-
tleman came ; fo ^laying till Dinner Time, the Con-
gregation was forc'd to go Home without a Sermon,
as well as their Parfon without his Gown and Horfe,
which Stephen to be fure had ordained for another Ufe
than to ride to Church to preach in.
Another Time this pickled Blade being upon his
Patrole in EJJex, as he was on one fide of the Hedge,
he efpy'd at fome Diftance, a Gentleman very well
mounted on a good Gelding ; fo getting into the
Road, he lay all along on the Ground with his Ear
clofe to it, till the Gentleman came up , who afking
him the Reafon of that Poilure, Stephen held up his
Hand to him, which was as much as to bid the Gen-
tleman be filent ; but the Gentleman being of a hafty
Temper, quote he, JFhat a Pox are you a lifenintr
to? Hereupon, o/f^^f?; fitting on his Breech, hefiia.
Oh, dear! Sir, I ha-ve often heard great Talk of the
Fairies, but I could never have the Faith to belieiie
there ivere any fuch Thing! in Nature, till naiv, in
this 'very Place, 1 hear fuch a ra'vi/lnng and melodirus
Harmony of all Jorts of Muftck, that it is enaitoh
to char/a 7ne to fit here, if poffible, to all Eter-
nity.
This Story made the Gentleman prefently alig!it
to hear this ravifliiiig Mufick too ; fo givin'^ Stephen
his Gelding to hokl, and laying liis Ear to the Graunii.
qmth
t^
A General History of
quOth he, / can hear nothing. Mr, Butice bid hira
turn t'other Ear, which he did, and then his Face
being from him, Stephen prefently mounted his Geld-
ing, and galloped away with all Speed, till he cime
within Sight of Rum ford. Then alighting he let the
Gelding loofe, fuppofing that if the Owner us'd any
Inn in that Town, he would make to it, as accord-
ingly he did, and Stephen at his Heels. The Heftier
who was at the Door, cry'd out, Majier, M^er,
here^s Mr. Bartlet'j Hor/e csme nxithout him. By this
Stratagem, Stephen having got the Owner's Name,
quoth he to the Inn-keeper, Mr. Bartlet hcwg engag-
ed ivith fame Gentlemen in Play at Ingerltone, ke
pra\-'d him to fend him 1 5 Guineas, and to keep his
Gelding in Pledge thereof till he came himjclf, ivhich
ivould be in the Evening. Ay, Ay, (reply 'd the Inn-
keeper) 100 Guineas if he "vanted them. So giving
Stephen 15 Guineas, he made the beft of his Way
to London, when in about four or five Hours, the
Gentleman came puffing and blowing in his great
Jack Boots to the Inn, and the Inn-keeper ftepping
up to him, faid. Oh, dear! Sir, 'u.'hat need you ha-ve
fent your Gelding, and fo put yourfelf to the Trouble of
coming thisfultry Weather on Foot, for the fmall Mat-
ter of fifteen Guineas, ivhen you might ha've commanded
ten Times as much nvithout a Pledge ? Quoth the Gen-
tleman, Hath the Fellonu then brought my Gelding
hither ? A Son of a Whore ! He luas pretty Honeji
in that ; but 1 find the Rogue hath made me pay fif-
teen Guineas for hearing his d nd Fairies Mu-
fick.
Stephen Bunce was a great Vifiter of Billiard- Ta-
bles, and Cock-Pits, as leaving no Place unfearched
wherein there might be any Thing worthy of a Bait.
Tho' he had ever fo fair an Opportunity of reclaim-
ing, yet was he fo profligate in all roguifh Tranfadti-
ons, that he abhorr'd any Thing which looked vir-
tuoiifly. Once turning Foot-Pad, he fet upon a But-
cher betwixt Paddington and London, who being alfo
a lufty ftout Fellow, he would not part with what he
had without fome Blows. 'I'o cudgelling one another
therefore they went ; but tho' the Butcher play'd his
Part very well, yet after a very hard Battle, wherein
they were both fadly battered and bruifed, he was
forced to cry for Peccavi. Then the Victor fearcK-
ing him all over, from Head to Foot, and finding
but a Groat in his Pocket, quoth he, // this all you
have? The Butcher reply'd, Tes, and too much to
lofe. Said 5«»f^ then. Oh] d n you for a Son of
a Whore, if you d fight at this rate hut for a Groat,
•vjhat a Plague 'would you ha've done if you'' d had more
Money ? So they both parted.
But this fmall Sum not fufficing for one Night's
Extravagancy, as Stephen was commg home by one
Mr. Sandford's Shop, a Goldfmith, in Rujcl-Street,
Covent -Garden, he faw the old Man telling a great
Parcel of Money on the Compter, and prefently llept
to an Oil Shop for a Farthingworth of Salt ; then
coming back to the Goldfmith's Iloufe, and flinging
it all in his Eyes, it caufed fuch a terrible Smarting,
th:it he did nothmg but itamp and rub his Pteperi,
whilft Mr. Bunce fwept about fifty Pounds into his
Hat, and went o.*F with it.
It is a true faying. That tuhat is got over the De-
•viTs Back, is nl-njays fpent under his Belly ; for Ste-
phen going the fame Night to a Bawdy-Houfe in
Colfon'i-Court in Drury Lane, he let into a Strum-
pet's Company, call'd for her great Bulk, which was
like a Colofiia, the Royal Sovereign, who pick'd his
Pocket of twenty Pounds, and vanifli'd away with it
in the Twinkling of an Eye. This Difafter made
him fret, fume, and Storm, like a mad Man, and
vent more Oaths and Curfes, than any lofing Game
Her -at -the Groom-Porter's. But all his Exclamations
I
being to no Purpofe, he began to vent his Paiif
next wkh a general Raillery .ngainft all the Fe le
Sex ; fwearing that tliere was not a Woman on i t|,
but what was a Crocodile at Ten, a V/hore at if.
teen, a Devil at Forty, and a Witch at Te-
fcoie.
Spending the Remainder of his Money in a D: or
two for Vexation, NeceiTity (which is nlwavs th(>|i
Whetftone to ftiarpen the Edge of a Man:, 1, "„.
tion) compell'd him to contrive Ways and IVJear "or
a frefli Supply ; then going to one of his Comr u
whom the Sight of Li.ne, i-;ope, or Halter, cculi 'ot
daunt with the Fear of coming home fliort r.i J
they went one Night, when the Shop was juft ^J
up, to one Mr. K?ioivlcs, a Woollen-Draper, in j „.
ftrect, Weftminfter, where, whilll Stephen was b:u \.
ing for tkrce Quarters of a Yard of Cloth, to , ke ,
him, as he faid, a Pair of Breeches, his Comp: jj
had the Opportunity of taking the Feather, as 'I'J ■£;
call it, or ivey, out of a Pin in the Windou . ' eg
going away, but without buying any Thing, an hj
Man not thinking any othcrwHe than that Ins j.
wasfaft fhut, as having fecured all before, t),L-v ne
in the dead of the Nignt, which was ^lay dm i i •■
fon the Moon did not fliine, and taking tli-.
which had no Key, they had an eafy Acccls n,, |,c
Shop, from whence tlicy took away as much Cl( as
came to above eighty Pounds.
When Stephen Bunce was but a Lad about 14 i
Years of Age, he was a Taplicr at the i<ao\^ ,,j
Alehoufe, in Tuttle-fireet, Weftminfter, \vne he
had not been above a Month before he coni-c) 'd "
ver Tankard privately to one of his thieviiia ],
panions, which held two Quarts. At Night° a
his Malier came to lock up his Plate, the Ta hi
was miffing, vvhicii put all the Houle into Difo f j
Mr. I\ick and Froth fwore like an Empero: be
Miilrefs fcolded as bad as any Fifti-Woman a (/•
Iingfgatc, and the Servants hsd all a Grun m
in ttie Gizzard, but whom to blame none W
tell. Houever, after fome fmall Inqidfition ut
it, it was generally concluded, that foroe ( he
Guefts had tuken it away ; whereupon it was a ed
by a general Confent, tiiat the next M( n
Maid and Stephen Butice fliould go to 7
tridge, the Altrologer and 1 ranflator of Shpi
Salijlury-ftreet in tlie Strand, who v. as cry
for his Dexterity in that Art, and thought to be
inferior to Friar Bacon. For tho' he could nit <e
a brazen Head to fpe.ik, yet he hsd fuch a li en
Face of his own as could outface tne D 1 ii, cl?
for lying.
Accordingly going to this Aflrologer's IJoufc pil
popping a Sliiliing latu his Hand, ue, very fur I!)'
let fiinifelf down in a Chair, laid half a Shi of
white Paper before him, and then taking a iVn 1 lij
Hand, he made thereon feveral Triani^ies ,:ib :a
Square, which he call'd the 12 Houfes, and iaid %
pitcr being Lord of the Afcendent, fignifio od
Luck for the gaining of your T;ink:ird again, dicot
Mars interpoie with an Evil Afpect towards Me)'\.
Now, Venus being on the fiery Trigoii, denote iit
Party that had it, lives either Eall or \Xell ; anc it-
turn being retrogado, and in the Cufp of Taw ii
mull needs be, that is it hid under Ground ciM
North or South.
Then he afkcd if there was not a red hair'd an
at the Houfe that Day ? Tliey told liini. No. or
a black hair'd Man neither ? f.iid he. They fti. ii-
fwered. No. Nor was there not a brown li 'd
Man there, with grey Cloaths, not vtxy tall, or
very low ? 1'hey told liim. Yes. Then he ed
whether they knew him or not ? They znfwered, a.
The Sun (faith he) being ill pofued in the (li
Hie,
I
e iF
PyrakSy Highwaymen, Murderers, 2cc.
oufe, and Mercury in Trine with Firgj, it w as
itliout all Doubt a brown hair'd Man that had tiie
ank.ird. Then Stephen afkcd, whether it might
_)t be a Woman, as well as a Man ? This put the
uiijurer fomethiiig to his Trumps ; but when the
laid faid that could not be, for there was never a
range Woman in the Houfe all that Day, he grew
)ld, and laid No, too , tor Fenus being weak in
eception with Gemim^ and the Moo7! in her Detri-
lent, both feiiiiain'e. Planets, it plainly tells that it
:is a Man, and one betwixt 40 and ;o Years of Age.
pon my Life, faid the Maid, I faw the Party then
lat had it ; he was a curl'd pated Fellow, with a
J coloured Sute, and about that Age ; he drank in
le Role ; but if ever I fee the Rogue again, I'll teach
im to fleal Tankards, with a Murrain to him. Ste-
hen could not but laugh in his Sleeve at the Maid's
onfidence ; io taking their Leave of the Ajh-ologer,
ley went homewards, with a deal of News to tell
leir Mailer ; but by the way Stephen dropt the Maid,
) go and take Share of his Booty, and never went
iiy more to his Place.
We iliould not have rehearfed fo much of this
lUroIogical Cant, but to expoie both the Profeffors
f that pretended Science, and thofe who confult
lem ; neither of whom can ever be fufficiently ridi-
I jl'd. But to proceed.
This notorious Fellow being once, by an Order of
'ourt at the Seffions-Houfe in the Old-Bailey, fent
)r a Soldier into Sfaia, while he was there, in an
nemy's Country, he was lo much upon the Duty
■ f falling, that the civil War which the Wind made
1 his empty Stomach, cblig'd him very often to
lok out Iharp for fome Employment for his Teeth.
0 one Day Stephen, and ^ Comrade he had got, be-
. ig as Hungry as two Tarpaulins kept upon Ihort Al-
. )wance, but altogether Moneylefs, they went loiter-
I ig up and down the Market in Barcelona, to fee
J /hat Fortune might offer in Relief of their Bellies,
Uhich had been mere Strangers to any Sullenance for
I bove forty eight Hours. At length they efpy'd a
I^ouutry Man going out of Town on an Afs : They
bllow'd him at fomeDiftance, and about half a Mile
from the Town, there being a very high Hill, the
: Country Man alighted, and led the Afs up leifurely
py a loofe Bridle. Hereupon Stephen Bunce going
iMth his Comrade foftly after them, he dexteroufly
lipt the Bridle off the Afs's Head, and puts it on his
his own ; then the other going off with the Booty,
Stephen crawls upon all Fours, 'till he afcended on
the Top of the Hill ; when the Country -Man turning
about to mount again, he was almoft frighten'd out
of his Wits, to fee a Man bridled inllead of an Afs.
Stephen perceiving his great Conllernation, quoth he.
Dear Mafter, dont be troubled at this Jirange Alte-
ration nxihich you fee in your Beaji, for indeed luas no
Afs, at you fuppos'd it, but a Man, real Flefh and
Blood, as you may be ; but you mujl knoiv, that it be.
2,49
formed me into the Likenefs 0/ an Afs for ft-ven Tears \
and noiAi the Time being expired, 1 af/iime niv preper
Shape again, and am at my oivn Difpofal. Ho-MC-ver,
Sir, I return you many Thanks for your Goodnefs to-
nvards me ; for fince I hai'e been in ycur Cujlody, you
put jne to no more Labour than 'what I, you, or any
other Afs, might be able to bear.
The Country Man was allonifli'd at the Story 3
but ncverthelefs was glad that his Afs which was
could not charge him with any ill Ufage. So part-
ing, Stephen went to his Comrade, who had aheady
chang'd the Afs again into Money, to put tl.cir Teetli
in ufe once more, for fear they fiiould forget the Wav
of eating ; whilll the poor Country Man was oblig' j
to return to Town again to buy him another Als to
carry hjm home. When he came into the Afs-ALu-
ket lie efpied his old Afs again , whereupon lleppino-
up hallily to him, and whifpering m his Ear, i;e
faid, Oh ! Pox on you, you have committed another Sin
againjl the Virgin Mary, I find; but Ifiall take due
ho'-w I buy you again.
He was lawfully married at Plymouth to a \'idu-
aller's Daughter, who had fo much Education bc-
ftow'd upon lier, as to read, few, and mark on a
Sampler ; after which ftie was kept at Home to lit
in the Bar, and keep the Scores ; which Poll pleas'J
the young Woman very well, becaufe there was
great Variety of Guells us'd the Houfe, efpccially
merry drunken Sailors, who, when they had Liberty
to come afhore, would luftily booze it, and fing and
dance all Weathers. But Stephen, within a very lit-
tle while after he was entertain'd into the State of
Matrimony, catching the Gunner of the Siuiftfure
Man of War boarding his Wife, he quickly fliew'd
his Spoufe a light Pair of Heels, and came up to
London ; where growing debauch to the higheft De-
gree, he was very feldom out of the Powdering Tub ;
Neverthelefs, the impairing of his Health alter this
profligate Way did not altenate his Inclination from
keeping Company with fuch Cattle, who ruin both
Body and Soul ; and for the Maintenance of lewd
Woman, he cared not whac Hazards he underwent,
as he confefy'd when under Sentence of Death. Ac
lall, as common Whores were his Ruin, he would,
but it was then too late, exclaim againll 'em, and
fay, a Strumpet was the Highway to the Devil ; and
he that look upon her with JJefire began his Voyage
to inevitable Dellruftion ; he that ftay'd to talk with
her mended his Pace i and he who eiijoy'd her was
at his Journey's End.
He h.id been an old Offender, and was fuch a de-
bauch'd Fellow in his Converfation, that he could
invent no other Method of gracing his Difcourfe,
and making it taking, but by a complaifant Rehear-
fal of his own, and other Mens Uncle.innefTes ; in
fine, he could not find an Hours Talk, without be-
ing beholden for it to a common Whore; but his
Wickednefs made its Exit at Tyburn, in 1707, with
as you may be ^
ing my Misfortune to commit a Sin again)} the Virgin 7"'^^ Hall and Dick Loii', whole Lives immediately
Mary once,Jhe reft/ited it fo heinoufly, that fhe trans- follow.
64
s
Th
ue
250
A General History of
The LIFE of DICK LOW.
THIS Perfon took to thieving in his Mino-
rity, and was become very expert in it at the
Age when others ufually begin. One time
wlien he was about 1 1 or 12 Years old, creeping pri-
vately in an Evening behind a Goldfmith's Comp.
ter in Cheapfide, the Goldfmith comes from a back
Room, and goes himfelf behind the Compter ; in-
fomuch that Dick Loiu had no Opportunity of go-
ing out invifible ; whereupon he cries. Whoop, Whoop.
At this the Goldfmith cry'd, Hey, hey, is this a Place
to play at Whooper 1 Hide ? Get you gone, you yonng
Rogue, and play in the Streets, But Dick yet lying
Hill, cry'd again. Whoop, Whoop ; which made the
Goldfmith m a great Paflion cry. Get you gone. Sir-
rah, or r II Whoop you ivith a good Cane, ifyowwant
to play here. Whereupon Dick went away with a
Bag of fifty Pound, which the Goldfmith mifs'd
next Day.
But as he grew up in Years, his Statue made him
pall thofe Exercifes which they call the Morning,
Noon, or Night Sneak, which is privately fneaking
into Houfes at any of thofe Times, and carrying
off what next comes to Hand; for all's Fifli tha't
comes to Net with them, who are term'd Saint
Peter'i Children, as having every Finger a Fi(h-
hook. He went alio upon other Lays, fuch as ta-
king Lobs from behind Ratlers ; that is to fay, Trunks
or Boxes from behind Coaches ; and upon the Mill,
which is breaking open Houfes in the Night ; lor
which Purpofe they have their Tinder-Boxes, Match-
es, Flmts, Steels, Dark-Lanthorns, Bags, Cords,
Betties, and Chiflels to wrench. This was then the
• manner, but at prefent they have a new Way, of
ufing a large turning a Gimblet or Augar, with
whicli boring Holes thio' a wooden Window, they
prelently with a Knife cut out a Hole big enough
to put in their Hand to unbolt it; whereby an
honelt Man is foon undone by thefe fly Rafcals,
who call themfelves Prigs, which, in their canting
Language, denotes a Thief As for tlie Religion
of tliefe People, they term themfelves but half Chri-
Iliaiis, bec.iuie of the two principal Commandments
they keep but one, which is to love God, but in
no Cale their Neighbour, from whom it is their
Livelihood to Ileal. Thefe 'i'hieves have a quick
Eye to take hold on all Advantages of obtainincr
jin unlawful Prize ; and Highwaymen have common"-
■ly their Spies in all Fairs, Markets, and Inns, who
view all tliat go and come, and learn what Money
they carry, how much, where they leave it, and in
what Hands, whereby they for whom they fpy
may be mailers of it.
When Richard Loiv was a Foot Soldier in Flan-
kers, he and his Comrade being one Day very pec-
kifli, and meeting with a Boor in Ghent, loaded
with Caponj, P.;rtridges, and Hens, thev llruck up
a Bargain with him tor half of them, vVhich Z)/V/^'s
Comrade carried olF, whilll he was fumbling and
pulling out all his Things in his Pockets to find
Out Lis Money. His Coin amounting to nothing
anfwerable to the Poultry he had bought he orde '
the Boor to follow him, 'till at length he brou. '
him mto a Cloyflcr of Capuchine Fryars, wh,
fome of them were confefFing Folks ; then he ti
the Boor, that the Provifion he had bought of h
was for this Houfe, and a certain Father, who v
there confeffing, was the Superior, to whom
would go, and acquaint his Reverence that lie m
pay him. Accordingly going up the ConfeiTor, j
privately putting Sixpence in his Hand, he whifpc
film in his Ear, faying. Reverend Father, this
ncfi Couut -y Man here is a particular /Icquainta
of mine, 'who's come hither to he confeis'd; but I
ing fix Miles of, and Bufmcfs rtjuirin^ him He
this E-vening, I befecch you to be fo kind as to c
fefs him as foon as you can.
The good Father, oblig'd by the Alms ei,
aforehand, promis'd him, that when he had end
the Penitent's Confeffion wliom he had at his Fe
he fhould uifpatch him prefently ; and at the fai
lime calling to the Boor, quoth, Dick, Go
hence and the Father 'u.ill perform nxhat you wi
prefently.
So £)/•<-;{ going after his Comrade, when the afor
faid Penitent had made an End of his Canterb,,
Story to the Prieft, the fpiritual Juggler called t
Clov.n to him, who flood bolt upright, lookina ve
wilhfully on the Confeflbr, to fee if he put I
Hand in his Pocket to pay him. The Father Co,
feffor look'd as wifhfuliy on the Boor, to fee hi
fland with io little Devotion to be confefs; but in
puting theCauie thereof to his Simplicity, he bi(
him kneel, which the Clown did with fome Relu.
tancy, as thinking it to be an infulting Ceremon
for a Man to kneel to receive his own Mon<fj
However, obeying the Order with grumbling tii
Priert bids him make the Sign of the Cro^'; :
which the Boor being out of Ritience. believing 'th
ConfeiTor to be out of hii Wits, he chatter'd, an ,
rav'd, and Iwore like a mad M.in, w),ich m.idethl
Confeflor imagine the Boor was polTeis'd with th
Devil. Upon this he put his hempen Girdle abou
the poor hellow's Neck, and making the Sign c
the Crofs over his Hea.J, begin to conjure h.m bv
faying fome devout Pmyers. 'fhis in.ide the iVlar
fo m.id indeed, that he tore off the ConfefTor's H.t,
biliments, and throwing him down on the Ground
dem?.rJed louJly his Money far the Poultry.
Tnis rullical Ufage made the Father Ibppofe hej
had the Dtvii himlelt to deal with ; fo that witii a
weak and afFrighied Voice, he began to commend'
himfelf to all tl.'- Saints in the Ah.naiiack Jor their!
Alfillance ; and at the Clamour and Noiie that wasi
betwixr him and the Frie.'t, while the Convent 0(1
Fnan came out in Pioccffion with Croffei and hal-l
low'd Lisrhtb in their Hands, and calling lioly VVaJ
ter about nn every Side, as believing there- uas a
Legion ol Devils in their Chapel. Bur the Koor
fliil crying out for his Money for the Poultry, the
Prior made a ilrift Enquiry in:o the Matter, and
found I
PyrateS) Highwaj'^/ien, Mwderers, 5Cc.
15 i
b li Ibnie Knave had impos'd on the Fellow, who
iji no oclier Satisfaftion, than that of the Con-
,[.■'5 curling him that had cheated the Boor, by
3c Book, and Candle.
II a Ihoit Time Diri came liome again, and
ii,; being one Mr. Pemmell, an Apothecary, liv-
njin Diury-Lane, it was his Misfortune to have
1 life wno kept Company with one Davis a Gla-
,\t, b'Jt bad Circumllances obliging him to fly
oiSanftuary to 'Thoriibury in Glonceflerjhue, Jiis
\I.jna was in great Waut of another Gallant. How-
■VI ihe being naturally prone to Liberality, and al-
iia extrav.kgintly lewarding Kiudntfle^ ot this Na-
ur it was not long 'ere a particular Acquaintance
if r"s undertook to fupply her with a new Lover,
Kill was Dick.
foon as he was introduced into Company of
he.pothecary's Wife, fhe took a huge Fancy to
liii for he beliaved himl'eJf fo pleafantly, and his
''ji fes were fo agreeable, that his Millrefs elleem-
J rl'elf the happieli Woman in the World, in the
in ment of a Perfon fo facetious, and accomplilh-
d' ,th all the Mylteries of Love. Whenever he
an to her Houfe, which was always when her
iu nd was from Home, (he entertained him witli
ID anreferved Freenefs, that ihe concealed no-
lir from her Spark, that might eitiier pleafe his
an or Curiofity. But one Diy opening a Cheil
■"liwers to take out fonaewhat, Dick efpy'd a
XI of B.i.gs of Money, at which his Mouth in-
m water'd ; for altho' his Millrefs told him,
lal : long as one Penny was in them, his Pockets
01 never be unfurnilhed, yet he wanted to be
lal • of them preiently ; and indeed it was not
ng efore he had them at his Command ; for Bu-
lel squiring the Apothecary in the Country for
iOi a Week, Dick then lay in his Houfe at Rack
' 'iiiger ; and having two other Rogues like
at a great Supper prepared for thera there,
'-■) egan about 12 of the Clock at Night, to de-
iri neir Intention with Sword and Piltol, faying,
iioever prefamed to fpeak but one Word,
prefent Death.
i Work they now went, gagging and tying
il ; Procurer. In the mean I'ime the Apothe-
■ ry Wife feeing how her Friend was ferved, Ihe
■ 1 1 her Knees, and heartily bei'eeched them not
11 her fo. Quoth Dick, No, no, Madain, n.ve'll
^our Hands, left you Jhould ungag that ferious,
<i 'vj ftlcnt Ba'iud there.
A J Ihe was fecored, they v/ent down into the
itcn, and gagg'd and ty'd the Maid and Ap-
en e ; then rifling the Houfe, they carry'd away
0 jndred and fifty Pounds and fome Plate, to a
. nfrrable Value. But Dick thinking it unman-
rl>:o go away without faying any Thing, he
.;mo his late beloved Millrefs, and giving her a
. idi Kifs, Quoth he. Dear Madam, fareixjell,
■ 'd hen I am gone, fay, I've done more than eiier
; w \\ujband did ; for I've bound you ta be conftant
f.Ajr this, Dick i,oiu going one Morning into
e hfe and Croivn Alehoufe, kept by one Mr.
oH'd, in CJare-Canrt, in Drury Lane, he delired
pfi' te Room, by Reafon he had ferae Company
coming to him, about fome Bufinefs. A private
Room was ftiew'd him, and a double Pot of Drink
brought with a filver Cup to drink out of ; and be-
ing alone, the Man of the Houfe fate with him chat-
tuig, till they were both weary. At lall, Nayland
was wanted by other Company, and whilll he was
gone out, Dick having with fome foft Wa.\, fiillen'd
the Bottom of the Cup under the Board of the Ta-
ble, which was covered with a Carpet hanging fome-
vvhat down all round it, he came to the Bar, fay-
ing, I fee my Company ivill not come, therefore I'll
flay no longer. Then paying his Reckoning, and the
Man of the Houfe going into the Room to bring a.
way the Pot and the Cup (whicli firft he could find,
but not the other higli nor low) he charges Dak,
who had not yet received his Change, with down-
right Theft. The one curs'd and iwore he h.id it
not, and the other fwore and cars'J he hsd it, fo
that between them both, they were ready to Iwcar
the Houle down about their Ears.
Dick w.;s then fearched, and tiio' nothing U'as
found about him, yet Nayland fwore Hill he mull
have the Cup, or elfe know of the going of it r
therefore he ihould pay for the Lofs. But Dick
Handing as llifly upon his Reputation, which was
never worth any Thing, he infilled he had it not,
nor knew any Thing of its being gone ; where-
upon a Conllible being fetch'd, he was carry'd be-
fore Jullice Negus, where the Lofer making h'?
Complaint as truly the Matter was, and Dick L01.V
aliedging his Innocency, the Magillrate was in a
Quandary how to do Jullice : For, quoth he to the
Complainant, here's a Cup lofl, and the Prifoner doth
not deny but he had it ; but then it nvas mifjed nxihilfi
he luas in the Houfe, and he fearched tvithout find-
ing any Thing about him ; be/ides, ' he had no Body
ivith him, therefore it could tie t be convey' d n'lvay
by Confederacy ; fa unlefs youll lay point blank Fe-
lony to his Charge, I can da no otherivife than dif-
charge him.
Then the ViiSualler, who was an Irifhman, re-
piy'd, Tijh fery true. Shir, ivhat you fhay, but by
Shalvafhion, rader dan he foould go ivithout hang'
ing, I luill fhiuear t-vjenty Felonies againft him,
or any Ting elfh nxhat your IVorJhip pleafh to com-
mand 7ne, for I lo-ve to oblige any fhivel Shentle-
man as you be. Indeed, faid the Jullice, you nuill
not ebligc me in hanging a Man ^wrongfully. In a
Word, there being no plain Proof to jullify that
Dick L01.1} either had the Cup, or convey 'd it a-
way to another, and it being plain that he was
charg'd in Cullody before ever he went out of the
Houfe, he came off with flying Colours, and foon
fent another of his Clan to fetch off the Cup, by
going to drink in the fame Room and removing it
from under the Table into his Breeches without
any Sufpicion, paying for his Liquor, and fairly
returning that Cup that was brought to him.
This Fellow, tho' he was not above 25 Years of
Age, when he was hang'd at Tyburn, with Jack
Hall and Stephen Bunce, in 1707, had reigned long
in his Villany ; and the fortunate Succefs which he
had had in his manifold Sins, made him only re-
pent chat he had pradii'd them no fooner.
n^
^ c -•
^3 "
A General History of
The LIFE 0/ JACK HALL.
Tl H I S moft notorious Villain, was bred a
Thief from his Mother's Womb ; and there
is no fort of Theft, but what he was expert
in, as breaking open Houfes, going on the Foot-Pad,
Shop-lifting, or pilfering any fmall Matter that lies
in the Way ; nay, if it was but Mops and Pails ; the
Drag, which is, having a Hook fallened to the End
of a Stick, with which they draj; any Thing out of
a Shop Wmdow in a dark Evening, and Ji/ing a Cly,
which is picking Pockets of Watches, Money, Books,
or Handkerchiefs. To this End he uied to haunt
Churches, Fairs, Markets, publick Affemblies
Shows, and be very bufy about the Play-houfe. And
he that performs this laft Part of Thieving, common-
ly gives what he takes to another ; that in Cafe he
Ihould be found with his Hand in any Man's Pocket,
he might prove his Innocency, by having nothing
about him, but what he can juftify to be his
own.
Jack Hall was as dextrous in picking a Pocket, as
ever he was in fvveeping a Chimney ; for on a Mar-
ket Day once in Smith field, a Grafier having received
fome Money for his Cattle, and put it into his Coat
Pocket in a Bag, this nimble Spark, to whofe Fingers
any Thing fluck like Birdlime, obferving the fame,
he icon became Mailer of it, and brought it to his
Comrades that were drinking at an Alehoufe hard by ;
and to Ihew his farther Dexterity in filing a Cly,
emptying the Bag, he untrufs'd a Point in it, and
finding out the Man, who was Hill in the Market fel-
ling off the reft of his Cattle, he put it into his
Pocket again. A little after which, a Perfon com-
ing to the Farmer for fome Money, he went with
him to his Inn, and pulling out his Bag, and putting
therein his Hand for Money to pay the Creditor, he
eagerly plucked it out in a fad ftinking Pickle,
fwearing. That he had thirty Pounds in his Bag but
juft now, but, woundkins, it was now tuined to a
T d.
Jack Hall having a Defign once to rob a great
Merchant in the City of London, he went oftentimes
hankering about his Houie, but could never effed it ;
whereupon he bethought himfelf of this Stratagem :
He was to be put into a Pack done up like a Bale ;
and by the Contrivance of his Comrade, who was
very well appaiell'd, he was to be laid into this Mer-
chant's Houfe in the Evening, as fo much Silk, which
he was to fee next Morning, and to buy off his Hands,
in Cafe they agreed.
Accordingly this Bale full of Iniquity, wedg'd in-
wardly on all Sides with coarfe Cloth and Fuftian,
was laid up in the Warehoufe. Night being come,
and the Apprentices weary, two of them, whilft their
Maftev wai r.t Supper, went to rell themfelves, and
by Accident lay along on this Bale, which was plac'd
by fome others ; inlomuch that the extreme Anguilh
of their Weight being very heavy upon Jack Hall,
he could fc^rce fetch his Breath. Upon this, he
drew out a fli.irp Knife, and making a great Hole in
the Fillet of the Bale, he alfo made a deep Woui jg
the Buttocks of him that lay moft upon it, w ;||
made him rife, and roar out, his Fellow-Appre a
had killed him. Running out to his Malter i he
Agony, his Fellow-Apprentice followed him, anc 4
innocently fecur'd, till a farther Examination c Ik
Matter. In the mean while Jack Hall made h if.
cape out of a Window, with only taking two 1 ■»
of Velvet along with him.
At the fame Time the Merchant feeing his Ar m.
tice in a very bloody Condition, and fearing, i ie
Bale of Silk he lay on fhould be fpoilt with the I \i
he muft be forced to pay whatever Price was req ai.
he ran prefently into the Warehoufe to prevci
Damage coming to it, where finding it mightily 1
in its Bulk, it rais'd fome Sufpicion of Rogu a.
him ; for opening it, he found therein noth oi
Value, Then fearching about his Warehoufe an i!
fing the two Pieces of Velvet, he plainly per ,..
fome Rogue had been pack'd up in the Bale, v
Intent to rob his Houfe when he and his Famil'
in Bed ; whereupon, the accus'd Apprentice i
at Liberty, and a Surgeon fetched for the we
one, who coft his Mafter above five Pounds
he was well.
He was alfo very good for the Loh, which ii
Going with a Contort into any Shop to ch
Piftole or Guinea, and having abouthalf of his C
cries the Confort, What need you to change ?
Silver enough to defray our Charges ivhere ive ,
ing. Upon this the other throws the Money I
gain into the Money Box ; but with fuch Dej
that he has one of the Pieces, whe^er Shil
Half Crown, flicking in the Palm af his Hand,
he carries clean off, without any Sufpicion of
Again, he was very expert at the M'halebm-
v/hich is, having a thin Piece of Whalebone
at the End with Birdlime, with which, going
Shop with a Pretence to buy fometling, t.hey
the Shop-keeper, by wanting this and that
to turn his Bsck often ; and tl'.en take the '
tunity of putting tlie Whalebone, fo daube<
Birdiime, ir.to the Tell of the Counter, which
up any fmgle Piece of Money tlwt fticl-s to i
ter which, to give no Miftiuft, they bu
fmall M.itter, and pay the Man with a Pig of)
Sow.
The Year before Jack Hall, the Chimney-I
er, was hang'd, having committed Sacrili
Briftol, in robbing Rauliff-Chnrcb in th.it
made the bell of his Way lor London ; \vherei
little While, his Extravngancies reducing hiirj
want of Money again, in order to reciuic hisl
he went with Ibme ol his uicktd Afl'cciates,. u
Rutining-Smolible , wliicli is this : One of tli(
into a Shop, and pretending to be drunk, aft
troublefonic Bfhaviour, he puts the Candles (
taking away whatever con;es firft to Hand,
off. whilft another flings Handfuk of Dirt ar.i
PyrakSy Highwaymeny Murderers, &c.
253
4 into the Mouth and Face of the Perfon that
CIS out flop Thief, which putting him or her into
a idden Surprize, it gives them an Opportunity ot
gdg off without apprehending.
)ne Time Jad Hall being dreft like a Gentle
mi, (tho' you mult fuppofe, like ^Efop'i Crow, he
w decked in other People's Plumes) and fitting on
a lench in the Mall in St. James'% Park, a Life-
Gird Man, and one Mr. Knight an Attorney, liv-
\D\n Shandois'Street, near Ccevent Garden, meeting
or another juft by the Place where Jack fate, after
fo ; Complements were palled between iliem, the
L- ver invited the Life-Guard Man, whom he had
en a long Time before, to dine with him at
jufe the next Day, for he ftiould be very wel-
and any Friend that he fhould bring along with
The Life-Guard Man promis'd he wo.ild be
' wait upon him ; but asking hib Friend whe-
c iiv'd in the fame Place llill. Yes, )\s, (quoth
awyer) I fill li've ivithin three Doors of the
■:■! Alehoufe in Shandois-ftreet. Ihey then
)a J ; and now Jack Hall's Wits were on the Ten-
e: for making fome Advantage by this Invitation
vl h he had heard gvien ; So the next Day, above
n lour before the Time, when hungry Mortals
-lieir Knives on Thelholds, and the Soles of
, , ne was lurking thereabouts, and at laft, fet-
1 his Eyes on the Life-Guard Man, whom he
.r. again, he was no foonerentred into his Friend's
iife, bat Jack wii at his Heels, and entred alfo
n him, with as much Confidence as if he had been
n cquaintance of the Lawyer. There were above
ai I Score Gentlemen and Gentlewomen, among
i\ a he fate down, and foon after. Dinner being
X n the Table, with great Variety of Dainties,
la range Gentleman, Jack Hall, did eat as hearti-
;■, nd talk as boldly, as any there.
I the while the Life-Guard Man took him to
« le of the Inviter's Acquaintance, and the Invi-
wippos'd him to be the Life-Guard Man's Friend ;
u in the End, he prov'd to be neither of their
r:.ds,efpecially the Lawyer's; for waiting his Op-
c inity, he went to the Side Board, which flood
' a iivenient Place, and putting a dozen of filver
ptns and as many filver Forks, into his Pockets,
ealk'd o9i incognito. The Life-Guard Man, foon
ft , mifs'd Jack, and the Lawyer irifs'd his Friefld's
r.d, as he thought hinj ; but it was not much
I 1 ere the Spoons and Forks were miffing, and
i: ftrift Search was made for them, yet were they
lOifound, none but .the Friend, or he that was
hcght fo on both Sides, being miffing, the Law-
■eilked the Life-Guard Man for him ; but the Life-
ji d Man telling the Lawyer he wai none of his
or Acquaintance, it was concluded, nemine
..hccnte, that the abfent Perfon was the Rogue
^shad converted the Lawyer's Plate to his own
J(
nother Time, Jack Hall being very well drefs'd,
mc^retending to be a Country Gentleman, he too.k
Lcjings at the lioufe of one Dogget, a Quaker,
in- Button-feller, living in Burleigb-Jtreet, in the
!//';</, where he behaved hirafelf very foberly till
" 'rportiinity oftercd to out-wit the Quaker, who
; it no harm to out- wit every iiody. For
;^t:y of his Ch.imber being left one Day in the
Pounds in Money and Plate, and opening the Street
Door went off with it. But when the old Folks
came Home again, and found what had happen'd,
the Houfe was all in an Uproar ; there was power-
ful Holding forth by the Man, who ftorm'd and rav'd,
and fell a kicking the Trunk about like a Foot-Ball,
which he did with a great deal more Eale than he'
could when it was full.
After this Exploit, Jack Hall, Stephen Bunce,
and Dick Low, goirtg upon an Enterpnze at Hack-
ney, about 1 2 of the Clock at Night, they, by the
help of tneir Betties and (hort Croivs, made a forci-
ble Entry into the Houfe of one Cla>-e, a Baker
who!e Journeyman being ty'd Keck .nnd Heels they
threw him into the Kneading- Trough, and the Ap-
prentice with him. Jack Hall ftood Centry over
them, and with a great old rufty Bicl:-S;vord, whici
he found in the Kitchen, and fwearing with a great
Grace, that their Heads both went off as round as
a Hoop, if they offered to llir or budge. In the
mean Time Dick Lovj and Stephen Bunce, went up
to Mr. Clare'i Room, whom ihey found in Bed
with his Wife, and ty'd and gagg'd the old Folks,
without any Confideration of their Age, which had
left them but few Teeth, to barricade their Gums
from the Injury thev n:ight receive from thofe ugly
Inllruments that ftrcLched their Mouth;, afunder.
Finding not fo much as they expeded, the old
Man they ungagged again, to bring _to a Confcffion
where he hoarded his Money ; but extortinw nothing
out of him. Jack Hall being thfli come up to
them, for fear they fhould fmk upon him, which
is an ufual Thing among Thieves, to cheat one an-
other, he took up in his Arms the old Man's Grand-
Daughter, about fix Years old, lying in a Trundle-
Bed by him, and faid, Damn me, if I ivan't hake
the Child prefently in a Pye, and eat it, if the eld
Rogue imll not be civil. Thefe fearing Words made
Mr. Clare beg'd heartily that they Ihould not hurc
the Child, and he would difcover what he had ; fo
fetching, by his Order, a little Iron-bound Chelt
from under the Bed, j«id unlocking it, they took
what was in it, which was about eighty Pounds ;
then obfcuring their dark Lanthorns, they bid the
Baker Good Night, and commanded him to re-
turn them Thanks that they fpared his Ears, which
is againil the Law for any of their Occupation
to wear.
Another Time Jack Hall going to one Mr.
A/pin, a Robe-maker, living in Portugal-jlreet, by
Lincolns-Inn Back-Gate, he pretended that he had
Occafion for a Gown for his Brother, who was a
Parfon in the Country, but he Would have a \trY
good one, though it colt him more Money. / can
furnijh you. luith all Sorts and Sizes, faid Mr. Jf-
pin; and thereupon fetch'd feveral, and fhew'd him.
Jack turn'd many of them over, but ilill defired
to fee better. At length one was brought which
he feem'd to like ; but faid he to the Robe-maker,
I doubt it is toojhort? T other faid he did not doubt
but it 'u:as long enough in all Confcience ; and there-
upon he was for trying upon Jack, who faid, Alas !
there ivill be no certain Mca/ure by me, for r:y Bn-
ther is taller than I am by the Head and Shoulders ;
but as he is a Alan about your Pitch, 1 dcjire the
Favour of you to put it upon yourjelf.
... . ^ .. , ""-^ then I
be took the Impreffion of it in Clay, and had Jhall guefs the better luhether it is long enough or
■ made by it ; a little after which, old Dog- no.
Mr. Afpin, to fatisfy his Cuftomer, did fo; but
as he was putting it on, Jack took up a Birriiter's
Gown, and fhew'd him a fiiir Pair of Heels. tsAr.
Afpin, without putting off the Gown, purfu'd him ;
in the mean Time two of his Companion;, v.'ho laid
Perdue, afted their Parts ; for Stefbtx Bunce went
5 T into
' i:J his Wife going to their Country-Houfe, for
or three Dayi, leaving none at Home, but a
iJD Kinfwoman, an Apprentice, and Maid, Jack
-• mean Time had the Conveniency of entring
' Bed-Chamber, when all in the Houfe were in
Hid opening a Trunk he took out above eighty
i54
into the Sliop, and taking the next Parcel of Goods
which came to Hand, he marched ofF. And- Dick
1.01V, fearing that if the Shop-keeper kept his Pace
lie might overtake Jack Hall, having placed him-
fclf in the Way on Purpofe, catches hold on Mr.
ylfpin, and fays, O / dear, Doifor Crofs, 'who thought
cf feecing you ? I am glad I ha've met luith you 'with
all ny Heait : But pray. Sir, 'what makes you run in
this 'diflraSled Manner about the Streets ? Fijh, quoth
Mr. Afpin, let me- go, 1 am no Parfon, you are mifta-
ken in the Man, for I am running after a Rogue that
has robbed me. Then Dick Loiu reply'd, but ftill
holding him, I beg your Pardon, Sir, for my Mif-
take, for you are as like my friend DoSor Crofs, as
ever I fanu t'wo Men in my Life like one another.
Letting him go at laft. Jack before now was turn'd
the Corner of a Street or two, and was quite out of
Sight. By this Time alfo feveral of the Neighbours
being gathered together, they were in an Admira-
tion to fee old Afpin in a canonical Habit ; fomc
faying. Surely he 'was not going to chriften his oavn
Child himfelf, 'which is Maid Betty lay iit nvith !
A General History of
1
whilft others perfwaded him to go hoine, and m
off the Gown, and then make an Enquiry aftei hj
Thief, fince he was at prefent got clear away. [,■
Afpin took their Advice ; but when he came t( ijj
Shop, he found a fecond Lofs, which made in,
more angry than before, and fwear, that the Fi >«
that met him, might well call him Doftor ( n
for d— — n him if he had not all the Crofles ji j '
World come upon him at once.
This moft notorious Malefaftor thought it n
juftice to rob every Body ; and all his Vices, \
ever Deformity the Eye of the World apprehi
to be in them, his unaccountable Wickednefs h
upon as no lefs excellent than the moft abiblu
all Virtues. But his Villainy being fo unparel
that Juftice vras obliged to uniheath her Swo
gainft him, a Ihameful Cataftrope put an End t
wicked Crimes in the Year 1 707, when he defe
ly fuffered Death at Tyburn, with his Comro
Law \bA Bmtce, as before-mentioned.
The LIFE o/DICK HUGHES,
THIS great Villian, Richard Hughes, was
the Son of a very good Yeoman, living at
Bettus in Denbigh/hire, in North-Wales,
where he was born, and followed Huft)andry, but
would now and then be pilfering in his very Minori-
ty, as he found Opportunity. When he firft came
up to London, in his Way, Money being Ihort, his
Neceffity compell'd him to fteal a Pair of Tongs at
Perjhore in Worcefterjhire, for which he was fent to
Worcefter Goal ; and at the Affizes held there, the
Matter of Faft being plainly proved againft him, and
the Judge asking the poor Weljhman what he had
to fay in his Defence, he faid. Why, coud hur Lord
jShudge, hur has nothing to fay for hurjhelf, but
that hur found dam. Found them .' qaoth his Lord-
fhip again, Where did you find them ? TVj^ reply'd.
Why truly, hur Jound dem in the Chimney Corner.
Whereupon the Judge telling him, that the Tongs
could not be loft there, becaufe that was the proper
Place they (hould be in ; and finding the Fellow to
be Simple, he direfted the Jury to bring him in
guilty only oi petty Larceny; and accordingly giving
in their Verdift Guilty to the Value cf ten Pence,
he came off with crying Carrots and Turnips ; a
Term which Rogues ufe for whipping at the Cart's
Arfe.
After this Introdu£iion to ferther Villany, Dick
Hughes coming up to London, he foon became ac-
quainted with the moft celebrated Villains in this
famous Metropolis ; efpecially with one Thomas La'w-
fon, alias Browning, a Tripe Man, who was hang'd
at Tyburn on Tuefday th^ 2jl\io{ May, 17 iz, for
Felony and Burglary, in robbing the Houfe of one
Mr. Hunt, at Hackney. In a very ftiort Time he
became noted for hte feveral Robberies ; but at laft
"breaking open a Viftualling Houfe at Lambeth,
end taking from thence only the Value of three
Shillings, becaufe he could find no more, he was
and condemn'd for that Fadt, at the Affizes h
Kingfton upon Thames ; but was then repriev'c
afterwards pleaded his Pardon at the fame
Now being again at Liberty, inftead of becor
new Man, he became rather worfe than befo
breaking open and robbing feveral Houfes at 1
ham Crofs, Harro-w on the Hill, a Gentlewo
Houfe at Hackney, a Gentleman's at Hammer^
a Minifter's near Kingfton upon Thames, a T
conift's Houfe in Red Crofs fireet, and a Hou:
Hounfio'W-Heath .
This Fellow was very intimate with one
Waldron, who being a young Man, but ai'
Rogue, 'twill be very material to take Notice,
he was condemned to be hang'd when he was :
in the Teens, for picking a Gentleman's Pocket
receiving Mercy, in relpedt to his tender Ag
travelled to Ireland; where, at Dublin, he wer
on the Glaze, which is robbing Goldfraiths f
Glaffes on their Stalls by cutting them, as an
portunity offers, with Glaziers Diamond ; waitii
a Coach coming by, and breaking them or elfe
the Hand, which fomctiine , is^iot heard, thro
Noife which is made by theRattling of the faid C
This Trade WMron followed in that Cou
till he was pretty well noted and punifti'd t
tiien coming to London again, fuch was his >
countable Impudence and Infolence, that he v
in a manner rob People before their Faces ; anc
done more Damage to the Goldfmiths, than
fix Rogues that went upon the like Villany.
after having been about 1 8 Times in Newgate
fides New Prifon, and all the Bridewells in T
often vvhipt at the Cart's Arfe, burnt in the V
and once in the Face, he became very well kn*
whenever he came to the Seffions-Houfe in the
B;
Pyrates, HighwaymeUy Murderers, SCc.
lilejr, as an old Offender. Whereupon, the Right
orlhipful Sir Peter King, then Recorder of Lon-
m was pleas'd to tell him, That if e-ver he came
tire but for an Egg, he 'would hang him for the
hill. But this notorious Villain yet taking no
arning, and coming before Sir Peter again, his
^orfhip vvas as good as his Word ; for tbo' the
ift which he lall committed was but fimple Felony,
t he cart him for his Life, which he juftly for-
ited at Tyburn in 171 1, aged but nineteen Years.
Now to Dick Hughes again. When he iirft came
London, he lit on a fad Mifchance, for happening
le Night into a Lumber Houfe, not far from
illinfgate, he had not been long there, before
le Joe Haynes, the Commedian, and a broken Of-
er, came raking thither too, without a Farthing
either of their Pockets, ^a^ //a^^f/ having fav'd
great deal of Dull, which he got off an old rotten
(ft, and wrapt it up nicely in a clean Sheet of Pa-
tr, as foon as he and his Comrade were fat down
a Table, with a Trnkard of Beer before them, he
ill'd out the Duft ot the rotten Poll, and was ieal-
g it up in feveral Pieces of Paper ; which occafion-
fome Folks that were drinking there, to enquire
bat it was that he was fo choicely making up. Joe
viynes told them it was an incomparble Powder,
hich was the only Thing in the univerfal World,
a burnt Hand, a fcalded Leg, or any Accident
hatever that Ihould befal a Man by Fire ; nay,
rthermore, it would prevent alfo any Hurt that
light happen by that raging Element : For proof
\hereof, fays he make a Kettle of Water prefently
aiding hot, and my Friend here, by rubbing a
tie of my Poivder on his Leg, Jh all put it into the
M Water, and receiue no Damage.
The People were very eager to try the Experi-
tent, and a kettle of Water was immediately made
raiding hot. Then Joe Haynes rubbing fome of
lis Powder but on the Stocking of his Friend's right
leg, which was artificially made of Wood, for his
itural one he had loft three Years before in Flan-
ks, he put it into the fcalding Water, and bringing
out unhurt, it put the Speftators into fuch an Ad-
liration of its Virtue, that they bought in all as feft
> they could, as twelve Pence a Paper ; fo that
'ot Haynes and hfe Friend, who had no Money be-
)re, had now above 30 Shillings to pay what they
ad caird for, and fomething in their Pockets be-
de.
Dick Hughes being one of the Fools that was ta-
en in thus, the next Day he was in fome Company,
'here bragging what an excellent Powder he had
ir a Burn or a Scald, he would lay a Wager with
bem of ten Shillings, that he would put his Leg
nto a Kettle of fcalding Water and not hurt it.
Vhereupon, his Companions thinking it a Thing
mpoffible, they laid what he propos'd ; and a Kettle
f Water wa« forthwith put on tlie Fire, whilft
Dick went into another Room, (irecaufe they (hould
not fee how he prepared his Leg for the fiery
Trial) to rub fome of the Powder on the Ssockicg,
as Joe Haynes had on his Friend's. Then com-
ing out, and putting his Leg all at once into the
fcalding Water, he roar'd out in a moll prodigious
Manner, and could not pull it out again till he was
help'd. Thus he did not only lofe his ten Shillings,
but had like to have loft his Leg too ; for he was
above nine Months in St. Bartbohmenu^ Hofpital,
before he went abroad again.
No fooner was this Villain roving about once
more, but he got into Old Bridewell, by Fleet-
Ditch. But obtaining his Liberty after one Court-
Day, he ftill continued in his Villany, and attemp-
ted once to go on the Foot-pad. In which Enter-
prizc, the iirft Perfon whom he attacked in this kind,
was that very honeft Coney-Wool Comber, H illiam
Fuller ; taking from him about fourteen Shillings, in
the Road betwixt Camberiuell and Southnvark, for
all he might have infilled on a fort of Privilege from
being robb'd, by telling Dick Hughes, That tho" he
•was no Thief, yet he luas a great Cheat ; and fence
he firji pretended to difco'ver the Pciugi-ce cf that
Son of a Whore the Prince of Wales, he had ruin-
ed more People by Tongue-Padding, than ever all
the Thieves in London had done Dantage by any bad
Practices ivhate'ver.
Another Time, he met on the Road betwixt
Clapham and Vaux-Hall, with D——n the brokea
Bookfeller ; and taking from him three half Crowns,
and ftripping him ftark naked befide, he ty'd his
Hands behind him, and his Head betwixt his Legs,
to contrive, in that mufing Pofture, what feditious
Libel might be moft edifying to a Republican Party.
Whilft he lay under Condemn.ition, his Wife, to
whom he had been married in the Fleet- Prifon, con-
ftantly vifited him at Chapel. She was a very honeft
Woman, and had fuch an extraordinary Kindnefs
for her Hufband, under his great AfHidions, that
when he went to be hang'd at Tyburn, on Friday
the 24th of June, 1 709, ilie met at St. Giles's Pound,
where the Cart flopping, flie ftept up to him, and
whifpering in his Ear, fhe faid, My Dear, Who
mujt find the Rope that^ s to ha7ig you, lue or the She-
riff? Her Hufband reply'd. The Sheriff, Honey,
for ivbo's obliged to find him Tools to do his Work ? Jjh!
reply'd his Wife, I ivijh I had a knoivnfo much be-
fore, it ivculd have faved me Tivo-pence, for I have
been and bought one already. Well, ivell, faid Dick
again, perhaps it mayn't be loft, for it may fcrve a
fecond Hujhe^nd. 7'es, quoth his Wife, ;/ / huve any
Luck in good Huftiands, fo it may. Then the Cart
driving on to Hyde-Park Corner, this notorious Vil-
lain ended his Days there, in the 30th of his Age ;
and was after anatoiniz'd at 54(;-^^f«OT.//ir//, in L«n-
d»tt.
Th
^Je
15^
A General History of
ri!» L I F E 0/ HARVEY HUTCHINS.
THIS Malefador, Harvey Hutcbins, was
born of honeft Parents, his Father being a
Swofd-BIade-maker by Trade ; who, when
this unhappy Son came to be about fourteen Years
of Age, put him Apprentice to a Silver-Smith in
Shreiujbury j but pilfering very often from his Mailer,
he had him fent at laft, to Shrrwjbury Gaol.
In this Prifon the young Lad came acquainted witl^
fome London Thieves, who, occupying their C.-iijr.g
In the County of Salop, they were alfo co'nniiued
to the fame Jail ; where Hutchins hearing vk m tell
of the feveral notable and ingenious Robmi i>;s that
were committed in and about London, by fome of the
chief Mailers of their Profeffion, he Wui ^efolved to
make the bell of his Way thither after he obtained his
Liberty.
About three or four Months after his Confinement,
came the Afllzes ; when being try'd, and whipt at
the Cart's Arfe, upon his Friends paying his Fees
he got his Enlargement and came up to IJlington,
where he lurk'd about the Town, and took up his
Lodging in a Barn. But his Mind Hill ran upon the
Ingenuity of the topping Thieves in Z,o«i/a», parti-
cularly one Conftantine, who, for the fine Stories he
had heard told of him, he admired above the reft. At
laft he moves into the great Metropolis, where getting
acquainted with fome young Pick-Pockets, he enqui-
red among them for this Conftantine, who told him he
might be found at one Snotty-Nofe HilPi, who kept
the Dog-Ta-vern in Netvgate-JIreet.
The young Salopian being overjoyed he had found
out where Mr. Conftantine ufed, one Evening he
goes to the Dog-Tavrrn to enquire, faying, after his
Country Diakft or Tone, He had -vary enneft Bufnefs
luod him. The Drawer prefently went up Staks to
Mr. Conftantine, who wai then drinking with a great
many of his thrieving Fraternity, and acquaints him.
That there ivas a young Country Lad beloiv ixianteJ
earneftly to /peak ivith him. Quoth Conftantine, With
me ? D n me, I dont knoiv any Country Lad.
What is he? Perhaps he^s fent for fome Trepan ; pri-
thee go doiun and aft: him his Bufnefs. The Drawer
comes to the Country Lad, afeing, What he icould
hanje "uith Mr. Conftantine, and he ivould go up and
tell him. Young Shropfhire told him, No haitrt, hut
his Bufnefs luasfuch, that mornt tol it to eny Bud.-iy
btt hemfelf.
The Drawer returns again with this Mefllige. and
Conftantine wondring who this Lad Ihould be, ordered
him to be brought up to the Stairs Head, where com-
ing out to him, quoth he. Do you -want me. Lad ?
He reply'd Yes, Mefter, 'vor 1 am come ahi've a Hun-
gered Moiles to x.ee you. Said Conftantine, What ii
your Bufinefs I'ath me? He anfwered, Vy, Mefter, I
have been in Shrewlbury foil, "vere haring a grot
ourny -vine Stories of you, by zum Gentlemen that
'vare Profilers ivith me, I am come up to London on
Psrpu) t» bi and myzelf ProntiKC to yow. Hereupon,
Conftantine could not forbear fmiling at the Lac-
Fancy, and taking him into the Room, where hei
peated the Story to his Company, it caufed a grei
deal of Laughter among them
He gives the Boy Sixpence, and a Glafs or two
Wine^ and bade him be fure to come to him at I
faint Place about Seven the next Night, and he ivoi
taie him upon Liking, and according as he found h,
traSable, diligent, and acute in his Bufinefs, he ivoi
take him Apprentice. The Boy overjoyed .-it this go-
Fortune (as he unliappily thought it) took his Leav
and, according to Order, was next Night at t
Dog-Tazrern punftually at the Hour appointed, whe-
his Mafter Cmftantine was ready to go with him up
a Trial of Skill ; wliich was this. Conftantine havi
ftole a filver Tankard, about three Months befo
out of an -Alehoufe in Cheapfide, he had, nevertl
leffi, baen Ehtre in Difguife leveral Times after ; a
obferving much Plate Itill in Ufe about the Houfe,
told r' t 3oy the Story going along the Street, ai
pronuled him, that if he could carry off another cle«
and bring it to him at a certain Houfe in White Ci^
pel, he would certainly take him Apprentice, a
make a Man of him when he was out of his AppR'
ticelhip ; at the fame Time intimating to him, tl
the Houle was Juft before him where he was going;
drink.
The Boy took his Story right, but juft as his M
fter was come to the Houfe, pulling him by t
Sleeve, quoth he, Mefter, Mefter, can you ran -wei
Yes, (reply'd his Mailer,) as luell as moft Men
England ; / ha've often out-ran Hundreds together i
fore noiu. Weel then, (faid the Boy) if you can r
ivell, ne'er fear but ive'll ho've a Tonkad.
Into the Houfe Conftantine goes firft, and calli:
for a Room, the Boy followed him to the Bar,
his Servant, and with a low Voice afked the M.in
the Houle, //" he did not loje a Jiluer Tankard aln
three Months ago? Yes, reply'd lie ; which Ca/ftc
tine over hearing, took as faft as he could to iiis Kee
the Boy at the lame Time crying ojt, 'That ivas t
Man that ftole it. Upon whidi the V'iftualltr, s
the Servants, ran prefently out in puri'uit of him, b
to no Purpofe, for he v.as go: out of Sight jn an I.
ftant, and in the mean 'I'inie the Boy cool-: anoth
filver 'i ankarJ out of the Bar, ;uid got Iblcly to t
Place appointed by his Mailer ; who no fooncr f;
iiiiii, but he fell a curfing, :ind dainning, ;ind fiukin
at hmi, like a Madman, for putting iiini into fu'
bodily Fear, withal telling liim, 'Jhat if he hud it
taken, he ftjould hame been certaint\- hanged by the h.
Neck he had ; but, quoth he. Sirrah, h.i've you i_ol
Tankard? Yes, reply'd the Boy, Piid taking it fro
under his Coat, gave it him, laying .nt tlie fm
Time, Mefter, ifyoiv hcdnot -jirft aiord n:e thct yo
cud ran ive:l, I luud a gut et fum nddar 'Vay.
A little after this running Bout, young Hari
and his Mafter going throu^jh Denmark C:,urt in ti
S/ra/i
Pjfrnfeiy tiigh'waymefiy Mm-derers, Sca
Strand, they efpy'd a filver Tankard, Cup, Salver,
and fome Spoons and Forks, lying on a Side-board
in the Parlour of one William Buniaorth, a School-
Mafter ; at which Conftantine's Mouth watering,
quoth he to his Apprentice, who was now bound to
him for three Years, h there no pojjibility, Harvey, of
getiix" that Plate, ivhilji that damnd Maid is in the
Parlour? Yes, Mefler, quoth he, if you ivill carry
me up to the Mefler of the School, and pretending I
am a noughty Boy, give hemfumthing to \<jhop jtie, and
then I'ar tnenaging the Maud, Til le-ve that to you,
Mcjhr,
Accordingly they both went up Stairs without aflc-
ng any Quellion?, and coming into the School, Con-
tantine, who was drell much like a Gentleman, with
lis long tail Wig, and Sword by his Side, addrefsM
limfelf to the School-Mailer, faying, " Sir, I have
] ' got an unlucky Rogue of a Boy here for a Servant,
• who is the faddeft Dog as ever was known for go-
' ing of an Errand ; for fend him but to the next
' Door and he will ftay two or three Hours before
' he returns with an Anfwer : I have try'd fair
' Means, and foul Means with him, and yet all will
' not do ; wherefore, I humbly beg the Favour of
' you to do fo much as give him a good whipping,
' and next Week I Ihall fend him to School to you,
' to be inllrufted in Writing and calling Accompts,
for I would fain have the Rafca: come to good if I
could." At the fame Time he flipt a Crown-
iece into Sunivorth\ Hand, who being fuch a mi.
•fly covetous Fellow, that he would never marry for
, ar of bringing a charge of Children on him, he was
verjoyed at fo large a Gift for doing fo fmall a Pic^e
f Service.
Immediately the School-Mafter takes Harney to
'aflc, who began to fet up his Pipes, and cry'd hear-
ly ; but all to no Purpofe ; one of the luftiell Boys
1 the School was call'd out to hoift him, who get-
ng him on his Back, the Mailer handfomely flank'd
im. In the mean Time Confiantine went down
uirs, defiring him before to fend his Boy after him,
i foon as he had given him Correflion. Then ap-
roaching the Maid with fair Words, he gave her a
hilling, to fetch a Pint of Sack for him and her Ma-
»! wko was jutt i\pon coming down to him upon
fome Bufinefs that was betwixt them. The poor Ser-
vant miftrulling no harm, takei the Shilling, and went
for the Wine; in the mean Tiniehe went off with all
the Plate, and prefently came down Harvey and went
after him.
In lefs than four or five Minutes, School being
done, down comes Buniuorth himfelf, and feeing the
Maid coming in at the Street-Door with a Pmt of
Wine in her Hand, quoth he, IP'ho is that for, Mary ?
She told him, tl>e Gentlemen thit was jull now with
him, ordered her to fetch it. Quoth he, " A very
generous civil Gentleman, I vow ; he gave me a
Crown but for whipping that unluc!<y Rogue of
his, who, according to the Char-i^er of him, is,
indeed, a very naughty Boy. Said the Maid again.
Ay, but Sir, whe e is all the Pla e that was on the
Sideboard here jull now .? Plate! quotb l&\inwon\\,
' what Plate? I law no Plate. Anvaythcsbothiwcnt
' fearching the Ctofet, and e-very Hole arid Corner of
the Houfi, hut not finding it, Bunworth cries out,
Ruin'd and undone for ever! I'm rojsb'd, I'm
I robb'd! Oh! that dahin'd Son of a Whore of a
Gentleman, whilll I was whipping his unluckv Son
of a Whore his BoV, he has wiiipt awav all niv
'Plate. Thieves! thieves!" At this Uproar all
the Neighbours came in to aiTill him, thinking they
were then in the Houfe ; but, indeed, the 'Ihieves
were farther a Field, without Doubt making merry
over their Booty, whilll poor Buni:orth was d:imn-
ingand finking himfelf to the Pit of He!! for his l.ofs,
which he did notlong furvive, for within .\ little white
after he died with mere Vexation and Giie!.
In fine, Harney very truly and honeftly ferved out
his Time with his Matter, when fetting up for him-
felf, he had very pretty Bufinefs in Houfe-breaking,
and liv'd very creditably and handfomely among thole
of his Profeffion, for about nine Years, in and about
the Cities of London and IVeftminJier, and in that Time
had often paid Scot and Lot to Newgate, and other
Jails about Town ; but at lall being apprehended for
breaking open a Jeiu'% Houfe at Dukes-Place, and
robbing it of above four hundred Pounds in Money
and Plate, he was hang'd at Tyburn in 1704, aged
twenty fix Years.
M
V
The
ii
25*
A General History of
The LIFE of JACK WITHERS.
TH E Malefaflor we are now to give an Ao
count of, was the Son of a Butcher, born at
Litchfield in Stafordjhire, where he ferved
an Apprenticefhip with his own Father. For want
of Bufinefs when he was out of his Time, made him
come up to London, and his evil Genius when he was
there, foon threw him into the Way of Deftruftion ;
for engaging himfelf with a Society of Thieves, by
their Converfation he got into, from whence he was
fent into Flanders for a Soldier, as was then the Cur
ftom of dealing with Offenders, who were not judg'd
worthy of Death.
While he wa* abroad, he could very indifferently
brook the being obliged to live on a Foot Soldier's
Pay, which bore no Proportion to his late Expences.
Thit put him on a great many Shifts, and made him
take all Opportunities of making up the Deficiency
of kis Income. One or two of the Pranks that he
play'd in this View, will be very well worth rehearf-
ing, and we (hall give them as briefly as pofli-
ble.
Going into a Church in Ghent, where the People
were all at High Mafs ; and feeing molt of them call
Money into a Box that ftood under an Image of the
Virgin Mary, it made his Fingers itch for the Coin ;
fo watching a fair Opportunity, with a crooked Nail
he pick'd the Lock, and cram'd as much of the
Treafure as he could into his Pockets : But doing it
over-haftily, and dropping fome of the Pieces, they
made fuch a jingling on the MSirble Pavement, that,
as ill Luck would have it, he was difcovered, feized,
and dragg'd before a great Cardinal then in that
Town.
This arch Prieft examining the WitnelTes as to the
Fafk, and finding it plain, he exclaimed prodigioufly
againll Withers, by the Titles of Rogue, Rafcal, and
Jacrilegious Villain ; and was juft going to condemn
him to a fever* Punifhment, when Jack falling
on his Knees, with uplifted Hands, and Tears in his
Eyes, begg'd his Eminency to hear him. This, af-
ter much Storming, was granted, and Silence being
made. Jack, in a piteous Tone, told him, That he
was a vile wicked Wretch, bred up a Protellant, and
an Heretick, and being in great Diftrefs, he had
made his Prayers bcfor* the Imagt of the Bleffed
Virgin, to relieve him in his hard Neceffity ; promi-
fing, in confideraBon thereof, to turn Roman Ca-
tholick, and ever be her Votary ; when all on a fud-
den, the Box under her Image flew open, and fhe
pointed with her Finger to the Money, making alfo
a dumb Shew with nodding her Head, for him to fup-
p!y bis Neceflities out of it, which he had thank-
fully done, with a Refolution of keeping his Vow for
ever.
This Relation being heard with much Patience
and Attention, the Cardinal cry'd out, j1 Miracle !
4 Miracle ! which all the relt rehearled out aloud,
concluding that none had more right to dilpofe of
that Money, than ^c Virgin to wl>«m it was offer-
ed. Ii*llead of being punilhed, Jack ll'ithets wa
now carried back to the Church in folemn Proceifior
on Mens Shoulders, and borne round it in Triunipl
whilft Ave Maria was fung by the Priefts, and 1
placed before the High K\x?- ; after which he w:
difmiffed with great Applaui'e.
Proving fo fortanate in this Cheat, he was therel:
embolden'd to commit another like it ; for one D;
going into a Church in Antiverp, he perceiv'd tl
PrieiTput a filver Crucifix, of great Value, into
Sepulchre, as their Ceremony is, in reprefenting t
Refurreftion, upon Afcenjmi Day ; and whillf tl
fpiritual juggler and the People were going round t
Church, in their fuperftitious Way of Devotion, Ja
Withers was fo dextrous as to convey the Cruci:
into his Breeches, and Ihuffle among the Crowd ;
that when the I'ritll came back to it, faying thi
Words in the Gofpc!, Noa eft hie, ftirrexit cnim, tl
is. He is not here, for he is rifen, he <ound it fo i
deed ; for, after much fumbling, he perceiv'd 1
graven God was gone ; and Witleers then made wf
Halle he could away, for fear of a Search.
But a little after the playing of this Prank, Jc
running away from hi*, Colours, came into Engla
again, where, preferring an idle courfe of Life 1
fore any lawful Erapioyment, he took to the Hig
way. One Day meeting with an old Mifer upon t
Road, who was his Father's Neighbour, he co)
manded him to ftand, and deliver what he had,
othervvife he was a dead Man. The old Man bei
furpriz'd, pleaded great Poverty, in Hopes of favi
about an hundred Guineas and Broad Pieces of Go
which he had in the Pockets of his wide knee Breec
es, containing Cloth enough to makeaGentlewom
a hoop'd Petticoat ; but all his whining prevail
nothing with Jack. He was then for coming
Compofition with him, by giving hia one talf
his Money to fave t'otiier, but Withers fwore a gr(
Oatli of the firil Rate shat he would not abate hin
Farthing of Cent, per Cent. The old Man fumbli
a good While in hus Pocket, at length he lugg'd c
his Purfe and Pair of Spcftacle?, which putting on '.
Nofe, he g:4ve his money to JackVithers; whoafkj
him whether his Sight was fo b.".d that he could r
give him his Piufe without ufing his auxilliary EyCi
To whicii the other reply'd, " That he hoped
" might have the Liberty of feeing to whom he ga;
" hib Money. Ay, ay, and welcome, quoth JacI
" and pray take notice, that when you fee me aga
" you muft fupply me with jull fuch another Sum
So they parted; Jack riding one Way, and the (
Wretch anetl.er. ,
One Time Jack Withers, and two of his hope!
Comrades, Iwving btea all Night a rakeing in i
Country, as they uere comir.g on Foot over i
Field by Marybone, by 4 o'Clock in a Sumnie-i
Morning, they nblcrved a Gentleman wnlking all
lone, making all the t»e'lures imaginable o,''l'.'fli([
Difcontent, and Fury, fuch as calling u_b his Ej-es'
Pyratesy Highwaymen^ Murderers^ 5Cc.
'■59
thi5ky> difplaying his Arms abroad, and then ring-
inc hem together again. This happened to be one
\J[\Vanbruggen, a celelDrated Player, who was get-
tin his Part ; but they not knowing who he was,
far is'd he might be in defpair for Love, or fome
3tl Cauie, and fo in that Condition might lay vio-
en Hands upon himfeif. Hereupon they watch'd
lis lotions at a Dilbnce ; but Mr. Vanbruggen, at
eti' 1, efpying them, he, for the more Privacy,
vei thro' a Hedge into another Field, where thefe
hri Sparks found him by the fide of a Pond, ex-
ire 1", in a very paffionate Manner, thefe Words of
'm tes, in the Tragedy of Theadojiui, or, The Force
f ve.
cl'ge thee not !
\tl ihen I am dead take the attending Slaves,
he ear me, iviti my Blood diftillirtg donun,
•r, ht fo the Temple ; lay me, O ! Aranthes,
,-ald Coarfe at Athenaie's Feet,
0 / luhy, luhy do my Eyes run o'er /
•tyithmylateft Gafp I grOand for Pardon.
uj, ererxy Friend; hol/fajl, and fix the Sword:
ft the Artery, viheri the Life Blood lies ;
i ves againjl the Point Nou\ 0/ ye Gods,
'J. the greatly '•Juretched you ha've room,
re. re my Place, for dauntlefs, lo I come !
he >rce of ha've thus makes the mortal Wound,
(K .thenars /(r«iJ> me to the Ground.
"j k Whitlxrs being foremoft, cry'd out to his
: ID .des. Hallo ! Make hajle ; by G d ''tis e\n
■ ■ thought, the poor Gentleman is juji going to
II aifelf for Love. So making all up to Van-
uj n, one taking him by one Arm, and another
■ e other, they faid. Pray, Sir, conjider 'what
t ? going to do ! What a fad Thing ivill it be
r u to dronun yourfelf here r Be ad<vis''d, and
n, better Thoughts ivith you, Mr. Vanbruggen
It lowing their Meaning, quoth he, as they were
ill J and hailing him about, " What a Plague
i: ill this for ? I am not going to hang, llab,
t drown myfelf ; I amTiot in Love; I am only
a I'layer getting my Part. A Player are you >.
rly'd Withers, if we haA thought that, you
ll
'* fhould e'en have drown'd yourfelf and been
" d— — n'd too, before we'd have took all thi; Pains
" to follow )our Arfe up and down ; But to make
" us amends ior our Trouble, you can do no lefs
" then give us what Money you have. " Being in
a bye Place, they ty'd his Hands and Legs together,
and took from him about ten Shilling, and a filvcr
hilled Sword.
After this Jack Withers, and one William Ed-
wflr</i, fetting on a Perfon of Quality within a Mile
or two of Beaconsfield, in Buckinghamjhire, the
Lord that was aflaulted, who had only one Footman
with him, had the Courage to Cfpofe them, and
hjld fo hot a Difpute to fave what he had, that Wi-
lhers'% Horfe being (hot, Edivards was obliged to
carry him oft" behind him ; and a ciofe Purfuit being
made after them, they were forced to <}uit that
Horfe, and make their Efcape on Foot, thro' bye
Lanes, and over Fitlds, where iioce on Horfeback
could ride after them. Now hiding themfelves
in a Wood all Night, thp next Morning they
made the beft of their way for London ; b.t
about a Mile out of Uxbndgi, meeting with a
Penny-Poll Man. they afljulted him on the
Queen's Highway, and having taken fron him
about eight Shillings, to prevent his Difcovery
of them. Withers (tho' much ag.oinft the ^Viil
of his Comrade Edianrd,) took a Butcher's
Pocket, and with it not only
of the unhappy Mam, but ript
and filling the Body fuJI of
into a Pond, where it was
Day. None could tell the
Author of this inhuman Murder, till Withers
and his Companiog were apprehended abouf
two Months after for a Country Robbery ;
when being condemn'd at the Lent Aflizes at
Norfolk, on the i6th of April, 1703, the Day
of their Execution, at Thetford, Withers con-
fefs'd the Fad. Thus we may fee how the
Providence of God generally brings to light the
Authors of fuch horrid Deeds ; for tho' a Mur-
derer may for fome Time efcape, yet the divine
Judgment will oreftake him »t iaXl.
knife out of his
cut the Throat
out his Bowels,
Stones threw it
found the next
Tk
7.6&
A Gemral H i s t o r y of
The LIFE o/WILL MAW.
THIS noted Villain, aged jo Years wheh he
was hang'd, was born at l^orthalkrtoH in
Tori/hire, from whence he came to London,
at about zo Years of Age, and ferved his Appren-
ticefhip with a Cabinet-maker, and for a great while
followed that Occupation, in the Parifti of St. Cj/*r'»
&ipplegate, where he dwelt for above eighteen Years
together ; and for many Years before his DAth ha>
Virfg left off working at his Trade, he maintained
himfelf by fome illegal Ways of living, fuch a» the
buying of ftollen doods, and thereby encouraging
Thieves and Robbers, he had alfo been addifled to
coining, and for fome of his irregular AAions, had
a Fine of ten Pounds laid in upon him, in Srptent'
ber 1705, was burnt in the Hand in April 1710,
and in September following, and twice ordft«d to
hard labour in Briieiutll.
Having once committed a Robbery, for which
he was afraid to be apprehended, when he lived in
Goldtn Lane, he pretended to be very fick at Home,
and ordered his Wife to give out that he was dead.
His Wife being a cunning Baggage, fo ordered, the
Matter, that fte cleanly executed his Command,
bonght him a Coffin, invited about 40 or 50 Naigh-
bours to the Funeral, an<l followed the Corps in fuch
a mournful Condition, as if her poor Hu/band had
been dead indeed. As they were coming by the
ReJ-crofs Alehoufe, at the End of RedCrofi-ftreet,
to St. Gilei'i Church- Yard, near G-ipple^ate, fome
Company being drinking at the Door, who were in-
quifitive to know \?ho was dead, they were told it
was old Ma'w, whom they knew very well.
About five Years afterwards, one of thofa P«rfons
that were drinking, as aforefaid, being ■ Prifoner
In Woodftreet Compt'Cr, for Debt, and Maiu com-
ing in alfo a little after him, tlie Perfon was fo
farpriz'd at the latter, diat at firll he had not Pow-
er to fpeak to him ; but, at length, recovering fome
Courage, as dreading he had feen a Ghofl, quoth
ha, h not your Nami Maw, Sir? Ma'w reply 'd,
7'es, Sir i asfure as your Name ii Watkins. The
ether faid again, H'hy, I thought you had been dead
and buried five Yean ago t Tci, reply'd Ma'w, fit I
'wai in TrefpaJ/ii and Sins : But I mean, faid Ifat-
iiiii, laid your felf corporally in the Gra/ve. No, (re-
ply'd Ma'w) I ivas not dead; but being at that Time
under fiame troubles, I tv/ti at the Charge of a Cof-
fin to fa've my Neck, and my Wife gaiie out I 'was
reblly defunfl, as fuppofing then my Ad'verfaries "would
ttot Utk for me in my Grave.
Shortly after this Imprifonment being hang'd, as
k* was going up Holborn, another Perfon, who, like
iAf, li'ittHyi*i ipd thought him dead and buried^
feeing him in the Cart, he was in a great Adn itj
on, calling thus out to him in the Cart, Oh ! „
Mr. Maw, / really thought you had been dea i«
buried fi've Years ago and more. Why fa I iva n
ply'd Ma'w, but don't you inoiu that •wt mu al
rife agmin at the Day of "Judgment ? Yes, reply i,;
Acquaintance, hut the Day of Judgment is tni tm
yet. Ay, but it is, quoth A/aw, andpajs'dt 1;
Days ago, at the Sejions-Houfe in the Old-B ;jf
'where lamfure 'twas the judgment of the C 11,
fend me to be hanged no-w. So his FViend » jni
him a good Journey, and a fafe Return, they jj
parted.
H'ill. Matt) having once ftole a Trunk fro It-
hind a Coach, in which were feveral Good uid
among them a Clergyman's new Gown and C: d,
great Enquiry was made at moft of the I ;m
for the canonical Robes, by a Friend of the ini.
fter who loft them. Ma-w had fold them I ^
Seabreok in Barbican, with whom they w x
length found. SeabreoJt offered to fell them ax
ny worth, and the Gentleman bid him bring tl to
the Sun-Ta'vern, in Alderfgate-ftreet, where tl \t-
fon was that wanted them. The . Clergyms iw
there, and having viewed and tried the Robes, ml
them to be the fame ; whereupon, he asked th !»•
ker how he cama by them ; who couU neith m
much Account of the Manner he bought thi iiv
nor find the Perfon he bought them of. In a jii,
but an Aft of Grace having been lately p h
pleaded the Benefit of it, and fo efcaped the J ^-
ment which he murt otherwife haw fufferei {IB
not the Difgrace that attends fuch Praftices. .I^f
After a long Courfe of Iniquities, Ma'w \ tt
jaft committed to Newgate himfelf, and at the ^
ing Seifions convided of five Indiftments. 1
breaking open the Houfe of Mrs. Anne Johnfo
taking thence eight Pewter Plates, and other (
z. For breaking open the Houfe of Mr. 7o,{»
and taking thence 2^ Pair of Leather Clogs,
affaulting and robbing Mr. Charles Potts, <
Highway, and taking from him a filver Watcl
gold Rings, Money, and other Things. ,
afTaulting Mrs. Anne Grofer, on the Highwj
taking from her 3 /. bd. And 5. For afTaulti
the fjueen's Highway, and robbing, Mr. Co
of fome Money, an Handkerchief, and other (
'Twas impofTible for him now to think of comi
and if it had been poffible for him to have exi
any Grace, he had been deceived, fo<; on Wei^
the 29th of 0<-7«i^r, 1711, this Oifender meW
the Punilhraent he fo well defervcj, at theilwi
Plata of Execution.
Pyratesy Htghwaymenj Murderers, &c.
zGi
LIFE of NICHOLAS WELLS.
HIS noted Criminal, Nicholas Wells, was
born at Pemfiuorth, in the County of Kent,
but afterwards lived at Eaft-Grimftead, with
} Grandmother ; and keeping a Horfe, travelled
f m thence to London, and bought and fold Goods,
I which he helped to keep two of his Younger Sif-
, tji. He was a Butcher by Trade, and married a
, \)manin Bamaby-Jlreet, with whom he had one
llidred and twenty Pounds for a Portion. Whilft
. t! Money lafted, which was not long, he lived con-
D t with his Wife ; but having by extravagant
.Cirfes quickly confumed it, they then lived like
Il| ried Quality, for they would fee one another once
ijljt^eek perhaps, lie together once a Month, and
,B together once a Year.
!,^ieingby his Folly reduced to great Neceffities,
.B much in Debt, he, for a Livelihood, drove a
R{ )dmonger'sCart in Southiuark; and one day carry-
hree Loads of Faggots to a Gentleman's Houfe
.ambcth, as he was making Water not far from
Door, where the Gentleman's Wife flood, her
lordinary Beauty had fuch an Influence on his
^yil Mind, that he was over heard by the Gentle-
lan to fay to himfelf thefe Words : Was I to
"Utwith that handfome Creature, I 'VO'-m and fivear
''^ ?\ ^i<ve my Cart and Hor/es.
iy jne Gentlewoman, who was none of the Chafleft,
! Mig him into her Parlour, fhe wanted to know
';|lj. 'twas he faid, as he was miking Water, or o-
fi'vife, if he would not tell her, (he would call her
1- aum to kick him well. Our new Carmam was
Ji what baifhtul to declare what he had faid ; but
"ahg to be ill us'd in cafe he did not fatisfy the
"Jelewoman's Demands, he very bluntly told her
;■ beWords above-mentioned. The Lady now ta-
ir him at his Word, Ihe carried him to her Bed-
h ibcr, were obtaining the Pleafure, for which he
11 forfeited his Cart and Hories, and finding no
'rence betwi.\t her and his Wife in that fort of
lie iwore, 'They luere all alike.
:iiis Tone he hankered about the Street-Door
- g|it while, for home to his Malkr he durfl not
■ o.vithout the Cart and Horfes ; but, at Jail, the
■ V Oman's Hufband coming home to Dinner,
iring the bellow fwcar. They luere all alike,
— d ; quoth he. What are all alike ? 'The Fag-
■ reply'd the Carman. Quoth the Gentleman a-
.ind i-.'jnt cf that f To which Kick thus an-
- Ant plcafe you. Sir, I hanje brought home the
L,iadi of Fugg:>ts 'which you bought, and your
f . :ng not fatifed, that the lajl Faggots ixihich
t jo big as the firjl, Jhe hath ordered her Ser-
to lock up >ny Cart and Hirj'ei in your Coach-
' ■■■ and Jays, that Jhe ivill keep them, O ! fie, fie,
'• •'.', faid the Gentleman to his Wife, you muji
JO ; the Cart and Horfes are none of the
' '/.7»'/, they'' re his Majhr's, therefore yOu mufi
'^him. if he has not us'' d you nxiell .
'■ '. (ientlewoman than prefcntly delivered the
lUiind Horfes, and privately gave the Carman a
Guinea befides, for his handfome come off. But
the next Day Kick bringing fome Coals to the fame
Houfe, he then left the Gentlewoman his Cart and
Horfes for good and all ; for finding an Opportu-
nity of flipping into a Back Parlour, where a Scru-
tore was open, he took out of it, a rich gold Watch,
feveral diamond Rings, and two hundred and fifty
Guineas, which he carried clear off, without going
to his Matter any more.
Not long after this Exploit, meeting with Hafid-
fome Fielding, riding on Horfeback by himfelf over
Putney-Heath, as he came by Nick, he knock'd him
off hii Gelding, and feconding his Blow with ano-
ther, which ftunn'd him worfe than the firft, he
ty'd his Hands and Feet, and fearched his Pockets,
wherein he found about twenty Guineas, which made
him break forth into this Exclamation : O/ Gold
almighty, thou art good for the Heart jtck at Night,
J'ore Eyes in the Morning, and for the Wind in the Sto-
mach at Noon; indctd, thou art a ne'ver failing Re-
medy for any Diftemper, at any Time, in all CaJ'es,
and for all Con/litutions.
Whilft Nick was expoftulating to himfelf on the
excellent Qualities of Gold, Handfome Fielding re-
covering his Senfes, quoth he, Sirrah, Dojl kno-.v on
•whom thou haft committed this InJ'olence? Not I, (re-
ply'd Nick) nor 1 don t care, for ''tis better you cry
than I Jlarnje. Quoth the robb'd Perfon agxin, Pm
General Fielding, -who' II make yon dearly J'uffer for
this, if e'ver you come into my Clutches. Art thou
(reply'd A';Vi then) i^^aa Fielding? Why truly P've
heard thy Fame and Shame long enough ago ; I think
thou art one of thofe amorous Coxcombt nvho never ge
ivithout Verfes, in praife of a Miflrefs, and ivrite
Elegies on the great Misfortune of lofing your But-
tons. Thou art one of the ivhining Puppies, thai'
luajie Day and Night tcith her that you admire for
a Whore, taking up her Clone, and robbing her of a
Hankerchief, 'which you'll pretend to keep for her
Sake. In fine, let me tell you, thou art tranf.ated
out of a Man into a M'himfy. So leaving Beau Field-
ing to fliift for himfelf, he made the belt of his
Way to Rofemary-Lane ; where his Landlord and
Landlady were tranfported at the fight of his Booty,
ior he treated them, as in Duty bound, plentifully ;
and there u as never a Servant in the Houfe of Ini-
quity but fared the better for his Villany.
Altho' Nick Wells was a Fellow that ventured his
Neck in thefe dangerous Enterprizes, yet he was
not Mafler of any true Courage, for he was much
of the nature of thofe who are always challeng-
ing People that will not fight, and cuffing fuch as
all the 'I'own has kick'd ; upon many Occafions it
has appeared that he was as cautious of dealing with
a Man that is traly rough, as an honeil Man would
have been of dealing with him. He was very
Bloody-minded, where he had the Advantage of a
Man, as may be perceived by an Enterprize which
he once undertook for one Eliz-ihith Harmar., alias
Bsfi T'.'Sgoid.
I X Thi.s
t6z
A General History of
This Woman bei*pg condemned for picking the
Pocket of one Samuel M'inficld, a Lock Smith, liv-
ing ne:ir St. Geoive^i Ciiurch in Southiuark, fuch
W.15 her implacable Malice befor* ilie was hanged,
that (lie faid fhe could not die iatisfied, unlefs ihe
had the Blood of her Prolecutor. Propofing her
wicked Inclinations to Nick Wells, quoth he, Befs,
not that I matter a Murder or two committing,
h,:t 1 don't love to uork without Hire ; what am I to
h.ive, firll? and who ami to difpatch ? But I care
not who it is, if you content me. Then this wick-
ed Wretch acquaiiuing him where her Adverfary
liv'd, and giving him three Guineas to murder him,
he took his lalt Farewell of her in the Chapel of
Newgale, and that fame Day going to Mr. U'in-
f eld's Houfe, with pretence of befpeaking a Lock,
that he might have a fight of the Man he was to
kill, in the Evening he watch'd his going out, and
coming home, which was about twelve at Night,
and coming behind liim as he was knocking at his
©wn Door, he ran him thro' the Back with a Tuck,
of which Wound he prefcntly died on the Spot :
But the Murderer was never known till he confels'd
this barbarous Crime at the Gallows.
Whilll he followed thefe ill Courfes he wes much
atldifted to all manner of Lafcivioufnefs, and feldom
faw his Wife, whom he greatly flighted ; for he was
often want to fay. He luas not curfed nvith the Plague
bJ Coiijlancy. Nay, how little Regard he had for
his Wife, may plainly be feen by the following
Contrail, drawn betwixt him and William Maiv,
whofe Life immrediately precedes tliis.
We the Stibfcribers, JFilliam Ma-iv of London,
joyner, and Nicholas Wdls of PmJ'-worth, in the
County of Kettt, Butcher, being each of us I .
dened with an ufelefs Moveable, the former wit j
Jack-Daw, and the latter with a Wife, decl'
That sve have thought fit, for the Convenience if
one another, out of our own pure and free Vj
to make a Barter and Truck of the Jack-Daw r
the Wife ; yielding up the one to the other, U
Right and Title that we have to the faid Wife J
Jack-Daw, and quitting for ever all Claim to tt ( '
without any Manner of Complaint or Demand h-.
after to the Premifles fo trucked. To which r-
gain and Agreement, in token of hearty Confent 4
Satisfaftion, we have hereunto fet our Hands i
Seals. Dated at Deptford, the loth Day of il r^
I 710.
William Mai
Nicholas Wt^
Accordingly the Wife went with the 'Buyer, J
her Husband, without repenting his Bargain,
fu'd his vicious Pradlices liill. But at length 1 1
apprehended for robbing one James Wilmot, a Bk
er, near Epfom, of thirty Gumeas, fome Silver,
a filver Watch, he was committed to the Mar
fea Prifon in South^vark. For this Fad); he |
hanged in the twenty eighth Year of his Aj
King/fun upon Thames, on Saturday the 28t,
March, 171 2. Mr. Noble 2x1 Attorney being all J
ecuted there at the fame Time for the barbi
Murder of one John Sayer, Efq ;
>^m
PyrateS) High^waymrty Murderers^ &Cc.
263
:he LIFE (5/ WILLIAM HOLLO WAY.
• ■Tr -T A S born at NetucaJlle-under-Ltne, in Staf-
\l\l fardjhire^ and was bred up to Hulbandry ;
F T but not liking his Occupation, he came up
\Londo7i, where falling into fuch Company as had
I her be the DeviPs Soldiers, than fight under the
I iners of Honelly, he loon became fuch an Enemy
t Virtue, that no fort of Theft mifs'd his Jnclina-
t 1, to fupport himfelf in the Extravagancies of a
r It licentious Courfe of Life.
"irlt he went upon petty iVIatters of Thieving, in
V ich he was very fuccefsful ; for one Day going to
Bj!night's Houle m Bloomjlwy-Sguare, with an A-
f n before him juft like a Scowrer, he had the Im-
p ence to go up Stairs and take three or four Foot-
II s Liveries ; but jull coming out with them on
h Arms, the Coachman llopping at the Door with
Loach, he ftopp'd HoUotvay, and afk'd him, Whe-
• he iviTS going ivith thofe Coats, andU'afle-coals ?
3th Holloivay, The Parliament being to Jit ivi/hin
Week, and ';our Majter beiyig iiiliing his Mirts
tries Jhould look fomeivhat freflp a7id decent, the
■juard has ordered mc to fconrer thetn again/} then.
e, here, then, faid the Coachman, take fay Cloak
and fco-iver it I'.-cll. So flepping on his Coach-
:, he took his Cloak off the Seat, and give it
'l(rj:ay, who never took the Pains to bring it back
in : But the poor Coachman was fadlyjeei'd about
for whcreever the Boys met him, who knew of the
lick, tiiey would cry to him. Here, here, take my
Cak too.
■\notlser Time there being a great Stop of Coaches
n^lcet-Jlrcet, Mr. lijllovjay llepping up to a Gen-
tlnan's Co.ach, and pretending to h.ive fom.e earneil
linefs with him, whilft Holloi'cay was talking to
X. Gentleman as he lean'd over the Door of the
" Cach to him, one of his Comr.ides took out a rich
Cach S:at, and got clear off with it in the Dark ;
*1 whilil the Gentleman turn'd his Head out of the
Cicr Door to look afier it, Holloivay fnatch'd off the
o.er Scar, and in the Crowd went away with that.
l,e Gentlciii.tri being in a great Surprize to fee how
f.denly he n.ul loft both his Seats, he calTd out to
h Coachman, faying, Tom, hafi theu got the Horfes
tre* Quoth Tom, Yes, Sir. Ay, but (faid the
ntlemar.) are you Jure you have them ? Why yes,
, reply'd the Coachman, Fm fure 1 have them ;
i their Rtins are noi-j in my Hand, ff^el/, (quoth
t: Ger.tlen:an)yi^ and keep them there, for 1 have loft
/• Seats out cf the Coach; and by Heavens, ifyozi'Ve
>' ajpccial Care, you U loj'e my Horfes too.
Not long after this Exploit, Mr. E^es, who kept
t' Punch-Houfe \n Hemlock Court, having been ons
. y recreating himfelf in his Calafh, ?/7// obferving
k.o come a loft Pace in the Road b^twi\t Turnham-
> een and Harnmerfmith, he perceived the Dri\-er
rcof, who had been drinking very hard wheie he
1 been, to be fall afiecp. Hereupon Will llopp'd
: Horfe, which was but one, and foftly ftepping up,
cd Mr. £?««'6 Pockets, unfeltofhim, of a Watch
and two Guineas, and fo fneaked off from liim, fup-
pofing that was all the Booty he could get at that
Time, unlefs he Itripped him of his Cloaths too, which
he could not well c.irry off without fome Sufpicion,
in that Place. However, the Road being clear of
Paffengers, and finding Mr. Ernes ftill in a profound
Sleep, he ty'd his legs togttler, and, that he might
have the Pleafure to fee what would be the Iffne ot it,
he pull'd the Pins out of the Axle-Treeof the Wheels,
and fet the Horie a-going, which he had not done
Ebove an hundred Paces, but the Wheels flew off, and
coin came the Booby-Hutch.
Mr. Ernes now waked in a great Confternation,
whillt ///■// lay peeping behind a Hedge, and could
percei\e his Surprize. But the Horfe's Rein be!n"-
cut, and he not able to unloofe his Legs, for want
of a Knife to cut the Cord, the Horfe never ftopp'd
mr llaid, ti 1, in that manner, l.e had drawn the Ca-
l.ilh through Thick and Thin into Hamv.erfmith ;
from whence fending for the Wheel-, and having
t^ein put on again, t,e flept no more t;ll he got quite
Hime.
: Now H'Jloivay having cad all Honelly and
Goodnefs quite out of Doors he w.s refol\cd to
prol'ecute Jiis ^'dlany to tr.e higi.ell Dc-grcc ; io
from comiaitting fmall Matters oi Theft, he was
refovtd to turn Highw.ayman, and being accoutred
fjr this Purpofe, with a good Hoife, H.-.iger, :nJ
Piltols, he let out for fuch Ente: prizes.
'1 he firll Adion he wei t upon, was upon tl e
Read Lecuixt Faringdon and Abingdon, in Berk-
Jhire ; where mettiig with a Country F-irmer, and
aiking him the Time of the Eay, he told h:m it
was about twelve o'CIock. Why then (quoth Hol-
lovjay,) '•■ it may be about high Time to a& one fa-
" vourof you. What's that? (/aid the Farmer)
" Why truly, (reply'd Hollovja)) underllar.ding that
" you received ten Pounds at the Inn from wnence
" you now came, (for I was drinking in the next
" Room when it was paid you) Necefilty obliges me
" to borrow it, and if you are not willing to lend it
" me by fiiir Means, I fliall take it by foul Means..'*
The F.irmer being a Man of lome Cour.~ge, prefentiy
drew his Hangc^ in hia own Defence, but that being
no Security againll Pillols, which could kill at a Di-
ftancc, Holloivay fhot his Horl'e under him ; fo dif-
mounting his Antagonift, and riding up to him with
another Piltil ready cock'd, and prelenting it to the
Farmer's iBreail, he lent him his Money without ta-
king a Note of his Hand for it.
Another Time Holloway mee;ing \\i:h a Gentle-
man on the Road, who had like to have been robb'd
but a little before, lie told the faid Holloivay, that
there were fome Highwaymen before, whcr/fcre l.e
advis'd him, if he had any Charge about him, to
turn back. Quoth Bo/lonvay, " I have no great
" Ch:;rge about me. Sir, however, I'll take your
" Advice for fear of the worft. So as they •were ri-
" ding along, faid V» ill again. Perhaps we may
" meet
264
A General History of
" meet with more Rogues of the Gang by the Way,
" for this is an ugly robbing Road, therefore I'll
" fecure that little I have, which is but three Gui-
" neas, by putting it in my Mouth. Naixi the
" Gentleman thinking him not of that VrofeJJion, quoth
'■%■ he. And in cafe we ftiould be fet upon, I have fe.
" cur'd my Gold in the Rowls of my Stockings,
*' which is no fmall Quantity, for I received Rent
" this Day of fome of my Tenants." They had not
gone above half a Mile farther, before they came into
a very bye Place, where he bidding the Gentleman
Stand and Deliver, he was in a great Surprize ; how-
ever, there was no Remedy for preventing the Lofs
of his Gold, which was about eighty Guineas ; and
for fear he ihould have more of the fame Metal in his
Boots too, he ript them from Top to Bottom ; but
finding none there, he left the Gentleman curfing and
fwearing, for difcovering where he had laid up his
Hoard.
Willhr a long. Time had been very fuccefsful in
many Robberies on the Highway, but at length his
Devil failing him, he was apprehended for one com.
mitted on Hounjlonju-Heath, fent to Neivgate, and
condemned for the fame ; but had the good Fortune
to receive Mercy. Now having a Reprieve, and
being impatient till he pleaded to Her Mejcfty's Par-
don, he broke out of Neivgate ; after which having
the Impudence, when he was drunk, to go to the
Selfions-Houfe in the Old-Bailey, while the Judges
were fitting upon a Commiflion of Oyer and Termi-
ner, fome of the Turnkeys of Neivgate offered
to apprehend him for breaking out of Gaol, which
canfing a Scuffle betwi.ict him and them, he mortally
{hot Richard Sparling, a Turnkey, thro' the Body,
in the Face of the whole Court, of which Wound he
died within eleven Minutes. For this he was fe-
cured, with one Mrs. Houfden, who was try'd with
him for -the faid Murder, and condemned as an
Acceflary to it ; and to make their Puniftiment m ;
exemplary, h« and the Woman were not o;
hanged at the End of Gilt-Spur-jireet in fightf
Neivgate, in September, 1712, but afterwards/.
loivay was alfo hanged in Chains at a Place ca 1
by his own Name, on one fide Ijlington.
At the Place of Execution, he own'd hemr
had any Antipathy againll the Perfon deceas'd, ]
did not know what he did, as being in Drink. Ts
we may evidently fee the fatal Confequences f
Drunkennefs ; which odious Vice is now beet ;
fo faihionable, that we may, too often, behold i j
contending for Viftory over a Pot, and taking i
meafure of their Bravery by the Strength of t r
Brains, or C.ipacity of their Bellies. Taverns |
Alehoufes are the common Academies of Sin, wh ;
Drunkards make themfelves expert in all thofe i \
whereby they gratify Satan, and as it were, in »
many open Brav.-idoes, challenge the Almighty ; \
the Field, and dare him to do the worft he can.
Doubtlefs Satan, hath but too much Power ( r
thefe Men when they are ir.oft fober, they need ;
give him the Advantage of finding them fo 0 1
drunk ; e.xcept in a Bravado they defire to (how
World how boldly they dare defy Heaven, and 1 •
much they fcorn to owe their Ruin to any but th •
felves. Nay, it feems very evident, that even t j
Bachanalians make this fottilh Paftimc t t
beloved Recreation, and only account him fit ■
their Company, that can takeofFhis Cupshandfom ,
and is verfed in all the Methods and Maxims of
hellifh Art. Indeed, they have made it a kim
Science, and have given it fo many Rules and 1
of late, that he that will now be expert in it,
need to ferve out an Apprenticeftiip, to learil
the Circumllances and Terms tho' he tver fo pen
in the Subllance before
7:'
I
PyrateSy Highwaymeriy Murckrsrsy SCc.
-^>5
ne L I F E 0/ A V E R Y.
rpHIS
I bor
L put
iHIS Malefaftor, Avery by Name, was
born in Oxford/hire, and by his Parents was
t out an Apprentice to a Bricklayer, in
Z don, wlicre, after iie was out of liis Time,
w cii he fcrved very faithfully and honeftly, he
- 0 ried ; and then following his Trade for himfeif,
■^ h ee«ied to be fo induftrious at his Bufinels, tiiat
' h Neighbours had noSufpicion in theleail of his
r, jing on the Highway ; which imlawfal Pradlice
' hiiadlbllowed forfome Years, to tlie great Comfort
■0' imfelf and all his Family; who faw him work
U uird till at lal^ it killed him, much againll his
\il.
• I )ne Time ^-t^i";;)! going out to look for a Prize
' c'rhe Road, he got one by the bye, and to make
jf what he had (for yoa;'niuft know it is a Maxim
Hticks, that it is a harder Matter to keep a
igdom then to conquer one) he rid all bye Roads
he came into a Field where feveral Country Fel-
s were iknding at a Gate. Now was l;e in a
mdary what to do. ^i iiinks he Should I ride
k again in any Precif;itation, it li'i/J gii'e them
e Miftriift, thercfcKC I i::// put on a good Face,
I ride up to the Mem Eut tiie Gate being lock'd
could not gtt oat. Ifoweverone ofthe A^len who
1 the key or'itj wanting a young Colt which he
1 in the
ch tr,
'■e tcld d-very that if he would
. ould open the Gate for him
v.vn tl.e l-ield i.fter the Colt,
,...:;ce oefoie he could catch him ;
lii.n up ,to the Ov. ner, he let him
INow being in the Road tcgctlier, quoth he to the
bn that own'd tl.e Cok, What mtift I hanie for
Veiling the Celt for you ? H^i-vc r* (reply 'd the Coun-
\xaiiR)0 dear! Sir, zvhat cc.n you cxpaB for fuch
uMattei? M'hy, I think that 'was a Kindncfs to
I you through the Gate, cr elfe you tnuft ha'i:e rid
if^reat I'Fay abci:t. ^Vf;-_v fw ore moil horribly he
ould be paid ior his Trouble. The Countryman
;ing him in a gieat PaiTion, he proir.ifed him a
It or two of Ale, if he would accept it. But this
3uld not fati.'-fy Jzrry ; for pulling out his Pillols
r.vore he would not t^!;e all that Pair.s for nothing
i:t hi.damn'd Colt, therefore, ir they did not all
.ver piefently, he wouM Ihoot them every Man.
i'he poor Cour.try Fellous being in a great Confter-
■ition, andalxnoil fiigi.Ci-dout of their Wits, at the
';ht of his murdeiing linplemcats, they ail pull'd
lit their leather Purfes, and gave him what they
id i after which he rode away in great Triumph
jir robbing half a dozen Men by himfeif. and
jithout Doubt he had made his Brags thereof to
ime of his intimate Cronies ; for when he was
ijing to be hang'd, one of them meeting him in the
art, as he was riding up Holhom, thus call'd out
) him : So ho I Friend Aver)', ivhat, are you going
catch anothei- Colt ? But Mr. Avery had then fo
68
much Bufinefs- on his Hands, that he could not make
him any Anfwer.
Another Time Mr. A'very roving up and down
the Road, to feek whom he might devour, he met
with a good honeft Tradelman betwi.xt Kingfton
upon Thames and Guilford in Surry, with whc:!
holding fome Chat, as they rode together, Jvcry
asked him what Trade he might follev/ when at
home. Said he, I'm a Fijhmcngcr, pray li-hut Oc-
cupation may you he of? y^wj-j" reply 'd, Why lam
a Limb of St. Peter /oo. What (quoth the Filh-,
monger) are you a Fijherman ? Ay, (Taid Amery)
r VI foniething tolvards it for every Finger J ha-ve
is a Filhook. Quoth the Fiihmo.nger, Indeed, I
dont apprehend your Meaning, Sir, Then . Averyi
pulling out his Pilfols. Nozv, fays ht.'ny" Meiining
mr.y foon be apprehended ; for there's not a Finrier
on either of my Hands, but I'jhat^nf.ill ca(cl) Gold or
Silver ivithout any Bait at all. So taking twenty
Pounds from him, and cutting the Girts and Bridle
of his Horfe, he rode as fait as he could' for Lon-
don.
Money growing {hort_ again with Mr. Avery, he
was forced to feek his Fortune as ufual, on the'Ro.ad i
and meeting with an Exciieman on Flnchly -Common,
whom lie knew very well, though he was not known
by him, by rcafon he was very much difguifed,
with a Mafic on his Face, Avery followed Jiiai : t
fome Diftance, and a fair Opportunity favouring his
Dcfign, he rode up to the Exxifeman, demanding his
Money at once, "i'he afi'iulted Perfon being fome-
what fullen and obilinate, he would not deliver any
Tiling t'll Avery^ threatened to kill him if he made
any farther Refufal. The E;cciferaan being daunted
at his Words, and almoft frighted out of his Wits
to hear what dreadful Vollies of Oaths came out of
his Mouth, he ftopp'd it .as fall as he could with a
dozen Pounds fayirg. Here take ivhat I have ; for
if there is a Devil, certainly thou art one. It may
be fo, (reply 'd Avery) but yet as much a Devil as
I am, I fee an Excifinan is not fuch a good Bait,
as People fay, to catch him. No, he is not, quoth
the Excifeman, the Hangman is the only Bait to
catch fuch Devils as you. But Avery giving the
Loofer leave to fpeak, he rode away ibrVcar of be-
ing caught indeed.
And it was not long after that he was apprehended,
and fent to A'ev.gate with one Waterman, that was
condemned likewile for affifting him in thefe E.xploits
on the High w.ay ; but he was reprieved. Avery be-
ing to die without his Comrade, he made what
Friends he could to lave his Life .-ilfo, which he
had often forfeited for Ids Villany, befides fendiiio
feveral Petitions to the Queen, and Mr. Recoidei.
in Hopes of obtaining Mercy for his manifold
Crimes ; but all being rejected he was executed Ut
Tyburn, on Sa/::r.lc. 'he u 1^ of T".'.'-;,--.-. i-j: i-,.
Ti
i-^
266
A Gmeral H i s t o r v «/
The LIFE of DICK ADAMS.
THIS unhappy Perfon, Richard A Jams, was
born of very good and reputable Parents in
Gloucifterjhiri, who beftow'd fome fmall mat-
ter of Education upon him, as Reading, Writing,
and Calling ofAccompts. Coming up to L»«d'o«, he
got into the Service of a great Dutchefs at St. Jameses,
in which he coutinued about two Years, when for
fome Mifdemeanor quitting his Place, he contriv'd
to live by his Wits.
Having a general Key which opened the Lodgings
in St. James'i Palace, he went one Day to a ccrtam
Mercer's on Luigate-Hill, and defired him to fend
with all Speed, a Parcel of the richeft Brocades and
Sattins, and other Silks he had in his Shop, for his
Dutchefs to make Choice of fome on an extraordinary
Occafion. The Mercer knowing him to have come
often upon fuch a like Errand before, he prefently
fent away feveral Pieces by his Man and a Porter,
and being come to St. James^'i, Dick Adams brought
them up to a Door of fome of the Royal Lodgings
where he ordered them to wait, while he, feeming-
ly, went to acquaint his Dutchefs of their being with-
out. In fome fliort Time after, coming out again,
quoth he. Lei's fee the Pieces frefently, for my
Dutchefs is jujf noiu at lei fare to look on them. So
the Mercer's Man giving him the whole Bundle he
convey'dit away backwards, and went clear off thro'
St Jamis\ Park. The Mercer's Man and the Por-
ter having waited two or three Hours, and receiv'd
no Anfwer about their Goods, they began to make a
ftrift Enquiry after them; and finding they were
trick'd, were forced to go home much lighter then
they went out.
About a Month after, Dick Adams having been
drinking fomewhat hard in the City, and forgetting
the Prank he had play'd the Mercer, he came by
his H oufe one Afternoon, and he being accidentally
Sanding at the Door, and efpying his Chapman, he
prefently feiz'd him, faying Oh! Sir, ha've I caught
you ? you are a fine Spark, indeed, to cheat me out
tf tvjo hundred Pounds ivorth of Goods ; but before
J part ivith you, I helieiM I /hall make you pay
dearly for them. Mr. Adams was much furpriz'd
at his being fo fuddenly apprehended, and without
doubt, curs'd his Fate to himfelf, for being fo for-
getful as to come into the very Mouth of his Advcr-
Jary ; but feeing the late Bifhop of London at ferae
Dirtance riding along in his Coach, and having a
good Prefence of Mmd at the fame Time, quoth he
10 the Mercer, / mujl azknoiuledge I have commit-
ted a Crime, to 'which I ivas forced by mere Necejjity,
but I fee my Uncle, the Bijfiop of London, is coming
this Way in his Coach ; therefore hoping you II he
fo civil as not to raife any Hubbub of the Mob about
me, •whereby 1 Jhall be exposed and utterly undone,
ril go fpeak to His Lordjiip about the Matter, if
you fleafe to ftep 'with me, and V II engage he Jhall
make you Satisfailitn for the Damage I've done
ytu.
The Mercer liking his Propofal, as think ing ii
better than fending him to Gaol, he ttepped al
with Mr. Adams, who boldly calling out to
Coachman to flop, he approached the Side of
Coach, and defircd the Favour of fpcaking a
Words with the Biihop. His Lordftiip feeing
have the Mien and Habit of a Gentleman, he
pleas'd to hear what he had to fay ; fo leaning >
his Coach Door, quoth Adams, " Begging your L
*' (hip's Pardon for my Prefumption, I make bol
" acquaint your Honour, that the Gentleman 11
" ing behind me is an eminent Mercer, kee
*' Houfe juft by here, and is a very upright g
" Man ; but being a great Reader in Books of i
" nity, efpecially polemical Pieces, he hath
" therein with fome intricate Cafes, which very n
" tronble him, and his Confcience cannot be at
" till his Doubts and Scruples are cleared about th
" therefore I humbly requelled your Lordfliip w
" vouchfafe him the Honour of giving himl
" Eafe before he runs farther to Defpair,"
The Bifhop being re.idy to ferve any Pcrlbn in
ligious Matters, ordered Adams to bring his Fi
to him the next Day. But fiid Adams .ngain, '
" will be more fatisfaflory to him, if yonr Lort
" would be pleas'd to fpeak yourfelf to tlie Gei
" man to wait upon you." Whereupon his L
(hip beckoning to the Mercer, who liood fome
ftance off, whilft they difcours'd together, whe
came up to the Side of the Coach, quoth the Bill
" The Gentleman has informed me of all the M;
" about you, and if you pleafe to give yourfcK
" Trouble of coming to my Houfc at /"a/zJaw, I
" fatisfy you then m every Point." The Me
making twenty Bows and Cringes, was very \
pleas'd with his Security ; and taking Adams to
Tavern, gave him .t very good 7"rcat.
Next Morning Adams c.une again to the Met
who was drawing out i.is Bill to give to the Birt
and pretending lliat his coming in hade to go al
with him to his Unc'e, had made him fjrget to
Money in his Breeches, he dciired the Mercc
lend him a Guinea, and put it down in his E
which he did very willingly ; and then takiug VVs
away they went to Fulham ; where acquaiiicing
Bilhop's Gentkman, that according to hi5 Lordlh
Order over Niglit, they were come to wait upon i
at the 'J'ime appointed, the Gentleman introa
them into the Hall, and havini; reg.iJ'd them tl
with a Bottle or two of Wine and a Ner.t's Tons
the Mercer was admitted into his Lordlhip's Piefci
and in the mean Time Mr. Adams made the bell cl
Way by Water again. 7'he Mercer being bc(
the Biihop, quoth his Lordfliip, I underliand t
you are, or at leallwife have been, much troub)
how do you find yourfelf now. Sir ? The Mercer
ply^d. My Trouble is much abated fince your Lo
ihip was pleas'd to order me to wait on you. So {
ling out a Pocket-Book, he gave His Lordlhip thei
lowing Bill. J*
Pyrdtesy H'lghwnymenj Murderers^ &c.
:67
Mr. ^yaw/s Bill, ^^r:7 the 20th, 171 1.
J'O/J a Piece of green floivered
Brocade, containtjjg 23 Yards,
It l/. 9/. /^T Jlsri/.
ir a /'«ci' o/ivhilejlrip'd Damaji,
containing 20 Tards, at l^s. per
Yard.
r a Piece of Cloth of gold Tiffin,
containing 18 Yards, at 4/. 15^.
per Yard.
J ' a Piece of black "jcatered Tabby,
containing 29 Yards, at ^s. id.
t^er Yard.
I ■ a Piece of blue Sattin, contain- 7
'ng 21 Yards, at \bs. per Yard. S
1 ■ a Piece of crimjon Velvet, con- 0
■aining 17 Yards, at \l. iSs.per > 32
f a Piece of yelloiu Silk, contain- ?
•ig 25 Yards, at %s. per Yard. 5
A V the l-jth. Lent your Lordjhip- s ?
<ephevi. i°'
04
00
06
Sam total, 203 19 10
Ks Lordlhip llaring upon this large Bill, quoth
* What is the Meaning of all this ? The Gen-
man laft Night might very well fay your Con-
ence could not be at red ; and I wonder how it
)u!d when you bring a Bill to me which I know
thing off. Said the Mercer then boit::ng and
''P'"S> ^'our Lord(hip lall Night was pleas'd to
• that you would fatisfy me to Day. Yes, reply'd
Lordthip, and fo I would as to what the Gen-
man told me ; who fiid, that you being much
ubled about fome Points of Religion, yx3u de-
;d to be refolved therein ; and in order thereto,
ppointed you to come to me to Day. Truly,
id the Mercer again) Your Lordfhip's Nephew
i me otherwife, for he faid you would pay me
s Bill ofF, which Goods, upon my Word, he
1 of me, and in a very clandelline Manner, if I
s to tell Your Lordlliip all ; but only in Ref-
tl to your Honour, I would not difgrace your
Iphew. Quoth His Lordfhip, My Nephew 1
■Vii nose of my Nephew ; I never, to my Know-
Itge, faw the Gentleman in my Life before.' Thus
•hi they came to unriddle the Matter on both Sides,
IE could not forbear Laaghing, the BiQiop at his
ieiew, and the Mercer for lending a Man that
aconce cheated him, a Guinea to cheat him a-
ji
-cer this Dick Adams got into the Life-Guards,
lit is Extravagancy not permitting him to live on
my, he went on the Highway. One Day he
adonie of his .•Accomplices meeting with a Gentle-
man on the Road, they took from him a gold Watch,
and a Purfe, in which was one Hundred and eight
Guineas. But Adams not contented with this Booty,
and feeing the Gentleman whom they robbed had a
very fine Coat on, he rode a little Way back again,
and faying to him. Sir, you have a very good Coat on,
I muft make bold to change wjitb you, he llripped him
oi it, and put on his. As the Gentleman was riding
along after he was robbed, and hearing fomewhac
jingle in the Pocket of the Coat which Adams had put
on him, he felt therein, and, to his great Joy, found
his Watch and Guineas again, which Adams in a
Hurry and Confufion had .*brgot to put into the other
Coat Pocket when he changed Coats with the Gen-
t'eman. But he and his Comrades coming to an Inn
to fnack their Booty, when they found what a Mi-
ftake had been mcde, there was fwearing and flaring,
curling and raving, damning and finking, with one
EDOther, as if they would have fworn the Houfe down,
but above all, they were ready to knock Adams on
the Head for his Forgetfidnefs. However, fince it
could Hot then be help'd, and Adams promifing to be
more careful in his Bulinefs for the Future, his Neg-
ligence was pardon 'd for that Time.
Dick Adams goi»g out the fame Day again with
his Comrades, they ftopp'd the Canterbury Stage-
Ccach on the Road b.=twixt Roche fterzr\i. Sitting-born,
in which were feveral Gentlewomen ; and for th«
Miftake they made laft, they were very fevere and
boifterous upon thefe PalTengers, one of which fay-
ing to Dick, as he was fearching her Pockets, Ha'v$
you no Pity nor Compajfion on our Sex? Certainly ye
have neither Chriftianity, Conscience, nor Religion in
you. Right, Madam, (reply'd Dick) 'we have not
much Chriftianity nor Confcience in us, but for my Part
you /hall prefenlly find a little Religion in me. So
falling next on fome fine Jewels hanging to her gold
Watch, and a fine Pair of Bobs in her Ears, quoth
Dick, Indeed, Madam, fuppoftng you to be an .(Egyp-
tian, 1 muft beg the Favour of you, as being a Jew,
to borrs^M your Jewels aud EarRings, according at
my Forefathers were commanded by Mofes. Thus
having rifled all the Gentlewomen, to above the Va-
lue of two hundred Pounds in Money and Goods,
they left them to proceed on their Journey, with \irf
forrowful Hearts for their fad Mifchance.
But at laft Dick robbing a Man by himfelf, between
London and Brainford, the Perfon robbed met with a
Neighbour on the Road, who clofely purfued this
Highwayman. He made a running Fight of it, in
(hooting Tarter-\\\ie behind him ; but they at laft:
apprehended him, and carrying him before a Magi-
ftrate, he was committed to Newgate. Tho' he
was very wicked before his Affliftion fell upon him,
yet whilft he lay under Ccuidemnation, he was very
devoat. He was executed at Tjbum, in March, 1 71 3 .
m
268
A General History of
The Hifiory of the Waltham Blacks and their Tran
anions, to the Death of Richard Parvin, Edwa;
Elliot, Robert Kingihel, Henry Marllial, Joll
and Edward Pink, and James Anfell, alias Phillij
at Tyburn, whoje Lives are aljo included.
SUCH is the unaccountable Folly which Reigns
in too great a Part of the human Species, that
by their own ill Deeds, they make fuch Laws
neceflary for the Security of Mens Perfons and Pro-
perties, as would otherwife appear cruel and inhu-
man ; and doubtlefs, thofe Laws which we eflecin
barbarous in other Notions, and even fonie which
appear fo, tho' anciently prafticed in our own, had
their rife from the fame Caufe. I am led to this
Obfervation, from the Folly which certain Perfons
were guilty of, in making fmall Infurreftions for
the Sake only of getting a few Deer ; and going
on, becaufe they found the Lenity of the Laws could
not punifh them at prcfent, until they grew to that
Height as to ride in arm Troops, Blacked and Dif-
guifed, in order the more to terrify thofe whom
they alfaulted ; and where ever they were denied
what they thought proper to demand, whether Ve-
nifon. Wine, Money, or other Necciraries for their
debauched Fealls, they would by Letters threaten
to plunder and dellroy with Fire and Sword, whom-
foever they thought proper. Thefe Villanies being
carried on with a high Hand for fome Time, in the
Year 1722 and 1723, their Infolence grew at lalf
fo intollerable, as to oblige the Legiflature to make
a new Law againll all who thus went Armed and
Difguifed, and afloci.ited tiiemfelves together by the
Name of Blacks, or entered into any other Confe-
deracies to fupport and afTift one another in doing
Injuries and Violencies to the Perfons and Proper-
ties of the King's Subjeds.
By this Law it was enafted, Thar after the fit-Ji
Day of ]\iT.e, 1723, ixihate'ver Perfons armeJ nvil/j
■offeifvc Weapons, and ha-ving their Faces Blacked,
or tvent otherwife Difguifed, fliould appear to any
Fareji Park, or Grounds enclos\i ivith any U'all or
Fence, njuhcrein Deer iverc kept, or any Warren I'jherc
Hares or Conies are kept, or in any Highway, Heath,
or Down, or unlawfully Hunt, Kill, or Steal, any
Red or Fallow Deer, or rob any Warren, or fteal
Fijh cut of any Pond, or malicioufy break doiun the
Head of any Fi/h-pond, or kill or ivound Eattle, or
ft Fire to any Hoiife or Out-Houfc, Stack, Sx. or cut
down, or any other ways deftroy Trees planted for
Shelter or Profit, or fould malicioifly Jhoc' tit any
Perfon, or fend a Letter, demanding l.hney or Oliver
'valuable Things, or fiould refine any Pcrfin in Cnf-
lody of an Officer, for any fuch Offhicfs, or hy Gift
or Promifie, procure any one tojoinwith.thcm,j\
be deemed Guilty ofi Felony 'wilkout Benefit of C\
and fuffer Pains of Death as Felons fo ccu'viiA
Nor was even this Thought fufficient to rel
thofe Evil, which the idle Follies offomerafll
fons had brought about, but a Retrofpetl wa; f
by the fame Ads, lip.d to Ofilnces heretofore
mitted, and ail Ptifons who had comm'ttet
Crimes punifliabic by this Aft, after the Secc
February 1 72 2, were commanded' to render
felves before the 24th oi Juli, 1723, to foirJ
of his M.ijefty's Court of King's Bench,
fome Juilice of the Peace for the County
they lived, and there make a full and exafl I
feffion of the Crimes of fuch a Nature whid
had committed, the Times when, the Places 1
and Perfons with whom j together with an Ai
of fuch Perfon's Places of abode, as had v.itfl
been Guilty as aforefaid, in order to their
thereupon apprehended and brought to Jud I
according to Law, on Pain of being deemed J
without Benefit of the Clergy, and iufFering arl
ingly. But they were entitled to a free Pardtl
Forgiveneis, in Cafe that before tlie 24th o;\
they furrend red and made fuch Biicoveiy. J if
of Peace by the faid Aft, were required on atl
formation being made before them, by one on
credible Perfons, againil any Fcrfon clargecj
any of the Citenres aforefaid, to tranfr-iit it j
their Hands and Seals, to one of his M jefty's
ciple Secrei'-ry's of Si; t;, who by the f .me Aft v J
quired tO lay fuch Infjrmr.ticn and Return'"'
His Majelly in Council ; wiiereupon, an Crdi
to ifTue for the Perfon fo charged, 10 .v.t
within forty Days, and in cafe he ref.:ilj i,
glefted to furrender within th.it I'ime, then frcj
Day in which the forty Days iverc ekps'd, hi
to be deemed as a Felon convift, and Fxe j
might be awarded as attainted of Felony by nl
diet. Fvery Perfon alfo who after the Tiirj
pointed for the Surrender of the Perfon, ftioull
ceal, aid, or fuccour iiim, knowing the CircamiJ
in which he then flood, fliould fuffer De.i*'
Felon, without Benefit of the Clergy. A
People might the more readily hazard their'
for tlie iipprehcnding f;;ch Offenders, it '"'
wife enaftcd, that if any Perfon fhoii'd be
fo ns to lof'c 3n Eye, or tlie tife of any J
l>
Pyratesj Highwa^'^^^f Murderers, SCc.
269
eavouring to take Perfons charged with the Com"
]|rion of Crimes within this Law, then on a Cer-
ate from the Juftices of the Peace, of his being
(vounded, the SherifFof the County w^s command-
K within thirty Days after the fight of fuch Cer-
ate, to pay the faid wounded Perlbn 50 1. under
1 of fortiiiting 100 1. on failure thereof; and in
any Peilon ihould be i<illed in feizing fuch Per-
as aforefaid, tlien the faid 50I. was to be paid
he Executors of the Perfon fo killed,
cannot feein llrange, that in Confequence of (o
Diordjnai y an Aft of the Legiflature, many of
; Prefumptuous and filly People ihould be appre-
( ed ; and a confiderable Number of them, ha-
I upon their Apprehenfion been committed to
iiejler Goal, feven of them were, by Habeas
% IS, removed to the greater Solemnity of their
\ to Nen.vgate, and for their OiFences brought
I id arraign'd at the King's Beach-Bar, IVeftmin-
'H and were convifted on full Evidence, all of
a of Felony, and three of Murder. We (hall
n you, one by one, of what has come to our
y.ledge in Relation to their Crimes, and the
I er and Circumllances with which they were
itted.
hard Pariin was Mailer of a Publick-houfe at
nouth, a Man of a dull and flegmatick Difpofiti-
ho continually denied his having been in any
;r concerned with thefe People, though the
ice againll him at his Trial, was as full and as
as polfibiy could have been expefted, and he
f evidently proved to have been upon the Spot,
ii* Violences committed by the other Prifoners
anfafted. In Anfwer to this, he fiid. That
I not ivith them, tho' indeed he ivas upon the
Ifor which he gave this Reafon : He had, he
very handiome young Wench who lived with
nd for that Reafon being admired by many
Cullomers, (he took it in her Head one Day
away ; he hearing that ihe had fled crols the
puriued her, and in that Purfuit, calling at
uie of Mr. Parfsrd, who keeps an Alehoufe
Foreft, this Landlord, it feems, who w.as an
:e againll the other Blacks, took him into
mb:.-, tho' as he faid, he could fully have
himfelf, if he had had any Money to have
• WitnelTes out of Berkjhire ; but the Mayor
'finouth, feizing as foon as he was apprehend-
all his Goods, put his Family into great
and whether he could have found them or
dred his being able to produce any Witnefles
^rial. He perfevered in thefe Profeflions of
^■ocency to the very lall, ilill hoping for a
e, and not only feeding himfelf with fuch
tioRs while in Prifon, but alfo gaz'd earnefl-
1 at the Tree, in hopes that a Pardon would
;ht him, till the Cart drew away, and ex-
:d Life and the Defire of Life together.
'.rd Elliot, a Boy of about Serentecn Years
who Father was a Tavlor, at a Village be-
^etfworth and Guilford, was the next who
Sentence of Death with Par'vin. The Ac-
gave of his coming into this Society, has
» in it very odd, and which gives a ful-
of the ftrangs Whims which poli'elVed thefe
The Boy faid, that about a Year before
apprehended, thirty or forty Men met
e County of Surrey, and hurried him away ;
appeared to be the Chief of them, telling
he enlifled him for the Service of tlie ■Kino-
lacks ; in Purluance of which he was to dif-
Face, obey Orders of whatfoever kind they
h as breaking down Filh Pond«, burning
hooting Deer, taking alio an Oath to be
^9
true to them, or they by their Art Magick would
him into a Beail, and as fuch make him carry their
Burthens, and live like a Horfe upon Grafs and Wa-
ter. And he faid alfo, that in the Space of Time
he continued with them, he faw feveral of their
Experiments of their Witchcraft ; for that once when
two Men had offended them, by refufing to com-
ply in taking their Oath, and obeying their Orders,
they caufed them immediately to be blindfolded,
and flopping them in Holes of the Earth up to their
Chin, ran at them as if they had been Dogs, bellow-
ing and barking as it were in their Ears ; and when
they had plagued them a while in this ridiculous Man-
ner, took them out, and bid them remember how
they offended any of the Black Nation again, for if
they did, they ihould not efcape fo well as they had
at prefent. He had feen them alfo, he faid, obligs
Carters to drive a good Way out of the Road, and
carry whatfoever Venifon or other Thirig tliey had
plundered, to the Places where they would have
them : Moreover, that the Men were generally fo
frighted with their Ufage, and fo ten ilied with the
Oaths they were obliged to fwear, that they fekiom
complained, or even fpoke of their Bondage.
As to the Faft for which they died, Llliot gave
this Account : That in the Morning when that Fad,
for which he died, was committed, Marjhal, Ki?ig-
Jhel, and four others came to him and perlu.idej
him to go to Fariikam-Holt, and that he need not
fear dilobliging any Gentlemen in the Country,
fome of whom were very kind to this Elliot : They
periuaded him that certain Perfons of F'ortune were
concerned with them, and would bear him harm-
lefs if he would go. He owned that at lall he con-
fented to go witti them, but trembled all the Way ;,
infomuch, that he could hardly reach the Holt,
while they were engaged in the Buiinefs for wnich
they came, ivo;. killing the Deer. The Keepers, he
faid, came upon him, for he was wandered a con-
liderable Way from his Comp.anions after a Fawn,
which he intended to fend as a Prefent to a young
Woman at Guildfoid; him therefore they quickly
feized and bound, and leaving him in that Condi-
tion, went in fearch of the rell of his Aflbciates.
It was not long before they came up with them ;
the Keepers were Six, the Blacks were Seven in
in Number; they fell warmly to it with Quarter-
Staffs ; the Keepers unwiUing to have Lives taken
away, advifed them to retire; but upon their refu-
fing, and Marjh&rs firing a Gun, by which one of
the Keepers belonging to the Lady Hoiu was ll.iin,
they difcharged a Biunderbufs and fhattered the
Thigh of one Barber amongll the Blacks, upon
which three of his Affociates ran away, and the
two others, Mar/hal and Kingjhel, were likewile
taken, and {o the Fray for the prefent ended. El-
liot lay bound all the while within hearing, and in
the greatell Agonies imaginable, at the Conhdera-
tion that whatever Blood was fpilt, he fliould be as
much anfwerable for it as thofe who fhed it ; in which
he was not millaken ; for the Iveepers returning af-
ter the Fight was over, carried him away bound,
and he never had his Fetters off after, till the
Morning of his Execution. He beha,vcd himfelf
very foberly, quietly, and with much feeming Peni-
tence and Contrition ; he owned the |u!lice of tne
Law in punilhing him, and faid. He more ei'pecially
deierved to fulFer, fince at the Time of the com-
mitting this Faft, he was Servant to a Widow Lady, -
where he wanted nothing to make him happy or
eafy.
Robert Kingfiel was 26 Years old, lived in the
fame Houle with his Parsnts, being Apprentice to
his Brother a Shoemaker. His Parents were very
3 Z watchfii4
^fo
A General H i s t o r r of
watchfal over his Behiviour, fought by every Me-
thod to prevent his taking ill Courfes, or being
guilty of any Debftuchery whatever. The Night
before this unhappy Accident fell out, as he and the
reft of the Family were fleeping in their Beds, Bar-
ter made a Signal at his Chamber Window, it b«-
kig then about Eleven a Clock : Kini/hel upon this,
arofe and got foftly out of the Window ; Barbir
took him upon his Horfe, and away they went to
the Holt, twelve Miles diftant, calling in their Way
npon Henry Marjhal, Elliot, and the reft of their
Accomplices. He faid it was Eight a Clock in the
Morning before the Keepers attacked them ; he
owned they bid them retire, and that he himfelt
toU them they would, provided the bound Man
^lliot) was releafed, and deliver'd into their Hands ;
but that Propofition being refus'd, the Fight pre-
fcntly grew warm. Barber'% Thigh was broke,
and Marjhal killed the Keeper with a Shot. Be-
ing thereupon very hard preffed, three of their Com-
panions ran away, leaving him and Marjhal to fight
out, Elliot being already taken, and Barber difabled.
It wa« not long before thejr were in the fame un-
happy Condition with their Companions. From
the Time of their being apprehended, Kingjbtl laid
afide all Hopes of Life, and applyed himfelf
with great Fervency and Devotion, to enable him
in what alone remained for him to do, I'isi. dying
Dectntlj.
Henry Mar/hal, about 36 Year* of Age, the un-
fortunate Ferfon by whofe Hand the Murther was
committed, feemM to be the leaft fenfible of the E-
vils he had done ef any, fuch was the Pleafure of
i^lmighty God, that tiH the Day before his Exe-
cution, he neither had his Senfes, nor the ufe of his
Speech: When he recovered it, and a Clergyman
reprefented to him the horrid Crime of which he
had been Guilty, he was fo far from Ihewing any
deep Senfe of the Crime of (bedding innocent Blood,
that he made light of it, and faid. Sure he might
fiand upon his o^.vn Defence, and 'was not bound to
run a'iuay and leave his Companions in Danger.
This was the Language he talked for the Space
•f twenty four Hours before his Death, when he
enjoyed the Ufe of Speech ; and fo far was he from
thanking thofe who charitably offered him their Ad-
monitions, that he faid, he had not forgot himfelf,
but had already taken Care of what he thought
acceffary for his Soul; however, he did not at
leropt in the leaft to prevaricate, but fairly acknow-
ledged that he committed the Fadt for which he
Sled, tho' nothing could oblige him to fpeak of it in
a manner as if he was forry for, or repented of
it, farther than for having occafioned his own Mis-
fortunes. So ftrong is the Prejudice which vulgar
Minds may acquire, by often repeating to them-
felves certain Pofitions, however ridiculous or falfe,
-that a Man had a right to imbrue his Hands in the
Blood of another, who was in the Execution of his
Ofice, and endeavouring him in the Commiffion of
an illegal Aa.
Thefeofwhomwehave laft fpoken, were altoge-
ther concerned in the aforemention'd Faft, which
was attended with Murder. But we are now to fpeak
of the reft, who were concerned in the Felony only,
for which they with the abovemention'd Pariiin fuf-
fered. Of thefe there were two Brothers, whofe
IJames were John and Edvjtird Pink, Carters in Portf-
mouth, and always accounted honeft and induflrious
Fellows, before this Accident happened. They did
not, however, deny their being Guilty, but on the
contrary, ingenioufly sonfeffed |he Truth »f what wa*
fvrorn, and mentioned fome other Circurlfiances *
had been produced at the Trial, which attended it
committing it. They faid that they rati Pari, ^
Houfe-keeper upon the Road, that they forced k«
to cut the Throat of a Deer which they had juJ'l '
ken upon Bear For ejt, gave her a Dagger, \ii\
ill
.(«
they lorced her to wear, and to ride crofs le
with Piftols befere her. In this Drefs they bro
her to Parford'% Houfe upon tlie Foreft, h
they dined upon a Haunch of Veni Ton, fealled
rily, and after Dinner fent out two of tiieir t
panions to kill more Deer ; not in the King's I
but in Waltham-Chact, belonging to the Bifho
Winchejler : One of thefe two Ferfons they ■
their King, and the other they called Lyon :
ther of thele two Brothers objcded any '1 hing, 1
to the Truth of the Evidence given againlt, (
Juftice of that Sentence palled upon theui ; on!
infinuated that the Evidence givea aguinft, o
ftrong againft him and Jnfel, if it had not bci
running away with the Witnefs's Wife, whi
provok'd him that they were fure they ihoul
efcape when he was admitted a Witr.ei's.
like the reH, were hard to be perfuaded tb:
Things they had committed were any Crimes
Eyes of God, and faid. Deer were wild Bea
they did not fee why the Poor had net as £
Right to them as the Rich ; However, as th
condemned them to fufFer, they were bound
mit ; and in Confequencc of that Notion, tl
haved themfelves very orderly, decently, and
ly, white under Sentence.
James yhjtl, alias Stephen Philips, the !
and laft of thefe unhappy Pcrfoi., was a JVl
difted to a worfe and more proriigite Life tl
of thi lell had ever been ; for he ]ii;d held no
Employment, but hac been a Icofe diforderly
concerned in all Sorts of Wickcdnefs for many
both at Part/mouth, Guilford, and other (
Towns, as well as at Londu». Deer were 1
only 'I'hiugs that he had dealt in ; Healing, 1
OB the Highway, had been formerly his £
ment ; and in becoming a Black, he did not,
otliers, alicend in Wickednefs, but came dt
the contrary a Step lower : Yet this Crimi
his Offences were greater, fo his Senfe of tb
much ftronger than m any of the rell, cxceptir
Jhel, for he gave over all manner of Hopes c
and all Concerns about it as foon as he was
yet even he had no Notion of making Difc
unlets they might be beneficial to himielf ; i
he owned the Knowledge of twenty Perfc
were notorious Offenders in the fame Kind,
folutely refufed to name them, fince fuch
would not procure himfelf a Pardon. Tal
him of the Duty of doing Juftice, was beai
Air : He faid he thought there was no Juljiii
king away other Peoples Lives, uiv'els it j
fave his own; yet no fooner was he t.ixei|
hb going on the Highway than he conftffec ;,
faid, he knew very well Bills would have t a _
ferred againft him at Guilford Aflizes, in (e
had got off" at the Kingh-Be/nh, but that'
not greatly value them; for tho' formerly -' -
been Guilty of fome Fatts in that Way, j I
could not all now be pro\ed ; and he ftjoi 1
found it no difficult matter to have demon: M
of thofe then charged upon him, of whicli W* '»
really Guilty, but owed his beir.g thought • ■■!•)
profligate Courfe cf Life he had lot fome 7i«i ''a
and his Aveifion to all horcft Emplo) me •• ; 'i^k
koldas the whole Gang of thefe Ftllows 8<« *i:
ytt what with Sieknefs, what v.ith the App*»
\il
Ji)
ifOl
ijiiii
Tot
ibf
veiy c
Uje
ri)M.
W:
Itaa
tefc
n SO'
'Nik
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iIbw
'bkn
'liutoi
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'H,iD
'aooi
li 'ji
im:
Ha;
Aiu
\-\ 111
•a I
(Pyrates, Highwaymeny Murderers, &c
I . , /-- .. ":<;.^ that not one of ' '^ Supper. I did not yet gi
ZJl
neaih they were fo terrified, that not one of
? hut^J/ was able to Hand up. or fpeak, at the
*;' &'tion ; many who faw 'e^ there affirm-
[that fome of them were dead even before they
'I TAp^ndix to the melancholly Hiftory of
,i feven unhappy Perfons. we will add Part of a
': e wr"tten at that Time by a Gentleman of £/-
, to Ws Friend in London, containing a more par-
lu'lar Account of the Humour of thele People than
V liave feea any where elfe.
\h t
A Letter
L
Mr. CD. i?t
to
O N D O
N.
i"i
De A R, S I R, .
YO U cannot but have heard of the Waltham \
Blacks, as they are called, a fet of wh.mfical
. merry Fellows, that are fo mad to run the greateft ^
. Haz.rds for the Sake of a haurxh of Ven.fon, and ^
■(Z paffing a jolly Evening together. For my Part, 1 ^
'^ took the Stories of them for Fables, ull Experience
' ,i taught me the contrary, by the Adventure I am go-
ine to relate to you. , ^ „, e
' To begin then, my Horfe got fome Way a Stone
in his Foot; fo that finding it impoffible to get him
along, I was glad to take up at a little blmd Ak-
Houfe, which I perceived had a Yard and Stable
behind it. The Man of the Houfe received me
very civilv, but when I aik'd him whether I could
lodee there that Night, he told mc No, he had no
room. I defired him then to pit lomethmg to my
Horfe's Foot, and let me fit up all Night : 1 he
Man made me no Anfwer j but when we came into
the Houfe together, the Wife dealt more roughly
and more freely with me, that truly I neither could,
nor Ihould ftay there, and was for hurrying her
Hu(h.ind to get my Horfe out : However, on put-
tins a Crown into her Hand, and promifing her
another for mv Lodging, (heat laft told me that
there was indeed a little Bed above Stairs, on whicli
Ihe would order a clean Pair of Sheets to be put ;
for (he was rerfuaded I was more of a Gentleman
than to take any Notice of what I faw paiTed there
This made me more uneafy than 1 was before . 1
concluded now I was got among a den of Highway-
■ men. and e-xpefled nothing lels than to be robbed
' and have my Throat cut ; however, finding there
■ was no Remedy, 1 even fet myfelf down, and en-
' deavoured to be as eafy as 1 could , , u j
' By this Time it was very dark, and I h^rd
' three or four Horfemen alight, and lead their Hor-
« fcs into the Yard. As the Men where conriing into
♦ the Room where I was, I overheard my Landlord
fay Inde^ Brother you need not be uneafy, 1 am
■ Titive the Gentleman's a Man of Honour. To
which I heard another Voice reply. 'W^hat good
c3uU our Death do to anv Stranger? Faith 1 don t
apprehend half the Danger you do : 1 dare lay the
Gentleman would be glad of our Comp.iniei and
we fhould be pleas'd with his, come, hang Fear,
V\\ lead the Way. ' So faid, fo done, m they came,
' Five of them, all difguis'd fo efleaaally, that un-
• lefs i.t were in the fame Difgaife, I Ihould not be
' able to diftinguilh any one of them. Down they
' lit, and he who was conftituted their Cafta'n pro
*■ ha'c yice. accofted me with great Civility, and
' liked me. If I -.-je-M honnur thsmniilkmy Corripanj
ppfit
at Supper. I did not yet guefs tli© Pxofefiion of mji
new Acquaintance: But fuppofing my Landlord
would not fuffer either a Robbery or a Murder in
his own Houfe, by Degrees my Mind grew per-
fecUyeafy.
' About Ten o' Clock, I heard a very great Noife
of Horfes, and foon after of Mens Feet trampling
in a Room over my Head : Then my Landlord
came down and informed us. Supper was jult ready
to go upon the Table. Upon this, we were all
delired to walk up ; and he, whom I before called
the Captain, prefented me with a humorous kind
of Ceremony to a Man ciorc difguis'd than tht
rtll, who fat at the upper Ena of :!ie Tabic, tell-
ing me at the fan.e Time, he hopsd ! would not
refufe to pay my Refpedls to Prince OriKn:ks King
of the BLuks. It then immec--teiy iiriicic into my
Head, >vho thofe worth-. Perions weiei^ and I
called myfelf a tfioafand BiocI;ber.ds in my Mind
for not fiuding it out before; but tiic Hurry of
Things, or to ipeaK tiie Tr. t... che Fear I was in,
prevented my judging, even from the moll evident
Signs.
' As foon as our aukward Ceremonies was over.
Supper was brought in : It confided of eighteen
Dilhes of Venifon in every Shape, roafted. boiled
with Broth, hafhed Collups, Pafties, Umble Pies,
' and a large Haunch in the Middle larded. The
■ Table we fat at was very large, and the Comp.my
' in all tw(enty one Perfons ; at each of our Elbows
' there was fet a Bottle of Claret ; and the Man and
' Woman of the Houfe fat down at the lower End.
' Two or three of the Fellows had good natural Voi-
' ces. and fo the Evening was fpent as merrily, as the
' Rakes pafs theirs at the Kings Arms, or the City
' Apprentices at Sadler's Wells. About Two the
• Company feemed inclined to break up, having firll
• allured me that they fbould take my Company as a.
' Favour any Thur/day Evening, if I came that
• Way.
' Before I ccnplude my Epiftle, it is fit I fhould
' inform you, that they did me the Honour, of ac-
' quainting me with thofe Rules by which their So-
' ciety was govern'd. Their Black Prince alfured
' me that their Government was perfedlly Monar-
' dial, and that when upon Expeditions, he had
' an abfolute Command ; But in the Time of Peace
' (continued he) and at the Table, I condefcend to
' eat and drink familiarly with my Subjefts as FritnJs.
J We admit no Man into our Society, 'till he hsi!.
' been twice drank with us, that we m .y be perfeftly
' acquainted with his Temper, but if the Penon who
' fues to be admitted, declares folemnly he was drunk
' in his Life, this Rule is difpenfed with, and the
' Perfon is only bound to converfe with us a Month.
* As foon as we have determined to admit him. he
' is to equip himfelf with a good Mare or Gelding.
* a Brace of Pillols, and a Gun to lye on the Saddle
* Bow ; then he is fworn upon the Horns over the
' Chimney ; and having a new Name conferred by
' the Society, is thereby entered upon the Roll, and
' from that Day forcward, coiUidered as a lav,?ful
* Member. r l ■
' He went on with abundance more of their wife
' Inllitutions which are not of Confequence enougK
' to tell you: In the Moining having given my Land-
' lady the other Crown Piece, T fpeeded direaiy
' home, as much in Amaze at the new People I
' h:id difcovered, as the Duke of Jha's Huntlmen
' when they found an undifcovered Nation in Spain,
' by following their Matter's Bav/k over the Moun-
* lainj. Pray, m Return let me fee if .il! your Lon-
172.
' don Rambles can produce fuch another Adven-
' ture."
I am youi's, ^c.
Before we leave thefe People we think it proper
to acquaint our Readers, that their Folly was not to
be extinguiihed by a fmgle Execution ; there were
a great many young Fellows of the fame Stamp, who
were Fools enongh to forfeit their Lives upon the
fame Occafion. However, the Humour did not run
very long ; Tho' fome of them were impudent enough
to murther a Keeper or two afterwards, in the Space
of a Twelvemonth, the whole Nation of the ^/ar/fj
was extinguifhed, and thefe Country Rakes were
contented to play the Fool upon eafier Terms. The
laft Blood that was fhed on either Side, being that of
A General History of
a Keeper's Son at Old Windfir, whom fc«tie of th i
wife People fired at as he look'd out of the W
dow.
' r^- 'P^'^'^^ ^^'■'^^^ ^^^ ^^''^ 3' Reading, before thr'
Of his Majefty's Judges, to try the Perfons concerr
in this Murther, and feveral others. Four Men w(
Capitally convifted and executed ; feveral otht
were ordered for Tranfportation, and in fhort t,
was the decifive Stroke which put a Period to th.
whimfical Monarchy. The Men that were hang'
like thofe abovementioned, were fo weak with lyi
in Prifon, that one of them was borne between t\
to the Toiun-Hall, and carry 'd upon the Hangmai
Back into the Cart that convey 'd him to the Tre
The reil were not in a much better Condition.
iB
The LIFE 0/ JOSEPH BLAKE, aUas
BLUESKIN.
I'in
As there is Impadeftee and Wickednefs enough
in the Lives of molt publick Malefaftors, to
make Perfons of a fober Education and Beha-
viour wonder at the depravity of human Nature ;
fo there are fometimes fuperlative Rogues, who as
far exceed the ordinary Clafs of Rogues, as they do
honcft People ; and whenever fuch a Monfter as this
appears in the World, there are enough Fools to
make fuch a Noife about his Conduft, as to invite
others to imitate the Obftinacy of his Deportment,
thro' that falfe Love of Fame, which influences thofe
Wretches. Amongft the Number of thefe, Jofeph
Blake, better known by his nKkNamt o( Bluejkin,
. alwas deferves to be remembred, as one who Itudi-
oufly took the Paths of Infamy, in order to become
Famous.
By Birth he was a Native of this City of Londov ;
his Parents bekig Perfons in tollerable Circumftances,
kept him fix Years at School, where he did not learn
half (o much from his Mailer, as he did Evil from
his School-Fellow li'illiam Blenvit, from whofe Lef-
ftns he copied fo well, that all his Education fignified
nothing. Fie abfolutely refufing, when he came
from School, to go to ahy Employment, but on tl.e
contrary fet up for a Robber when he was fcarce
Seventeen ; but from that Time to the Day of his
Death, was unfuccefsful in all his Undertakings,
hardly ever committing the moll trivial Faft, but he
experienced for it, either the Humanity of the Mob
or of tile Keepers of Bridewel, out of which, or fome
other Prifon, he could hardly keep his Feet for a
Month together.
He fell into the Gang of Lock, Ml/kinfon, Car-
rick, Lincoln, and Daniel Carrol. And being one
Night out with this Gang, they robb'd one Mr. Clark
of eight Shillings, and a filver hiked Sword, jull as
Candles weie going to be lighted. A Woman look-
ing accidentally out of a Window, perceived it, and
cry'd out Thieves : U'iUinfo,, fired a Piftol at he:
which (very luckily) upon 'her drawing in her Heac
graz'd upon the Stone of the Window, and did n
other Mifchief Blake was alfo in the Company c
the fame Gang, when they attack'd Captain LangU
at the Corner oi Hide-Park Road, as he was going t
the Camp ; but the Captain behaved himfelt fo well
that notwithllanding they Ihot feveral Times thro
and thro' his Coat, yet they were not able to rol
him. Not long after this, Wilkinjon being appre.
hended, impeached a large Number of Perlons, am
with them, Blake and Lock. Lock hereupon madi
a fuller Difcovery than the other before Jullice Blak-
erhy, in which Inform.-'.tion there was contained nc
lefs than feventy Robberies, upon wiiich he alfo wa*
admitted a Wu;,t■l^ ; and having nain'd U'llkin/on,
Lincoln, Carrick and Carrol, with himfelf, to have
been the five Perfons who murder'd Peter Martin
the Chel/ca Penf.ccr, by the Park Wall. 11 i I kin f on
thereupon was apprehended, tried, and convidcd,
notwithllanding tiie lnto.'-m;ition he had before given
which was thereby totally fet afide. '
Blake himfelf alfo became now an Evidence a-
gainft the rell of his Companions, and dilcovercd
about a dozen Robberies which they had^committed,
among^l theCe there was a one \txy rcmrrkable one!
Two Gentlemefl in Hunting Caps were toc^cthcr in
a Chariot on the Hamfftcad-Road, from whom they
took two gold Watches, Rings Seals and other things
to a confiderable Value, and Junks, alias Lcvre, laid
his Pillol down by the Gentlemen all the while he
fearch'd them, yet they wanted either the Cour.-?e
or the prefenceof Mind, to feize it and prevent thc^r
lofing Things of {o great Value. Not long after this
Oakly, Junks, and this Blake, llopp'd a llngle M;!n
with a Link before him in Fig-Lane, and'' he not
furrendering fo eafily as they expected, J.n.ks ?nd
Oakly beat liim over the Head with their Plllols, and
then
Pj'raU'j,
Hhhz
hijmen, Murdciersy 6<.c.
L ii left him wounded in a tgrrible Condition, tak-
„ t'rom him oik- Guinea and one Penny. A vtry
llrt time after this, Junij, Oakley, and Flood, vveie
aireheiiJcd and executed, tor robbing Colonel Cope
al Mr. Young of that very VVatch, tor which Car-
.riiand Malony had been before executed, Joftph
itke benig the Evidence jgainll tl.cm.
\fter tliis hanging Work of his Companions, he
tlught himfelf not CTily entitled to Liberty but Re-
ud : therein houevcr he vvaj mightily millaken,
f( not having furrendered willingly and quietly, but
biff taken .ifter long Refiilance and when he was
nch woundi,-d, there did not fcem to be the leall
Fmdation for tliis confident Demand. He remain-
e. IHII I'rifoner in the Wood-Jlreet Compter, oblli-
ftsly refufing to be tranlported for ieven Years,
*l at lall procuring two Men to be bound for his
J id Behaviour, he was carried before a worthy Al-
iman of the City and there dilchargcd. Ac which
tie, foine-bodv there prel'ent a&ing how long time
(t;ht be given him, before they Ihould fee him
I'in at tne Old- Bailey? A Gentleman made an-
v r, in about three Seflious, in which time it
t n; he guelfed very right ; for the third Seffions
in tihence, Blaie wris indeed brought to the Bar.
■'or no fooiier was lie at Liberty but he was em-
HKed in robbing ; and having picked up jfack Shsp-
Vl for a CompanicMi, they \vent out together to
"f ch for Prey in the Fields. Neir tfce Jialf Way
: ife to Hampftead, they met w ith one Pargitar,
jity much in Liquor, whom immediately Blake
( ck'd down into a Ditch, where he mutt inevi-
ay have periflied, i.*^ "John Shepherd \id.6.XiOX. kept
i: Head above the .Mud with great Difficulty. For
\ Faft the nevt Seifions a/ter it happened, the
\ Brothers ( Bri^^htiLelii ) in the Guards were
r J ; and if a Number of Men had not fworn
I a to have been upon Duty at the Time the
< il)ery was committed, they had certainly been
dieted, the Evidence of the Profecutor being di-
e and full. 'Fhe elder Brightivell Aied in a Week
lie was relealed from his confinement, and (o
oc live to fee his Innocence fully clear'd by
: Lonfeflion of El^ke.
\ very ihort Space after this, Blake and his Com-
i;;on Shepherd, committed the Burglary together
rl:e Houfe of Mr. Kneehone, where Shepherd %et-
1 ; into the Houfe, let in Blake at the back Door
ircjrry'dotf Goodi to a confiderable Value. For
h, both Shepherd and he were apprehended ; and
fc SolTions befoi-e Btaic was convifted, his Com-
i.ioH received Sentence of Death ; but at the
f ne Blake was taken up, had made his Efcapc out
i; of the Condemned Hold.
1 "r :
~ i :>
He behaved with great Impude.nce at his TriaJ,
and when he found nothing would fave him he
took the Advantage of 'Jumithan U'ild'i coming to
fpeak with him, to cut the faid Ifild'i Throat, a
large Galli from the Ear be\ oiid the Wind-pipe j
ot which Wound H'ild languifhed a long Time, and
Happy had it been for him ii Blaie\''\\'oan'd had
proved f.aal, for then Jonathan had efcapcd De;ul»
by a more liilhono arable Wound in the Throat,
tiian tn .t of a Penknife : But the Number of his
Crimes, and tiie Spleci: of his Enemies procured
him A worle Fate. Wnatever JHld might deferve
of others, he leems to have merited better Ufage
from this Blake ; for while he continued a Prifoner
in the Ccmptar, Jonathan was at the Expence of
curmg a Wound he had received, allowed him three
Shilling! and Six-pence a Week, and after his lalt
Misfortune premiled a good Coffin, aclually furnith-
ed him witn Money to fupport him in Ne-i^.ate
and feveral good Books, if he would have made
any Ule of tnera : But becaufe he freely declared
to Bl^ejktn, there was no Hopes of getting him Tranf-
ported, the bloody Villain determined to take a
way his Life, and was fo far from Ihcwinc any
Signs oJ Remorle, when he was brought up again to
Aezugale, that he declared if he had thouahf of it
before, he would have provided fuch a \nife as
fhould have cut off his fiead.
At tiie lime that he .'eceived Sentence there
was a Woman alio condemned, and they beine
placed as ufual, m what is called the Ball Dock at
the Old-Bailey, Blake offered fuch Rudenefs to the
Woman, that fhe cried out and alarmed the whole
Bench. All the Time he lay under Condemnation
he appeared utterly thoughtlefs and inlibnfible of his
approaching Fate. Tho' trom the cutting oi H'ild'i
Tliroat, and iome other Barbarities of the fame
Nature, he acquired amongll the Mob the Cha-
rafter ol a brave Fellow j yet he was in himfelf
but a mean fpirited timoreus Mm, and never ex-
erted himfelf, but either thro' Fury or Difpair He
wept muehat the Chapel before he was to die-
and tho' he drank deeply to drive away Fear yet
at the PkKe of Execution he wept again, trembled
and Ihewed all the Signs of a timorous Confufion*
as well he might, who had lived wickedfy and
trifled with his Repentance to the Grave. There
was nothing in his Pcrfon extraordinary ; a dapper
well fet Fellow, of great Strength, and great Cruel-
ty : equally detelled by the fober Part of the World
for the audacious Wickednefs of his Behaviour and
defpifed by his Companions for the Villanies he com-
mitted even againft them. He was executed in the
28th Yearofhii Age, on the nth of Nntmhr
1724.
4 A
Tke
274
A General History af
The LIFE 0/ JACK SHEPHERD.
AMongil the Prodigies of ingenious Wicked-
nefs and artful Mifchief, which have furpri-
zed the World in our time perhaps none
kas made fo great a Noife as John Shepherd, the
Malefeflor ol whom we are now going to fpeak.
His Father's Name was Thomas Shepherd, who was
by Trade a Carpenter, and liv'd in Spittle-Fields ;
a Man of an extraordinary good Charadler, and
who took 'all the Care his narrow Circumllances
would allow, that his Family might be brought up
in the Fear of God, and in juft Notions of their
Duty towards their Neighbour : yet he w,ts fo un-
happy in his Children, that both his Son John and
another took to ill Courfes, and both 111 their
Turns were convidted at he Bar in the Old-
Bailey.
After the Father's Death, his Widow did all Ihe
could to get this unfortunate Son of hers admitted
into Chriji's Hofpital, but failing of that, fhe got
Jiim bred up at a School in Bijhopfgate-Street,
where he learned to read, and might in all pro-
bability have got a good Education, if he had
not been too foon removed, being put out to the
Trade of a Cane-Chair- Maker. His Matter us'd
him very well, and probably he might have liv'd
honeftly with him, but he dying in a fhort time
afterwards. Shepherd was put to another, a much
younger Man, who ufed him fo harfhly, that in
a little time he ran away from him. He was then
put to another Matter, one Mr. Wood in ll'itch-
Street, from whofe Kindnefs and of Mr. Knechone's,
whom he robbed, he was taught to write, and had
niany other Favours done him by that Gentleman,
whom he fo ungratefully treated. But good ufage
or b»d wasjgrown all alike to him now ; he had gi-
ven himfelt up to the fenfual Pleafures of low Lite,
firinking all Day, and getting to fome impudent
Strumpet at Night.
Amongtt the Chief of his Miftrefles there was one
Elizaiith Lion, cORimonly call'd Edgeivortb BeJ's ;
^he Impudence of whofe Behaviour was (hocking
•even to the greateft Part of Shepherd's Companions ;
but it fe«ms charm'd him fo much, that he fuffered
her for a while to direft him in every Thing ; and
(he was the firft who engaged him in taking bafe
Methods to obtain Money wherewith to purchafe
bafer Pleafures. This Lion was a large mafculine
Woman, and Shepherds very little flight-Iimb'd Lac! ;
fo that whenever he had been drinking and came to
her quarrellonie, Befs often beat him into better
Temper, though Shepherd upon ^other Occafions ma-
nifefted his wanting neither Courage nor Strength.
Repeated Quarrels however between Shepherd and
kis Mittrefs as it does with People o( better Rank,
ci'eated fuch a Coldnefs, and at latt a Seperation.
The Creature he picked out to fupply the Place
of Betty Lion, was one Mrs. Maggott, a Woman
fomewhat lefs boiilerous in her Temper, but full as
wicked : She had a very great Contempt for Sbtp-
hi
lit
herd, and only made Ufe of him to go and al
Money, or what might yield Money, for he ;o
fpend in Company that ihe lik'd better, k
Night when Shepherd came to her, and told hi le
had pawn'd the latt Thing he had for half a Cn 1,
Prithee, fays fhe, don't tell me fuch melancholly Stt 1,
hut think ho'-M you may get more Money: 1 . -j;
been in White-Horfe Yard //'// Afternoon ; ther t
Piece-Broker there txjorth a great deal of Mone_ it
keeps his Cajh in a Draiver under the Comj ;
and there''] Abundance of good Things in hit if
that nvould be fit for me to nvear ; a Word it
know to the Wife is enough; let me fee now vi
foon you' II put me in Poffeff.on of them. Thi. id
the EfFeft that (he defired ; Shepherd left her a Ji
One o'clock in the Morning, went to the I ft
fhe talked of, took up the Cellar Window .
and from thence entered the Shop, which he [ ;
dered of Money and Goods to the amount or
and brought it to his Doxy the fame Day b i
fhe was ttirring, who appeared thereupun verj
fiitisfied with his Diligence, and helped him a \
Time to fquander what he liad fo clearly earnei
He Hill attained iome Afteiilion for his old .1
vouritc Befs Lion, wlio being taken up for oe
of her 'J'ricks, was committed to St. Giles's Ri i,
houfc, where Shepherd going to fee her, broki
Doors open, beat the Keeper, ;;nd like a true K
F>rant, let his dillreffed Paramour at IJbi
which heroick Aft got him fo niucii KeputJtic :-
mongtt the Ladi»s of Drmy-Lanr, that ther( 'Si
no Body of his Profcliion lb mu ch ellcciiic b;
them as John Shepherd. His Brother Thomas, li»
was himlelf a tollerable Ettimation with tha le-
bauch'd p.irt ofohe Sc.v, now iaiportuu'd ("on of
them to I'pcak to his Brother John to lend h a
little Money, and for ^the Future allow him t go
out a robbing with him. 'I'o both tlicle P: 'o-
fitions, y^f,^, bcjng a kind Brother, confciucd
hrll Word, and from thence lorward tlie two
thers were always of one Party.
In about three Weeks after tlieir coming
ther, they broke open a Liniitji- Diaper's
near Clare-Market, where the Brothers made
ufe of their Time ; for they were not in the 1 jft
above a quarter of an Hour, beibre they m.iddift
to ttrip It of5ol. But the younger Brother i ng
impudently in difpofing of fome of the Good he
was detected and apprehended, upon which th irit
Thing he did was to impeach his Brother, ai as
many of his Confederates as he could, Jackm
very quickly apprehended upon his Brother' in-
formation, and committed by Jultice Parry t tin
Round-houfe, for fartlier E.\amination ; bi in-
(lead of waiting for that, he began to exaniii ai
well as he could, the Strength of the Plr.ce « hi:
Confinement ;_which being much too wt-.ik for : f!;
low of his Cnpr.city, he marched offlietore ^;llt
a«d commuted a Kobbcty into ih'j Bargain ; w
iiij
I
Ppjtcs, Highwaymefiy Murderers^ 6Cc.
1 on Tom who had fo bafely beha- ^'ejlminlhr. There they pla^
275
ine to hi revenged on Tom who had fo bafely beha-
lyed himfelf (as Jack phrafed it) toward fo good a
Brother.
That Information going off. Jack went on in his
old Way as ul'ual. One Day he and J. Benfon being
jn Leicejler Fields, Benfon attempted to get a Gen-
tleman's Watch ; but miffing his pall, the Gentle-
man perceived it ;md rais'd a Mob, where Shepherd
paffing bribkly to fave his Companion, was appre-
hended in his Head, and being carried before Juflicc
H'alters, was committed to Neiv-Pn/'on, where the
irll Sight he faw, was his old Companion Befs Lion,
vho had found her Way thither upon a like Errand
JacA, who now faw himfelf befet with Danger, be-
; 'an to exert all his little Cunning, u.'.ich was indeed
lis Mailer-piece. He applied liiniie'fihii; to Ben/an i
■riendi, who were m good Circun:uances, hoping
n- their Meditation to make the M.tter up ; but in
his he miicarned. Then he attempted a flight In-
jrmation ; but the Julhce to whor^ ne fent it, per-
eiving how trivial *a Thing it was and gueffing
.ell at the Diift thereof refufed it. Shepherd was
ow driven to his lall Shift, when Be/j Lion and he
lid their [leads together how to break out ; which
ley effeflcdby force, and got fafe off to one of
i'./i Lions old Lodgings, where (lie kept him fe-
ret for fomo 'X'imc, frightening him with Stories of
reat Searches being m.-'.de after iiim, in order to de-
iin him from converfmg with any other Wo-
lan.
But Jitck being not natar.il!y timorous, and hav-
ig i llrong Inclination to be out again in his old
/ay with his Companions, t was not long before he
ue her the flip, and lodged himfelf with another
his Fenulu Acquaintance, in a Kt.'c bye Court
ir the Strand. Here one Charles Grace d fired to
-■come an Aflbciate with hiin Jack w?? very rea-
• to tuke any young Fellow in as a Partner of his V'il-
niesefpecially as Grace told him that his Rcafon
ir doing fuch Things, was to keep .1 beautiful Wo-
an without the Knowledge of his Relations. Sheperd
id he getting the Acquamtancj of one Anthony
amh, an Apprentice to Mr. Carter, near St. Cle-
ents Church, they inveigled the young Man to con-
nt to let them in to rob his Mailer's Houfe. He
cordingly pertorm'd it, and they took from Mr.
arion, who lodged there, to a very confiderable
alue. But Grace and Shepherd quarrelling about
le Divifion, Shepherd wounded Grace in a violent
bnner, and on this Quarrel betraying one another,
race and Lamb were taken. But the Misfortune of
jor Lamk, who had been drawn in, fo far prevailed
ion feveral Gentlemen who knew him, that they
Jt only prevailed to ha\ e his Sentence mitigated to
ranfportatioii, but alto furniflied him with Necef-
ries, and procured an Order, that on his Arrival
iiere he ihould not be fold, as the other Felons were,
at that he (bould be left at Liberty to provide for
.iifclf as wen as he could.
It feems that ^7'''//if/-d''s Gang, which confifled of
mftlf, his Brother Tom, Jsfcph Blake, alias Blus-
.1, dejyies Grace, and James Sikes, whom his
ompanioas called Hell and Fury not knowing how
liifpofe of the Goods they had taken, made ul'e of
• ..am Field {or that purpoie, whom Shepherd \n his
d'crous Stile, us'd to charaderize thus ; That he
-10 a Fellow wicked enough to do any thing, but
w.-.nt of Courage permitted hiin to do nothing but
■.;,• on the 'JVade lie did ; which was that of I'elling
r^;i Goods when put into his Hands. But Blake
ij Shetheid finding Field fomecimes delatory, not
.l:ing it alwayi fafe to trull him, they refolved
i'lrea Warehoafe and lodge their Goods there ;
uich accordingly they did near the Horjc-Ftrry in
J
M^ejlmin/hr. There they plac'd what they took out
of Mr. Kneehone'i Houfe, and the Goods made a great
ftiow there, whence the People in the Neighbour-
hood really took them for very honell Perfons, who
had fo great wholefale Bufinefs on their Hands as oc-
cafion'd their taking a place there which lay conveni-
ent for the Water. fiVA/ however importun'd them,
having got fcent they had fuch a Warehoufe, that
he might go and fee the Goods, pretending that he
haditjuflnow in his Power to feU them at a very
great f rice : They accordingly carried him thither
and fliewed him the Things. Two or three Dayi
afterwards. Field, tho' he had not Cour-ige to rob
any Body elfe, ventured however, to break open the
Warehoufe, and took every Rag that had been lodged
there.
Not long after. Shepherd wzs apprehended for rob-
bing Mr. Kneelone, and tried at the ne.vt Seflioni
at the Old-Bailey. His Appearance there was very
mean, and all the Defence he pretended to make,
was, that Jonathan Wild had helped to difpole of
part of the Goods, and he thought that it was very
hard that he fliould not fliare in the Punifliment. The
Court took little Notice of fo iniignificant a Plea,
and Sentence being pnfled upon him, he hardly made
a fenfible Petition for the F.ivour of the Court in the
Report ; but behav'd throughout as a I'erlbn either
ftupid or Fooliih ; fo far was he from appearing in
any Degree likely to make the Noi's he afterwards
did.
V\'hen put into the Condemned Hold, he prevailed
upon one Fo'vjIs, who w as aifo under Sentence, to
litt him up to the Iron Spike- placed over the Door
which looks into the Lodge, a Woman of a large
Make attending without, and two others ftanding
behind her in Riding Hoods. Jack no fooner got his
Head and Shoulders thro' between the Iron Spikes,
than by a fudden Spring his Body followed with
Eafe ; and the Women taking him dow n gently, he
was, without Sufpicion of the Keepers, (tho' fome of
them was drinking at the upper End of the Lod<re)
convey 'd fifely out of the Lodge Door, when loon
getting a Hackney Coach, he went clear off before
there was the leaft Notice of his Efcape ; which,
when it was known, very much furprized the Kee-
pers, who never dreamt of an Attempt of that Kind
before.
As focn as John breathed the frefti Air, he went
again brifkly to his old Employment ; and the firlt
thing he did was to find out one Page, a Butcher of
his acquaintance in Clare-Market, w'^ho drels'd hiih
up in one of his Frocks, and then went with him
upon the Bufinefs of raifing Money. No (boner had
they fet out, but Shepherd remembring one Mr.
Martin'i a Watch-maker, near the CajUe Taiem in
Fleet-jlreet, and the Situation of the Shop, he pre;
vailed upon his Companion to go thither, and fcrew-
ing a Gimlet faft into the Poll .at the Door, they tied
the Knocker of the Door thereto with a String, and
then boldly breaking the GlaflTes, fnatched thiee
Watches before a Boy that was in the Shop could open
the Door, and marched clear off; Shepherd \\i\\\-\^
the Impudence upon this Occafion, to pais underneath
}\eiKgate.
However, he did not long enjoy hi> Liberty, for
ftroling about /'/>/f/j/y-f.'c/OT;/j»fl, he was apprehended
and committed to Kei^-gate ; and was put immedi-
ately in the Stone Room, where they loaded him with
a heavy pair of lions, and then llapled him fill down
to the Floor. He being left there alone in the Sei-
fions Time, mofl of the People of the G.iol then
attending at the Old-Bailey, he with a crooked Nail
opened the Lock, and by that Mean<; got rid of his
Ckair, and went directly co rhe Chimney in the
Room,
^76
A General History of
Room; «r}tere, wich jnceflant working, he got out
a couple of Stones, and by that Means entered a
Koom called the Rt\i Room, where no Body had been
lodged for a confidcrable Time. Here he threw
down a ])oor, which one would have thought im-
pollible to have been niov'd by the Strengtu of a
M:;n though with ever fo much Noife. From hence
with a grc.it deal to do, he forced his PalTage into
the Chapel, there he broke a Spike off the Door,
forcing open by its help four other Doors. Getting
ac lall upon the Leads, ha from thence dekenLieJ
gently, by the Help of the Blanket on which he lay,
(tor which hs went back thro' the whole Prifor)
upon the Leads of Mr. Bird a Turner, next Door
to Newgate, and looking in at the Garret Window,
f;iw th« Maid going to Bed. As foon as he thought
fhe was afleep, he ftepp'd down Stairs, went thro'
t lie Shop, opened the Door, then into the Street,
leaving the Door open behind him.
In the Morning wken the Keepers were in fearch
after him, hearing of this Circumftancc by the Watch-
man, they were then perfedly fatisficd of the Me-
thod by which he went off: However, they were
obliged to publifh a Reward, and make the llridell
Enquiry after him, fome fooiifh People having pro-
pagated a Report, that he had not got out without
Connivance. In the mean while Shepherd i^i^nA it a
very difficult Thing to get rid of his Irons, having
been obliged to lurk about and lye hid near a Village
not far from Town, 'till with much ado he procnrcd
a Hammer and took them off. He was no fooner
fieed from the Incuinbrance that remained upon hiin
but he came privately into the Town and that Night
robbed Mr. Raivlin^ Houfe a Paiun-Broker in
Drury-Lnne. Here he got a very large Booty, and
amongll other things a very handfome black Suit of
Cloatlis and a Gold Watch. Being drefled with
ilicfe he carried the rell of the Goods and valuable
KffctSs to two Woman, one of whom was a poor
young Creature whom Shepheard had feduced, and
who was imprifoned on this aoxjunt.
No fooner had he taken care of the Booty, but he
went amongll his Companions, the Pick-pockets and
Whores in Drury-Laiie and C/are Market ; where
being accidentally efpied fudling at a little Brandy-
Shop, by a Boy belonging to an Alehoufe who knew
him very well, the Lad immediately gave Informa-
tion ; upon which he was apprehended, and re-con-
ituftcd with a vail Mob to his old Manfion-Houfe
9ii Ntiugate, being fo much intoxicated with Liquor,
that he hardly was fenfible of his luiferable Fate.
They now took effe^ual Care to prevent a third Ef.
cape, never fuffering him to be alone a Moment,
which as it put the Keepers to great Expence, they
took Care to pay themfelves with the Money they
took of all who oame to fee him.
In this lall Confinement it was that Mr. Shepherd
and his Adventures became the fole Topick of Con-
verfation about Town : Numbers flockej daily to be-
hold him ; and he, far from being diljjleafed at be-
ing made a Speftacle of, entretained all who came
witn the greatell Gaiety that c«uld be. He acquaint-
ed them with ail ii.s Adventures ; related each of his
Robberies ki the moft ludicrous Manner, and endea-
voured to fet off every Circuraftance of his flagitious
Life, as well as his Capacity would gire him leave ;
which, to fay Truth, was excellent at Cunnijig, and
Buffoonery, and nothijig clfc, Nor were the Crowds
of People on this Occafion, that tJirong'd to AVw
gate, made up of the Dregs of the People only fc
then there would have been no Wonder ; but miieac
of that, Perfons of the firll DilUnaion, and not ■
few even dignified with Titles. 'Tis certain that thi
Noile made about iiim, and this Curiofity of Perfoa
of fo high a Rank was a very great Misfortune f
the poor Wretch himfelf, who from thefe Circuni
llances began to conceive grand Ideas of himfeff, ,-
well asftrong Hopes of Pardon; which encourW
hmi to pl.iy •vtr all his Airs, and divert us. many a
thouglit It worth their While, by their Prelence, t
prevent a dying Man from confidering his latter Enc
Yet when Shepherd came up to Ciiapel, it was oi
ferved that all his Gaiety was hid afide, and he hot
heard and affilled with great .Attention at Divine Se
vice ; tho' upon other Occafion^ he as much as 1
could avoided religious Difcourfe ; and dependir
upon the Petitions he had made to feviral Noblein
to mterceed with the King fjr Mercy, he (eem,
rather to aim at diverting his Time till he receiv'dl
Pardon, than to improve the few Days he had topr
pare himfelf for his lall.
On iUe xolU o{ No-ven.l/er, \-/1j^. Shepherd was ',
CUrtaorari removed to the Bar ot Court of Kini
Bench at H'ejiminfter, an Affidai'it being made, tl
he was iht ianie Joh» Shepherd mt.mioai.ii in the f
cord of Conviction before read. Mr. Jullice Pon
awarded Judgment againll him, and a Rule was ma
for his Execution on the lOtli.
Sucli was the unaccountable Fondnefi this Crir
nal had for Life, and lo unv.illing was he to lole
hopes of preferving it, that hefram'd in his Mind
kefolutions ol cutting the Rope when he Ihould
bound in the Cart, thinking tlur^by to get amor
the Crowd, and fo into Lin.oln'o-InnFieldi, s
from thence to the Thames- For this Purpofe
had provided a Knife, which was with great Dilfic
ty taken from him, by Mr. H'at/ou wiio was to
tend him to Deatli. Nay, hu Hopes were carr
even beyond hanging ; for wlien he fpoke to a Per
to whom he gave wliatMoiiey he h; d remaining,
of the large Prefentshe had reciiveJ from tf,ole'v
cinie to diveit them.eives ;:t SLpherd\ Si.ow
Keii:gate Fair, he moll earnclily entreated him t
as fcon as pofi.ble 1 is Body n-.ijit be ti^kcn out of
Hearfe which \'ias provideu forhim, put into awj
Bed, and, if it were polhbie, lome B.ood taken fr
him ; for he was in gicat Hopes he might be brou
to Life .-.gain ; but if he was not, he defired hiir
defray the Expences of Jiis Funeral, and return
Overplus to his poor Mother. Thtn he refumed
ufual Difcourfe about iiis Robberies, and in the
Moments of his Life enctcavourcd to divert him
from the 'Fhoughts of Deatli. Yet (o unie, t in ,•
various was he his Behaviour, that he told one wh
he had a great Def re to fee the Morning he di
that t:e had then as much 3atisfadiion to his Hi
as if he was going to enjoy tuo hundred Poui.dt
jinnum.
At the Place of Execution, to which he was c
vey'd in a Cart, with Iron Handcuffs on, he Imi
ved hira'elf very gravely ; corfelTing his robbing I
Philipi und Mrs. Cooi, butdtnying that Jafepb B.
and he had H'illiam Field in their Company vv
they broke open the Houfe of Mr. Kneebone. A
this he lubmitttd to his Fate on the i6th of Ni
tfr. i;2^, much pitied by the Mcb,
Piimtes, Highwaymen, Murderers, SCc.
■77
The LIFE 0/ MOLL RABY.
w
E have chofen this OiTender's moft ufual
Name to diftinguiih her by, tho' (he had al
moft as many Names as the fabulous Hydra
h Heads. She was born in the Parifli of St. Iilar-
tt s in the Fields, and took betimes to ill Couifes,
irvhich ftie continued till her Death. Madam Ogle
V, not more dextrous at bilking Hackney Coaclies,
tJ-i Msll Raby at bilking her Lodging, in which
S cies of Fraud her Talent originally lay, and at
V, ch (he had more Succefs than at any Thing elfe
9) undertook. We will give an Account of hsr firfi;
E. loit this Way, as a Specimen of the relh
'his Adventure was at a Houfe in Great Rujil-
>Vf/, by Blaomsbury-Sqttare ; where paffing for a
jr t Fortune, who was oblig'd to leave the Coun-
r by reafon of the importunate troublefomneis of
I eat many Suitors, (he was entertain'd with all
hi Civility imaginable ; This feeming honeA Crea-
111 who was a Saint without, but a Devil within,
0 inued there about a Fortnight, to encrcafe her
;i -adter, making a very good Appearance as to
e: -labit, for (he had a Talley-Man in every Quar-
srfthe Town. At ."a)!, underft-inding one Day
liiall the Family was to tahe their pleafure a'; to
4'"ow, at Richmond, Oie rtfolved to take this Op-
oinity; and when they were all abi'ent, except-
if the Maid, (he defired her to call a Porter, and
a' him a (ham Bill drawn on a Bniker in /.«>«-
m-ftrett, for one hundrt-d and fifty Pounds, whish
lelefired might be in Gold ; but fearing i'uch a
ttjtity of Money might be a Temptation to make
; iie'orter difhonell, (he privately re<juelkd the Maid
3 !o along with him, and (he, in the mean Time,
/dd take Care of the Houfe. The poor Maid,
riling no harm, went with the Porter to Lam-
aijlrcct, where they were ftopp'd (or a couple of
.'hits ; but alledging their Innocency, and proving
■oi whence they came, a MeiTenger was fent home
nx. them, who found it to be a Trick put upon
nekrvant to rob the Houfe ; for before (he came
aci Moll Raby was gone o(F with above eighty
'ovds in Money, one hundred and fixty Pounds
/o:i of Plate, and feveral other Things of a con-
■deible Value.
ir OfFences of this Nature, (he was thriee burnt
1 e Hand, after which (he marry 'd one Humphry
f*i^0K, a Butcher, who svas taught by her to
ay off his Trade, and go upon the Pad in the Day
im| while (he went upon the Buttock and Twang
lyUight; which is picking up a Cull or Spark,
i'hfli pretending (he wauld not expofe her Face in
. P;ilick-Houfe, (he takes into fome dark Alley,
i^hij:, whilft the decoy'd Fool is fumbling with
is-reeches down, (he picks his Fob or Pocket, of
■'atch or Money, and giving a fort oi a Hem
lignal (he hath fucceedeJ l.i her Defign, the
V with whom (he keeps Company, blundering
•t> the Dwk, knocks down the Gallant, and car-
iesifF tne Prize.
But after the Death of this Huihand, Moll turn'd
arrant Thief, and in the firll Exploit the then went
upon, (he liad hke to come fcurvily off; the Ad-
venture was this : Going upon the Kigljt-Sneai, [as
the Pjirafe of thefe People i^) (he found a Door half
open, m Do-iuning-ftreet at Wejlminfier, where Heal-
ing foftly up Stiirs into a great Bed -Chamber, and
hiding herl'elf under the Bed, (he had not been there
above an Hour, before a couple of Footmen brought
Caudles into the Room, whilft the Maid vvith great
Diligence, was laying the Cloth for Supper. The
Table being furnifh'd with two or three Dilhes of
Meat, (ive or fix Peribns fat down, beiides the Chil-
dren that were in the Houfe ; which fo affrighted
MolL that (he verily thought, that if their Voices
and the Noife of the Children had not hinder'd
them, they might have heard her very Joints
fmite one againlt another, and the Teeth chat-
ter in her Head. But what was worft of all, there
being a little Spaniel running about to gnaw the
Bones that fell from the Table, where Moll lay in-
cognito ; the Dog fnarling and Hriving; to take the
Bone ftom her, the Cat fo well Ui'd her Claws to
defend her Prize, that having given the Buffer,
(that is their canting Name tor a Dog) two or
three Scratches on the Nofe, there began fo great
a Skirmi(b betwixt them, that, to allay the Hurly
Burly, one of the Servant took a Fire Shovel out
of the Chimney, and flung it lb furioufly under
the Bed, that it gave Moll a Blow on the Nofe
and F'orehead, that ftunn'd her for near half aa
Hour. The Cat ru(h''d out as quick as Lightning,
but the Dog ilay'd behind, barking and grinning
with fuch Fury, that neither her fawning nor
threatning could quiet him, till one of the Servants
flung a (ire Fork at him, which chas'd him from
under the Bed, but gave her another unlucky Blow
crofs the Jaws. At length. Supper was ended, but
the Dog (till growling in the Room, the Fear oY
his betraying her, rais'd fuch a fudden Loofneis
in her, that (he could by no Means avoid dhcharg-
ing herfelf, which made fuch a great Stink, that
it offended the People, who, iuppofing it to be the
Dog, they turn'd him out, and not long after the/ ■,
all withdrew themfelves ; when Moll coming from
under the Bed, (he wrapt the Sheets up in the Quilr,
and fneaking down Stairs, (he m.idc off the Ground
as fart as (he could.
Another "Xm^t Moll Raby hcm'g drinking at an
Alehoufe in Wapping, (he obferved the Woman of
the Houfe, who was fleeping by the Fire-fide, to
have a good Pearl Neckl.ace about her Neck, at
which her Mouth immediately water'd, and which
(he thus fecured. Having drank a Pot of Drink
with a Confort which ihc had in her Companv,
(he fent the Maid down in the Cellar again to (ill tiie
Pot, and in the mean 'lime cut oiftlie Necklace
with a Pair of Sciffars, and taking the Pearls off the
String, fwallow«d them. Before thev had mcide an
4 B end
•27B
eiul of dnt Pot of Drink, the Woman awaking, flie
iniiViJ iier Necklace, for which fhe made a great
Outcry, and charged Moll and her Comrade witli it,
bat they Rood upon their Innccency, and going in-
to a private Room, ftript themfelvcs, when nothing
being found upon them, the Woman thought her
Accufation might be falfe, and fo was forced to lofe
her Necklace without being able to fufpeft in what
Manner.
Mary Raby, alias Rogers, alias Jack/on, alias
Biom.!!, was, at lait, condemned for a Burglary,
committed in the Houfe of the Lady Ca-vcndij/}, in
Soho-Square, the ^d of March, 1702-3, upon the
Information of two Villains, namely, Arthur Cham-
ber! and Jofeph Hatfield, who made thcmftlves
Evidences againft her. At the Place of Execution,
3,t Tyburn, on Wedjtefday the 3d oi No'vemher 1703,
fte faid fhe was thirty Years of Age, that ihe was
well brought up at firil, and knew good Things,
but did not praftife them, having given up herlelf
to all manner of Wickednefs and Vice, fuch as
Whoredom, Adultery, and unjult Doings. As for
the Faft fhe flood condemn'd for, fhe only ov^n'd
fo much, and no more of it, than this. That fonie
part of the Goods ftollen out of that Lady's Houfe,
was brought to hers, in the Spring Garden, where
file then liv'd, fhe underftood, the next Day after
the Robbery was committed, and not before, whofe
Goods they were.
She farther faid. That fhe had a Hufband, fbe
thought, in Ireland, if llill alive, but fhe was not
certain of it, becaufe it was now fix Years fince he
left her. However, fhe was very forry fhe had de-
filed his Bed, and wifh'd he was prefent, that fhe
might defire him to forgive her that Injury. She
b'egg'd aifo Pardon of all the World in general, for
the fcandalous, impious, and wicked Life fhe had
lived : And fhe pr;;y'd, That all wicked Perfons,
efpecially thofe fhe had been concerned with, would
take Waridng by her ; and that they might have
Gr:-ce lb to reform and amend their Lives betimes,
rei'tr to be overtaken in their Sins. Before ihe was
tanrd ofF, fhe was again prefs'd to fpeak the whole,
in re! .;ion to the Faft fhe was now to die for,
fhe perfilled in what ihe had faid before about it :
A General History of
But llill own'd fhe had been a very great Siipr
as being one that was guilty of Sabbath-brea pa 1
fweating, drinking, lewdnefs, buying, recei^wi
and dilpofing of Ilollen Goods, and harbouriiiofi
ill People. !
As an Appendix to the life of Moll Raby.m
ihall add ibme Account of Moll Haivkins, Ini
her living with a Fellow of that Name, whc^s
a moll notorious Pick-Pocket, was condenin'ion
the 3d of Marck, 1702-3, for privately lie ng i
Goods out of the Shop of Mrs. Hobday, in P n.
tiojler R01V. She having been repriev'd for mei
Months, upon the Account of her being then f 1^
quick with Child, tho' ihe was not, fhe was i
caird down to her former Judgment. Whei 1
came to the Place of Execution at Tyburn, on ■
ne/day the 22d of December, 1703, ihe faid fhi
about twenty fix Years of Age, born in the Par
St. Gile^s in the Fields ; that ihe ferved three '
Apprenticefhip to a Button-Maker in Maldtn-
by Co'vent-Garden, and followed that Emp!o}
for fome Years after ; but withal gave Way ;
fame Time to thofe ill Pradices which wcrt
the Caufe of her Death.
Before this Moll Haivkins projefted Shopli.
fhe went upon the ^tefiion Lay, which is pu
lierfelf into a good handlomc Drefs, like fomc
change Girl, and then taking an empty Bai
in her Hand, and p^.iTmg for a Milliner's or J
ilrefs's Apprentice, ihe goes early to a Perft
Quality's Houfe, and knocking at the Door,
the Servant if the Lady is Itirring yet : for
was, ihe had brought home, according to 1
the Sute of Knots, (or what elfe the Devil
in her Head) which her Ladyihip had befpoko
Night ; while the Servant goes up Stairs to ace
the Lady with this Meilage, the Cullom is
mean Time to rob the Houie, and go away v/.,
an Anfwer. Thus fhe one Day ferved the
Arabella Harvard, living in Soho-Square, whe
Maid went up Stairs to acquaint her Ladyihi m
a Gentlewoman waited below with fome GIovh
Fans, yi/o// HrtT-yy^;';;; took the Opportunity ofd
ing away above fifty Pounds worth of Plate,
Hood on a Side-Board in the Parlour, to be cl
againft Dinner time.
I
^
PyrakSf Highiioaymeni Murderers, SCc.
■79
'4
2|
^r
Tie LIFE of WILLIAM GETTINGS.
)(i
,
HIS Malefa£lor was born in the Parifh of
Jf'olhope, in Hereford/hire, where he lived
with his Father, a Grazier, till he was fix-
en Years of Age, and then came up to Loudon. He
ent, after this, about 5 Years in the Service of fc-
■ral Gentlemen, fometimes in the Capacity of a
atler, at other Times as a Footman. Had he con-
nued hoiieft, as he was at firft, he might have done
ry well, f^r he was elleemed ; but after thefe 5
ears, he took to bad Company, who foondebauch'd
m, both in Principles and Praftice.
When lie tiill took to ill Courfes, he went by the
ame of WiUiam Smith, and fought his Fortune
iginally by other Ways of Thieving than that of
bbing on the Highway ; as Houft-breaking, Shop-
ting, or the like.
Thus one Evening going privately, drefs'd like a
irter, into the Houfe of a Dodlor of Phyfick, liv-
"j g in, or near IVell-Chfe, by the Danes Church in
ztcliff-Higln-M'ay, he there took down a rich Bed,
d pack'd it up : Then bringing it out of the Cham-
r, in order to carry it off, he fell headlong down
airs, infomuch that he had like to have broke his
eck. The Noife alarming the old Doftor and his
)n, they came running out of the Kitchen to fee
hat was the Matter ; whereupon Gettings, who was
iffing and blowing, as if he was quite tired and out
"Breath, perceiving them nearer than they fiiould
faid to the Doftor, Is not your Name fo and Jo?
en ? a 'by then,
one Mr. Hugh
eh and Penhenribus, has ordered me to bring thefe
oods hither, ixhich ha-ue almoft broke my Back, and
r twhich he^ll call about half an Hour hence, and
tch them a^vay to a ne'w Lodging ivhich he has took
fitevahere hereabouts. Mr. Hugh Hen and Penhen-
t>US, reply^d the Doilor again, pray ivho'' s he ? for
the beji of my Knov^Ldge, I dont knovj any fuch
entleman. lean t tell for that, faid Get tings, hut
deed the Gentleman knoivs you, and ordered >ne to
a'ue the Goods here. I don''t care, quoth the Doc-
r, hoit} ivcll he kuoivs me, I tellycu, I'll not take
People' s Goods, unlefs they tuere here themfclvcs,
erefore I fay carry them aivay. Nay, pray Sir,
id Gettings, let me lea've the Goods here, for I am
ite 'Uieary already ill bringing them hither. I tell
u, reply'd the DoOor, there fhall none be left here,
trcforc take them aivay, or F II throix- them into the
reet elfe. Well, quoth Gettings, F II take the
oods anvaytken, tut I'm Cure the Gentleman 'will be
'ry atigry, becaufe he ordered me to lea've them here,
don't care, repl)'d the Doftor, for his Anger, nor
urs neither, I tell yoit I'll take no Charge of other
'ople^s Goods, unlefs they ivere here themfelves to put
em into my Cujhdy. Very tvell. Sir, quoth Get-
igs, but f rice I muj} carry them a'wuy, I beg the
Hveurofyou, and the Gentleman there, to I; ft them
my Back. Jj, ay, ivith all my Heart, reply 'd
., .— .« ...^ ..... , .. ..... J _
' •], reply'd the Dodor, and ivbat the
r, quoth William Gettings, there's c
the Doflor, come Son, and lend's a Hand to lift them
on the Felloiv's Back.
In a Word, the Goods being lifted on Getting'?.
Shoulders, it was not long 'ere the Doftor's Wife
came from iWarket, and going into the Room where
the Bed was taken down, fhe came running open-
moutk'd at her Hufband, and faid, ' Why truly this
' is a mofl ftrange Thing, th-.;t I can never iHr out
' of Doors, but you mull be making one whimfical
* alteration or other in the Houfc. What's the Mat-
• ter, reply' d the DoSlor, with the Woman ? Are you
' befiJe yourfelf .? 'Ho, faid the Jf'ife, but truly you
' are, in thus altering Things as you do almoll every
' Moment. Certainly, my Dear, reply'd the Doc-
' tor, you mull have been fpending your Market
' Penny, or elfe you would not talk at this Rate as
' you do of Alterations, when none in the leall have
' been made fmce you have been gone out. i^oth
' the Wife, I am not blind, I think ; for I am fure
' the Bed is took out of the Room one Pair of Stairs
' b.ickwards, and pray Hufband, where do you de-
' fign to put it now." At thefe Words the Hufband
and Son going prefently up Stairs, they found the
Bed was llollen, which, to be fure. fretted them ;
but neverthelefs, they durll not tell the old \^'oman
that they had a Hand in the lofmg it, by helping the
Thief to carry it away and io they now made th«
bell of a bad Market, fmce all the fretting in the
World would not bring it back again.
The' Gettings was fo fuccefsful in robbing this
Houfe, yet his Genius not agreeing with this lort of
Theft, lie was refolved to try his Fortune on the
Highway ; and one Day meeting with a noted Evi-
dence, they pretended to make a DifcSvery of the
World in the Moon, by telling who was the Preten-
der's Father and Motlier, trudging it on Foot along
the Road betwi.xt Lcv/fhatn and Bromley in Kent, he
commanded the Sharper to Hand and deliver ; then
taking from him two Pence halfpenny, for which he
Hood as hard as a Shoemaker would for a Piece of
Carriot, but to no purpofe, he faid, The World 'veas
co?ne indeed to a 'very fad Pafs, that one Rogue mufi
prey on another.
Shortly after the robbing this incorrigible Villain,
Gettings robbed a Man on the Way to Chelfea, and
took from him about twelve Sjiillings, and a Pair
of filver Buckles. Next he robbed a Stage Coach
upon Hounflo-M-Heath, taking from the Pallengers a
filver Watch andfibme Money. Next he robbed a-
nother Stage Coach, not fir from Reading in Berk-
fhire, and took from the Paflcngers four Guineas and
fome Silver. And next he robbed Efq; Dafizvood's
Coach a little beyond Putney, and took from him and
his Lady a gold Watch, and three or four Pieces of
Gold, with fome Money in Silver.
But the moll notable Aiflion he ever committed,
was this v.hich follows. Having been riding one
Day into th;.- Country i:jr his Pleafure, as he was re-
turning
aSo
A General History of
turning home in the Evening very well mounted,
and dislVd much like a Gentleman, jufl at Tooting,
by Richmand, he perceived from a riiing Ground Sir
'Jama B v.alking in his Gardens, which were
very fine indeed, and ot a large Extent. Then rid-
ing up to a Gardener Handing at a Back-Door, he
enquired of him, whether a Gentleman whom Curio-
fity led to fee thofe Gardens, of which he had heatd
fo much Talk in their Praife, migiit not have the
Liberty of taking a \\'alk in them. The Gardener
knowing Sir James was free that any Perfon appear
ing in good Fafhion might walk there, he gave Get-
tiags AdmiiTion into them.
Getting! alighting, he gave the Gardener his Horfe
to hold ; and in the Walks feeing Sir James B — —
to whom he paid Refpeds in a very fubmiflive Man-
ner, withal hoping, that he would pardon his Pre-
fumption of coming into his Gardens, when his
Worftiip was therein recreating himfelf, the courte-
ous Knight affured him he was very welcome, and
invited him to fee his Wildernefs ; where fitting down
in an Arbour, Getting! in their Difcourfe was pleas'd
to fay. Tour Worjliip has got a very Jine diamond
Ring on your Finger. Tes, reply'd Sir James, it
ought to be a Jine ine, for it c§J} me a 'very Jine Price :
Why then, faid Getting! again, // ;,; the Jitter to be-
fioiu on a Friend ; therefore if your Worjhif flea/es, J
muji make bold to take it, and tutar it for your
fake.
At thefg Words Sir James began to ftartle at his
Impudence ; but Getting! elappmg a Piftol to his
£reaft, told him, he was a dead Man if he made but
the leaft Noife or Refifiance. So taking it from hi
quoth he again, / am jhifihle your Lordjhip does ,
go ivithout a good Watch too. Convertmg this a
to his own Ufe, and fome Guineas out of his Pock'
he then tied his Hands and Feet, and then came
way with a Booty worth ninety Pountls ; but bid
Jama be of good Cheer, for he would fend c
prefently to relieve him. And accordingly going i
the Gardener, who held his Horfe all this while, a'
giving him a Shilling, quoth he, Honeft Friend, i
James luants to fpeak •with you. Then mountii
he rode prefently off the Ground, whiltl the Gard
ner made halle to his Mafler, and was in a great Si
prize to fee Sir James bound in that Manner whi
Getting! had left him in ; but immediately fetting h
loofe, his Worthip returned his Servant ma
Thanks, for fending a Rogue to rob him in hii o
Gardens.
He once went purpofely from Ltndon into the Coi
try, to rob the Houi'e of a dear Friend, and near f
lation of his, which he effeihially and eafiiy did,
being well acquainted with all the Parts of that Hou
and the Ways to go into it, taking away from ther
a Horfe, fome Money, gold Rings, and otl
Things. And laftly, he robbed Ei(\; Harrifon i
his Lady, riding in their Calalh towards Fulham, i
took from them a Purfe with four Guineas in
and fome Money in Silver. For this Faft being :
prehended by the Right Honourable the Lord Bo/i
broke, one of whofe Servants he Ihot in taking hi
he was committed to Neivgate, and hanged in i
twenty fecond Year of hh Age, at Tyburn, on F.
dtty the 2 5 th Day cf September, i 7 1 3 .
!
•n
C r'
■ ". //^^'J//an/^^^^^f'^ ///r///U/>/ " ////y//// Oj^I /^i. //f7//€ fr
Pyratcsy High^waymen) Murderers^ &c.
2.8l
\he LIFE of Capt. URATZ, Highwayman,
and Murderer of Thomas Thynn, Efq; in the
Pall-Mail.
t'>(HriJlopher Uralz, the youngell Son ofa very
good Gentleman, and bora in Pomerania, a
^ Country adjoyning to Poland, having but a
fniall Patrimony left him, he was incited, thro"
.iidernefs of his Fortune, to betake himfelfto
iVlighway ; and being a Man ofa great Coura^je,
iri undaunted Spirit, he ventured on iuch Attempts
nfelf, which would not be undertook by half
. .en Man ; for once Joh» Saiirs.iJ, King of
«./, who with the Duke of Lorrain, railed
Siege of Vienna, going difguifed out of the
'iftian Camp, in Company only with three OiH-
to obferve the Motion of the Turks, he inter-
"A his cqming back, and robbed hirr. and his
ndants of as many Diamonds, which he fold
Jew at Vienna, for about Sooo Ducatoons, be-
taking from them a confiderable Quantity of
1. Hehadalfo committed fome Robberies in
lary; b;;t having fonieuhat of a more gene-
Soul, than always to get his Bread by that
autive Way of living, he was contrary to all
■5 of that ProfeiUon, not extravagant whilft he
;tained himfelf by thofe fearing Words, Stand
Deliver; therefore h.-.vii.g Uved a good Purfe by
he bought a Captain's Commifliou in a Regi-
: in the Emperor of Geimanys Service,
'hilil he was in this Poll, he became acquainted
h Count Caningfmark, and came over with him
England; where the faid Count being baulked
ia Amours with a certain Lady by Thomas
'!, Efq ; hij ill Succefs therein he fo highly
ted, trii-t nothing could pacify his Refentment,
he Death of his Rival. C.iptain Uratz being
privy tc iiis Difguft, he procured two other
Gns, namely, John Stem, a Lieutenant, and
e Boiss/cy alias Boratxi, who, about a quar-
fter Eight at Night, on Sunday the 12th of
iary, 16S1, meeting Efquire Thynn riding
is Coach up St. James\-Street, from the
tefs of Nort'-u?i!berla7id's Boroski, a Polander,
him with a Blunderbufs, which mortify'd
fter fucha barbarous Manner, that Mr. Hobbs.
linent Chynirgeon, found in his Body four Bui-
which hiid torn his Guts, wounded his Liver,
stomach, and Gall, broke one of his Ribs, and
ided the great Bone below, of which Wounds
yed.
lefe Murderers being taken the next Day and
'd before Jultice Bridgman. he committed them
>ptte ; from whence being brought to the
bailey on Tue/dav the 28th ai Fedritar-/ follow-
:hey were try'd before the Lord Chief Jufiice
■ertoii ; and being c?.ft for their Lives, the Re-
rpafs'd Sentence of Death on them.
Whilft Captain Uralz was under CondemnatioB^
Dr. Anthony Horneck ; and Dr. Gilbert Burnet, the
late Bilhop of Salisbury ; went to vifit him the
firft of which Divines thus writes: " That putting
" the Criminal in Mind of the All-feeing Eye above,
" who knew his Crimes, th6' he did conceal theirt
" from Man, he was pleas'd to tell me. That he
" had far other Apprehenfions of God, then I had ;
" and was confident God would confider a Gentle-
'■ man, and deal with him fuitably to the Condi-
" tion and Profeffion he had plac'd him in ; and
" would not take it ill, ifa Soldier, who liv'd by
" his Sword, reveng'd the Affronts offer'd to him
" by another." Ireply'd, That there was but one
Way to eternal Happinefs ; and that God, in his
Laws has made no E.xception for any Sorts or De
grees of Men ; and confequently Revenge in a Gen-
tleman, was a Sin God would not pardon without
true Repentance, any more then he would forgive
it in a Peafant. He asking me hereupon. What
Repentance was ? I told him, it was fo to hate the
Sin we had done, that for the future no Argument
fhould prevail with us to commit it again. To
which he faid. That if he were to live, lie ftiould
not forbear to give any one as good as he brings; with
fome other Fxpreffions, which I am loth to repeat;
for they made me fo melancholick, that I was
forced to leave him. Vet I bid him confider what
he had fard, as he lov'd his own Soul. The laft
Time I vifited him, was on the 8th o{ March,
whom, when I had faluted, I told him I hop'd he
had taken his dangerous Condition into Confiderati-
on, and wrought himfelf into a greater Senfe of his
Sins, tiien I could obferve in him when I was laft
with him. He faid, he knew not what I meant
by this Addrefs. I then explained my felf, gave
him to underlland, that 1 fpake it with Relation to
the late great Sin he had been engag'd in ; and
that I hop'd his approaching Death had made him
more penitent, than I had iound him t'othet Da; ,
To which he reply'd. That he was fcnfible he was
a gre.Tt Sinner, and had committed divers Enormi-
ties in his Life-time, of which he truly repented,
and was confident that God had pardon'd him ; but
he could not well underlland the Humour of our
Englijh Divines, who prefs'd him to make particu-
lar Declarations of Things they had a Mind he (houid
fay, tho' never fo ftlfe, or contrary to Truth ; and
at this, he fdd, he wondered the more, becaufe in
our Church we were not for auricular Confefiion.
I let him run on ; and then I to!d hi.m, that he was
much miilaken in the Divines of the Church of En o^-
land, who neither us'd to reveal private Confeffio.i,
nor oblige Offender^ in Iuch Cafes, to confels 'J'hings
>4 C • con'.raiy
contrary to Truth j that this was both againft their
Pradice and their Principles: The Confeffion, I
laid, he was fo often exhorted to, was no private,
but a publick Confeffion ; fer-as-his-G»Hi€— haid been
^Mtfefek-GefUe^fioa-? for as his Crime had been pub-
lick, fo liis Repentance and Confeffion ought to be
publick too ; and farthermore, I told him, that
Ckrifi\ Blood was aftually applied to none but the
true Penitent, and that true Repentance muft dif-
cover it felf in Meeknefs, Humility, Tender-hearted -
nefs, Compaffion, Righteoufnefs, making ingenious
Confeffions, and, fo far as we are able, Satisfadion
too, elfe, HOtwithftanding the Treafure of Chrijl't
Blood, Men might drop into Hell. Upon this, he
replied, that he fear'd no Hell. I anfwer'd, poffi-
bly he might believe none ; or, if he did, it might
be a very eafy one of his own making. He faid
he was not fuch a Fool as to believe that Souls could
fry in material Fire, or be roafled as Meat on a
great Hearth, or in a Kitchin, pointing to the Chim-
ney. His Belief was, that the Punifhment of the
Damn'd confided in a Deprivation of the gracious
and beatifick Prefence of God ; upon which Depri-
vation, there arofe a Terror and Anguilh in their
Souls, becaufe they had mifs'd of fo great a Happi-
uefs. He added, that poffibly I might think him an
Athtiji ; but he was fo far from thofe Thoughts,
that he could fcarce believe there was any Man fo
fottilh in the World, as not to believe the Being of
a God, gracious, and juft, and generous to his Crea-
tures ; nor could any Man, that was not either mad
or drunk, believe Things came fortuitoufly, or that
this World was gorern'd by Chance I faid that
this Truth I approv'd of, and was glad to fee him
well fettled in the Reafonablenefs of that^ Principle ;
and as for material Fire in the ether World, T would
not quarrel with him for denying it, but rather hold
with him, that the Fire and Brimftone fpoken of
in Scripture, were but Emblems of thofe inward
Terrors which would gnaw and tear the Confciences
of iinpenitsnt Sinners ; but Aill this was a greater
Puniftiment than material Fire : And this Punifhrnent
he had Reafon to fear, if he could not make it out
to me, or other Men, that his Repentance was fm-
cere. I was at firll in feme Doubt whether I would
publifh the Captains Anfwers to my Queries and
£xpollulations, becaufe fome of them favour of Pro-
phanenefs ; yet, confidering that the Eiiangeliji hath
thought fit to acquaint the World with the peni-
tent Expreffions of the other Malefadlor, I was wil-
ling to follow that great Example, hoping that thofe
locfeDifcourfes ef the Man may ferve as Sea-marks to
warn Paffengers from running upon thofe Sands.
That which I chiefly obferv'd in him, was, that Ho-
nour and Bravery was the Idol he ador'd, a Piece
ef perpofterous Devotion, which he maintain'd to
the lall, as if he thought it would merit Praife, not
to decede from what he had once faid, though it
was with the Lofs of God's Favour, and the Ship-
wreck of a good Confcience. He confider'd God
as fiime generous, yet partial Prince, who would
regard Men's Blood, Defcent, and Quality, more
than their Errors, and would give vail Grains of
Allowance to their Breeding and Education ; and
poffibly the llout Behaviour of fome of the ancient
Reman Bravo's, (for he had read Hiftory) might roll
in his Mind, and tempt him to write Copies after
thofe Originals ; or, to think that it was great to do
ill, and to defend it to the laft. Whether after my
laft Conference with him he relented, I know not :
Thofe that faw him go to his Execution, obferv'd
that he look'd undaunted, and with a Countenance
fo fleady, that it feem'd to fpeak hi» Scorn, not on.
Jyofall the Speftators that Ipok'd upon him, but
A General History of
ef Death it felf. But I judge not of the Though 1
of dying Men, thofe the Seareher of all Hear'
knows beft, to whom Men Hand or fall.
Dr. Gilbert Burnet writes thus of Captain Vrati.
It is certain, that never Man died with more Rel
lution, and lefs Signs of Fear, or the leall Diford.
His Carriage in the Cart, both as he was led alor
and at the Place of Execution, was aftorufliirg ;
was not only undaunted, but look'd chearful, a
fmil'd often. When the Rope was put about '.
Neck, he did not change Colour, nor tremble ;
Legs were firm under him. He look'd often ab(
on thofe that flood in Balconies and Windowsj <
foom'd to fix his Eyes on fome Persons. Three
four Times he fmil'd. He would not cover hisF,
as the reft did, but continu'd in that State, of
looking up to Heaven, with a Chearfulnefs in
Countenance, and a little Motion of his Hands. ;
faw him feveral Times in the. Prifon ; he dill ft \
to the Confeffion he made to the Council, till the !
Day qf his Life. He often faid to me, he wi 1
never fay any Thing but what he had faid at I
When I was with him on Sunday before his De
he ftill denied all that the Lieutenant and Polo \
had faid, and fpake feverely of them, chiefly o) j
Lieutenant, as if he had confefs'd thole Th
which he then cail'd Lies, in Hopes offavinijj
own Life by it, or in Spite to him, that he n i[ i
not be pardon'd ; and all I could fay, could t 1
change his Mind in that. I told him, it was in b j
for him to dream of a Pardon ; for I affur'd hii if |
any kept him up with the Hopes of it, they dec i \
him. He had two Opinions that were, as I thoi
hurtful to him ; the one was. That it was enou
he confefs'd his Sins to God, and that he wa it
bound to make any other Confeffion ; and he the it
that was a Piece of Popery to prefs him to cc i
He had another odd Opinion, alfe, of the ii
State : He thought the Damn'd were only exc i
from the Prefence of God, and endur'd no other i-
fery but that of feeing others happier than I i
felves ; and was unwilling to let me enter into !•
Difcourfe with him for undeceiving him. He ( ii
was his own Aftair, and he defir'd to be left to i
felf. But he fpake with great Aflurance of ( ':
Mercy to him. I left him, when I fiw that nn ig
I could fay had any good EfFed on him, and rel 'i
to have gone no more to him ; but when I undei id
by a German Minifter that attended him, and b t
Meffiige which I heard deliver'd in his Name t ki
Lieutenant and the Polander, the Night before is
Execution, that he was in another Temper then \ «
I faw him laft, I went to him. He receiv'd «
more kindly than formerly ; moil of his Difc f«
was concerning his going to the Place of Exect n,
defiring it might be in a Coach, and not in a C ;
and when I pray'd him to think of that which n-
cern'd him more, he fpake with great Affurance, al
it was already done ; that he knew God had forj «
him : And when I wifh'd him to fee that he n lit
not d-eceive hknfelf, and that his Hopes, might n be
ill grounded, he faid it was not Hope, but Certa y;
for he wasfure God was reconcil'd to him, thr^ii
Chrifl. When I fpake to him of confeffing his io,
he faid he had written it, and it would be pub I'd
to all Europe i but he did not fay a Word conce n"
it to me : So I left him, and faw him no more »
met him at the Place of Execution. When he i*
me, he fmil'd on me ; and wherea? I had fome le*
vvarn'd him of the Danger of affeding to be a i '■"■
terfeit Bravo, (Faux brave) lie faid to me, I Ji*
I fpake to him, That Ifiould fee it -luas nat a 1/
Brxvery, hut tljat he li-as ftarlefs to the la, '
wiih'd him to cenfider well upon what he groil"'
PyrateSf Highioa^meffy Murderers, 5Cc.
2§3
J Gonficlcncc • He faid he was fure he was now to
flljceiv'd itito Heaven ; and that his Sins were for-
Iren him. 1 a-k'd him if he had any Thing to fay
I«he people He faid No. After he had whif-
W a Ihort Word to a Genjleman, he was willing
itRope fliould bety'd to the Gibbet. He call'd
Br the German Minifter ; but the Crowd was fuch,
tit was not polnble for him to come near. So he
lir'dmeto pr.iv witii him in French \ but I told
. I could not venture to pray in that Language;
, fmce he underrtooJ Englijh, 1 would pray in
^glijh. I obferv'd he had fome Touches in his
Jnd, when I ofter'd up that Petition, that for the
J ;e of the Blood of Chriji, the innocent Blood Ihcd
I hit Phce might be forgiven ; ad that the Cry of
; one for Mercy, might prevail over th» Cry of
t other for Jullice. At thefe Words, h« look'd up
Heaven with the greatell Senfe that I had at any
' me obferv'd in him. After I pray'd, he faid io-
thing, but that he was now going to be happy with
God ; fo I left him. He continu'd in his undaunted
Manner, looking up often to Heaven, and fometimes
round about him, to the Speftators. After he and
his two Fellow-SufFerers had Hood about a quarter o f
an Hour under the Gibbet, they were afk'd when
they would give the Signal for their being turn'd off.
He anfwer'd, that they were ready, and that the Cart
might be driven away when it pleas'd the Sheriff to
order it. So, a little While after, it was driven a-
way. And thus they all ended their Lives.
As for Lieutenant Stern, the illegitimate Son ofa
Baron of Snuedtn, afterwards made a Count, and
Borgjky the Polander, they were very penitent froA
firft to laft, being with Captain Uratz, aged 38, exe-
cuted in the Pall-Mall on Friday the loth ot March
1 68 1 -2 ; but Borojky was afterwards hung up in
Chains, a little beyond Mile-End, by the Conunani
of King Ciar/r; the Second.
The LIFE 0/ LEWIS HOUSSART.
4 S there is not any Crime more fliocking to
\ human Nature ,or more contrary to all Laws
, jk- human and divine, than Murder, fo perhaps
t re have been few Murders, in thefe laft Years
c .mitted, accomp.anied with more odd Circumftan-
c than that for which this Criminal fuffered.
Leivis Houffart was born at Sedan, a Town in
Cimpaigne, in the Kingdom of France ; his own
rjer fays. That he ivas hred a Surgeon, and qua-
t'.dfar that Bujinefs ; however that were, he was
1^ e no better than a Penny Barber, only that he let
Iiod, and thereby got a little Money. As to the
tier Circumrtances of his Life, all we Ihall fay of
l!\ is, that while his Wife j4nne Rondeau was liv-
l, he married another Woman, and the Night of
t Marriage, before fitting down to Supper, he
vnt out a little Space. During the Interval between
1 1 and his coming in, it was judged from the Cir-
cnliances, that he cut the poor Woman's Throat,
*o was his firll Wife, with a Razor. For this be-
i ; apprehended he was tried at the 0/d'-5a?7)' ; but
f Want of Proof fufHcient was acquitted. Not
lig after he was indifted for Bigamy ; upon which
Iiii!lment, fcarce making any Defence, he was
find guilty. He faid thereupon. That he did not
tuble himfelf to frefernje fo much as his Reputation
ithis ReffcSl, for in the firft Place he knew they
're refolded to con'vi3 him, and in the next Place
\ firft Wife ivas a Socinian, an irrational Creature,
i itled to the Advantages of no Nation nor People,
I aufe /he •v.-as no Chriftian ; and according as the
' ipture fays, I'jith fuch a One ha've no Con'verfation ,
» not fo much as to eat ivilb them. An Appeal
^ 5 then Jodg'd againfl him by Solomon Rondeau,
hther and Heir to Anne his Wife ; yet that appear-
i ; to be defedive, it was quafh'd, and he charged
on another ; whereunto joining liTue upon fi.x
ints, they came to be tried at the Old-Bailey ;
■ lerethe following Circumftances appeared upon the
■ial.
That at the Time he was at Supper at his new
Wife's Houfe, he flarted on a fudden, looked agall,
and feemed to be very much frighted. A little Boy
depofed, that the Prifoner gave him Money to go to
his own Houfe in a little Court, and fetch the Mo-
ther of the deeeafed Anne Rondeau to a Gentleman
who would be at fuch a Place and ftay for her. When
the Mother returned from that Place, and found no-
body wanting her, or that had wanted her, ihe was
very much out of Humour at the Boy's calling her ;
but that quickly gave way to the Surprize of finding
her Daughter murder'd affoon as (he enter'd the
Room. This Boy who called her was very young ;
yet out ofa Number of Perfons tnat were in Newgate,
he fingled out Leiuis Houffart, and declared that he
was the Man who gave him Money to go for old Mi-
ftrefs Rondeau. Upon this and feveral other corro-
borating Proofs the Jury found him gnilty : Upon
which he arraigned the Jullice of the Court, decla-
ring that he was innocent, and that they might pu-
nilh him if they would, but they could not make
him guilty ; and much more to the like Effeft. But
the Court was not troubled at that ; and he fcarce
endeavoured to make any other Defence.
While in the Condemn'd-Hole, amongft the reft
of the Criminals, he behaved himfelf in a vtty odd
Manner, infilled upon it that he was innocent of the
Faft laid to his Charge, and threw out moft oppro-
brious Language againft the Court that condemn'd
him ; and when he was advifcd to lay afide fuc^
Heats of paflionate Expreflions, he faid, B( nuas
forry he did not more fully expofe the Britiih Juftice
upon the fpot at the Old-Baily, and that novj, fince
they had tied up his Hands from aSling, he luould
at leaft have Satisfailion in faying <what he
pleafcd.
When this Houffart was firft apprehended he ap-
peared to be very much afFefted with his Condition,
was continually reading good Books, praying and
Hi«diuting, and fnevring the utmoft Signs of a Heart
full
aS4
A General History of
full of Concern, and under the greateft Emotions ;
but after he had been once acquitted, it made a tho-
rough Change in his Temper : He quite laid afide
all his former Gravity, and gave way, on the con-
trary, to a very extraordinary Spirit of Obftinacy and
Unbelief He puzzled himfelf continually, and if
Mr. Dcval, who was then under Sentence, would
have given Leave, would have puzzled him too, as
to the Doftrines of a future State, and an iden-
tical Refurreftion of the Body, faying, he could not
be perfuaded of the truth thereof in a literal Senfe.
But Mr. Deval, after he had anfwered as well as he
could thefe Objeftions once, refufed to hearken a fe-
cond Time to any fuch Difcourfes, and was obliged
to have Recourfe to harlh Language, to oblige him
to defift. In the mean while his Brother came over
from Holland, on the News of this dreadful Misfor-
tune, and went to mike him a Viftt in the Place of
his Confinement ; where going to condole with him
on the Weight of his Misfortunes, inllcnd of receiv-
ing the Kindnefs of his Brother in the Manner it de-
ferved, Houjfart began to make light of the Affair,
and treated the Death of his Wife and his own Con-
finement in fuch a Manner, that his Brother leaving
him abruptly, went back to Holland, more (hocked
at the Brutality of his Behaviour, than grieved for the
Misfortune which had befallen him.
It being a confiderable Space of Time that Houf-
Jart lay in Confinement in Newgate, and even m
the Condemn'd-Hole, he had there of Courfe Abun-
dance of Companions ; but of them all he afFctled
rone fo much as John Shepherd, with whom he had
Abundance of merry, and even loofe, Difcourfes ;
once particularly, when the Sparks Hew very quick
out of the Charcoal Fire, he faid to Shepherd, See
fee ! I ivi/h then ivere fo many Bullets that might ieat
the Prijon do'iXin about our Ban ; and then I might die
like Sampfon.
It was near a Month before he was called up to
receive Sentence ; after whicli he made no Scruple
offayir.g. That fince they had found him guilty of
Throat-cutting, he would venfy their Judgment by
cutting his own Throat. Upon which when fome,
who were in the fame fad State with himfelf, ob-
jected to him how great a Crime Self-murder was,
he immediatey made Anfwer, He was fatisfied it
was no Crime at all : And upon this he fell to argu-
'mg in Favour of the Mortality of the Soul, as if
certain that it died with the Body, endeavouring to
cover his Opinions with falfe Gloffes on that Text in
Gene/is, wherein it is faid. That God breathed into
Man a living Soul ; from whence he would have
inferr'd. That luheii a Man cea/e to live, he totally
kfi that Soul ; and when it was asked of him, Wheie
then it went, he faid. He did not hioiv, nor did it
much concern him. The Standersby, who, notwith-
ftanding their profligate Courfe of Life, had a na-
tural Abhorrence of this Theoratical Impiety, re-
proved him in very fliarp Terms, for mal-:ing ufe of
iuch E.xprefCons ; upon which he reply'd, Ay!
'luouldyou ha've me belie've all the Jlrange Notions
that are taught by the Parfons ? that the Devil is
a real Thing ? that our good God punijijes Souls Jor
ever and ever ? that Hell is full of Flames from
material Fire ? and that this Body of mine /hall
feel it ? Well, you may believe it if you pleafe, but
it is fo <with me that I cannot.
Sometimes, howex-er, he would lay afide thefe
Sceptical Opinions for a Time, talk in another Strain,
and appear mightily concerned at the Misfortunes he
had drawn upon his fecond Wife and Child: He
would then fpcak ofProvidence, and the Decrees
of God, with much feeming SubmifTion, would
Oii'n that he had been guilty of many and grievous
Offences, and fay, llat tie Puni/lment of
ivKsjuJi, and defired the Prayers of the Mini/I tr oj\
Place, and thofc that luere about him.
When he refleded on the Grief it would givejs
Father, who was near 90 Years old, to hear ol is
Misfortunes, he was feen to fhed Tears ; but as ( n
as thefe Thoughts were a little out of his Head, e
refumed his former Temper, and was contir.u y
afking Quellions in relation to the Truth ot the C -
pel Difpeniation, and the Dodrities tlieiei:i taugh f
Rewards and Punilhments after this Life, fceir j
Frenchman, and not perfeftly verled in our L .
guage, a Miniller, of the Reformed Church of 1 1
Nation, was prevailed upon to attend him. HouJ/ t
received him with toleiable Civility, feenied plei |
that he fhould pray by him, but inaullriouily wa I
all Difcourfes of his Gui.'t, and even fell out it
violent PafFioiis, if a Conteifion was prelfed u]i
him as a Duty. In this Urange Way he confui 1
the Time allotted him to prep.ire for anoi :
World.
The Evening before his Execution, the Fore i
Miniller, and he wliofe Duty it was to attend h ,
both waited upon him at Night, in Order to •
courf(» with him, on thofe llrange Notons he ;
of the iVloitality of the Soul, and a total CelTatioi '
Being after this Life ; but when tliey caji:e to fp ;
to him to this Puipufe, he faid. They might fp ■
tlemfch'Cs any Arguments upon that Head, for he ■
lieved a God and a Rejurteclion as firmly as they .
They then difcouried to him of the Nature of a ■
ficient Repentance, and of tlie Duty incumbent u 1
him to confefs that great Crime tor which he i
condemned, and thereby give Giory unto God. t
fell at this into his old 1 eniper, and (aid with fi ;
PalTion, If you ivill pray ivith me, Fll thank
and pray ivith you as long as you pleafe \ but ij t
came only to torture me of my Guilt, 1 defire you u t
let me alone altogether.
His Lawyers having pretty well inrtruflcd hin 1
the Nature of an Appeal, and he coming thereb 1
know tliat he was now under Sentence of Dcat ;
theSuit of the Subjeft, and not of tiie King, he *
very affiduous to learn where it was he was to aj '
for a Reprieve ■ But finding it was the Relation f
his deceafed Wife from whom he Was to expei ,
he laid afide all thofe Hopes, rightly conceiving i
Thing impoffible to prevail upon People to fpare 1
Life, who had almoft undone ihemfclves in pioi'i ■
ting him.
in the Morning of the D.iy of E.\'ecution i.e >
very much dillurb«d at being rcfultd the Sccrini ,
which, as the Mii.iller told i.iin, could r,Oi 1.^- 5:1 i
him_ witliout his CoiifcfFion : Ytt this d d nut j liv ;
he laid, " He would die then without rcce vinj .
" A French Minificr having before inid 10 li ,
Lewis Houdart, (ince you ..re condemned on I
" Evidence, I mull inform you, t.'iat if you fe i
" in this Denial, you can look for nothing buttc:
" d , Houjart replied, You mu!t look r
" Damnation yourfelf, tor judging me guilty, wi
" you know- nothing of the Mjtter." 'I'his coi •
fed Frame of Mind he continued in, tillheeniei
the Cart for his Execution, perliftirg all the \^!.^l
went in like Declarations of Innoa-nce, tho' (01 ■
times intermixed with (hort J'rayers to God to I -
give his manifold Sins and Offences. 1
At the Place of Execution he turned very p.,
and grew very fick. The Miniflers told him, \.
would not pray by him, unlefs he would confefs ;
Murder for which he died ; whereupon he faid, ;
ivas very Jorry for that; hut if they ivouldnotpl
by him he could not help it ; he vjould not confefs ix t
he "was totally ignorant of. He perfilied even at 3
Mon: t
PyrateSf Highway m?:, Murderers, &Cc.
285
;\)ment of being tied up ; and when fuch Exhor-
r ons were again repeated, he faid, Pray do not
l-r.ent mc ! Pray ceafe troubling of me ! I tell you
Hwill not make myfelf luorfe than I am. And fo
(■;ing, he gave up the Ghoft, without any private
! yer when left alone, or calling upon God or
Crift to receive his Spirit : He delivered however
aj'aper, a Copy of which follows ; from whence
o' Readers will receive a more exaft Idea of the
A n than from any Pifture we can draw.
' r to'vi Houffart am 40 Years old, and was born
' [ in Sedan, a Town in Campaigne near Boullo-
• 711. I have left France above 14 Years. I was
' apprentice to a Surgeon at Amfttrdam, and after
' I xamination was allowed by the College to be
' laliJied for the Bufinefs j fo that I intended to
go on board a Ship as a Surgeon j but I coild
never have my Health at Sea. I dwelt fomedme
at Maejirickt in the Dutch Brabant, where my
aged Father and Mother now dwell. I travelled
thro' Holland, and in almoft every Town. My
tw« Sifters are in France, and alfo many of my
Relations : for the Earth has fcarce any Family
more numerous than ours. Seven or eight Years
I have been in London, and here I met with Anr.e
Rondeau, who was born at the fame Village with
me, and therefore I loved her. After I had left
her, ihe wrote to me, and faid, She ^ivould re'veai
a Secret ; and fhe told me. She had not been chafte,
and the Confequence of it ijoas upon, her. Upon
which I gave her my beft Help and .'iflilknce.
Since (he is dead, I hope _her Soul is happ)- .
The LIFE 0/ JONATHAN WILD.
- Onathan Wild was the Son of mean Parents,
but honeft and induftrious ; their Family con-
%. filled of three Sons and two Daughters, whom
th' maintained in the bell Manner they could
fr 1 their joint Labours, he as a Carpenter, and
(h by felling Fruit in Wolverhampton Market in
S, -f Old/hire. Jonathan was the eldeft of the Sons,
ai having receiy'd as good an Education as his Fa-
ll '5 Circjmftances would allow him, he was put
o an Apprentice in Birmingham. He ferved his
T:ie with much Fidelity, and came up to Town in
tl; Service of a Gentleman of the long Robe, about
Ht Year, 1 704, or a little later. But not liking
h: Service he quitted it, and retired again to his
6: Employment in the Country, where he con-
tiied to work diligently for fome Time.
it laft growing fick of Labour, and ftill entertain-
in a Dertre of tafting the Pleafures of London, thi-
tl-he came a fecond Time and worked Journey-
Virk at the Trade he was bred. But this not pro-
d ing Money enough, to fupport thofe Expences
h love of Pleafure threw him into, he got pretty
diply in Debt, was fuddenly arrefted, and thrown
ir) Woodftreet Compter. H.iving no Friends to _do
ai Thing for him, he liv'd very hardly there, fcarce
giting Bread enough to fupport him from the Cha-
ri allowed to Prifoners, and what little Services
hcould render to Prifoners of the better Sort in the
Cal. However, as no Man wanted Addrefs lefs
tin Jonathan, fo no Body could have employed
ilmore properly than he did upon this Occafion,
f( he got fo much into the Favour of the Keepers,
tit they quickly permitted him the Liberty of the
Cte, and he thereby got fome little Matter for
gng ot Errands. This (et him above the very Pinch
o A'ant, and that was all ; but his Fidelity and In-
dcry in thefc mean Employments procured him furh
I;emamongft thofe in Power there, that they foon
a ointed him an Under Keeper to thofe diforder-
1. Perfoiis who were brought in every Night.
Jonathan now came into a comfortable Subfift-
a.e, having learnt Bow to get Money of fuch People,
73
by putting them into the Road of getting Lhiny fdi-
themfelves. Here he met with a Lady, who w^nt
by the Name of Mary Milliner, and who foon taught
him how to gain yet much greater Sums then in his
Way of Life, by Methods which he till then never
heard of. By the help of this Woman, he grew ac-
quainted with all the notorious Gangs of loole Perfon;
with in the Bills of Mortality, and was perfectly vers'd
in the Manner bywhich they carried on their Schemes
He knew where and how their Enterprizes were to
be gone upon, and what Manner they difpofed of
their ill got Goods, and having always an intneguing
Head, he fet up for a DireSior amongft them, and
foon became fo ufeful, that tho' he never went out
with any of them, yet he got more Money by their
Crimes, than if he had been a Partner therein, which
upon one Pretence or other, he always declined.
It muft be obferv'd that anciently when a Thief
had got his Booty, there were Multitudes of People
ready to help him off, with his Effefts without any
more to do ; but this Method being totally beftroyed
by an Aft paffed in the Reign of King William, by
which it was made Felony for any Perfon to buy
Goods ftolen, knowing them to be fo, there were itw
orno Receivers to be met with ; thofe thatftili carri-
ed on the Trade, taking exorbitant Sams for their
own Profit, and leaving thefe who had run the Ha-
zards of their Necks in obtaining them, the leaft
Share in the Plunder. This had like to have brought
the thieving Trade to nought ; hut Jonathan quick-
ly put Things again in order, and gave nevv Life
to the Praftitioners in the feveral Branches of Steal-
ing. The Method he took was this.
As foon as any confiderable Robbery was com-
mitted, and ^e««/^a« received Intelligence by whom,
he immediately went to the Thieves, and enquired
how the Thing was done, where the Perfons lived
who were injured, and what the Booty confilted in
that was taken away : Then pretending to chide
them for their Wickednefs, and exhorting them x.a
live honeftly for the Future, he gave it them as
his Advice, to lodge what they had ta,kea in a pro-
4 D per
a86
A General History of
per Place which he appointed, and promis'd to take
feme Meafures for their Security, by getting the
People to give them fomewhat to have their Goods
reftored them again. Having thu» wheedled thofe
who had committed a Robbery, into a Compli-
ance with his Meafures, his next Bufinefs was to di-
vide the Goods into feveral Parcels, and caufe them
to be fent to different Places, always avoiding ta-
king them into his own Hands. Things being in
this Pofition, Jonathan and Mrs. Milliner went to
the Perfons who were robbed, and after condoling
the Misfortune, pretended that they had fome Ac-
quaintance with a Broker, to whom certain Goods
were brought, fome of which they fufpefted to be
ftolen ; and hearing that the Perfon to whom they
thus ^plied had been robb'd, they faid, they though
it the Duty of one honeft Body to another, to in-
form them thereof, and to enqiWe what Goods they
were they loft, in order to difcover whether thofe
they fpoke of were the fame or no. People who
had fuch Loffes, are always ready to hearken to any
Thing that has a Tendency towards recovering their
Goods : Jonathan or his Miftrefs therefore, had no
great Difficulty in making People liften to fuch Terms.
In a Day or two therefore they were fure to come
again, with Intelligence that they had found Part of
the Things, and provided no Body was brought into
Trouble, and the Broker had fomething in Confi-
deration of his Care, they might be had again.
This Praflice of Jonathan's, if well confidered,
carries in it a great deal of Policy. For firft it
feemed a very honeft Aft to prevail on evil Perfons
to rellore the Goods which they had ftole ; and
then 'twas a great Benefit to thofe were who robb'd, to
have their Goods again upon a reafonable Premium ;
Jonathan all the While taking apparently nothing,
his Advantages arifmg out of the Gratuity left with
the Broker and out of what he had bargained to
give to the Thief; who alfo found hisAdvantagc in it,
the Rewards being very near as large as the Price
given by Receivers, fince receiving became (o dan-
gerous, and affording a certain Se«urity into the Bar-
gain. With refpeft to Jonathan, the Contrivance
placed him in Safety from all the Laws then in Be-
ing, fo that in a fhort Time he began to give him-
felf out for a Perfon who made it his Buftnefs to pro-
cure ftolen Goods to their right Owners. When he
firft did this, he afted with fo much Art, that he
rot only acquired a very great Reputation, not only
from thofe who dealt with him, but even from Peo-
ple of higher Station, who obferving the Indullry
with which he profecuted Malefaftors, took him for
a Friend of Juliice, and as fuch afforded him Coun-
tenance. Certain it is, that he brought more Vil-
lains to the Gallows, than perhaps any Man ever
did, and fo fenfible was he of the Neceffity there
was for him to aft in this Manner, that he conftant-
ly hung up two or three of his Clients in a Twelve-
month, that he niight keep up that Charafter to
which he had attained ; and fo indefatigable was he
in the Purfuit of thofe he endeavoured to apprehend,
that in all his Courfe of afting, never fo much as
one fmgle Man efcaped him.
When this Praftice of Jonathan'^ became noted,
it produced not only much Difcourfe, but fome
Enquiries into his Behaviour. Jonathan forefaw
this, and in order to invade any ill Confequence he
put on upon fuch Occafions, as an Air of Gravity,
and complained of the evil Difpofition of the Times,
which would not omit a Man to ferve his Neigh-
bours and his Country without Cenfure : For do 1
not, quoth he, do the greatejl Good, ivhirt I per-
fuade People 'who have deprived others of their Pro-
perties, te refiore them again for a reafonable Confider^
tttion : And the Villains ijjhom I ha-ve hrou'<hl i
->f
fer Punijhment ? Do not their Deaths jhfxj boiv Q
U/e I am of to the Country ? Why iheu Joouk'ft.
pie afperfenie? Befides tliele Prof'tflioiis ot Hoih-
two great Things there were which coiitiibutf't-
his Prefervation, and they were thtie. hirllti.t
great Readinefs the Goverr.meiu always ihews id,..
tefting Perfons guilty of e:!pic.il Offences ! jt
which Cafe 'tis common to offer not oi.lv Paoi,
but Rewards, to Perlons guilty, provided tlrty tki
Difcoveries ; and this Jonathan was !o leiihb/ of
that he did not only icrccn himlelf behind th Lc
nity of the fupreme Power, but made Uie ot ,?,|,
fo as a Sort of Authority taking upon him the In,
rafter of a Sort of a Minifler o( Jultice; wJiitlaf
fumed Charafter of his, however ill founded, r v'o
of great Advantage to him in the Cour.e • li;.
Life. The other Point, which contributed ti tn
him from any Profecutions, was the great W no.
nefs of People, who had been robbed, to n .vei
their Goods, fo that provided for a fmall IV ter
they coald regain Things very confiderable fcj
were fo far from takmg Pains to brinw the ' en.
ders to Juliice, that they thouglit the Pren mj
cheap Price to get off. Thus by the Rigour itn
Magillrate and the Lenity of the Subjcft. Jo; ia,
claim'd conltant Employment ; and according ttt
Cafe required, the poor Thieves were eitiier k'i
up to fatisfy the jull Vengeance of the one, c )ro-
tefted and encouraged, to fatisfy the Deinai ol
the other. Perhaps iu all Hiliories there is :aii
Inftance of a Man who thus openly dallied w the
Laws, and play'd even with capital Punf em,
If any Title can be devifed fuitable to Jam aiii
Charafter, it mull be that of DireSlor Gem I i
the united Forces of Hightvaymen, Houfc-bi ffrj,
Foot-pads, Pick-Pockets and private Thievrs. \m
the Maxims by which he fupported himfelf tlii!
dangerous Capacity, where thefe. In the tirl late
he continually e.vhorted the Plunderers to It hiai
know punftually what Goods they at any Tim loi,
by which Means he had it in hi; Power to e a
direft Anfwer to thofe who came to make qui.
ries. If they complied faithfully with his In; idi-
ons, he was a certain Proteiior on all Occafioi and
fometimes had Intereft enough to procure thi Li-
berty when apprehended. But if they pre idei
to become Independent and defpife his Rules )rif
they threw out any threatning Speeches again heir
Companions, or grumbled at the Compoiiti( ke
made for them, m fuch Cafes as tiieie, //;/, ook
the firll Opportunity of puttifig them into tl In-
formation of fome of his Creatures, or the fir reBi
Faft they committed, he immediate.'y i'et out : ap-
prehend them, and labour (b indefatigable tl ein,
that they never efcaped him. Thus he no snlf
procured the Reward for himfelf, but alio gai Ja.i
Opportunity of pretending, that he not only ri jreJ
Goods to the right Owners, but alio apprcl'ided
the Thief as often as it was in l;is Powe In
thofe Steps of his Bufiner: which were molt h.ird-
ous. Wild made the People thcn^fclvcs take t lirll
Steps, by publifhing Advertifenients of Thin; loS
and direfting them to be brought to Mr. Vili
who was impowered to receive them, ati pay
fuch a Reward as the Perfon that loft them tl ight
fit to offer. I'f'ild'in th,is Capacity appenredno isr-
wife than as a Perfon on whole Honour tli? i ired
People could rely. After he had gone on in thii «de
for about ten Years with Succefs, he began to la 'fid«
much of his fornief Caution, taking u larger ^ule
in the Great Old-Bailey, then that in WiUch 1 for-
merly lived, giving the Woman whom lie cal his
Wife, abundance of fine Things, and keeping no-
pen
PyraUsy High'waymen^ Murderers^ &c.
287
11- Office for reftoring ftolen Goods. His Fame at
ft came to that Height, that Perfons of the highell
ualities would condelcend to make ufe of his Abi-
ies when at any hifialation, fubluk Entry, or feme
her great Solemnity, they had the Misfortune of
fing their Watches, Jewels or other Things, of
or imaginary Value. But as his Method of
.'-.ing thoie who applied to him for his Affiftance
: !)!;en mttch reprelented, we ftiaU next give an
•.cx and impartial Account thereof.
in the firll Place, when a Perfon was introduced
Mr. tf'ild's Office, it was hinted to him, that a
rown mud be depofited by Way of Fee for his Ad-
ce. When this was complied with, a large Book
15 brought out ; Then the Loofer was e.xamin'd
i'.h much Formality, as to the Time, Place, and
.;;ner, wherein the Goods became mifling ; and
fn uasdifmi/Ted with a Promife of careful Enqui-
- being made, and of hearing more concerning them
a Day or two. Wild had not the leall Occafion
thefe Queries but to amufe the Perfon he alked ;
' he knew beforehand all the Circumftances of the
)bbery much better than they did ; nay, perhaps
d the verv Goods in his Houle when the Folks
nie lirll to enquire for them. When, according to
; appointment, the Enquirer cime the fecond Time
natha?i took Care by a new Scene to amufe him :
; was told that Mr. iVild had indeed made Enqui-
o, but was very forry to communicate the Event of
I :m ; for the Thief, who was a bold impudent Fel-
, Jv, rejected with Scorn the Offer which had been
:-.l.dehim, pretending he could fell the Goods at
; double Price ; and, in fhort, would not hear a
' ord of Reltitution unlefs upon better Terms : But
..j,f| s Juiiathan, if I can but come to the Speech of him,
;,^ 'ant doubt bringing him to RcaJ'on. At length, af-
Kj one or two more Attendances, Mr. //VA/gave
definitive Anfwer, That pro-vided no QuejUons
re ajk'd, and you gave fo much Money to the Por-
ivho brought them you might ha've your Things re-
..J,ned at fuch an Hour precifely. This was tranl'aded
\ik an outward Appearance of Friendfliip on his
, Me, and with great fteming Franknefs and Genero-
1,'; but when you come to the lad Article, -viz.
.^lat Mr. Wild expected for his Trouble, then an
-jr of coldnefs was put on, and he anfwered with
..»aal Pride and Indifference, That •what he did -was
' .yelyfrom a Principle of doing Good ; as to a Gra-
.. Oy for the Trouble he had taken, he left il totally to
.yrfelf, you might do in it ivhat you thought ft. And
«en when Money was preiented to him, he received
iwith the fame negligent Grace, alwr^ys putting you
. i Mind that it was your own A&, and that he took
ias a great Favour, and not as a Reward.
Thus by this Dexterity in his Management, he fen-
<d himfelf againft the Rigour of tfie Law, in the
jidft of thefe notorious 'I'ranfgreffions of it: For
\iat could be imputed to Mr. Wild? He neither law
^5 Thief, who took away your Goods, nor received
l;m after they were taken : The Method he pui-
■;d was neither difhonell nor illegal, if yua would
■illieve his Account on it, and no other than his Ac-
•lunt of it could be gotten. Had he continued fatis-
•dwitii this Way of dealing, in all human Proba-
llity he might have gone to his Grave in Pe.ice •
|it he was greedy, and inftead of keeping conftant
this fafe Method, came at laft to take the Goods
to his own Cullody, giving thofc that Hole them
pat he thought proper, and then making fuch a
J;rgain v.irh the Loier as he was able to bring liim
j> to, fending the Porter himfelf, and taking witli-
it Ceremony whatever Money had been giving him.
Jt as this happened only in the ^\ o lall \f ars of his
Life, it it fit we fhould give feme Inflances 01 his
Behaviour before.
A Gentleman who dealt in Silks near Covert-Gar-
den, had a Piece of extraordinary rich Damafk, be-
fpoke of him on Purpofe for the Birth-Day San of a
certain Duke ; and the Lace-Man having brought
fuch Trimming as was proper for it ; the Mtrcer had
made the whole up in a Pdrcel, tied it at each End
with blue Ribband, fealed with great Exadlnefs, and
placed on one End of the Compter, in Expeitatioa
of his Grafc'j Servant, who he knew was directed
to call for it in the Afternoon. According the Fel-
low came ; but when the Mercer went to deliver him
the Goods, the Piece was gone, and no Account
could poffibly be had of it. As the Mailer had been
all Day in the Shop, fo there was no Pretence of
charging any thing, either upon the Carelefsncl- or
Dillionelfy of Servants. After an Hour's frcting
therefore, feeing no other Remedy, he e'en detern.i.>
ned to go and communicate his Lofs to Mr. if'ild,
in hopes of receiving fome Benefit by his Aili;:ar,cj j
the Lofs confifting not fo much in the \ alue of the
Things, as in the Difappointment it would be to the
Birth-Day. Upon this Confideration an Hack.iey-
Coach was immediately called, and away he v.as or-
dered to drive diredly to Jonathan^ Houle in the
Old-Baily. Ai foon as he came into the Room, and
had acquainted Mr. M'ild with his Eufinefs, the ufual
Depofite of a Crown being made, and the common
Queilions of hozL', ivhen and ivhere, having been
alk'd, the Mercer, being very impatient, fjid with
fome kind of Heat, Mr. H'ild, tell me in a feiv
Words, if it be in your Poiuer toferve me ; if it is, I
have thirty Guineas here ready to lay do^ivn ; hut if
you expeii that I jhould dance Attendance for a Wtek
or tivo, I affure you I Jhall not be ivjlling to part
•with above half the Money. Good Sir, reply 'd Mr.
Wild, have a little more Confideration: 1 am no The if
Sir, nor Receiver offlolen Goods ; Jo that if you don't
think fit to give 7ne Time to enquire, you muji e''en take
ivhat Meafurcs you (ileafe.
When the Mercer found he was like to beltft
without any hopes, he began to talk in a milder
Strain, and with abundance of Intreaties fell to per-
fuading Jonathan to think of fome Method to ierve
him, and that immediately, llili Hepped out 3
Minute or two and as foon as he came back, told the
Gentleman, // v.'as not in his Poxver to ferve him
in fuch a Hurry, if at all : Hoivever, in a Day or
tvjo he might be able to give him fome AnfiL-er ? The
A/f;-f^r infilled, that a Day or two would leflen the
Value of the Goods one half to him ; and Jonathan
infilled as peremptorily, th.;t it was not in liis Power
to do any thing fooner. At laft a Servant came in a
Hurry, and told Mr. Wild, there was a Gentleman
below defir^d to fpeak with him. Jonathan bowed,
begged the Gentleman's Piadon, and told him, he
•would <wait on him again in one Minute. In about
five Minutes he returned with a very fmiling Coun-
tenance ; and turning to the Gentleman, faid, " I
" protcll Sir, ^ou are the luckift Man I ever knew :
" I fpoke to one of my People jult now to go to a
" Houfe where I knew fome Lifters refort, and di-
" reded him to talk of your Robbery, and to fay,
" you liad been witli me and oftered thirty Guineas
" for the Things again. This Story has had its
" Effeft, and if you go direffly iiuuie, I lancy you'll
" hear more News of it than I am able to ttll you.
" But pray. Sir, remember that the thirty Guineas
" was your own Offer, you are at free Liberty to
" give them, or let them alone ; 'tis nothing tome.
" though I have done all for you in my Power of
" Gratuity."
iSS
A Gemral History- of
kwvf went the Mefcer, wondering where this
Affair would end ; but as he walked up Southamp-
toti-ftreet, a Fellow overtook him, patted him on
the Shoulder, delivered him the Bundle unopened,
and told him the Price was twenty Guineas. The
Mercer paid it him direftly, and returning to Jona-
than in half an Hour's Time, begged him to accept
of the ten Guineas he had faved him for his Pains.
Jonathan told him. That he had faved him nothing,
but fupfoftd that the People thought tiuenty enough,
considering that they <were no'vo pretty fafe from Pro-
fecution. The Mercer ftill preffed the ten Guineas
upon Jonathan, who after taking them out of his
Hand, returned him Five of them, and affured him.
There 'was more than enough ; adding, ''Tis Satisfac-
tion enough Sir, to an honefl Man, that he it able to
procure People their Goods again. This was a re-
markable Inftance of his Moderation he fometimes
praftifed, the better to conceal his Villanies. We
will add another Story, no lefs extraordinary.
A Lady whofe Hufband was out of the Kingdom,
and who had fent for her over-draughts for her AITirt-
ance, to the amount of between fifteen hundred and
two thoufand Pound, loft the Pocket Book in which
they were contained, between Bucklers-bury and the
Magpye-Jle-houfe in Leadenhall-ftrtet, where the
Merchant lived upon whom they were drawn. She,
however, went to the Gentleman, and he advifed
her to go diredlly to Mr. Jonathan Wild. Accord-
ingly to Jonathan ftie came, depofited the Crown,
and anfwered the Queftions fhe aflc'd him. Jonathan
then told her that in an Hour or two's Time, poffi-
bly fome of hit People might hear who it was that had
pick'd her Pocket. The Lady was vehement in her
Defires to have it again, and for that Purpofe went fo
far at laft as to offer an hundred Guineas. Wild
upon that made Anfwer, " Though they are of
" much greater Value to you. Madam, yet they
" cannot be worth any Thing like it to them; there-
* fore keep your own Council, fay nothing in the
" Hearing of my People, and I'll give the beft Di-
" reftions I am able for the Recovery of your
" Notes; in the mean While, if you will go to any
" Tavern near, and endeavour to eat a bit of Dinner,
" I will bring you an Anfwer before the Cloth it
" taken away." She faid flie was unacquainted
with any Houfe thereabouts ; upon which Mr. Wild
named the Baptiji-Head. The Lady would not be
fatisfied unlefs Mr. Wild promifed to eat with her :
He at laft complied, and ftie ordered a Fowl and
Saufages at the Houfe he had appointed. She wait-
ed there about three quarters of an Hour, when Mr.
Wild came over and told her he had heard News of
her Book, defired her to tell out ten Guineas upon
the Table in cafe ftie fhould have Occafion for them,
and as the Cook came up to acquaint her that the
Fowl was ready, Jonathan begged fhe would juft ftep
down and fee whether there was any Woman waiting
at his Door. The Lady without minding the My-
ftery, did as he defired her, and perceiving a Wo-
man in a Scarlet Riding-Hood walk twice or thrice
by Mr. Wild's Houfe, her Curiofity prompted her
to go near her ; but recoUefting fhe had left the Gold
upon the Table up Stairs, fhe went and fnatched it
up without faying a Word to Jonathan, and then
running down again, went towards the Woman in a
red Hood, who was ftill walking before his Door.
It feems fhe had guefs'd right ; for no fooner did fhe
approach towards her, but the Woman came direftly
up to her, and prefenting her her Pocket- Book, defi-
red fhe would open it and fee that all was fafe : The
I.ady did fo, and anfwering, // luai all right, the
Weman in the red Riding-Hood faid. Here's another
little Note for you, Madam ■■ Updn Which fhe
her a little Billet, on the Out-fide of which was v
ten Guineas. The Lady delivered her the M.
immediately, adding alio a Piece for herfelf ;
fhe returned with a great deal of Joy to IVIr. /
and told him. She had got her Book, and luould
eat her Dinner heartily.
When the Things were taken away, fhe tho
it was Time to go to the Merchants, who pro!
now was returned from Change ; but firft thouE
neceffary to make Mr. Wild an handfoiTie Pro
for which Purpofe, putting her Hand in her Po
fhe with great Surpirze found her green Purie j
in which was the Remainder of fifty Guineas fljt
borrowed of the Merchant in the Morning ;
this fhe look'd \^Ty much confus'd, but dii
fpeakaWord. Jonathan perceived it, and ;
her, " If flie was not well. I am tolerab
Health, Sir^ anfiuered fhe, but amaz'd thai
', Woman took'but ten Guineas for the Book,
at the fame. Time picked my Pocket oft
nine. Mr. Wild hereupon appealed in as
Confuf.on as the Lady, and faid. He hoped llic
" not in earneft ; but if it were fo, begged la-
" to diflurb herfelf, for flie fhuuid not lole one
" thing." Upon this, Jonathan begging her
ftill, ftepped over to his own Houie, and g.iN
may be fuppofed, neceffary Dircflions ; 1.7r i
than half an Hour, a little Jeiv, that Wild
bolted into the Room, and told him the W
was taken, and on the Point of going to the (
ter. •' You fhall fee, Madam, (replied Jona
" turning to the Lady) what exemplary Punift:
" I'll make of this infamous Woman." Then
ing himfelf to the Jeiv, " Abraham, (fays h«
" the green Purfe of Money taken about her ?
" Sir, (replied his Agent.) O la ! (then fai
" Lady) I'll take the Purfe with all my Hca
" would not profecuCe the poor Wretch fo
" World. Would not yon fo. Madam, (a
" Wild) well then, we'll fee what's to be dc
Upon this he firft whifper'd his Emiffary, and
difpatched him. He was no fooner gone, than,
Jonathan s faying the Lady would be too iatc ,•
Merchant's, they took Coach, and ftoppL-d
againft the Compter Gate by Stoch-Maiktt.
Lady wonder'd at all this, but by that Time
had been in a Tavern there a very little Spate,
comes Jonathan s EmifTary, with the gieen
and the gold in it. " She fays, Sir, (iaid the
" low to Wild) ftie has only broke a Guinea o
" Money for Garnifti and Wine, and hee's a
" reft of it. Very well (fa_,s Jonathan) give
" the Lady. Will you p'eafe to tell it, Mai
" The Lady according did, and found there
" forty-nine Guineas. Blefs me ! (fays flie) I
" the Woman's bewitch'd; ftie has fent m<
" Guineas more than I fhould have had, No
" dam (replied PFild] ftie has fent you the ten Gu
" back again, which ftie receiv'd for the Booi
" never fuffer any fuch Practices in my Way ; ;
" liged her therefore to give up the Money ftii
" taken as well as that ftie had (loin. The Lad)
fo much confounded at thefe unaccountable Jncic
that ftie fcarce knew what fhe did j at laft recolle
herfelf, " Well, Mr. Wild, (lays !he) then I i
" the leaft I can do is to oblige you to accept of
" ten Guineas. " No, (replied he) nor of ten
" things ; I fcorn all Adlions of fuch a Sort asi
" as any Man of Quality in the' Kingdom : A'.
" Reward I defire. Madam, is, that you wi
" knowledge I have afled like an honcft Ahn, ;
" Man of Honour." He had fcarce pronoi
k
ad^
to;
il!
■re I
nki
en I
!a-
iasi
I
fa-
ad
'ii
V,
"8
nit
;le
ir-
ch
he
.c-
h
ed
Pynites, Htgh'wqyme^f Murderers, SCc.
289
hefe W01J5, before he rofe up, made her a Bow,
iniwcnt immediately do'.vn Srairs. We Ihall add
;c one more Relation of tliis Sort, and then go on
itn tiie Series of oar Hillory.
There cjme a little Boy with Viols to fell in a
-.ikct, to a Surgeon's Shop ; it was in the Winter,
hen or.e D.'.y after he had fold the Bottles that
c;e wanted, the Boy complained he was almoil
i'J to Death with Cold, and almoli ftarved for
lit oi Vidluals. The Surgeon's Maid, in Compaf-
lu to the Child, who was not above nine or ten
tas old, took him into the Kitchen, and gave
... 1 Porringer of Milk and Bread, with a Lump
:\\o of Sugar in it. The Boy eat a little of it;
: laid,' He nad enough, gave her a thoufand Blef-
•, and niaicheaoff vvitn a Sih'cr Spoon, and a
of forceps of the fame Metal, which lay in
Snop 2.S he paffed through. The fnitrument was
' milfed, and the Searcli after it occ.iioned their
-ang tne Spoon ; yet noBody fufpgded any thing of
J Boy, though they had all i'een him in the Kitchen.
The Gentleman of the Houfc, however, having
:ne Knowledge »f If'i/J, and ndt living far from
e Oiil-Baihy, went immediately to him for his
-^vice. Jonathan called (oi: a Bottle of White
liie, and ordered it to be mull'd. The Gentle-
.;n knowing the Cuftom of his Houfe, laid down
s Crown, and was going on to tell him the Man-
r in whicii the Things were miffed , but Mr.
:,u ijjn cat him fnort, by faying, ' Sir, ilep into
c ;e next Tor .n a Moment, here's a Lady, com-
-c, iuther : You may depend upon my doing any
. .ling t;iat is in my Power ; and prel'ently we'll
; the Thing over at Liefure.' The Gentleman
: into the Room where he was direAed, and faw,
no little Wonder, his Forceps and filver Spoon
_; upon the Table. He had hardly took them
1 10 look at them, before Jonathan entered, ' So
'xr, laid he, I fuppofe you have no farther Oc-
■ :x(iOTi for my Airulance. Yes indeed I have, faid
':i.c Surgeon, there are a great many Servants in our
'Family, and fome of them will certainly be blam-
':d fcr this TranfaClion, io that I am under a Ne-
'tcffity of begging, that you will let me know how
':ney were Itolen ? I belit-ve the Thief is not far
'jff, quoth Jonathan, and if you'U give me your
■"'irrd he fnall come to no Harm, I'il produce
:i immediately.' The Gentleman readily con-
•ncnded to thii Propoiition, and Mr. Wild ftep-
] ig out for Minute or two, brought in the young
ol Merchant in his Hand. Here Sir, fays Wild,
I you know this hopeful Vouth, Yos, anfwered the
irgcon, but I could never have dreamt that a Crea-
*re fo little as he, could have hid lo much Wick-
h in him ; However, as I have given you my
-, and as I have had my Things again, I will not
pals by hia robbing nie, but if he will bring me
-s agan, I ffcall make ufe oi nun as I ufed
aj. 1 believe you m.ay, added Jonathan, when
' ventures into you Houfe again. But it feems
J w.;s herein miflaken, for in iefs than a Week
: °".Mrds theBoyh.id the Impudence to come and
- his Viols again ; upon which the Gentleman
july brought of him as ulual, but ordered two
Marti of Milk to be fct on t.he Fiie, put into it
o Ounces of glifier Sugar, crumm'd it with a
■upie of penny Brick?, and obliged this nimble
Iger'd Youth to eat it every Drop up before he
-tout ol the Kitchen Door; and then, v.uhout
■ er Correction, hurried him about his Bufinefs.
' 'li was the Channel in which Jonathans Bufi-
■ -iaally ran, t:il he became, at lail fo very no-
. v-s, that an Aa of Rulianjenr paffed, levelled
diredWy againft fuch Praflices, whereby Perfons who
took Money for the Recovery of ftolen Goods, .'ind
did aftually recover fuch Goods without apprehend-
ing the felon, fliould be deemed guilty of felony ia
the. fame Degree with thofe who committed the Rob-
bery. After this became a Law, a certain honour-
able Perfon fent to Jonathan to warn him of going
on any longer at his old Rate, for that it was now
become a capital Crime, and if he was apprehend-
ed for it, he could e.xpeft no Mercy. Jonathan
le^eived the Reproof with Abundance oflhankful-
nefs and Submiffion, but never alteitd the Manner
of his Behaviour in the lealf, but on the contrary,
did it more openly and publicUy than ever. Indeed,
to compenfatc for this, he Itemed to double his
Diligence in apprehending Thieves, and brought the
molt notorious araongft them to the Gallosvs, even
tho' he himfelf had bred them up in their Art.
Of tliefe none was fo open and apparent a Cafe
as that of Blah, alijs Blueskin. This fellow had
from a Child been under the Tuition of Mr. UUd,
who paid for the curing hii Wound*' whilli he was
in the Compter, allowed him three Shillings and fix
Pence a Week for Subllllence, and afforded his Help
to get him out at lalt; yet foon after this he aban-
doned him to his own Conduft, and in a flicrt Space
caufed him to be apprehended for breaking open the
Houfe of Mr. Kneebone, which brought hmi to the
Gallows. When this f ciiow came to be tried, Mr.
iyHd a/Fared him. That his Body Ihoukl be hand-
fomely iHtcrfed in a gooU CofEn at his own Rxpcnce.
This was llrange Comfort, and fi-ch as by no i\leans
fuiicd with Bluefiin ; who inlilted peremptorily upon
a I'ranlportation Pardon, which he laid ne was lure
Jonathan had Interell enough to procure for him :
But upon Ifild'i alfuring him that he had not, and
that it was in vain for him to flatter himlelf with
fuch Hopes. Bluejiin w.is at laft in fuch a Paffion,
that though this Dilcourfe happened in the frelente
ot the Court then fitting, Blake could not forbear
taking Revenge for what he took to be an Ini'alt
on him ; and therefore clap'd one Hand under Jo-
nathan\ Chin, and with the other cut him a l*ge
Galh a-crofs the Throat, which every Body at the
lime It was done judgeS mortal. 'Jonathan was
carried off", all covered with Blood ; and though at
that Time he profelTsd the greatelf RefentineiiC for
fuch bale Ulage, affirming that he had never de-
ferved to be fo treated ; yet when he afterwards
came to be u«der Sentence of Death himfelf, he re-
gretted prodigioufly the Efcape he then made, often
uifhing that Elake had put an End to his life, ra-
ther than l.-ft him to fo ignominious a Fate. Indeed
It was not Blah alone, who had enttr;ained Nations
of putting him to Death ; he had difobiiged almoli
the whole Group of Villairs, and there were Num-
bers of them who had taken it into their Heads
to deprive him of Life His Elcapes in the appre-
hending fuch Perfons were fomctimes very nanow,
having received Wounds in almolt every Part of
his Body, had his Skull twice fractured, and his
whole Conllitution fo broken by thele Accidents,
and the great Fatigue he went through, that when
he fell unuer the Misfortunes which brought him
to his Death, he was Icarcc able to Hand upright, and
never in a Condition to go to Chappel.
But we have broke a little into the Thread of oar
Hillory, and mull thertfsre go back, in order to
trace the Caufes which brought on Jonathan % laft
Adventures, and Anally his violent Death, which v. e
fliall now relate in the cleareil and concifeil Manner
that the Thing vvill allow.
'Ihe Praftices of this Criminal continued long af-
4 E ter
ter the ^f\. Of Patliament, and that in fo notorious
a Manner at bft, that the Magiftrate* of London and
.Mid./k/fx thought themfelves obliged to taivc Notice
of him. This occafioned a Warrant to be granted
agiinfl him, by a worfhipfu! Alderman of the City ;
upon which Mr. ffi/J being apprehended fomewhere
near H'ooiijheet, he was carried into the Ro/e Spung-
ing-Houie. While he waited the Leifureof the Ma-
gillrate who was to examine him, the Crowd was
very great j whereupon with his wonted Hypocrily
he harangued them to thii Purpofe. 1 'wonder, good
People, nxihat it is you •xuould fee ? I am a poor ho-
neft Man, nvhe have done all I could to fer-ve People
•when thcf liwve had the Misfortune to lofe their Goods
by the Villainy of thieves : I have contributed mart
than any Man living, in bringing the moji daring
II nd notorious Male/adors to Jujtice : Vet noiv by
the Malice of my Enemies, you fee 1 am in Cujiody,
and am going before a Magijlrate, luho I hope ivill
do me Jujlice. Why Jhould you infult me therefore ?
I don t knoxo that I ever injured any of you : Let
me inlreat you, as you fee me lame in Body, and in-
filled in Mind, not to make mt more uneajy than I
can bear. If I have offended againji the Laiu it
•will puni/h me, but it gives you no right tt ufe me
ill, unheard and unconviSied. The People of the
Houfe, and the Compter Officers, by this Time, had
pretty well cleared the Place ; upon which he began
to compofe himfelf, and defired them to get a Coach
to the Door, for that he was unable to walk. A •
boat an Hour after, he was carried bsfore a Juftice
and examined, and thereupon immediately committed
to Nevigate. He laid there a confiderable Time be-
fore he was tried ; at laft he was convifted capital-
ly, upon the following Faft.
He was indidled on the afore mentioned Statute,
for receiving Money for the relloring ftolen Goods,
without apprehending the Perf«ns by whom they
were ftolen. In order to fupport this Charge, the
Profecatrix, Catherine Stephens, dcpofed as follows :
On the 22d o( January, I had two Perfons, came
into my Shop under Pretence of buying fome
Lace , they ware fo difficult that I had none below
would pleafe them ; fo leaving my Daughter in the
Shop, I ilcpped up Stairs and brought down another
Box ; we could not agree about the Price, and fo
they went away together. In about half an Hour
after, I miffed a tin Box of Lace that I vilued at
fitty Pound. The fame Night I went to Jonathan
IFild'i Houfe, but not meeting with him at Home,
I advertifed the Lace that I had loft, with a Reward
of fifteen Guineas, and no Qucftions alk'd : But hear-
ing nothing of it, I went to Jonathan's Houfe again,
And then met with him at home : He defired me to
give him a Defcriptian of the Perfons that I fufpeft-
ed, which I did, as near as I could ; and then he
told me, That he would make Enquiry, and bid
jne call again in two or three Days. I did fo, and
then he faid. That he had heard fomething of my
Lace, and expefted to know mote of the Matter in
a very little Time. I came to him again on that
Day he was apprehended, and toJd him, that ttio'
I had advertis'd but fitteen Guineas Reward, yet I
would give twenty or twenty five Guineas, ratiier
than not have my Goods. Don't be in fuch a Hur.
ly, {fays Jonathan) I don't know but I may help
you to it for lefs ; and if I can I will ; The Perfons
that have it are gone out of Town, I fhall fet them
to quarrelling about it, and then I (hall get it the
ciieaper. On the loth of March he fent me Word,
That if I could come to him ::i Nevigate, and
bring ten GuinsBs in my Pockt:, 1 c would help me
to the Lace. I went ; he defired nr,c ;a call a Por-
A Qeneral History 0/
ter ; But I not knowing whera to find one he fe
a Perfon who brought one that appeared to b«
Ticket-Porter: The Prifoner gave me a Lettt
which he faid was fent him as a Direction where
go for the Lac« ; but I could not read, and fo'
delivered it to the Porter. Than lie Jefwed me
give the Porter the ten Guineas, or elie (he faid) t.
Perfons that had the Lace would not defiver it.
gave the Porter the Mopey ; he went away and in
little Time returned, and brought me a Box th
was fealed up, but not the Bo.\: that was loll.
opened it, and found all my Lace but one Piet
Now Mr. Wild (fays I) what mull you have »
your Trouble ? Not a Farthing, (lays he) not a F;
thing for me : I don't do thele Fhings for wor!
ly Intereft, but only for tlie good of poor Feor
that have met with Miifortunes. As i'or the Pic
of Lace that is Mifling, I hope to get you e'er
be long ; and I don't know but that I may In
you not only to your Money again, but to the Th
too ; and if I can, as you are a good Woman, a
a Widow and a Chriitian, 1 defire nothing of y
but your Prayers, and for them I fliail be thai
ful. I have a great many Enemies, and God knc
what may be the Coniequence oi this imprili
ment.
The Fad fuggefted in the Indiflment was i
doubtedly fully proved by this DepofiHon ; and tl
it happened in Neiugate, and after his Confineme
yet it ilill coniimed as mucn a Crime as if it I
been done before. The LuW therefore condemi
him upon it. But if he had even efcaped tl
there were other FaAs ot a Hkc Nature, which
evit.ibly wouJd have deJlroyed hini ; for the 1
Years o f his Life, infteed (jf growing more prud
he became Icfs fo ; and the Blunders he commit
Vvcre very little like the Behaviour of Jonathan
the iirft Years ofhis Practice. When he was brou
up to the Bar to receive Sentence, he appeared to
very much dcjefted, and when the ulual Queft
was propoied to liim, M'hat have you to fay n
Judgment of Death Jhould not pafs upon you ?
ipoke with a very feeble Voice in tJie loilow
'i erms.
My Lord, I hope I may even in the fad Gondii
in v:hich I Jiand, pretend to fame little Merit
rifpeit to the Service J have done my Country, in
livtiing it from Jome oj ihe greateji Pejts 'uilh •wl
it vjas ever trouhiea, My Lord, I have brou
many bold and daring Malefa^ors to jtift Pun,
ment, even at the Hazard of my tivn Life, my B
being covered liiith Scars 1 received ii tbefe Vm
taking. I pre fume, my Lord, to Jay, 1 have J:
Ment, becaufe at the 'Time the If.ings ttsere rf
thty nxere ejteemed meritorious by the Govemmt
and therefore 1 hope, my Lord, Jome Companion t
be fiev.n en the Scare oJ' thoje Services. I lib
my/elf vjholly to His Majejiy' s Mercy, and hun.
beg a favturablt Report of my Cafe,
When Sir William Thompfn pronounced Sente;
of Death, he fpoke particularly to Wild, put him
Mind of thofe Cautions he had received of going
in Practices, rendered Capit.d b/ a Law, made
Purpole for preventing that infamous Trade of
coming Broker for Felony, and ftanding in the M
die between the Felon and the Perfon injured, in
der to receive a Premium for Redrefi. And wl
he had properly ftated the Nature and Aggravatii
ofhis Crime, he exhorted him to make a better I
of that fmall Portion of Time, which the Tendert
of xhe Law of England aJlo wed Sinners for Rep
tance, and defired he would remember this Adc
citJOD, tiiough he had flighted oiiie» ; as to
Rep(
Prr/jh'Sf High'wa)>mef7t Murderers^ &c.
291
ifut, he tolJ l.im. hini, lie riiglit depend on Juftice,
„n),,gi,t not to hope tor more.
iivicr Conviaion, no Man who appeared upon
Ithi Occalion. to li.ive fo much Courage, ever fticvv-
J J l.tiie. VVIieii Llecgvmen took the Pains to vi-
it III), and iiiltrud him' in thole Duties which K
lecjiie a vi) ing Man to praftice, though he he»rd
iei lut.iojt liuerruption, yet he heard them coldly,
jiJvis continually luggelting Sauples and Doubts
i),|afuijre Stiitc, and putting frequent Caies of
l«d.e.loii..bIenefs and Law/fulnefs of Suiciat, where
ji Bioaiiiiious Death was inevitably, and tne Thing
kajscrpetrated only to avoid Shame. He was more
ij,!i.>.y l.>.:i>ed to fuch Notions, he pretended,
r»i ti. 2 Examples of the famous Heroes of Antiqui-
V |»ho, to avoid dilhonourable Jreatment, had gl-
iBijheinitlves a fpcedy Deatii. As fuch Dilcour-
ereiviia: took up molt of the Time between his
liCe and Death, lb they occafioned fome very
k Lrdures upon this Head, from the charitable
lues wiio vifited him. Ona Letter was written
n by a learned Perfon, of which a Copy has been
•red. 'I'is ai. excellent Piece, but too long to
"crted.
•lathsn pretended to be overcome with thefe
ins, but it plainly appeared that in this iie was
.pocrite ; for the Day before his Execution, not
landing the Ket-pers had the llridelt Eye on
niagin.'.ble, fome-body conveyed to him a Bot-
Li^uiA L^nHJaiium, of whicii having taken a
arge Quantity, he hoped it would prevent hit
at the Gallows. But as lie had not been fpa-
a the Dofe, fo the Largenei's of it made a fpee-
llltiration in him, which being perceived by his
^j.v Pfifoners, feeing he could not keep open his
'■yi-it the time tliat Prayers were faid, taey walked
bout ; which firft made him fweat exceedingly
aen \try fick : At laft he vomited, and they
luing ilill to lead him, he threw the greatclt
oi t;.e Laudanum off from his Stomach. He
mined notivithllanding that, v«ry drovvfy, ftupid
nablc to do any thing but gafp out his Breath,
ent to Execution in a Cart, and the People, in-
of exprelTing any CompaHion, threw Stones and
ill the Way iie went along, reviling and curfing
o the laft, and plamly fliewing by their Behi-
, how much hii Crimes had made him abhor-
When he arrived at Tyburn, having gathered a
Strength, (Nature recovning from the Can-
as into which the Laudanum had thrown him)
xecutinocr told him, H: might take ivhat Time
! yafed to prepare for Death. He therefore fat
:>* in the Cxrt for fome fmall time, during which
le People were fo uneafy, that ihey called out m-
efiitly CO the Executioner to difpatch him, and
till threitHed t© tear him in Pieces, if he did not
e m up immediately. Such a furious Spirit was
ary ever difcovered in the Populace, whogeneral-
/ Ihold even the Stroke of Juftice with Tears ; but
3 r were they from it in this Cafe, that had a Re-
rie; really come, 'ti» highly quellionable whether
iie:^rifoner could ever iiave beea brought bsct
iiicSufety.
■fors we part with Mr. Viild, 'tis requifite to fay
fomething of hij Wivei. His firft was a poor honeft
Woman, who contented herfelfto live at Wooh-er-
hamfton, with the Son ftie had by him, without
ever putting him to any Trouble, or endeavouring to
take upon her the Title of Madam Wiid, which his
lall Wife did with the greateft Affeftation. The next
was the aforementioned Mn. Milliner, with whom
he continued in very great Intimacy after they liv'd
leparately, and by her means he firll carried on the
Trade of detefting ftolen Goods. The Third was
one Betty Man, a Woman of the Town in her young-
er Years, but io fuddenly ftruck with the Horrour
of her Offences, that on the Perfuafion of a Romijh
Prieft ftie turn'd Pafiji, and appearing exceedingly
devout and thoroughly penitent for all ner Sins. It ild
even retained fuch an impreffion of the oandlity of
this Woman, that he ordered his Body to be buried
next hers in Pancras Cburch-Tard ; which his Friends
faw accordingly performed, about two a-Clock in
the Morning after his Execution. The next of Mr.
WiWi Sultana's was Sarah Perrin, alias Grayjlone,
whe furviv'd him. The fifth was Judith Nunn, by
whom he had a Daughter; who at the time of his
Deceafe might be about ten Years ©Id, both Mother
and DaHghttr being then living. The fixth and lail
was the celebrated Mfidam M'itd. This remjrkable
Damfel before her firft Marriage was known by the
Name oi Mary Bmivn, afterwards by that of Mrs.
Dean, being Wife to Siull Dean, who was executed
about the Year 1716 or 1717 for Houfe breaking.
Some People have reported that Jonathan was rcccl-
faryto the Hanging him, merely for the Sake of the
Reward, and the Opportunity of taking his Relict ;
who, whatever Regard Ihe might have for her firft
Hufband, is currently reported to have been fomuch
affefted with the Misfortunes of the latter, that (he
twice attempted to make away with herfelf after fl:c
had the News of his being under Sentence. By this
laft Lady he left no Children, and but two by his
three other Wives, who were living at the Time ef
his Deceafe.
As to the Perfon of this Man, it was homely to
the greateft Degree ; there being fomething remark-
ably villainous in his Face, which Nature had im-
printed in llronger Terms, than perhaps Ihe ever did
upon any ether. However, he was ftrong and adlive
a Fellow of prodigious Boldnefs and Relblution,
which made the Pufillanimity fhew at his Death
more remarkable. He was not at all fhy in owning
his ProfeiCon, but on the contrary bragged of it up-
on all Occcafions ; into which perhaps he was led by
that ridiculous Refpeft which was paid him, and the
Meannefs of his Spirit fome Perfons of Diftindion
were guilty of in talking to him freely. Common
Report hasfwelled the Number of Malefadors exe-
cuted thro' his Means, to no lefs than one hundred
and twenty; Certain it is, that they were very hu-
merous, as well in Reality as his own Reckoning. It
has been faid that there was a confiderable Sum of
Money due 10 him for his Share m the Apprehen-
fion of feveral Felons at the very Time of his Death,
which happened on ^l/aarfay the 24th of 3f«>, 1725,
he being then about 42 Y'eajjs of Age.
The
^^^
A General History of
ne LIFE 0/ TOM JONES.
T\0 M JONES was born at Nenvcajlle upon
Tine, in the County of Northumberland ;
where his Father, being a Clothier, brought
him up to the fame Trade. He foUow'd this Cal-
ling till he was two and twenty Years of Age, though
not without difcovcring his vicious Inclinations many
Years before, by running in Debt, and taking to all
manner of irregular Courfes. At laft, being reduc'd
to Extremity, he refolv'd at once to apply himfelf to
the Highway, as the only Way left to retrieve his
Fortune. A very odd Way indeed I but what is too
cften embrac'd by reduc'd Extravagants.
To make a Beginning, he robb'd his Father of 80/.
and a good Horfe ; upon which he rode crofs the
Country with all Speed, for fear of beisg purfu'd.
The Devil, he knew, was fometimes apt to leave his
CTiildren in the Lurch ; and therefore he thought it
fafer to truft to th» Legs of his Horfe, than to his
good Fortune. This, and the confcious Dread of
Juilice, which is always ready to terrify young Vil-
lains, occafion'd his galloping 40 Miles before he
ftopp'd ; all which Way, he was afraid of every one
he faw, and every Noifc he heard.
After this, riding into Stafftrdjhire, and meeting
a Stage-Coach, with feveral Paflengers in it, he com-
manded the Coachman to flop, and the People within
to deliver. Some of the Gentlemen were refolute,
and refus'd to comply with his Demand ; upon which
he iir'd feveral Piiloh, taking Care to do no Hurt ;
and ftill preferving three or four, well loaded, for his
Defence, if he fhould have Occafion of them. The
Fright which the Gunpowder put a Couple of Ladies
into, who were in the Coach, obliged the Gentlemen
to furrcnder, before there was any Mifchief done ;
and lorn rode off with a confiderable Booty.
There is a pleafant Story related, as the Confe-
qaence of thii Adventure, which we believe it will
not be amifs to rehearle. A Monkey, belonging to
one of the Paffengers, being ty'd behind the Coach,
was io frighten'd at Jonts't firing, that with fkipping
about, he broke his Chain, and ran about the Fields
ro t!iat the Owner could not catch him again. At
Night, a Country-Fellow coming over a Stile, Pug
Jeap'd out of the Hedge upon his Back, and there
haiigvery faft. The poor Man, having neverfeena
Monkey before, imagin'd the Devil had laid hold of
him, in which Opinion he ran Home, and thunder 'd
ix the Door like a mad Man. His Wife look'd out
at Window, and afic'd hj^n what he had got. He
told her, the Devil ; begging fhe would go to the
i'arfon, and require his AITilTance. Nay, quoth fhe,
\tiufl:!all not bring the Deuil in here. If you belong to
him, Idont: So pray be car.tent to go •without Cotn-
tc.ny. Poor Hob was oblig'd to wait at his Door,
till a Man, a little wifer than his Neighbours, came
by, and with a few Apples and Pears, difpoifels'd the
iHiibrtunite Wretch; who was very willing to let our
Exorcill keep the Devil for his own Ufe, as a Re-
ward for this fignal Piece of Service : And he, upon
11
hearing the Monkey cry'd, carry'd him x.^
Owner, and receiy'd a Reward.
An Attorney of CUffortCi-Inn, whofe Nan
Story, having been drinking at a Friend's Ho
the Country till he was entirely drunk, as he \ tt
ding along the Road towards Town, he was r %
tated to alight and tie his Horfe to a Tree, wl \
went under a Hedge to untrufs a Point, It w: ^
Jones' % Fortune to come by in the Interim ; \ \
upon he alfo difmounted, with the fams Pre i 1
As foon as Story had done, Jones commande j
to deliver his Money ; but he, being in the ( il
tion juft mention'd, took no Motice of wh
faid : Whereupon our Highwayman caught i
the Collar, and began to iTiake him. Hafe .
ivhat you do, fays the Attorney, for I am bri.
and Jliall run oiier if you move me evtrfo little,
full of '■jjhat ? quoth Jones. Of Liquors, 1
the other. But 'tis your Money I luanl, Sii
you brim full of that ? If you are, run over as_
you pl,\fe. Story was fo (ick he could fpeak no
but, before Jones was aware, giving a great
he difcharg'd a large Quantity of his Friend's
into the Face of our Adventurer, which almoU
ed him, and fet him to fwearing like a mad
At laft, having clear'd his Phyz with a Handke
he put his Hand into the Attorney's Pockei
oblig'd them to difcharge fix Pounds odd IV
which (hining \'omit a little p.icify'd him, am
him forgive the Affront, and fuffer our drunkei
who was by this Time a little foberer, to r«
and ride off.
Tom was by this Time fo grounded in Vice
nothing lefs powerful than the Gallows was 1
convert liim from his wicked Courfes. This
deed, commonly the laft Teacher which fuch W
haVe ; and he never fails to make them ai ho
any of their Neighbeurs, and as quiet as any
Defcendants of Adtim, who have btea depar
Peace fome Thoufands of Years. The fooi
does his Duty, 'tis generslly the better.
But this is another Digi eilion from our Hifto
which we now return. Not long r.ftcr the cc
ting of the above recited Robbery , Tom Jon\
with one Samuel P——s upon tiie Road, a Qi
who formerly kept a Button Shop, between tl'
Gates of the Savoy in the Strand, to whom pi
the ufual Deman-i. Mr. Primitive, having mo
himlelf to very low Circumliances, as 'ts fa k)
Whoring, Gaming, and Drinking, hewasnorit
ing down into the Country to his Fricndt, in'dt
to avoid an Arrrft : As he v.-:.s therefore in uti
greater Apprehenfion of a Bailiff than of a Hig ■:;
man, and as he did not iindcidarid wYMToii^'-i
till he had got fart hold of him by the 1 hro n
very formally cried out, jIt ivhofe Suit doft thoit M
me!' Jones, who was not acquainted with our I wi
Condition, fmartly reply'd, 1 detain thee on r.
Suit, and my Demand is fir all tl>y Subfcu
Pyrat£Sf Htghway>ne»y Murderers^ 5CCc
^^93
(laker now pcrctived how the Cafe ftoad : newr-
t;iefs, being a dry queer fort of a Man, he \va» re-
""" fived -to carry on the Jeft, whereupon he added.
'iftedFritnd, I don't knaiu thes, nor can I ttU hmv
fimagine that ever thee and I hame had any Deal-
ii together, Tou Jh all find then, fays Jones,
tit "Joe tr.uj} deal together noiv. So clapping a Pi-
i to his Breall, he was going to explain himfelf,
\ en Friend Samuel cry'd out ; Pray Neighbour ufe
t, Violence ! for i/ thou carriejl me to Goal, I Jhall
^utterly undone. I ha-ve at lea ft 14 Guineas about
)., and if that •-joill falisfj thee, thou art ivelcome
I 'aie them. Here they are ; and give me leave lo
< me thee, that I hame Jrequentlj fiojip' d \.he Mouth
r. a Bailiff^i'.'ilh a much lefs Sum, and made him af-
r n to my Creditors, that he could not find ms. Jones
y s pleas'd to receive the Moiicy, upon any Account
\ ntfoever ; yet, being willing to convince the Qua-
\ ■ of his Mittake, (tho' indeed the Quaker, as we
\ e obferv'd, was not miftaken, but only willing to
r ry on the Affair in the Strain it begun with) he
{ 1 to to him ; Friend, I Mm not fuch a Rogue ai thtu
t eft mt to be : I am no Bailiff, but an hontfi gene-
I 1 Highwayman. I Jhall not trouble my f elf, the
J end reply 'd, about the Diftinliion of Names ; if a
I zn lakes my Money from me by Ftrce, it concerns me
i little 'what he calls himfelf, or 'what his Pretence
ti be for fo doing. After thi« they rode about their
i eral A£iirs, the Quaker homewardi, and Totn in
£ .'ft of more Prey.
^^ot long after this, he met the late Lord Whar-
t and hit Lady on the Road, ftopp'd their Coach,
■ ■I demanded their Money, tho' they had three
"ol;non Horfeback to attend them. His Lordfliip
m flrft made fome Hefitation, and a&'d him if he
ierftood what he was about ? " Do you know me.
Sir, fays he, that you dare be fo bold as to flop
me on the Road ? Not I, reply' d ]onet 'very rea-
dily, I neither know nor care who you are, tho'
before you fpoke, I took you for a Brewer, be-
caufe you carry your Cooler by your Side : Now,
indeed, I am apt to imagine you are fome great
Man, becaufe you fpeak fo big ; but be as great
as you will. Sir, I mud have you to know, that
there is no Man upon this Road fo great as my-
felf; therefore pray be quick in anfwering my
"j Demands, for Delays may prove Dangerous." His
loBOQi" now faw our Gentleman was refolute, fo h«
:d his Lady e'en delivered up what they had about
(jm, without mare Words.
! The whole Prize confilled of two hundred Pounds
j Money, three diamond Rings, and two gold
;i'atches: All this being fecured, 7i"»" commawled
Is Lordfhip to bid his Servants ride on to fome Di-
;inee before, threatning him with Death if he refufed;
<liich being done, and the Servants obeying, he had
ifait Opportunity of riding off, without being par-
ed.
Tom received IntelL'gence one Day, that a certain
Gentleman was on the Road, with two hundred
Pounds in his Coach. This, to be fure, was a fuf-
ficient Invitation for him. He got upon a Hill to
wait for his Cullomers coming, who fpy'd him at a
Dillance without appr«hending any 'I'hing. But a
Steward of the Gentleman's, obferving the Behavi-
our of our Chapman at a Diflaace, he told his Ma-
tter, that he believed the Man on the Hill was a High-
wayman. If you pleafe Sir, quoth he, to trujt me
•with your Money, Fll ride by him, 'which I may dt
unfuffeHed, for he certainly •waits fir you. The
Gentleman was pleas'd at his Servant's Care, and
Hk'd his Propofal v«ry well: So giving him the Bag,
he rode on as faft as he could, and pafs'd by Jones,
without being e.xarain'd, getting out of Sight before
the Coach came up.
In (hort, the Coach was ftopp'd, and the Money
demanded, when our Gentleman gave him about tea
Guineas, afl"uring him that he had no more. Jones
boldly nam'd the Sum he wanted, and fwore 'twas in
the Coach, the Traveller as often alTerting that he
was miftaken. At laft, the real State of the Cafe
came into our Adventurer's Head ; whereupon, with-
out taking his leave of the Genkeman, he fet Spurs
to his Horfe, and rode after the Steward full Speed,
who was by this Time got at leaft a Mile and a half
from the Place. Jones was well mounted, and it was
five Miles from the next Town, fo that he came in
fight of the Steward before he could get into any Inn;
but the Steward fav/ him, mended his Pace, and fav'd
the Money. This difappointment ve.\'d poor Tern
to the Heart, but there was no Remedy. As to the
Gentleman, he gave his Servant a handfome Gratuity
for what he had done, as he deferved.
After many Adventures, moft of them of a Piece
with the foregoing, Tom was apprehended in Corn-
ival, for robbing a Farmer's Wife, and afterwards
ravifhing her. For this Faft he was try'd, and con.
demn'd, the AfTizes following, and about ten Days
afterwards, executed at Launceflan, on Saturday the
25 th of Jfril, IJ02. being thirty two Years of
Age.
At the Gallows he gave a pretty large Account
of his Robberies, to fome Gentlemen who defired it,
behaving with more Modefty and Defeency than fucU
Wretches commonly do. Before he was turn'd oJF,
he delivered • pretty Deal of good Advice to the
young Men prefent, in very pathetic Words • Ex-
horting them to be induftrious in their fev«ral Call'
ingt, and careful not to entangle themfelreswith Debt«,
contrafted by their own Extravagances : Defiring
them to follow the Dilates of their Reafon, and have
a due Regard for every Man's Property ; and en-
forceing all his Admonitions, with putting hjs
Hearers in Mind of a Providence, which governs the
World, and will certainly call every Man to an Ac-
count for hit Anions,
75
Tk
■94
A General History of
The LIFE o/TIM. BUCKLEY.
TIMOTHY BVCKLEY, was an unpa-
rallel'd a Villain as ever liv'd in this King-
dom ; he was born of very honeft Parents at
Stamford in Lincohjhire, where he ferv'd three
Years to a Shoemaker; but then running away from
his Mafter, he came up to London, and foon becarre
acquainted with ill Company, whofe Vices he fol-
lowed to fupport him in a moft fcandalous and infa-
mous Courfc of Life. Having fpent a great deal of
his ill-got Money at a blind Alehoufe in Wapping, he
once afk'd the Viftualler to lend him ten Shillings ;
which Favour he denied him ; and Tim fo highly
refented his Ingratitude, that he left frequenting his
Houfe. Not long after Tim. and fome of his thiev-
ing Companions, breaking in by Night, they bound
the Viftualler, his Wife and Maid, both Hand and
Foot. As they were going to gag 'em, Mr. TapUJh
defiring Tim. to be more favourable ; A'o, r.o, qaoth
h», you mujl expeil no Fa'vour from my Hands, you
furly Son of a B h, 'whofe Prodigality makes you
lord it o'ver the People here, like a Boatfixiain ouer a
Sbip'sCreiv; and look as bluff upon your Tarpaulin
Guejls, as a Mate neiuly raised to a Cotnmandcr.
'No'ui if you II go hut about Charing-Crofs, and thai
ff'ay, you Jhall have the Ale-drapers fo wery humble
and obliging for the taking but Three-pence, that a
Gentleman Foot-Soldier, or a Lord's Falct, /hall ha-ve
as many Scrapes and Cringes from the Man of the
Houfe, as if he ivas a French Dancing-Ma/ier. IVhe-
tber it be Ponjcrty, as li'ving among Courtiers, or hav-
ing been bred Gentlemen' s Servants, and fo kicked and
<uffd into good Manners by their Mafers formerly,
makes them Jo mannerly, that I can't tell : But let il
be as it ivill, 1 Jhall ufe that End tf the Tovunforthe
future ; and for their extreme Civility, make bold to
fpend Jome of y^ur Money among 'em. And accord-
liqg Tim. and his Comrade, robb'd the Houfe, tak-
ing from thence Forty Founds laid by for the Brewer,
three Silver T.mkMd.% a Silver- Watch, and eight
(iold Rings.
Another Time, Tim. Buckley taking a Walk to-
wards Hyde-P .It kCorner , the Air of which Place is
gerterally very uuwhoifome for a Thief to take, it
was his Fortune to meet with that famous Merry An-
drcTi} and Mountebank, Doftor Cately. He com-
rnanded that illiterately learned Gentleman toftand
i:nd deliver ; v.hich Words founding as terribly in
his Ear?, as Cut, Slajh, Savo, and Sear, does to
jhofe poor Patients whofe Legs are cutting off in St.
P.artholome-w'z, or St. Thomas'% Hofpital, he begg'd
heartily of him to be merciful, and not to rob a poor
Man, who took a gr*al deal of Pains for an honrft
Livelihood. Tint, knowing hit Occupation, fell a
laughing, withal faying, " Qu.icks pietend to Ho-
" nefty ! There is not fuch a Pack of cheating Knaves
" in the Nation again ; in making People believe
" they are Scholars, when they know no more of
" Greek, or Latin, than a fuckmg Child. Befider,
" their Impudence ia intolerable, for deceiving of ig-
" Rorant Folks with hsrd Names, and cramp Woi
" as Jugglers do with the old Cant of Hi^ius doBi
" hi prefo, be gonp, while their Confederates p:
" their Pcc'iCts. Moreover, making credulous Fo
" believe, that there was not more Men il.iin a
" wounded at ihe Fight of the Boyne in Ireland, t.\
" they have recover'd from tl e Point of Deatk,
" Death's Door, by beckoning their Souls back
" gain, after they ha\e been many Leagues from th
" Bodies. Therefore quickly deliver what you h;
" or elfe this Piftol fhall prevent your going :
" more into, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, D
" mark, S-weden, Poland, Germany, and the DfT
" Arfe i'the Peak, as your ufual Cant is, tho' )
" was never out o{ England in your Life." (
Doftor preferring his own Welfare befoie what he I
about him, he humbly piefented Tim. with Si.v G
reis, and a very good Watch, that he might k
'i ime in fpending the Gold.
An informing Conllable, who was a Baker in
Giles's P:.r:ili in the Field.', once taking up Tim. ;
fending him for a Soldier into i7a«JcVi, he had:
been long there before he deferted, and came-
1.0'. don again ; and one Day meeting this Bak«<
Wife coming alone from Hampjlead, foicing herji
a private PLcc, and piefenting a Pilloi to her Bre»
he fwore he would (hoot her dead on the Spot if
refus'd laying with him ; he being btnt upon it,
be reveng'd on her Hulband, who had imprefs'd h
a little while :igo. The Baker's Wife being no ;
cretia, to value her Chuftity at the Lofs of her L
(he was forced to fubmit to the Raviiher's Pleafuf
who having obtain'd what he defir'd, he then co
manded her to deliver her Money, and what otl
Things of Worth (he had about her. Hereupon I
honelt Wor«an crying out, h this Jujiice orC
fcience. Sir? Qaoihlim. You B h, don't tell
of 'Jujiice, for I hate her as much as your Hujla
can, hecauj'e her Scales are even. And as for C.
fcience , I have as little of that as any Baker in Er
land, "ivho cheats other Bellies to fll his oiun. H,
a Baker is a ivcrfe R.gue than a Taylor ; for, vjhe.
as the latter commonly pinches his Cnhbave from i
Rich, the former, by making his Bread too light, n
allvjithout dfinSiion, but chiefly the Poor ; ftrtuht
he deferves ?nore hanging than n.c, or any of my i
r.eji Fraternity. So tiking from her a Couple
Gold Rings, and eleven Shillings, he fent her hot
to tell her Hiifbnnd of this Adventure.
Afterwards Tim. Buckley ftealing a very good Hoi
in Buckirghamjhire, he tuin'd Highwayman, a
riding up to London, he met on the Road a c<
tain Paw-n-b.'oker, living in Drnry Lane, bv who
havin^^ been fome Lofer in pawn ng (on-.t Thin
to him, whicii svere loll for vvar.t of ledcemin
he was reiolved to l-ai'e his Pennyworth out
him now ; fo commanding him to ftand and de
ver, he began to plead tarr.eiiiy for F.-ivour, fa
irig. It is a very hard Cafe tlut an hor.eif M^a u.
1_
Pyratesj Highway meiJy Murderers^ 6Cc.
fj> go «bout his lawful Occafions but he muft be
r!ib'd. D ;iin you (quoth Tim.) hall thou fo
nch brazen'd Impudence as to reckon thy (elf an
hie!lM-in, when I know thou art an unconfciona-
b Pawn-broker, who lives and grows fat or.
f ud and Oppreffion, as a Toad on Filth and
\iioni? Vour Prailice outvies Ufury, as much as
nbing on the Highway does a Petit-Lirceny ; fo if
o calls you a Tradelman, it muft be by the fame
Kitorical Figure which ililes the Legerdemain of
a'ick-pocket an Art and Myllery. Your Shop,
li' the Gates of Hell, is always open, in which you
-9:>
flowing of the Sen, and their Paths are as unfearchabic
Thou are as changeable as the Wind, and certain in
nothing but Uncertainty. I believe the Grajhopper
on the Royal- Exchange is an Emblem of you ; for as
that leaps from one Place toano:her, fo doyoufroni
one Number to another ; fometimes thirty per Cent.
Advance is too little for you ; at other times thirtv
/«•>■ Cf«/. Difcount is not enough. I'll hold you 'a
Wager, that if I ftiould asik what Religion you
profefs, you'll cry. You II fell me as cheap as any
£odj ; or 3.ik you of wh it Value fuclian Araicle of
Faith is you'll tell me, ?«<'// g:--je ne as ?m:ch
the Receipt of Culloni ; aad having got the for Navy Bills as any Chapnian. Thou art fo full of
ContriJiftion, that you lower the Price of Thiinr?
on purpofe to raifeit; yet I mull acknouledge, yoii
can't be faid to be a Hypocrite, betaufe you com-
monly boill of over reaching thofe you de:.! with.
As for Chnftianity, thou art far enough from that f
for iho* perhaps you have been baptiz'J, yet will
it be highly improper to fay, you was ever coniirm'd,
unlefs in Impudence. And I veri y think you could
never fliew more Impudence ti.an you do now, in
afking me for fomewhat to he'p you on your Journey,
out of fo fmall a Matter as forty eight Guineas, which
is fcarce worth taking from you. Indeed I /han't
give you one Farthing ; therefore wifliing you the
bed of 3 bad Market, and that you m.ay be as well
ilock'd when I fee you next on the Road, fareuel till
the next merry meeting.
Not Jong after, this fame Stock-j-Mer accidentally
meeting Tim. Buckley in London, he caufed him to
be apprenended and committed to Ke-jc^ate, and
conviding him of Ehis Robbery, he rece:v'd Sentencs
", ^^''^^ ^"f obtaining a Reprive, ;.nd afterwards
p.eadmg to a free Pardon, as {<don as he w.t at Li-
berty, refolving to be farther reveng'd on this Ad-
verfary, who had twice fat very dole on his Skirts,
he went to Hackniy, where this Stock-jobber having
a Country-Houfe within a Mile of that Village, he
one Night fet Fire to it: but a timrly Difcovery
thereof preventing it from doing much Damige, it
«as quickly quench'd. However Ti>n. made his
Efcape ; and flying mlo Leicejlerjhire, where he broke
open a Houfe at a Place called Jjbby de-la Zouch, and
from thence took above eighty Pounds. He then
"_ent to a Fair at Derby, where he bought a good
Horfe, and went on the Highway again. Being
thus mounted again to rob on the Road, within two
^^"pof Nstfiiigham he attempted to Hop a Coach, in
^vhich were three Gentleman, befides a Couple of
Footmen riding a little behind ; but they being re-
folv'd not to be robb'd of what they had by one
\ illain, one of 'em fired a Blunderbufs out of the
Coach, which kill'd Timi Horfe, and then all the
Gentlemen alighting, and the Footmen being by
this time alfo come up to their Affilbnce," a bieody
and obllinate Engagement begun between them,
wherein Tim. kill'd one of jhe Gentlemen and a Foot-
man ; but neverthelefs, being overpower'd, after he
had difcharged eight Piilols, and v.-as alio grown
faint thro' the Lofs of much Blood (for he had re-
ceived eleven Wounds in his Arms, Thighs, and Legs)
he was feized and committed to jail in Nottingham,
where he was executed in 1701, aged twenty nine
Years ; and afterwards hang'd in Ch.-.ins at the Place
where he perpetrated the two Murder; afort-faid.
o{ the Needy, you king 'em up in RiMk and
r", , like fo many I'ropiiies of Viftory. To your
Sip all forts of Garments refort on a Pilgrimage,
will you pl.^.ying the Pimp, lodge the Taboy
P( icoat, and the RuflTct Breeches together, m
fame Bed of Lavender. Fhou art the Trea-
of the Thieves Exchequer, and the com-
Tender of all Booth heavers and Shop.
... . in Town ; to which Purpofe you keep a pri-
va Warehoufe, whence you rtiip away all ill-
"■ ?n Goods by wholefale, you do (o fleece tiie poor,
114 fcarce leave them fe much as a prinarive
, X \^ki to cover their Nakedncls ; and fo often do
•Ji( bring what they have into your Lumber-Houfe,
ia at lall they know the Way, and can almoil
ro ) pawn alone by themfelves. Thus they are
3rd to purchafe the fame Clothes hilf a fcore times
V ; and for want of a Cheil to keep them in at
0 r, it colls thrice as much as they are worth for
1 dging in your Cuilody. Six Pence per Month
iL they pay for every tuenty Sliillings R'iiich (after
0 rate of thirteen Months to the Ye.ar) is fix
.jiligs andlix-pence per Pound per Annum, or thirty
*(:^ound ten thillings per Cent, befides a Shilling
)r Bill of Sale, if the Matter be confiderable.
pon the whole, linceyou feldom or never lend
be: half the Value on any thing, Plate excepted,
oret near forty Pounds in evtry Hundred Pounds;
ild:onfidering how many Thievss and Pick-pockets
10- chiefell Cuflomers, that bring the lamping
itiins) never intend to redeem, and how many
V\ People are not able ; or that if they are rc-
teed the very next Day, yet are you fo extortion.
^s to be paid a Month's Intercft, one may rea-
)nlily conclude, chat you make at leaft Cent, per
i« of your Mone}' in a Year: And all this by
durfe tending only to the Encouragement of
^hves, and the Ruin of thofe that are honeJl, but
•. Come, come, Mr. Blood fucker, open your
.-, -.inngs, or otherr.ifc this Piilol fhill inftant=.
/ (id you to Hell before the Wind. But the Pawn-
roer being ve.-y loath to go to the Devil before his
ii;, he ranfom'd himfelf for Twenty-eight Guj-
ea a Gold Watch, a Silver Tobacco-box, and a
.'oile of Gold Rings.
/lother Time T/V;, Buckley meeting a Stockjobber
n.e Road, who had formerlv profecuted him for
eljiy, upon Convidion ■■.hereof he was burnt in the
lal, he was now refolved to be revenged on him,
' '-)'n2 him of Forty eight Guineas, The Stoci-
icfiring fome fpiall Matter of Tim. to carry
vard on hii journey, quoth he I have no
. at all for any Rogues of Stock-jabbers, who
:e,nimals chat rife and fall like the ebbing and
Th
)e
2 0
A General History of
The LIFE of MOL CUT PURSE, a
Pickpocket and Highway-woman.
MAry Frith, otherwife call'd Mil Cutpurfe,
fram her original Profeffion of cutting Pur-
fes, was born in Barbican in Alder/gate-
ft reel, in the Year 1 589. Her Father was 3 Shoe-
maker ; and though no remarkable Thing happened
at her Nativity, Juch as the flattering Soothfayers
pretend in EdipTe:, and other the like Motions a-
beve, or Tides, and Whales and great Fires, ad-
julted and tim'd to the Genitures of crown'd Heads,
yet, for a She-Politician, Ihe was not much inferior
to Pope "Jaan ; for in her Time, flie was Superior
in the Myilery of diving in Purfes and Pockets, and
was very well read and Ikill'd too in the Affairs of
the Placket among the great Ones.
Both the Parents (as having no other Child living)
were very tender of this Daughter ; but cfpecially
the Mother ; according to the Tendernefs of that
Sex,'-.vhich is naturally more indulgent than the Male;
moll afFeftionate fhe was to her in her Infancy, molt
careful of her in her Youth, manifelled efpecially in
her Education, which was the more ftriftly and di-
ligently attended, by Reafon of her boiflerous and
mal'culine Spirit, which then (hewed itfelf, and foon
after became predominant, (he was above all Breed-
ing and Inftrurtion. She was a very Tomrig or
Hoyden, and delighted only in Boys-play and Paf-
time, not minding or companying with the Girls ;
many a Bing or Blow this Hoyting procuced her,
but (h» was not fo to be tam'd, or taken off from
her rude Inclinations ; (he could not endure that
ff dentary Life of fewing or Hitching ; a Sampler
was as grievous to her as a Winding-fheet ; and on
her Needle, Bodkin, and Thimble, fhe could not
t iinl: quietly, wifhing them chang'd into Sword and
Uj^gger for a Bout at Cudgels. Her Head-geer and
1 Lindkcrchicf (or what the Falhion of thofe Times
v,a3 for Girls to be drels'd in) were alike tedious
:o her, flje wearing them as handfomly as a Dog
v.culd a Doublet) and fo cleanly, that the Iboty
Pothooks were above the Comparifon. This per-
plfx'd lier^ I'riends, who had only this Proverb fa-
vourible to their Hope, That an unlucky Girl may
vt-tkc » good Woman; but they liv'd not to the
Ifngth of that Expeftation, dying in her Minority,
And leaving her to the Swing and Sway of her own
unruly Temper and Difpoiition.
She would fight with Boys, and courageoufly beat
them ; run, jump, leap, or hop with any of her con-
trary Sex, or recreate herfelf with any other Play
whatfocver. She had an Uncle, Brother to her Fa-
tiier, who was a Minifter, and of him fhe flood in
f.jme Awe, but not io much, as to reflrain her in
thefe Courfes ; fo that feeing he could not efFeftual-
ly remedy .that inveterating Evil in her Manners,
ho trappanned her on board a Merchant-Ship lying
at Grat'efcnd, and bound for Nenv-EnglanJ, whi-
ther he deltgned to have lent her ; but having Ijsrn-
ed to fwim, Ae one Night jump'd over-board, a
fwimm'd to Shore, and after that Efcape, would i
ver go near her Unele again. Farthermore, it
to be obferved, that Mercury was in Conjunfli
with, or rather in the Houfe of Venus, at the Tii
of her Nativity j the former of which Planets is
a thievilh, cheating, deceitful Influence ; and 1
other hath Dominion over all Whores, Bawds, j
Pimps ; and, joyn'd with Mercury, over all T
panners and HeAors : She hath a more general
fluencc than all the other fix Planets put togeth*
for no Place nor Perfon is exempted from her,
vading alike both facred and prophane ; Nunne
and Monaflriei, as well as the common Places
Proflitution ; Cheapfide and Cornhill, as well
Bloomjhury or Co'vint-Garden. Under thefc be
volcnt and kind Stars, fhe grew up to fome Maturi
fhe was now a lully and llurdy Wench, and fit
put out to Service, having not a competency
her own, left her by her Friends to maintain
without working ; but as fhe was a great Libert ,
fhe liv'd too much in common, to be enclos'd i
the Limits of a private Doniellick Life. A Qi ■
ter-ftafF was litter for her than a DiflafF; fhe w« 1
go to the Ale-houfe when (he had made fhift to I
a little Stock, fpend her Penny, come into '
one's Company, and Club till fhe had none l< ;
and then fhe was fit for any Enterprize. Mi •
over, fhe had a natural Abhorrence to tending f
Children, to whom fhe ever had an Averfendi t
her Mind, equal to the Sterility and B.irrennefs 1
her Womb, never (to our bell Information) b« »
made a Mother.
She generally went drefs'd in Man's Appjulj
which puts me in Mind how Hercules, Hero, f
Sardanafalus .ire laugh'd at and exploded, for 1 1
effeminacy and degenerated DifToiuteneis in 1 1
extravagant Debauchery ; the firll is pourtrated 11
a Diftaffin his Hand; the other recorded to (
marry'd as a Wife, and all the conjugal and i^
trimonial Rites pcrform'd at the Solemnity of 4
Marriiage ; and the other lacks the Luxury
Pen, as loofe as his Female Riots to dcfcribe th li
Thefe were all Monllers of Men, and have no !•
relleis either in old or Modern Hiftories, till Jl
Time as Mol Cutpurfe approach'd their Exanp ;
for her heroick Impudence hath quite outdone c y
Romance ; never Woman before being like her. 0
Doubt but Mol\ Converfe with herfelf, informed 'J
of her Defedis, and that fhe was not made for ic
Pleafure or Delight of Man, and therefore, i;e
fhe could not be lionoured wich him, fhe woul )e
honoured by him, in that Garb and Manner of i-
ment which he wore. This (he took to from er
firft Entrance into a competency of Age, and to
her dying Day (he would not leave it off.
Though fhe was fu ugly in any Drels, as iti
to
PyrakSj H'tghzuaymefty Murderers, die.
^97
Way, at never fo great a Dillance, from aay Per-
fon. It might properly enough be cali'd the In-
furance-Offiie for fuch Merchaiidile ; for the Lofers
were fure, upon Coinpofition, to recover their Goodi
again, and the Pirates vverii {^re. to liave a good
Ranfom, and /he fo much in the Grofs for Brokage,
without any more Dinger ; tlie Hue and C,y beiag
always d.refted to her for the Uiicovery of the
Goods, and not the Takers.
Once, a GentL-nian that had loft his Watch by
the bufy Fingers of a Pickpocket, c.>.me very anxi-
oufly to Moll, enquiring if Ihe could help him to it
again. She demanded of him the Marks and Signs
thereof, with the Time when, and where he loll ir,
or by what Crowd, or other Accident. He replied.
That coming through "iWoc-h^ne, there 'was a par-
rel bet-wixt two Men ; one of 'which, cs he atcer-
wards heard, fwas a Grafier, ivhom they had fet in
Smith-field, having feen him receive the Sum of
200 1. or thereabouts, in Gold. There 'uias one Ea:
RuJ, as he was fince inform'd, 'who, obfsr-ding tie
Man hold his Hand in his Pocket inhere his Cold 'was,
or Pickpockets ; which juft in the middle of a Lane I'jhitherto the-f doggd bi/n,
o'verthre'W a Barrel trimming at an Ahkoufe Door,
'while one behind the Grafier pu/h^d him o'ver, --wbc,
'withal, threw do'wn Bat, ivho 'was ready for the
Fall. Betiuixt tkefe two prefently arofe a parrel ;
the Pickpocket demanded Satisfaition, •while his Com-
rades inttrpofitig, after fwo or three Blo'ws in Fa'vour
to be woo'd nor foUicited by sny Man, yet (he ne-
ver h.ad the Green-Sicknefs, that epidemical Difeafe
of Maidens, after they have once pafs'd their Puber-
ty; (he never eat Lime, Coals, Oatmeal, Tobacco-
pipes, Cinders, or fuch like Txa(h ; no Sighs, dejec-
ted Look,, or MelanchoIIy clouded her vigorous
Spirits, or reprefs'd her Jovialry ; (he was troubled
with none of tnofe Longings which poor Maidens
are (ubjc(.^ to : She had the Power and Strength to
command her own Pleafure of any Perfon who had
jtafonable Ability of Body ; and therefore flic need-
ed not whine for it, as (he was able to beat a Fel-
low to a Compliance, without the unnecefTary Trou-
ble of Entreaties.
Now Moll thinking what Courfe of Life (he
Khould betake herfelf to, Ihe got acquainted with
,fome Fortune-tellers of the Town, from whom
learning fome Smatch and Reli(h of that Cheat, by
their iiilignificant Schemes, and calculating of Figures,
"legota tolerably good Livelihood; but her In-
come being not equivalent to her Expences, (he
fnter'd hen'slfijito the Society of D/w;-.f, otherwife
Call'd File-dyers, Cut-purfe
People are a kind of Land Pirates, trading altogether
iu other Men's Bottoms, for no other Merchandife
than Bullion and ready Coin, and they keep moil
of the great Fairs and Marts in the World. In this
unlawful Way (he got a vail deal of Money; but ha-
ving been very often in Old Bridewell, the Comp-
ters, and Newgate, for her irregular Praclices, and "f '^^ Countryman, <who had drawn his Hands out of
burnt in the Hand four Times, ihe left o(Fthis petty bis Pocket to defend himfelf, foon drc'w out his Trea-
' Sort of Theft, and went on ttie Highway, commit.
' iting many great Robberies, but aM of 'em on the
Round-heads, or Rebels that foneented the Civil
iVar againll King Charles the Firll ; againft which
fure ; and while he was looting on the Scufle, fome
of them had lent him a Hand too, and fngerd out
his Watch. il/»//fmill'd at tliis Adventure and told
him. He /hould hear further of it within a Day cr
Villains (he had as great an Antipathy as an unhap- ''""'. at the fartheji. When the Gentleman came a-
iPy Man, that, for counterfeiting a Half-Crown in ~"" '^ ' " ■ ■ ■ ■ '^ ■• • ■
thofe rebellious Times, was executed at Tyburn,
where he faid. That he was aajudg'd to die but for
counterfeiting a Half-Crown ; hut thofe that ufurp'd
the 'whole Crown, and Jlole azuay its Re'venue, and
had counterfeited its Seal, ivere above Juftice, and
tfcafd unpunifij'd.
A long Time had MoU Cutpurfe robb'd on the
Road ; but, at lall, robbing General Fairfax of
2^0 yacobus's on Hounjlo'w- Heath, (hooting him thro'
the Arm for oppofing her, and killing two Herl'es
on which a couple of his Servants rid, a clofe Pur-
fuit was made afr-^r her by fome Parliamentarian
Officers, quartering in the Town of Hounfo'w, to
whom Fairfax had »old his Misfortune. Her Horfe
fail'd her at Turnbam-Grees, where they apprehend-
ed her, and carried her to Newgate. .After this.
gam, Ihe underilood by his Difcourle that he would
not lofe it for twice the Value, bccaufe it was gi-
ven him by a p:,rticular Friend ; io (he fqueez'd 20
Guineas out ofnim before he could obtain Jiis Watch.
One Night late, Moll going Home almoll dru:.k.
from the /^(Ti/// Ta vein, (he tumbled over a grEit
black Sow, that was roulling m a Dungi.iil near the
Kennel ; bat getting up agjiu, in a iad d;rty Pickle,
(he drove her to her Houie, where finding her full
of Pigs, (he made her a Drench to halten iier Far-
rowing.jand the next iMorning Ihe brought her eleven
curious Pigs, which Moll ana her Companions made
fat and eat ; and then ihe turn'd the Sow out of
Doors, who prefently repair'd to her old Mailer, a
Bumpkin at If.ington, who with Wonder rcceiv'd
her again. Having given her fome Grains, he turn'd
her out of his Gates, watching what Courfe (he
(he wae condemn'd, but procur'd her Pardon, by would take, and intending to have Satisfadlion for his
giving her Adverfary 2000/. Now Moll being
frighten'd by this Difailer, (he left off going on the
Highway any more, and took a Houfe, within two
Doors of the Globe Tawern in Fleet-Jireet, over-a-
gainft the Conduit, almoll facing Shoe- Lane and Sa-
Pigs whereloeverhe (hould find her to have laid then;.
Ttie Sow, naturally mindful of her fqueaking Brood,
went direftly to il/c/Z's Door, and there kept a la-
mentable Noife to be admitted : This was Evidence
enough for the Fellow, that there his Sow had laid
lijbury -Court, where (he difpens'd jullice among the her Belly ; when knocking, and having Entrance, he
wrangling Tankard-Bearers, by often exchanging tells A/o// a Tale of a Sow and her Litter : She re-
their Burden of Water for a Burden of Beer, as p'ied, he was mad : He fwoie, he knew his Sow's
far the lighter Carriage, though not fa portable. Meaning by her grunting, and that he would give
In her Time Tobacco being grown a great Mode, her Sawce to her Pigs. Goodman Coxcomb, qaoth
file was mightily taken with the Padimc of Smoak- Moll, come in, and fee if this Houfe looks like a Hog-
ing, becaule of its Singularity, and that no Woman fye; when, going into all the Room , and feeing
ever fmoak'd before her, though a great many of how neat and clean they were kept, he was convinc-
her Sex, fince, have follow 'd Jier Example.
Moll being quite fcar'd from thieving herfelf, (he
turn'd Fenoe, tnat is to fay, a Buysr o( ItoJen Goods;
by which Occupation (he got a great deal of Mo-
ney. In her Houfe (he iet up a kind of Brokery, or
a didinift Faftory for Jewels, Rings, and Watches,
which had been pinch'd Of ftolen vav manner of
76
ed that the Litter was not laid there, and wen:
Home curfiig his Sow for mifinformiag him.
To get Money, Moll would not (lick out to bawtl
for either Men or Women; infomuch, that her Houfe
became a double Temple for Priapus and Venu:,
frequented by Votaries of both Sorts. Thofe who
were generous to her Labour, their Defires were fa-
4G
vouribl^
198
A General History of
vourably accommodated, with Expedition ; whilft
fhe linger'd with others, laying before them the dif-
ficult but certain Attainment of their Wilhes, which
ferv'd as a Spur to the Dulnefs of their Purfes : For
the Lady Peatnia and fhe kept the fame Pace, but
fiiW in the End ftie did the Feat. Moll having a
great Antipathy againft the Rump Parliament, ftie
lit on a Fellow very dextrous for imitating People's
Hands ; with him Ihe communicated her Thoughts,
and they cojicurr'd to forge and counterfeit their
Commiffioners and Treafurers Hands to the refpec-
tive Receivers and CoHedlors Hands, without De-
lay, to fuch as he in his counterfeited Orders ap-
pointed : So that wherefoever he had Intelligence of
any great Sum in the Country, they were fure to
foreftal the Market. This Cheat lalled for half a
Year, till it was found out at Guild-hall, and fuch a
politick Courfe taken, to avoid Cozenage, that no
Warrants would pafs among themfelves. But when
the Government was feiz'd and ufurp'd by that Arch-
Traytor Oliver Grominjell, they began this Trade a
frelh, it being very eafy to imitate his fingle Sign
Manual, as that ambitious Ufurper would have it
ilil'd ; by which Means, her Man alfo drew great
Sums of Money out of the Cuftoms and Excife, nay,
out of the Exchequer, itfelf, till Oliver was forc'd to
■fc a private Mark, to make his Credit authentick
among his own Villains.
After 74 Years of Age, Mtll being grown crazy
in her Body, and difcontented in Mind, (he yielded
to the next Diftemper that approach'd her, which
was the Dropfy ; a Difeafe which had fuch firange
and terrible Symptoms, that Ihe thought fhe was pof-
fefs'd, and that the Devil was got within her Doub-
let. Her Belly, from a wither'd, dry'd, wrinckled
Piece of Skin, was grown to the titelt, roundell
Globe of Flefli, that ever any beauteous young Lady
ftrutted with. However, there was no Blood that
was generative in her Womb, but only that deftruc-
tivc of the Grape, which by her ExcelTes was now
turn'd into Water; fo that the tympanicd Skin there-
of founded like a Conduit-Door. If we anatomize
her any farther, we mufl fay her Legs reprefented a
Couple of Mill-pofts, and her Head was fo wrapp'd
with Cloaths, that Ihe look'd like Mother 5/^/'^/o».
It may well be expeded, that, confidering what a
deal of Money fhe got by her wicked Praftices, fhe
might make a Will ■, but yet, of 5000 /. which fhe
had once by her in Gold, fhe had not above 100 1.
left ter latterly, which fhe thought too little to give
to the Charitable Ufes of building Hofpitals and
Alms-houfes. The Money that might have been de-
fign'd that Way, as it came from the Devil, fo it re-
lurn'd to the Devil again, in the Rump's Exche-
quer and Treafury at Haberdajhers and Gold/mi ths-
Hall. Yet, to preferve fomething of her Memory,
and not leave it to the Courtefy of an Executor, fhe
anticipated her Funeral Expencss ; for it being the
Falhion of thofe Times to give Rings, to the undo-
ing of the dnfeHioners, who liv'd altogether by
the Dead and th» New-born, fhe diflributed fome
that fhe had by her, among her chief Companions
and Friends.
Thefe Rings (like Princes Jewels] were notablt
ones, and had their particular Names likewife ; a^i
the Bartholomeiv, the Ludgate, the Exchange, and
fo forth; deriving their Appellacions from die Pla-
ces whence they were ftoleii : They needed no Ad-
minition of a Death's Head, nor the Motto AfewM-
tomori; for they were the Wnges ami Monumenn
of their thieving Matters and MillrefTe;, who were
interr'd st Tyburn ; and ihe hop'd her Friends would
wear them, both for her S.ike and theirs. In fhort,
fhe made no Will at all, becaufe fhe had had it fc
long before to no better Purpofe; and that if Ihe had
had her Defert, fhe Ihould have had aw Executionei
infleadofan Executor. In
Out of the too Pounds which fhe had by her, (h&
difpos'd of 30 Pounds to her three Maids which At.
kept, and charg'd them to occupy it the belt Wa)
they could ; for that, and fome of her Arts in whicf
they had had Time to be expert, would be bey one
the Advantage of their Spinning and Ree!ing,''anc
would be able to keep them in ^lep.iir, and promot<
them to Weavers, Shoe-makers, and Taylors. Th.
reft of her perfonal Eftate, in Money, Moveables, am
Houfhold-Goods, fhe bequeath'd to her Kinfmai
Frith, a Mafler of a Ship, dwelling at Reddtif
whom fhe advis'd not to make any Ventures ther*
with, but ftay at Home ind be drunk, rathet thai
go to Sea, and be drown'd with 'em.
And now, the Time of her DiiTohition drawin
near, fhe defir'J to be bury'd with her Breech up
wards, that fhe might be as prepoflerous in her Deatl
as fhe had been all along in her inflimous Life. Whei
fhe was dead, fne was inierr'd in St. Bridget^ Church
yard, having a fair Marblc-llone put over her Grave
on which was cut the following Epitaph, coxipos'i
by the ingenious Mr. Milton, but deltroy'd in tb
great Conflagration oi Lendon.
Here lies, under this fame Marble,
Duft, for Time's lafl Sieve to garble ;
Duft, to perplex a Sadducce,
Whether it rife a He or She,
Or two in one, a Jingle Pair,
Nature'' s Sport, and now her Care.
For ho-iM jheUl cloath it at laji Day,
Vnlefs Jhe flghs it all avjay ;
Or vjhere Jhe' II place it, none can tell:
Seme middle Place '/-wixt Heav'n and Hell
And well 'tis Purgatory'^ found,
Elfefli; muji hide her under Ground
'Ihefe Reliqucs to dejerve the Doom,
Of that Cheat Mahomet's jSne Tomb;
For no Communion Jhe had.
Nor forted 'with the Good or Bad ;
That iv't-en the M-^orld Ihall be calcin'd.
And the mix'd Majs of human Ki:^d
Shall fep'rate by that tneltir.g Fire,
She'll fiand alone, and none cj;ne nigh her.
Reader, here Jhe lies till then.
When, truly, you'll fee her again.
The
\
Pyrakiy Highwaymen) MwdererSi &c.
299
re LIFE of JONATHAN SIMPSON.
r - T" H E N a Man who has had an Opportu-
ik/ nity of living not only in Reputation but
1 Y even Wi Splendour, all his Days, brings
in If to the Gallows, we are apt to look on his Cafe
jre deplorable than that of another Perfon,
« h in Reality he is much lefs to be pitied ; be-
cir mull be violent Inclinations to Dilhoneily
.L feems to be preferr'd of Choice, and where
p. on will be a Rogue in Spite of all that Provi-
■ can do to prevent it.
\ can't indeed judge the Hearts of Men fo far
1 ay this was pofitively the Gafe with Jonathan
r. >i, becaufe he certainly recciv'd high Provoca-
)i rom his Wife while he was in Trade ; but then
e 1 find no other Reafon for his turning Highway-
■ :han the Bent of his Mind notwithllanding,
i iich as he had Hill enough either to have lived
I. iic\y on all his Days, or to have gone into
g.iin in another Place, after he had fhut up
. _ p on his Wife's Account.
£ not to run into a Train of RefleiSions before
■ le given the Story on which they are built,
) tell the Reader, that Jonathan Simp/on
.. c Son of a very wealthy Inhabitant of Laun-
u \n Corniuall, and that his Father put him Ap-
ei e to a Linnen-Draper in Brifiol whtn he was
■J fourteen Years of .Age. When he hsd ferved
t s Time, which he did with Reputation, the
tt' indulgent Father gave him Fifteen Hundeed
la s to let up with in the City where he was free,
d here he foon fell into great Bufinefs, and got
ov apace.
I efs than a Year after he had kept Shop, he
tt d a Merchant's Daughter of the fame Place,
icsrought him a Fortune of Two Thoufand
In s. This was a great Addition to his Wealth,
« e Union proved unhappy, becaufe the young
s before engaged in AfFcdion to a Gentle-
,cfs Fortune in the Neighbourhood, whom
:\ ther hinder'd her from havmg, ac.d with whom
Edtinued a Familiari'ty that foon difpleafed her
ufad.
jioufy doubtlefs is the moft tormenting Plague
i haunt etiher Man or Woman, and it fre-
j. lives both to E.'itiavagancies that before they
! have thought of. Foffibly in Faft this Pal'.
/,t be more than any thing the Occafion of
Ruin ; but to Appearance it wrought on
.'Tierry M.iuner, for it was the Occafion of
.. ing pleafant .Adventure.
.iTiecta Pretence of seeing into Comivall to
t I Frienils, and fo took his Leave of his Wife
I ji Or twelve D.iys, who as foon as he was gone,
ivr.er Gallant Notice, being unwilling to lye fo
^lone. He was to come in the Evening, and
I pic of Fowls and a Bottle of Wine were got
I for hi» Reception. Simp/an ilaid abroad till
igincd the Wc»dcock was got into his Springe,
and then he comes to the Door before the Maid, who
was privy to her Miilieii's Affairs, was gone to Bed.
He ran immediately up into the Chamber, and Ma-
dam could not conceal her Lover in a great Chell,
that flood in the Room, fo fuddenly but that her
Cuckold heard the Lid of it move : However he took
no Notice, but told her he was glad fhe had got
fomething for Supper, and made an Excufe for his
returning fo foon.
Mrs. Simpfon'% Spark was alfo iflarry'd fince he had
left his Miftrefs, and he had made fome Pretence of
going abroad for fome Days, to fpend that Time ia
the Company of one he liked better than his Wife,
defigning when lie was onceenter'd tohavecontinuei
in Simpfon^s Houfe till near the Time of his Return.
Jonathan found an Errand alfo to fome Relations at
the further End of £;•//?(;/, that mull be done that
Night, on which he difpatch'd his dear Rib, and
fent iBimediately for the Spoufe of her Gallant to
come and fup with him in his Chamber on the two
Fowls.
While they were at Supper he toM his Guefl that
he had loll his Wife that Evening, and that fhe had
been fecn with her Hufband. This immediately in-
flamed her with Jealoufy, becaufe fhe knew of their
former Intimacy, fo that there was no Difficulty to
perfwade her to revenge the -Affront, which .S/w;.-
fon took Care to have done on the very Cheft where-
in poor Pill Garlick was almoll Ilifled. As foon cs
the Job was over, he lifted up the Lid of the
Cheft, and cry'd. Come out Brother Cuckold ; which
he did in Confufion enough. The poor Woman
was ready to fwoon for what fhe had done when
flic faw her Hufband j but Simpfin made him fwear'
not only to forgive her, but never to mention the
1 hing, under Penalty of lofing his Ears ; and fo
he turn'd them both home together very well recon-
ciled.
But though this was all he did to his Neighbour,
his Revenge on his Wife went yet further j for when
Cie came back from the Place he had fent to, he re-
fufed her Admittance ; and the next Day fold off
his Stock, fhut up Shop, and went off with all the
Money he could raife, refolred never more to live
in Brijlol.
Such a Crifis as this mufl be a great Tryal for any
Man ; but there can be no Excufe fufficicnt to defend
a Perfon that invades the Ptoperty ofanother. Al-
moll any Man in fuch a Cafe would have run into
Extravagancies ; but none but a Man that was vici-
oufly inclined would have turned Highwayman, as
Stmp/an now did. He had above Five Thoufand
Pounds of his own, but his Expences were of a Piece
with the rell of his Aftions; for at the End of eigh-
teen Months he had not a Penny left of all this large
Sum, and of all the Money he had during that Time
taken on the Road.
While his Money lalled he play'd with the Law ;
for
for though he was once or twice difcover'd, he made
up the Matter, and prevented a Profecution. The
Law ii chiefly for poor Rogues, who can neither
daub a Plantiff, hire an Evidence, or corrupt a
or a G ■g was hang'd in Queen Amie'i Time
bccaufe he was not Principal in the Faft he fuffer'd
for, and confequently had lefs Money than they that
efcaped. When a Miniftry of State is corrupted,
there are commonly a great many of your little Of-
ficers, who are forced to mak« a wry Face, before
their Mailers oan be touch'd • Nay, 'tis hardly once
in an Age that a Mazarine, a Mortimer, or a Blue-
String goes to Pot ; and when fuch a One does come
to Juftice, 'tis commonly after he has fpent all his
Money in his own Defence, unlefs a Felton under-
takes to be the Executioner, and fo th» Job is finifli-
ed without the Help of the Law. If Charteris had
been pillol'd for a private Affront, he might have
met with his Defert ; but it was not for a Man to be
hang'd with fo mudi Money.
No fooner had Simp/on wafted all his Subftance
bat he was apprehended and condemn'd at the Old
Baily for a Robbery on the Highway, and he muft
certainly have fwung for it, if fome of his rich R»-
lations had not procured him a Repriere from A-
bove. It caxne when he was at Tyburn, with the
Halter about his Neck, and juft ready to be turn'd
off in Company with feveral others. As he was
ridinj; back to Neixgate behind one of the Sheriff's
Officers, the Officer afk'd him, if he thought any
thing of a Reprieve, when be came to the Gal-
lows. No more, faid Simp/on, than I thought of
my Dying-Day. A very pretty Expreffion at that
Time.
When he was brought to the Prifon-Door, the
Turnkey refufed to receive him, telling the Officer,
that as he was fent to be executed, they were dif-
charged of him, and would not have any thing-to do
with him again, unlefs there was a froih Warrant for
his Commitment ; whereupon Simp/on made this
Refleftion : What an unhappy caft-off Dog am I!
that both Tyburn and Newgate Jhould in one Day
refufe to entertain me. Well, Til mend my Man-
ners J or the future, and try 'whether I can't merit
a Reception at them both the next time 1 am brought
hither. He was as good as his Word ; for 'twas
believed he committed above forty Robberies in the
County of Middlefex within fix Weeks after his Dif-
charge.
He was a very good Skater, and made a Pradlice
of robbing People on the Ice between Fulham and
KiHgfton-Bridge, in the great Froft, 1689, which
held thirteen Weeks. He ufed to kick up their
Heels, and then fearch their Pocketi.
One Time a Gentleman whom he ftopp'd gave
A General H i s t o r y of
him a fine Silk Purfe full of Counters, \\1-.
took for Gold, and fo did not examine them
came to his Inn at Night. When he found i,
outwitted, he wade no Words of it, but^f
Brafs Booty in his Pocket, looking out free
for his Benefaftor, whom he knew to be of;eii •
Road. At the End of about four Months, )
his Worfhip again on BagJIict-Eeath, when
up to the Coach, Sir, fiys he, J helie-ve your,
Mifake the laft Time 1 had the Hufpinefs to /
tn gi-ving me thefe Pieces ; I have been trouble
fi'tce for fear you fijould have tvanted tkem at
and am glad of this Oppoi tunity to return them .
/or my Care I require you to come this Mome
(if your Coach and gi-ve me your Breeches,
may fearch them at Leifure, and not truft at
to your Generofty, lefi you Jhould miflake
T he Gentleman was obliged to comply by a
and Simp/on found at Night that the Frei'ghl
Breeches, wasa Gold Waicb, a Gold Snuff-Bc
a Purfe, containing ninety eight Guineas a
yacobus's.
Another Time he robb'd the Lord Dela> 1 1:
Dunmoor-Heath of three hundred and fifty G
perfwading his Lordfhip firft to fend away
Attendants on a fl'.am Pretence of two Highv i
that were juft before, and had robb'd him i
Pounds. This Adlion made his Lordfhip
never to do a good-natured Deed again to j 1
ger.
The Robberies he committed on Drovers,
Market-People, ks'c. were aimoft: innumerabi
ftopp'd in one Day nineteen of thofe People I
London and Barnet, and look from them ab(
hundred Pounds. He even ventured to att
Duke of Berivick, natural Son to King fa
Second, and take from him his Watch, Rin
Money, amounting in all to a great Value.
This great Malefaftor was at laft apprehenc
Ji^on, by Means of two Captains of the Foot-*
whom he attempted to rob both together,
was an obftinate Fight between them, and iii
behaved himfelf with fo much Bravery, tha in
Probability, he had not been taken, if on( \
Officers had not ftiot his Horfe under him, thi j."
was before that wounded in both his Arms I
of his Legs. Nay even when he was difmou f"
defended himfelf till other Paffengers came \
fecurcd him, which his Adverfaries were fcai!'
to do, they being alfo both very much hurt. ^
he was fent to Neiugate he now found the K x
much his Friend as to receive him, neither B
burn this Time refufe to bear his Burden, f
hang'd on Wednejday the eighth of Septembtr, i^^
aged thirty two Years.
31v
'k
Pyrates, Highwaymen) Murdersrsy 5Cc.
301
!n;
The LIFE of MOLL JONES.
J RY" J O NE S Wit born in Chancery
Lane, where her Parents lived in a great
deal of Credit. She was brought up to the
king Hoods and Scarves at the Neiv- Exchange in
Strand. She married an Apprentice, whom (he
cd extremely, and whofe Extravagancies were
jght to be the iirft Occafion of her taking to a dif-
1^ neft Courfe ef Life ; for as he was not in a Capa-
' to get any Money himfelf, ihe was willing to
any Thing in order to furnilh him with whatever
wanted ; being fond of having him always ap-
r like a Gentleman. The firll Species of thiev-
Ihe took to, was picking of Pockets.
)ne Day meeting, near Rofamand's-PonJ, in St.
a«'s Park, with one IVIr. Price, a IVfiiliner, keep-
Shop in the fame Exchange in which (he was
i, Moll pretended to alk him feme Queftions fl-
it Mrs. Zouch, a Servant of his, who tiad mur.
'd her Ballard-Child ; whereupon he pull'd out a
I Trumpet, which he ufuaily carry 'd in his Poe-
to hold to his Ear, being fo very deaf that he
Id not hear otherwife. Whilll he was earneftly
rkening to what Moll faid to him thro' this Ve-
le,Dlhe pick'd a Purfe out of his Breeches, in which
re fifteen Guineas and a Broad Piece. Mr. Price
er mifs'd it, till he came home, and then where
find her he could not tell.
Shortly after this, (he was apprehended for picking
: Pocket of one Mr. Jacob Delafay, a Jeiu, who
s Chocolate-maker to King James II. and King
lliam III. and lived over-againft York- Buildings
the Strand. For this Faft ffie was committed to
•wgate, and burnt in the Hand ; which Punifhment
icing her out of conceit with the Trade oi Diving
Filing, (he turn'd Shop-lifter, in which fhe was
ry fuccefsful for three or four Years ; at the End
which, privatly ftealing half a dozen Pair of Silk
wkings from Mr. Wanfel, a Hofier in Extter-
ange, (he was detefted in her \^ry committing
: Theft, by one Smith a Viftualler, at the Rsje
>d Croivn Ale-houfe over-againft the little Sa--ooy-
fite in the Strand, who was buying a Pair of Stoc-
Ings there at the fame Time. This Smith being a
'inllable, (eized her, and carrying her before Juftice
■ydai, he committed her to Ne^vgate, after which
.; was burnt in the Hand again.
Once more Moll obtaining her Liberty, (he was
olv'd to be reveng'd on S>Jtith the Conllable, at
lofe Houfe (he had (pent a pretty de.1l of Money,
if difcovering her in thieving ; therefore knowing
li \ idlualler to be very vain-glorious, as well as
vctous, ufuaily boafting of his Friends in the Coun-
', and his Wealth at home, (he found thereby that
had feme Relations about Ludlow, in the Con-
es of Sbropjhire and Hereford/hire, which gave
ogue
r Opportunity to put this Trick upon him.
In a Summer Evening, fomerhing late, a R.^—
her Acquaintance, booted and fpurr'd, with a
'or(e in his Hand, and cov.-,red with Duft, came a-
77
long the Strand, and very folicitoufly and haftily en^
quired out for Mr Smith, and by his Neighbours
was informed which was his Houfe. The Fellow
follow'd their Direftion ; yet like an ignorant Coun-
tryman that dared not to go one Step without new
Direftions in the Wood of this great Town, he kept
the fame gaping Enquiry in his Country Tone, where
Mr. Smith dwelt. The People thought the Fellow
Mad ; but it prepared Mr. Smith, with very great
Solemnity, to receive this impoitanate Vifitant. Be-
ing come to his Door, he with Ibme earneftnefs and
elevation of Voice, demands which is his Houfe?
Smith gravely anfwer'd beyond the Queftion, / am
the Ma ft er, for vjant of a better : What huould jou
pleafe to have 'with me ?
Our Impollor, upon this, tells him, That if he
be the Gentleman, he hath fome News out of the
Country, which moll nearly concerns him, having
come on purpofe to be the firft MefTenger of fucn
glad Tidings. Pray, Sir, come in, quoth Smith, you
are very heartily welcome ; pray how do all our
Friends in the Country ? Very well, gueth the Rogue,
except your Uncle that is dead ; who we hope is
baft of all. A little before his Death, he made his
Will, and. Sir, hath made you his Heir, and left
you all his perfonal Eftate befides, fave a few Le-
gacies. To-Day he is to be bury'd by fome of his
Kindred ; but before I came awav, knowing my
deceafed Mailer your Uncle's Mind, I took an In-
ventory of all the Goods, and lock'd up all his
Bonds and other Writings, and the Money ar.d
Plate, in one of the great Cheils, and have broug;:c
the Key along with me, which I here prefent you
with.
To have feen the perplexed Looks of this Ale-
Draper, which he labour'd to frame to a Ceunte-
nance of Grief, (but could not for his more pre-
valent Joys which vifibly appear'd) would have made
a Man fplit his Sides with lataghing. At length, af-
ter a deep Sigh, and a kw Fjaculations on the Cer-
tainty of Death, he unriddled his Face, and very
heartily welcom'd the Fellow, brought him into his
Kitchen, and cramm'd his Guts with good Vidluals
and Drink, commanding his Wife te make him what
Cheer (he could, fince there was no recalling the
Dead, though he was a dear Uncle, and the veiy
beft of Friends.
During this Preparation, the Fellow (lands at
fome Dillance, plucks off his Hat, and fo keeps it,
and much ado there was to perfuade him to be co-
ver'd ; then he defired his new Mailer's Favour,
that he might continue the BaililFand Steward of
his Lands ; to which Smith readily alTentsd, fore-
praifiDg his Honeily and Faithfulnefs. After Si;ppcr,
they refum'd the Difcourfe, with which Smith was
much delighted. Then they began to confider of
their Journey, the Expedition whereof thij Fellow
very much urged in Regard of thofe poor Kin.
dred of his Uncle's, who, no doubt, would make
4. H Havock
^01
H.ivock of thofe Goods which where left about the
lloufe, and perchance might venture upon the Locks,
and feize the reft ; whereupon all Hafte was ufed
to begin the Journey ; but Smith would not dif-
gracchimfelf among his Kindred, and therefore would
iby till he had provided himfelf and his Wife
with new Mourning Cloaths, and Things fuitable
to his new Fortunes, with a black Suit and Cloak
for the Man, who was to attend them into the
Country, and bring them to this Inheritance.
When thefc were ready, they fet forward, the
Vidlualler having difcharged his Man's Horfe-Hire,
and other Expences, befides Diet and Lodging, du-
ring his Stay in London. Upon the Road he was
very officioufly waited upon by this new Servant
the firft four Days Journey, lodging the laft Night,
as this fmpollor faid, within ten Miles of the Place
whither they were to go : But early in the Morning
up gets the Spark, f^dlcs his Horfe with the Port-
manteaH and his Mourning in it, and away be gal-
lops by another Road, leaving his Mailer to find out
the Utopia of his great Windfall ; who arifing, and
milTing his Guide and Servant, that was loft beyond
all Enquiry, began to fufpeft the Cheat ; yet Co-
vetOHfnefi prevailing againft Reafon, he rcfolv'd to
purfue the Adventure ; and having the Town in
Mind, which he was inform'd was no farther than
ten Miles off, he rode thither, where he could hear
of no fuch Man, nor no fuch Matter.
Vex'd, and yet afham'd to enquire any farther,
©r to make a Difcovery of his own Folly, poor Nick
A General History of
\
and Frotb and his Doxy turn'd their Horfes Her
and forowfully departed, curfing the Hour d
ever faw this cheating Rogue ; and to add to tir
Misfortunes, their Money was drawn very low i,
that they were forced to make long Journies <|
fliort Meals in their Way homewards . and at I
to keep themfelves, were fain to part with tir
Horles at St. Alban's, whom their had Travel i
harder Feeding had brought down to a Third olic
Price they coft them in London. After this on F t
weary'd and wafted with Vexation, they at 'L
arriv'd at London, and in the Evening crept
their Houfe to avoid the Laughter of their Ne
bours, among whom, before their fetting out, i
had nois'd their fudden Wealth ; the Defeat wh
of at length coming to their Knowledge, n
was poor Man fo flouted and jeet'd as he vvfn
many Years after.
But Mo// did not very long outlive this Piect,
Revenge ; for ftill following the Art and My
of Shoplifting, (he was apprehended for priv;;
ftealinga Piece of Sattin out of a Mercer's !
on Liidgate Hill, whither fho went in a very fpl«
Equipage, and perfonated the late Dutchefs of
folk, to avoid Sufpicion of her Dilhonefty ; bu
greacelefe Grace being fent to Newgate, and
dcmn'd for her Life at the Old Bailey, fhe
hang'd at Tyburn in the Twenty fifth Year of
Age, on Friday the Eighteenth Day of Decet.
in the Year 1691.
I
The LIFE of TOM TAYLOR.
AT the 'fame Time with Moll Jones was exe-
cuted Tom Taylor, a I^rfon's Son, born at
Colechejier in EJJex ; who accuftoming him-
felf to Gaming from twelve Years of Age, was fo
eddi£led to Idlenefs, that he would not be brought
up to any honeft Employment. Fathermore, re-
je^ng the good Counfel of his Parents, and join-
ing himfelf to bad Company, he foon got into a
Gang of Pickpockets, with whom he often went out
to learn their evil Profeffion, and find the ready Way
to the Gallows. Going once, with three or four of
thefe Diving Sparks, to Guildftrd, a Market Town
in Surrey, where there was iie«t Day a Fair to be
kept, fearing to be difcover'd in that Concourfe of
fo many People, they refolv'd to do their Bufmefs
that very Evening, when the People were very bufy
in fitting "up their Stalls, and fome little Trading
was ftirring befides. Their firft Confultktion was
how to draw the Folks together to make one Jobb
of it, which was agreed on in this Manner. Tom
Taylor pretended to be an ignorant Clown, got his
Mead into the Pillory, which was elevated near the
Market-Houfe, as if he had only a Mind to be laugh-
ed at. The Noife thereof cauiing the whole Town
to run together to fee this Speftacle, his Compa-
aion» fo ply'd their Work, while the People gaz'd,
laugh'd, and ftar'd, that they left but few of them
any Money in their Poctaets. Nay, the very Ksep-
9r of the Pillory, who was 8s well plcjii'd a; tjiii
cnrious Sight as any Body, was fcrv'd in the
Manner with the reft.
Tom feeing the Work was done, and havingi
Sign given him that his Comrades were dcpar
came down from his Wooden Machine ; wherei
the Company difpers'd themfelves. A little '
after, fome of them clapping their Hands into
Pockets, they cry 'd out with one Voice, that
Pockets were pick'd, while in the Confufion
flunk away to his Companions, who were ou
the ^Reach of Apprehenfion.
At laft, Taylor being pretty expert at pick!
Pockets, he fet ap for himfelf; and one Day
to the Playhoufe in Drury-Lane, very well d:
he feated himfelf by a Gentleman in the Pit, wi
Pocket he pick'd of aboat forty Guineas, and w
clean ofP. This good Succefc tempted Tcm ti
tfcither the next Day, in a different Suit of CI
when perceiving the fame Gentleman in the
whofe Pocket he had pick'd but the Day before
takes his Seat by him again. The Gentleman
fo iharp, as to know his Face again, for all
Change of Apparel, though he feem'd to take
Notice of him ; whereupon putting a great QuJ
ty of Guineas into the Pocket next Tom, it was
long before he fell to diving for them. TheGi
man had few'd Filhing Hooks all round the Mi
of that Pock«t, and our Gudgeon \'cn{uring too d
by unconfcionably plunging down to the very '.
\
I
PyrOtesy Highvoaymerjy Murderersy &c.
IB, his Hand was caught, and held fo faft, that he
iilJ no manner of Way difentangle it.
•Tarn angled np and down in the Pocket for near a
iirter of an Hour, the Gentleman all the While
;Iing his ftruggling to get his Hand out, took no
otice, tili at laft Tom Tcrjr cooteoufly pulling off
i Hat, quoth he. Sir, by a Mijiakt, I haiit fomc-
iy 'put my Hand into your Pocket, injiiad of my
:r.. The Gentleman, without making any Noife,
Dfe and went to the Rofe Tavtrn, at the Corner of
'idget-jlriet, and Tom along with him, with his
and in his Pocket, where it remained till he had
■xi for fome of his Croniei, who paid down
ghty Guineas to get the Gudgeon out of this dry
l!nd.
i,f However, the Gentleman boing not altogether
ntented with this doable Satisfaftion for his Loft,
moll unmercifully caned him ; and then turning
m over to the Mob, they as unmercifully pump'd
m, and duck'd him in a Horfe-Pond, and after that
cruelly us'd him, that they broke one of hi« Legs
d an Arm.
lorn meeting with fuch bad Ufage in hit firft fet-
ig up for himfelf, he was fo much out of Conceit
th the Trade of picking Pockets, that he left it
iteofF, and follow'd Houfe-breaking ; in which
md of Villany he was fo notorious, that he had
ramitted above fixty Felonies and Burglaries only in
: County o( MidJle/ex, in lefs than fourteen Months.
'. reign'd eight Years in his Crimes ; but at length
ting a Barn on Fire betwixt Brentford aiiA Aujiirly,
ittle Village lying about a Mile North from that
Dwn, while the Servants came from the Dwelling
3ufe to quenck it, he ran ep into a Chamber, pre-
iding to help to preferve the Goods, but ran a-
ly with a Trunk, in which waJ a great deal of
«e, and an Hundred and forty Pounds in Mo-
y. He was apprehended before te got to Ham-
rfmitb, where being carry'd before a Magiftrate,
he was committed to Ke-Mgate s fLtid receiving Sen-
tence of Death at the Old Eaily; wh&n 1:bont
Twenty nine Years of Age : He was hans'd at Ty-
burn on Friday the eighteenth Day of December, in
the Year 1691, as before mention'd. Where be
faid he had been addided to Swearing, Drunkcnnefs,
Whoredom, all all other Sins whatever, . exccotintr
Murder. ^ ^
On the fame Day, befides thefe Two, fuffcr'd,
1 . One William Horfey, for the horrid Murder of
two Men, one of whi«h was his particular Friend ;
2. William Smith, a Vintner, for Felony ; 3. Marv
Molte, for the barbarous Murder of her Male Baftard
Child, by putting it up in a Baiket, and e.xpofing it
in a Gutter, till'd it wai ftarv'd ; 4. John Barret, a
Furrier's Son, who was put Apprentice to a Clothier,
but ferving only four Years of his Time, and getting
into bad Company, he committed a Burglary, which
brought him to thij Qiameful Death : 5. Vf'ilUam
Good, for robbing a Gentleman in Hackney Fields of
a Silv-cr-hilted Sword, a Gold Watch, and twenty
eight Guineas ; 6. Richard Johnfon, for committing
feveral moft notorious Robbwies in and about the
Cities of London and Wejimmfter, and other Places
in the County of Middlesex ; 7. Mne Miller, for
Felony and Burglary ; 8. and 9. Edward Booth, and
Humphrey Malice, the laft of whom was a Gardener
at Weftminfter, for robbing a Gentleman in Cbelfea-
Fields of a Silver SnulF Box, a Gold W«tch, a Peri-
wig, a Beaver-Hat, d Pair of Stone Buckles fet in
Silver, and Twenty four Shillings in Money. 10.
A Glazier liviKg in Exeter-firtet, fot committing fe-
veral notorious Robberies on the Highway, to the
great Aftonifhraent of all his Neighbours, araono-
whom he feem'd to carry a very civil and honell
Correfpondence, and devoutly exclaim'd agp.inft all
Manner of Vice ; but as the old Proverb is, The Jlill
S01U drinks all the Draught.
'he LIFE of JACK WITHRINGTON.
rH I S Fellow was the youngeft of five Bro-
thers, who were all born at Blandford in
Dorfetjbire. The Other four were all hang'd
the Country, for which Reafon they mull remain
. Obfcurity ; but Jack had the good Fortune to be
ferv'd for Tyburn, and by that Means to have his
lame tranfmitted to Poilerity. He was bound to a
anner in Shaftjbury, a TowH in his native Country,
ith whom he ferved about three Years : For being
if an afpiring Mind, and thinking himfelf above
ly mechanical Drudgery, he fcorn'd to be confined
'jy longer, and like many Others, whom wc have
lentioned, chofe rather to expofe himfelf to the
. ide World, than receive a Maintenance for feven
Jean as the Reward of his Fidelity.
i After his Elopement, he enter'd into the Earl of
hford's Regiment of Horfe, in which when Man-
'.uth'i Rebellion was fuppreii'd in the Weft oi Eng-
-"''\ he Ganit up to London, where he foonmct
with Opportunities of difcovering his Valour to the
World. Thefe Occafions were two Quarrels in which
he was engaged : The firft with a Man famous for
Fighting, againft whom he behav'd with ib much
Bravery and Skill, that it won him a vail Reputa-
tion : The fecond with a Perfon of great Eftate, but
a noted Coward, when he fhew'd himfelf a Gentle-
man by his Adlietence to the Point of Honour and
good Breeding. It mall be confel's'd, that to a
Thinking Man, a Charafter founded upon fuch Ex-
cellencies as thefe mull appear ridiculous ; but as
'tis quite otherwife with Refpefl to the faftiionable
Part of Mankind, we need not wonder that With-
rir.gton by thefe Duels won abundance of Applaufe,
fo as thereby to contradl a Familiarity with all the
greateA Fighting Men of the Time, efpecially thofe
in his own Regiment, and, what is the Confequence
«f the other, with all the noted Ladies of Pleafure,
Vho, though ID ^her Cafes they are ahogejhsr me--
cer.ar;,-,
504
cenary, think themfelves obliged to be kind to Men
of Bravery, there ftill fubfifting a Sort of ^ixoiifrn
among thofe People.
Withrington however carry'd hii Manhood fo far,
as to get himfclf turn'd out of the Regiment within
a Year after, for challenging his Captain. He then
became a perfeft Bully and Gamefter ; and, being
fortunate, in a little Time by thefe Means faw him-
felf Mafter of a confiderable Sum of Money. Not-
withftanding all this good Luck at firft, he found him-
felf afterwards fubjeft to the Fate of Gametteri, 'vix.
to be frequently without Money in Spite of his large
Winnings.
This brought him at laft to confider the Uncer-
tainty of Fortune, and endeavour to make himfelf
Mafter of her, by fupplying with Fraud, what he
might want in plain open Skill. But this neither
did not continue long ; for every one began to be
aware of him, as of a common Sharper, and none
that knew him would venture to play with him.
In the common Scale of Knavsry, the next Step
above a Sharper is a downright Thief. Witherington
made bold to afcend this Degree, and was refolv'd
to take the moft honourable Station thereon, that of
a Highwayman. He had Money enough to buy him
a gsod Horfe, and Accoutrements, fo that the Re-
folution and tha real Attempt were not long afunder.
His firft Adventure was with a Farmer, from whom
he took Forty Founds, giving him in Return only
»he following Harangue, occalion'd by the Country-
man's reproaching him with the Robbery.
And prithee Friend, fays he, nuho is there neiu a-
dayj that does not rob ? The Taylor Jieals by cutting
tut the Cloth double for his Cuftomer s Breeches ; the
Surgeon by prolonging a Cure ; the Apothecary hy his
quid pro quo, •without any Regard to the Conjlilution
of his Patient ; the Merchant by his Change-Alley
Outcries, 'which enable him tt raife and fall the Sfcks
at his Pleafure : The Notary Publick gets a ivhcle
Lordjhip at once, onct by an Sec. The rois us by
impofing on our Credulity ; the Lanvyer by erjery thing
he does. In a Word, the Grocer ufes fatfe Weights ;
the Vintner adulterates his Wine ; the Butcher blo'ws
up his Meat ; the VidualUr dra'ws in Jhort Meafures ;
the Cook roajls his Meat fwice ; and, t» fum up all,
the Bakers, and you Farmers, giving him a Stroke a-
crofs the Shoulders with his Whip, you cheat us by
mutually complaining againjl one another, and raifing
the Price of Bread in a Time of Plenty. Nonv I pro-
fefs Tra'velling ; and' 'why Jhould not I ha've the Li-
berty to d» in my Way of Trade as all others do in
theirs, by flopping noiv and then a Man on the Road,
and taking 'what he has.
We may fuppofe the Farmer was not much edify'd
by this Difcourfe, becaufe he gave the Orator no
Thanks, and feem'd willing to get away at foon as
he could.
The next that fell in Withrington\ Way, whom
we have an Account of, was Mr. Edward Clark,
Gentleman Uflier to the Dutchefs of Mazarine.
They met in Devon/hire, in the Road between
Chudleigh and AJhburton. Mr. Clark made fome Re-
fiftancB, fo that in the Scuffle Withrington'' % Mafque
fell off, and difcorer'd his Face, which Mr. Clark
knowing, he called him by his Name, and faid h«
hoped he would net rob in old Acquaintance. In-
deed I ftall. Sir, quoth Withrington, for you get
your Money much eafier than I do, 'who am forced to
vlAture my Life for a Maintenance ;you ha've fo much
a Year for eating, drinking, and entertaing your Lady
nuith Scandal aud Ntnfenfe. What I pall take from
you "will do you little Harm ; 'tis only putting a higher
Price upon half a fcore 'Reputations, luhich you kno-vi
A General History of
hoiv io do as ivell as any Coxcomb in Enc»!gn({. Lc
dies ne'ver let fuch faithful Seruants go uureixardu
nor <wi 11 yours fuffer your Lofs to Jail on your ft If. H'
got about ?ight Guineas out oi this Geiit!eman'>'i
docket, and far old Acquaintance Sake bid him Gos\
bWv ye very heartily. ,
Withrington^ Robberies in lefs than a Year and '
half were talk'd of almoltall over the Kingdom. Bi
alas! he met with a Diverfion, eommon to Mar
kind, that draws e»en the moit ilupid into the Ran
of polite Perfons. The poor Man was in Love
and with whom but a rich Widow Innkeeper in Br
fol? Farewel to the Highway ; Withrington has ;
nother Scent to purfue. No more Robberies to 1
thought of from a Man who was himfelf robb'J ofh
Heart! He employ 'd an old Bawd in the AfFai
who was intimately acquainted with our Horteis, ar
by this Fleih Broker's Mediation Things had like
have come to an Iffije, and fad to have been M
fler of the S^uan-Inn. In fhort, there was nothii
prevented it but the accidental coming of a certa
Gentleman, who knew our Highwayman, and i
forra'd his Miilrefs what he w::S. The Effeifls of tl
Difcovery were fad's being kick'd out of Doors 1
the HolVler and Chamberlain, and the Commitrnt
of Madam the Negotiatrefs to Bride'well, in ore
to mill Dolly.
Withrington carry'd it off as well as he cou
though all his Acquaintance perceiv'd he was afl
ally in Love. He abl'olutely deny'd it. Why t)
did you not rob your Landlady according to Cuftti.
faid they, Becaufe, faid ht, / chofe rather to i
her of Htrfclf and of all Jhe had at once, than to
Thiigs by Halves : Curfe on my Stars, that I he
not fucceeded. He would tiien pretend that wi
Cupid Ihot him,
-^— He took his Stand
Upon the 14 idon.vs Jointure- Land i i
and that 'twas not the Woman but her Wealth t-
he was in Love with. However for fome Time th
was as much Akeration in his Behaviour, as Dryi
has defcribed in that of Cymon, when he became e
mour'd of Iphigenia ; before which that excel!
Poet gives us thii Pidure of him.
A cUivniJh Mien, a Voice 'with ruflic Sound,
And jiupid Eyes that e'ver loi/'d the Ground.
His Corn and Cattle 'were his only Cure,
And his fupreme Delight a Country Fair.
His farter-Staff, I'.hich he could ne'er forfake, \
Hung half before, and half behind his Back : '■
He trudgd along, unhwwing 'what he fought.
And ivhijllid as he 'went ftr ivant of Thought.
But when he had beheld the fair One thatcsp
vatcd his Soul, then
I
ha've , Jiudious ho'w topleafc, impro'v'd his Parts. {
With polijh'd Manners, and adorn d ivith Arts ; I
Awaked the feepy Vigor of his Soul ; I
And hrujhing o'er, ga've Motion to the Pool ;
To liberal Arts inctind the narro'w- fouled,
Soften'd the fierce, and made the Co'ward bold.
It was juft the fame Thing with Withrington,*
Regard to his Morals; for he had even a Mine J
turn honett, and never offend againll the Laws f
Hofpitality and mutual Forbearance ag.i;n while:
liv'd: But pinching Want, and a Profprd ofnotlj
but Mifery, ruin'd thefe good Beginnings, and turi
the whol« Scream of hit Mind back into the fonir
Ch3i;I
PyrateSf Highwaymen ^ Murderers, d>ic, 305
hannci, from whence it never afterwards was di- the Cart to (lop ; and calling up the Sheriff's Ce-
„j ' P"ty» 'S'"', faid he, / (ywe a /mall Maltir at the
After his Return lo the Highway, he, and one Three Cups, a little Jurthcr, for 'which I am a-
his Companions, met with Mr. Thampfon, a noted fraid of being arrejled as I go by the Dear; tbere-
aylor, in a Pare of Hirlfordjhire that was conve- fore I fiall be much obliged to you, if you ivill ke
ent for robbing. They took from him about 30 pleafed to carry me do-wn Shoe- Lane, and bring tne
junds in Silver, and then difmounting him, they up Drury-Lanc again into the Road by -u.hi.h I em
to travel this de'vilija long fourney. 1 ne xJeputy
inform'd him, that if fucn a iVii:chance (hould
der'd him to Hay where he was till they brought
m more Company. As foon as they were gone
om him, he remounted his Horfe, and attempted
ride off as faft as he could. But our Highway-
en perceiving what he was at, having the beft
orfcs, they fetch'd him back, and niiftrulUrg he
id more Money, by his being in fo much Halle,
ey feirch'd him afrefb, he protefting allfthe while,
,ac he had not fo much as a Farthing left if it were
I fave his Soul. In a literal Senfe he might be
ght ; but they made a fliift to find Forty Guineas,
ihich they thought better than Farthings. With-
\Hgton upon this exclaim'd, That^twas a fadlhing
\ I'at one ChriJIian could not belie-ve another! They
•ii ;ien fliot his Herfe, to put a Stop to his Speed,
"T id fo rode away and left him.
■ ; In CoBJuTiflion with the fame Accomplice, he
t bp'd a Gentleman and his Wife both on one Horfe,
i :twixt St. Albani ard Dunftable. They very
'Jibmiilively crav'd Bentvolence, which not being
'M'adily granted, they (hot the Horfe, and fwore,
'iS hat if they could hai'e no Money, they luould ha've
\ 'leK'oman. This they perform'd by taking Madam
*i ide into an adjacent Coppice, and each of them
||l:ling his Pleafure with her, while the other ftood
■Wientincl over the Hulhand. When they had done,
I'ley riil'd the Gentleman of eleven Guineas, telling
J' im, Tiut was no wore than their juj} PVages, far
i ■ rf arming his Drudgery, and tkey vjould be paid
tj , ir ixihat they had done.
It 'I'he lint Robbery Wilhrington committed was a-
,me. He llopp'd a Nobleman on Hounjlow-Hiatb
ttended by two Footmen. There was a (liort Dil-
ute ; but If'ii'jringtoH having the beft of it, he took a
ortminteiiu, ni wljich was Two Hundred and Eighty
luineas. Sixty PounJs in Silver, and a Kircel of
tte Linnen. A Hue and Cry was foon iiTued out
fter him, and he was apprehended by Means of it
t Malmjbury in Wiltjhire, from whence he was rc-
iiov'd to London, where he was condemn'd for
hit Faft.
The Sentence of Death feem'd to have no EfFeft
'n his Temper, for he was as gay and humourous
inder that Circumllance as ever he had been before.
Vhen he was riding up Holborn Hill, he order 'd
P-
pen, he (hould rwnc .0 no Dunage ; Jor, lays he,
I'll be Bail for fou my/elf, rather than you Ihatl
go back to Prifon again. 'Thank you heartily, iir,
quoth fuck, I prole/i, I could not ha-ve thought that
I had a Friend im the iVorld, 'who luould hai/c Jlocd
by me fo in fuch a Time of Need. After tiuj lie
rode very contentedly to tiie Pl.ice of Executjon,
where he wai tuck'd up with as little Ceremciy st
ufual. This fatal Day was fiednefaay the (irlt of
Jpril, in the Year 1691.
The Night before hit Execution, he writ the fol-
lowing iTiort Letter to a Friend in Dorfetjhirt.
Dear Tom,
AS I 'uirf much ^uejiion ixhether or no you ttisy
fee any Neivs-Papers in the Place 'where you
h-ve, 1 think it highly neccffary lo fend you Word by
Letter, that I am to be hangd to-morroiu ; other -
luife you may lofe ytur old Correfpondent, and ne-vtr
knovj the Reaj'on tf it. 1 don't believe you 11 be
much furpriz'd at thefe Tidings , becaufe you hwje oj-
ten told me 't-.vas "juhat I muji come to ; as to my
own Part, I ha'Ut a thoufaud times confeffed, that I
expeiled it.
But J fend you this as a Secret, and as to my Friend
and Confident ; for though 'tis my Fate to be taken
out of the Wot Id in goad Health, there's no Need
for all the Country la hiovj it. No, no, i'oin, p> i-
tfee take Care of my F:r^ptttution 'when I am gone, and
don't Itt me be abus'd bt iilar.derers ; for as big a
Rogue as I haiie been, I helitve there are I'ome ii'jper,
'who ha-vt nexerthtlefs left good Names behind tuem ;
and nvbat need a Man lutjh for more ¥
lam apt to think they II be fo Ulnatur'd in the
tther World, as ne'ver t» let ml fend to thee front
thence, becauTe iiv hanie nfjer ht'd a Line ffi- anv
ant of my Brothers. But if a Body can't do a Thing,
one ear. t. I don't knoiu 'what to fay mare, unlefs
it be, that I Jhould be 'very glad if I ivas along 'with
you in Dorfecihite.
Yours, Sec,
J. Withrington.
5-8
4I
The
3o6
A General History of
The LIFE of TOM COX.
T HO MAS COX was bom at Blandfard
in Dirfetjhire. He was ths youngeft Son
of a Gentleman, fo that having but a fmall
Patrimony, he foon confumed it in riotous Living.
Upon the Decay of his Fortune he came up to Lon-
don, where he fell in with a Gang of Highwaymen,
and eafily comply'd with their Meafures, in order
to fupport himfelf in his dilTolute Courfe of Life.
He was three Times try 'd for his Life, before the
laft fatal Tryal ; and had, after all thefe Imputati-
ons, a Profpeft once more of making himfelf a Gen-
tleman, fo indulgent was Providence to him. A
young Lady fell in Love with him at Worcefter, he
being a very handfome Man, and (he went fo far as
to communicate her Paffion, and almoft make him a
direft Offer of herfelf and Fifteen Hundred Pounds.
Cox marry 'd her ; but, inftead of fettling himfelf in
the World, and improving her Fortune, he fpent it
all in lefs than two Years, broke the poor Gentle-
woman's Heart with his ill Ufage, and then took
to his old Courfes again.
The Robberies he committed after this were al-
moft innumerable : We fhall briefly mention a few,
without dwelling on Particulars that sre not mate-
rial. One Day he met with Killigrenu, who had
been Jefler to King Charles the Second, and order'd
him to deliver. Are you in Earneji, Friend? faid
the Buffoon. Tom reply'd. Yes, by G — d am I!
for though you li've by jejling, I can't. Killigreiu
found he fpoke Truth j for to well as he lov'd jett-
ing, he could not conceive that to be a Jeft which
coll him Twenty, five Guineas ; for fo much Tom
took from him.
Another Time he robb'd Mr. Hitchcock, an At-
torney of Neiv-Inn, of Three Hundred and fifty
Guineas, on the Road between Midhurft and Tet-
luorth in the County of 5«/7f.v, giving him in Re-
turn a LefTon on the Corruption of his Practice, and
throwing him a fingle Guinea to bear his Charges.
Mr. Hitchcock was a little furprized at the High-
wayman's Generofity, but more at his Morality,
imagining the World muft needs be near its End,
when the Devil undertook to reform it.
Mrs. Box, an infamous Bawd, living in Fountain-
Court, in the Strand, was another that fell into his
Hands. She had been at Litchfield to receive Fifty
Pounds, which was left her as a Legacy by a Sifter.
Cix made bold to eafe her of her Burden, and give
her a great many hard Words into the Bargain. He
told her of the Vilenefs of her ProfefSon, and that
'twas pure Envy made a Bawd. For, fays he, when
you have loft all your own Teeth, and are grown as
ugly as Imagination can figure, you decoy young
Women, and make them fubfcrvient to your Plea-
fure, that you may hurry them by Difeafes into
your own Condition. The old Haraiian, being ufed
to Scurrility, return'd his Compliments with others
of the fame Kind, which provoked Cox fo far, that
he mads her come out of the Coach, where fhe was
alone, and pull olF her Moutning-CIothes, t*l<-
her, That when fhe came home, fhe would h
much more Reafon to buy Mourning than at
Death of her Sifter ; becaufe by her Departure
of the World fhe had got fomething, but by j
Adventure fhe had loft it all again.
Tom Cox was as great a Libertine in his Se .
ments as he was in his Praftice, for he profellc i
Belief that the Summum Bonum of Man confiftec i
fenfual Pleafures, as Epicurus is faid to have thot
formerly, whofe Difciple he called himfelf 'T
common Thing to call Perfons Epicureans that
into thefe Notions, and I don't know whether i
Work of this Nature it may be worth while to pt
that the Word is falfely apply'd ; fince the Ida
all that we arc to regard. However, 'tis Pity j
curus, who was certainly a very good, as well a
very wife Man, fhould fuffer in the Opinions oft!
who may not have Opportunity to inform themfel
Let Epicurean fignify what it will, they are no 1
lowers of Epicurus who are not Lovers of Vir^
and who do not place their fupreme Happinefs in
moft e.xahed Pleafures of the Mind, as that gi
Philolbphcr certainly did.
Our Offender was at laft apprehended for a R
bery on the Highway, committed near Chard
Somcrfel/hire : But he had not been long conii
in Ilchejier Jail, before he found an Opportunity
efcaping. He broke out of his Ward into the Ke
er's Apartment, who, as good Luck would have
had been drunk over Night, and was now in a p
found Sleep. ' Fwas a Moonlight Night, and (
could fee a Silver- Tankard on t.'ie 'r.;ble in the Ro'
which he fecured, and tiien let hin-ifelf out with /
thority into the Street, by the Help of the Ke
leaving the Doors all uniock'd as he pafs'd. T
Tankard he had ftole was worth Ten Pounds; a
befides that he got into a Stable juft by, and tool
good Horfe, with proper Furniture, to carry h
off. This hk' looL'd upon as one of liis foriuii;
Nights, to get his Liberty, and." • ood Booty ii
the Bargain.
'Tis reported of Tom Q.v, that he more than on
robb'd Perfons of his own Tr,iJe. Indeed the
is an old Proverb, that tivo of a Trade can't agre .
but it jnuft certainly be a very dangerous Thing i
Highwaymen to make fo bold one with anotlie
becaufe every one of them is fo mueh expofed
the Revenge of the reft ; and as Cax fometim
robb'd in Company, it difcovers that he was n
an unfociable Thief. i
One Time in particular he had Accomplice
when he formed a ProjeiSt of robbing a Noblema
well attended, who was travelling the Kingdor
7o»i affociated himfelf with this Nobleman on tl
Road, and talk'd to him as they paffed along of tl
Adventures he had met with, in fuch an agreeab
Manner as gave a great deal of Pleafure. They h;
not rid many Miles togtther, before two of Tom
Companioi
Pyrates, Highway fHefi^ Murderersy 5cc.
bompanions came iip and bid them ftand ; but im-
nediately fled upon Tow's pulling out a Piftol, and
naking a little Blufter. The Nobleman attributed
lis Delivery to the Generofity and Bravery of this
'lew Companion, putting Hill more Confidence in
lim, and defiring his Company as long as poffible.
rhe'y were to Itay a whole Day at the next great
"own, in order to take a Ride round the Country,
nd fee what was to be feen, according to the Cuftom
;hich this noble Friend of Tom's, had praftifed all
he Way. In the Morning the Saddle Horfes were
lot ready, and our two Fellow-Travcllers fet out
or the Tour of the Day, the Perfon of Quality re-
jfing to take a Footman with him as ufual, that he
light the more freely converfe with his new Ac-
uaintance.
We ihall not trouble the Reader with what they
.u' on the Way, and how much they were pleafcd,
scaule that is little to our Story. About Noon
ley came to a convenient Place, when Cox fuddenly
irew off the Mafque, and commanded his Com-
inion to deliver his iVIoney. Why ay, fuch a thing
■ght be done here, for 'tis a devitijh lonefome Coun-
\ ; but I can fear »» Danger luhile you are "with
r ; sou, ivhofe Courage I have fo lately experienced,
ys the Nobleman, not imagining but Cox had bsen
1 this Time mimicking the Adventure of the pre-
ding Day, 5iuh a thing might be done ? Why, in
I Name of Satan, I hope you don't think I ha've
tt you Company all this Time to play ivith you at
11 ; if you do. Sir, let me tell you, you are damnei-
! miftaken. With that he puU'd out a Piilol, and
• sfented to his Breaft, A^eiring and curfing like a
adman, till he had given fuiEcient Proof that he
IS in Earned. Fill'd with Aftonilhment and Con-
ion, our Nobleman deliver'd a Diamond Ring, a
sld Watch, and near an Hundred Gumeas in Mo-
)', ftaring all the while in Toot's Face with as much
;adfallnefs as a PiiElure. To prevent a fudden Pur-
it, 1»m them difmounted his Companion, bound
him Hand and Foot, and kill'd his Horfe, according
to the Cultom of expericnc'd Highwayman ; taking
his Leave with a Sneer and G'o<!:/<5' "iv'jr, Felloiv
Tra-velter, till I meet yau again.
After this Tom Cox committed two other Robbe-
ries that were known. One of tliem was on a Gra-
fier, who had been at Smithfeld and receiv'd about
Three Hundred Pounds for Cattle, a great Part of
which was in Silver, and confequently made it pretty
bulky. When he had got the Money he fell to can-
ing the poor Sufferer in an unmerciful Manner ; wiio
delired to know the Reafon of fuch Ufaoe after he
had taken all. Sirrah, fays Tom, 'ti, for hading
my Horje at this Rate ; that you may rememler ano-
ther Time to get your Money changed into Gold be-
fore you come out of Toinn ; Jor -who the PUgue
muft he your Porter! We may reafonatl/ fuppofe
the Grafier chofe rather to pay for the Return of his
Money for the future, than carry fo much about
him.
Tow's laft Robbery was on a l-arirer, from whom
he took about Twenty Pounds. It was not above a
Week after the Faft before the faid Farmer came to
London about Bufinefs, and faw Tom come out of his
Lodgings in Effex Street in the Strand; where upon
crying out flop Thief, he was immediately appre-
hended in St. Clement'i Church-Yard, and com-
mitted by a neighbouring Magiflrate to Neawate,
where he lived till the SeiTions m an extravagant
Manner, being very full of A'loney. Receiving Sen-
tence of Death on the Farmer's Depofitionat J'«/?/Vf.
Hall, on Wednefday the third li.iv of June, \(:a\
he was hang'd at Tyburn, in tiie Twenty fi.\t;i Year
of his Age. He was ib refolute to the laft, tisat when
Mr. Smith the Ordinary afk'd him a icvj A4omenrr.
before he was turn'd off, whether he would join
with his Fellow Sufferers in Prayer ? D nyou.
No i fays he, and kick'd both Ordinary and Execu-
tioner out of the Cart.
The LIFE 0/ SIMON FLETCHER.
r
Jl-(1HIS Offender was a Son of a Baker m
Rofen: ry-Lane, to which Trade he ferv'd
^bout four Years with his Father j but hap-
ping feveral times to fall into bad Company, and
tng of a vicious Inclination, he was prevailed on,
*:hout much Difficulty, to run away from his Ser-
'ade, and enter with a Gang of Thieves. The
t ef Sort of Thieving at that 'lime was cutting off
bple's Purfes or Pockets, which was in Ufe long
lore the modern and more dextrous Pradice of
iking out the Money, and leaving the Cafe bc-
I'd. The latter, however, muft be allow'd to be
Cjy an Improvement of the former, and there-
'■; the Performances of any of our Pick-Pockets
tinot be faid to derogate from the Merit of thofe
• ntlemen of the laft Age ; for the Inventors of
' Sciences have generally beea look'd upon to
deferve a greater Share of Praife than they that
have brought thofe Sciences to Perfedion, becaufe
'tis much eafier to refine upon the Thought of
another Perfon, than to ftart any new Thought of our
own.
Simon Fletcher was look'd upon to be the greateft
Artift of his Age by all his Contemporaries of the
fame Trade ; which is the Reafon oi our Introdu-
cing him into this Place. There are fome particular
Stories of his Performances in this Kind, which might
be here inferted, if they did not feem to be rather
Inventions than Realities, for which Reafon we think
it proper to omit them. He was not lefs knowing
in all the other Parts of Roguery that were then in
Praflice, and 'tis afiirmed, that he was conftituted
Captain of all the Thieves in and about loWoa, by
general Confent. AH that we know more of him is,
that
3o8
A General Hi story of
f hat he was at lafl taken, committed to Ncwgati, and
hiiig'd at 7y^«r«. His Exit was in 1692, when he
was about fifty three Years of Age.
Having mention'd his tutting of Purfts, and be-
ing made Captain of the Thieves, no Place can be
properer than this to give fome Account of thofc
V'v'ords ; we mean, to inform the Reader how cutting
of Purfes was perform'd, and what was the Office
and Authority of a Captain of the Thie'ves.
Tl^e Women of thofe Times wore their Pockets
more expot'd than they do at prefent, and 'twas
very common for the Men to carry their IVIoney in a
Purfe or Bag ty'd about their Middle, almoft in the
fame manner as the Women now tye their Pockets,
or as fome publick Officers carry their Purfes to this
Day on folemn Occafions ; the Ufe of Fobs and
Breeches Pockets not being then introduc'd, the Rea-
son of their Invention being perhaps only to prevent
the Rogueries that were then committed. Now the
Art ot thefe Fellows confifted in cutting off thofe
Purfes fo as not to be perceiv'd ; for which Purpofe
they haunted Fairs, Markets, Churches, and other
publick Places, that fo they might take Advantage
of the Throng. He who perform'd the Operation,
had alway another ftanding near him, to whom he
immediately gave the Purfe, and whofe Bufinefs it
was to make off as fall as he could, while the other
ilaid to brazen it out, if he were fufpedled, clear
himfelf, and prove his Accufcr a Lyar.
A Captain of Thieves is a Sort of abfolate Lord
over all thofe that put themfelves in Subjeftion to
iim. He has the Privilege to examine all Novices
that are juft enter'd, put them to Tryals of their
Skill, aik them Queftions relating to their Calling ;
and, finally, to alfign them fuch Provinces in the
Commonwealth of I'hieves as he thinks moll fuitabls
(o their Genius, to which they are obliged to keep
upon Forfeiture of their Honour- He has alway
Referveof the moll experienc'd and adive Fellc
whom he fends upon any fudden and diffic
Enterprizes, and who are always to be near .:
Perfon. No Man in the Fraternity mull forget 4
Point of Duty, or exceed the Bounds of his Cc ■
miffion, by meddling with another Man's Charge, •
attempting Things which he has been told arc ab( ;
his Capacity. 1 he ufual Time of Probation is abi
three Months, during which the young Initiate i:s
conllantly at his Exercife before the Captain, a [
Trooper's Horfe that is not broke is at the Rid '
School • He mull fcaie a Wai!, fnatch ott a Perriw '
Ileal a Watch, and do a hundred Things of 1 1
Kind.
When his Abilities have been fufficiently pre \
and the Captain has pronounc'd what he is fit \
he is conllantly to wait upon his Honour one 1
Week, and give an Account of his Aftions. At >
fame Time he is to pay a Dividend out of « t
he has gotten towards the Captain's Maintenai ,
who reprehends, or praifes him, according as his ^ -
ligence or Vigilance have deferv'd, and appoints s
Station for the enfuing Week. An Oath drawi [>
in the moll facred Terms is exafled of every M •
ber for the Security of the Society.
There are Punifhments aiEgn'd for thofe who il
in any of the abovemention'd Particulars : The H
Time, 'tis faid, they are abridg'd of Part of ( it
they have taken ; the fecond Time of a whole Wt s
Benefit!, and fo on to a Deprivation fometirnes ol c
or fix Months. Bu: the moll difgraceful Penan is
to be made a Spy or Follower to the rell for a cet a
Time. Thefe Punilhments have their defir'd Ei I,
and the whole Fraternity is kept in Order, bei I'e
if any Member were troublefome, the Captain w d
deliver him up to the common Law, and fee n
faiily hang'd.
The LIFE 0/ PATRICK FLEMMIN
PATRICK F LEMMING was a Native
of Ireland, and born at Athlone, which is re-
markably fituated in the Counties of EafI and
Weft Miatk, as well as in the Provinces of Z,//n/?fr
and Connaught. His Parents rented a Potato-Garden
•f about 1 5 s. per Annum, upon the Produce of which,
and the Increafe of their Geefe, Hens, Pigs, i^c.
they wholly depended for the Subfiftence of them-
felves and nine Children. They, and their whole
Family of Swine, Poultry, and Progeny, all took up
their Lodging at Night not only under the fame
Koof, bat in the fame Room ; according to the
Praflice of Abundance of their Country-People, who
build only for Neceffity, without any Idea of what
we call Beauty and Order. One may guefs from the
Circumflances of the Father, that the Son had fmall
Share of liberal Education, tho' he had the moll
Claim to it of any one of the Children, as he was the
cldell : But what he wanted in Acquirements was
suidc up with Impudsnee, a Qiudity which in molt
i«
HI'
ignorant People happily fills up their Void of K: *-
ledge.
When he was about thirteen Years of Ag< W
Countefs of Kildare took him into her ServiffliB
the Capacity of Footboy ; and finding him fo ulflJP
dellitute of Learning, (he was fo indulgent as t( ttf
him to School: But inftead of being grateful t(i«
Ladylhip in improving his Time to the bell Ac •"•
tage, he was entirely negligent, and difcover'no
Inclination to his Book. Her Lady admonilh'd il
frequently, but to no Purpofe ; for he grew natil
catelefi but infolent, till at lall, being found im
gible, he was dilcharged from the Family.
It was not long, however, before he was fof :a
nate as to get to be a Domeftick of the Earl of ^«
trim\ ; but here his Behaviour was worfe tha M
fore. He was a Scandal to the whole Family fo
the little Wit he had was altogether turned on .«
ehief: His Lord bore it a pretty while, nottlv
ftanding UiC repeated Complaints of his FcIlo««i'
ilti
Pyratesy High^wa^'me^y Murdercrsy 5Cc.
(ants, and took no Notice fo long as he could avoid
t J but at lail this Nobleman alio was obliged to
urn him out of Doors ; and this was the Occafion.
I'he Earl oi Jntrim was a Romem Catholic^, and
';ept a Priefl in the Houfe, as his Chaplain and Con-
efl'or, to whom every one of the Servants was re-
,|uir'd to pay great Refpeft. Patrick on Account
'if his Dilbrderiinefs was often reprov'd by this Gentle-
lan, and he receiv'd it very well till one Day he hap-
en'd to find the holy Father afleep in fome private
'art of tiie Houfe, in a very indecent Pollure;
liereiipon he went and got all the Family to that
lace, and fliew'd them what he had difcover'd as a
.evcnge upon the Parfon, who at that Inftant a-
.'.k'd. With Refpedt to the Servants this had the
dir'd EfFeft, and exposM the Priell to Ridicule:
ut the Earl, when he heard if, took the Part of his
liapiain, believ'd the Story a Slander, and immedi-
c!y gave Fkmming a Difcharge, as defir'd. Pa-
uk iound Means, however, before he entirely left
e Neighbourhood, to rob his Lordlhip of Money
id Plate to the Value of about Two hundred
junds, witi-i which he fled to Athenrea in the Pro-
nce ai C.snttaught.
He hid himfelf here in a little Hut that he found
r ten or twelve Days, till he imagin'd tlie Hue and
•y aftar liim might be over, and then made the bell
his Way to Dublin ; wliere he Toon enter'd into a
;ng of Houfe-breakers, and during the Space of
Years was concern'd in more Robberies than had
er before been committed in tnat City in the Me-
)ry of Man.
Wj.ile he continued in Dublin, he was twice in
' -Kr of being hang'd for his Offences, which were
^at as to make him the publick Subjcdl of Con-
don all over tiie City. He now perceiv'd he
. to be too well knoun to llay taere any longer
-.iiciy, and fo he retir'd into the Couttiy, and
' n'd Highwayman. The chief Place of his Haunt
bout tlic Bog of Alan, where he at;ack'd al-
'.11 tfiDt pafs'd that Way, of whatever Quality ;
.'U4 th.. ni, " That he was abfolute Lord of that
Road, :.nd had a Right to demmd Cnntribution of
tiiat cravcirdit, and to punifh thofe with Death
:.\j iLi'us'd to comply ; therefore, if they had
uiiy Regard for their Lives, he advifed them to de-
' liver what tliey had peaceably, and not put him to
'the Trouble of exerting his Prerogative." By
Me Mean> he became more dreaded in the Coun-
l;i where he robb'd than any Thief of his Time :
Ir he not only threaten'd thofe with Death who
jputed with hiiB, but aduaily murder'd feveral, and
id many others with Abundance of Barbarity.
'Tis reported, that in a few Days he robb'd one
3^9
hundred and twenty five Men and Women upon the
Mountain of .5a;-w/»j£)c/-; near which is a Wood which
they call Colorockedie, where he had aflcinbled a nu-
merous Gang, out of which not a few at feveral
Times were taken and executed. Perfons of Quality
he ufually addrefs'd in their own Stjle, and told tj.eiii
he was as well bred as they, and therefore they mull
fubfcribe towards maintaining him according to his
Rank and Dignity.
Among the principal Perfons whom he flopp'd and
robb'd were the Archbilhop of Armagh, and the
B!l)iopof.Stf//io, both in one Coach ; the Arch-bilhop
of 'Tuam ; and the Lady Baltimore, with her youno-
Son, a Child of four "i'ears old ; whom he took from
her, and obliged her to fend him a Ranlom within
twenty four Hours, or elfe he told her, he would
cut the young Puppy's Throat and make a Pye
of him. From the Archbifhop of luam he got a
Thoufand Pounds. After this he fled into Muniier,
and continued the fame Trade there, till he''was
apprehended for robbing a Nobleman of Two
hundred and fifty Pound, for which Fad he was cany 'J
to Cork, and committed to Prifon.
But even now they uere far from having him fo
iafe as they im.igin'd ; for the County.Javl was not
Hrong enough to hold him. He was no fooner con-
fin'd than hi6 Eyes were about him, and his Head
plotting an Efcape : At lalt he found iVJeans ij gen
up a Cnimney, and by removing fome few Obllacles,
to get out at the Top, and fo avoid Hanging tor chaB
Oltence.
He follow'd his Villanies for fome Years after his
breaking out of Prifon, during v\h ch Time he
murder'd five Men, two Women, and a Boy of four-
teen Years old. Befides which he m.inglcd and
wounded a great many others ; in particular Sir Da-
nagh O Brian, whofe Nofc, Lips, and Ears he cut
off, for making fome fmall Relillance while he
robb'd him. At lall he was apprehended by the
Landlord of a Houfe where he ufed to drmk, ne:.r
Mancoth. The Landlord fent Advice to the SiicrilF
of the County when he would be there with feveral
of his Aflbciatei, and tiie Sheriff, according to tiic
Inltrnftion, came one Evening with a Icrong Guard,
and befet the Houfe. Patrick and his Co7,.!nnv
would have defended themlielves ; but the Landlord
had taken Care to wet all their Fire-Arms, and pre-
vent their going oft"; by which Means they became
ufclefs, and our Defperaoo with fourteen tnore were
taken, carry'd to Dublin, and there e.wcuted on
Wcdnelday the twenty-fourth of April, in the Year
1650. After which Patrick Fleming was hang'd
in Chains on the high Road a little without the
City.
..'.
\
79
4 K.
'm
^I®
A General History of
the LIFE of SAW NY DOWGLAS.
NEXT after the Life oi Patrick Fleming
it may not be amifs to givefome Account of
the Advtnrurts of 5iiun,' Doxvgla', a Scotch-
man ; who wns the Son of a Tanner, and born at
Port Patrick in the Shire of Calloivay, where te
liv'd till the unnatural Civil War broke out in 1641.
Siivny at this Time being very zealous on the Side
of the Kirk, and eoiifequtntly againft the King, cr-
ter'd himfelf into the Service of the Parliament, was
at tliC Siege oi Dundee, and boafed after that bloody
AiSion was over, that he kill'd with his own Hands
no lefs than twenty nine Perfons. Thofe who have
rer.d the Hiflories of t^t 7 ime will remember that
Dundee was taken by Storm, and that the Garrifon
was put to the Sword ; which gave Saiuny an Oppor-
tunity to difcover his Cruelty.
After the Reiloration of King Charles, the Second,
when the Scots were reduc'd to Obedience, Saivny
found himfelf oblig'd to feck fome other Subfiftance
than the Army. He had now been a Soldier about
twenty Years, and though he had never been ad-
vanc'd higher than to carry a Halbert, yet he was
fomething loth to lay down his Commiflion. How-
ever there was no oppofing Neceffity, and he was
obliged to fubmit as well as many of his Betters, who
^ere glad they could come off thus, after having been
fo deeply concern'd in the Rebellion.
Coming into England, and being deftitute of both
Money and Bread, he was not long refolving what
Courfe to take in order to fupply himfelf The
Highway, he thought, was as free for him as for any
Body elfe, and he was both ftrong and defperate :
But the Queftion was where ftiould he get a Horfe
and Accoutrements. What (faid he zgUr) Jhould hin-
der my taking the firft that comes in my Way, and
feems Jit for my Purpofe? Purfuant to this laft Refo-
Intion, he kept on the main Road with a good Crab-
Tree Stick in his Hand, till he faw a Gentleman's
Servant alone, well mounted, with Piftols before him.
He had fome Queftion ready to- afk, and after that
another, till the poor Footman was engaged in a
Difcourfe with him, and rode along gently by his
Side. At laft Satuny obferves an Opportunity, and
takes him an effeflaal Knock on the Pate, which fol-
low'd with four or five more left him infenfible on the
Ground, while our yeung Adventurer rode off with
the Horfe till he thought himfelf out of the Way of
any Enquiry.
The firll Robbery he committed was in Maiden-
head-Thicket, in Berkjiirt, in thofe Times a very
noted Haunt for Highwaymen. The Perfon he
ftopp'd was one Mr. Jhurfion, at that Time Mayor
of 'Thornbury in Gloucejlerjhirt ; he got about 1 8 /.
and was f» uncivil as to refufe the poor GentUman
Ten Shillings to bear h's Charges home ; wl
was all he recjuir'd, and for which he begg'd ^
hard.
Another Time he robb'd the Diitchefi of .4
mor/^ of Diamond-Rings to the Value of 200/
fides a Peail Necklace, rich Br.-.celets, and Ear-R
After this he came and took Lodgings at the H:
of one Mr. Kn<i^u:les, an Apothecary in Tmhiljl,
Wefiminfter ; where he fet up for a Gentleman,
pear'd very fine, and made Love to his Landlc
Daughter, who was reputed to be a 2000 /. Forti
For fome Time he was very well receiv'd botl
the young Lady and her Father ; but when his
ney was gone, and they found him full of Shifts, /
and Evafions, they not only difcarded him a: a 1
band and Son jn-law, but turn'd him fairly ou
Doors.
Sai-vny now took to the Road ag.iin, and com
ted more Robberies than before, ranging all ovei
North of Eugiand, and being often lb fortunate ;
efcape Juftice when it purfu'd him. He more
contraded a Familiarity with Du Vail, the
generous fpirited Highwayman that ever liv'd, w
Friendfhip contiru'd till Death parted them b;
Deputy Jack Kt!ch. Snivry's lall Attempt wa
the Earl of Sandivich, who was afterwards Adr
in the Dutch War, and unfortunately loft his
together with his Ship. This noble Commander
ing Arms in the Coach, refolv'd not to be infi
by a Highwayman, and difcharged a PiJlol
Saivny's Horfe, which immediately dropping d
under him, the Servants came up and fecur'd our be
North-Britatn, who was thereupon committed
Nsixi?atc, and in lefs than a Month after oider'd
7ytwn.
While he was under Sentence he behav'd in a '
profane and indecent Manner j curfing the Bell-i
for his bad Engli/h, when he repeated th« ufual
mento the Night before his Execution. At St.
pukhre'i the next Day, when the appointed C
mony was perform'd, inftead of compofing his Cc
tenance, and looking as a Man in his Condi^
ought to do, he only told the Spedlators, That '/'
hard a Man could not he fuffer''d to go to the C
loiL-s in Peace ; and that he had rather he hat
tivice ever •without Ceremony, than once after
fuperjiitious Manner. He read no Prayer- Book,
carry'd the Ballad oi Chenjy-Chace in his Hand all
Way to Tyburn ; when he came thither he took
Notice of the Ordinary, but bid the Hangman
fpeedy, and not make a great deal of Work ab
nothing, or moft about a meer Trifle. He d
Sept. lo, 1664, aged fifty three, and w«s bury'i
Tyhurn-Road.
k
Pyratij, Highwaj/men, Murdents, &c.
311
w
'The LIFE of WILLIAM BEW.
' "T" T E have little more to fay of this Fellow,
li/m/ than that he was Brother 0/ Captain Beiv,
1 T the notoriousHighwayinan, who was kiil'd
' - Years ago at Knightjbrid^c, by one figg, and
Thief- i'akers ; and that he was himfeif as
I ^i an Offender in that Way as his faid Brother
/ nioft of his Time; only his Reign was fhorter
I r, that of fome Others, he being apprehended at
, -.-.hrd before he had purl'ued tiie Courfe many
1 .:'■., brought from thence to Keivgate, and at the
r : Execution tuck'd up at lybum. Tliis fatal
1 • to him vid^iWednefday the 17th of ^pril, in
t Year 1689.
; (.jnr^ot be expected that we fhould give a par-
t !.ir Detail of ail the Actions of every one whom
V introduce into this Colletflion ; nor is it at ail
t trial ; fince the Reader cannot but think as well
that the moft remarkable Particulars have
;ranfmitte:l to us, and confequently, that thofe
1 ngs which are pafled over in Silence, wsuld, if
tl had been recorded, have afforded him but very
li P.'eafure. Captain Smith indeed, in his Lives,
h generally found fomething to relate of every one
hii.ntioos, but then moft of his Stories are fuch
^ I'c'd Inventions, that we are confident thofe wiio
■er feen his Books will pardon us for omitting
„ ,. It will not be long before we fliall come
J'.n to more Certainty, and then a more particular
^ -It of every Malefador's Crimes may be pro-
and v.e may be depended upon for taking
n our Parts, that every Thing fliall be related
e utmoft Exaftnefs. That this Life of Bc-m
ji not, however, appear more barren than any
)t r we (hall infert in it tsvo (liort Stories, which
Jefeu, as we are inform'd, to tell himfeif in his
Li Time.
lie firft of them is, that being at Briftol, he took
I Edging in the Houfe of one Mr. Stone, who kept
^Dolphin-Inn in Dolphin-lane. This Landlord of
>ii ad never any Child, and was reputed to be a vtry
Bnous Fellow. Beix) lay in the next Room to him,
iDneard his Wife tell him one Night, that (he be-
ie'i fhe was with Child. The old Gentleman up-
»n his began to be terribly nneafy, and reckon'd
the Ciiarges that a Bantling would bring upon
H forgeting the extraordinary Expences of a
in. He then confider'd whether a Boy or a
ould cofthimmoft, and concluded, upon the
that a Son was likely to be foonefl got off his
and put into a Capacity to maintain himfeif.
on he told his Spoufe very abruptly. That he
ir her bring him a Bay. Madam reply 'd,
■t ivas nyt in the Poiver of her, or of any
n lii;ing, to hi dtli'ver d of Tuhich Sex fhepUafed.
lis the old Man anfwer'd with a fevere Snj^b,
' "Mas in "vainjor her to talk, for a Bo) he mufl
f he had any Child at (ill ; und that if Na-
ture fent a Girl into the World, he luould metamor^
pbofe it into the Stx be Uked ; for be ivould put only
Bey' J Clothes upon it, and oblige her ne-ver to let any
Body into the Secret, at leaf till Jhe lucj able to ^ift
for herfelf. This Dialogue, doubtlefs, was plealar.C
enough to Bevj, who did not itay to fee the Eve;;t
of his Landlady's great Belly. But miking him-
feif merry was not the only Advantage he found
in this Apartment ; for he overheard the mi-
fer;ib!e old Wretch tel^his Wife, every Night, whe-
ther he wai to go the next Day, and upon what Bu-
finefs. By this jVIeans he got Intelligence of i.ii be-
ing to go one Day a pretty Way out oi 'I own, to
receive One Hundred and thirty Pounds, and he took
Care to lighten him of hii Burden before he came
home again, and rode off with it into another Part
of the Kingdom ; it being ivorth nvhtU, as he often
merrily ufed to fay, to change his Sluarters for fuch
a Lump as this.
The other Story is of an Adventure of £caw'«
with a young Lady, whom he overtook on the Road,
with her Footman behind her. He made bold to
keep them Company a pretty Way, talking all along
of the Lady's extraordinary Beauty, and carrying his
Compliments to her to an unreafonable Height. M.i-
dam was not at all difpleafed with what he faid ; for
Ihe look'd upon herfelf to be every bit as handfome
as he made her : However, (he i'eern'd to contra-
dict all he told her, and profeifed \vith a mighty
formal Air, That jhe had none of the Perffiiions he
mentioned, and ixias therefore highly obliged to him
for his good Opinion of a Woman ifho defers d :t fo
little. They went on in this Manner ; Be-uj llill pro-
terting, that (he was the moft agreeable Lady he ever
faw, and (he decl.iring, that he was the moll com-
plaifant Gent!em;n ftie ever met with ; This was
the Difcourfe till they came to a convenient Place j
when Bew took an Opportunity to knock the Foot-
man off his Horfe ; and then addreffing himfeif to
(he Lady, Madam, fays he, / have been a great
I'jhile difputing nxiith you about the Beauty of your
Perfon ; but you injiji fo Jlrongly on mi being mijlaken,
that I cannot in good Manners centradiSi ycu any long*
er : Hoiveiur, lamnotfatisfy'dyet, that you have
nothing handjome about you, and therefore I mujl beg
Leave to examine your Packet, and fee -xuhat Cbarms
are contained there. Having deliver'd his Speech,
he made no more Ceremony, bat thruft his Hand in-
to her Pocket, and pull'd out a Purfe with fifty
Guineas in it. Thefe are the Cbarmi 1 mean , favi
he ; and away he rode, leaving her to meditate a
little upon the Nature of Flattery, which commoiilv
picks the Pocket of the Perfon 'tis moil bui'y about.
Thefe two Relations, and what we have faid at
the Beginning concerning the Time of his Flxecution,
are all the Particulars we knsw oi If illii.-i Beiv.
3ia
A General History of
\
The LIFE o/JOHN COTTINGTON
alias MUL-SACK.
TH E Father of Johm Cottington, or Mul-
Saci, as he was oltener called, was a Haber-
dafher of Small Wares in Cheapfide, and
one Time reputed to be pretty wealthy : but having
a large expenfive Family, and being himfelf very
fond of what is commonly called Good Company,
he fo far waited his Snblbnce, ss to die very poor,
even fo poor as to be bury'd'by the Parifti. This
was an unhappy Thing for his Children, who were
no lefs than nineteen m Number, fifteen of which
were Daughters, and John was the youngeft of them
all of either Sex, whrch expofed him pcrliaps to
mor(i iVIisfortunes than thofe who had fomc Reafon
to govern themfelves by, at the Time when they be-
came Orphans.
At about eight Venrs of Age he was put out Ap-
pitnticc, to a Trade no lefs honourable than Chim-
bey-fivecping. lie was bound for a great many
YeirS, as he was fo young at the Time of going
to his Mafter ; but lie took Care not to make his
Servitude longer than ordinaiy, for inllead of adding
fix or feven Years, he cut off two from the ufual
'I'crm, and ran nv.'ay in the fifth Year of his Ap-
rreiiticelhip ; pppiehending that as he vVas got into
his Teens lie was as good a iVJan as his Mailer, and
being confident that he had learn'd enough of his
Trade for iiim to live upon.
He had not been long gone from his Mailer, be-
fore he perceived Bufinels coming on him even as
faft as he could wifh, and he made all the Advan-
tage poffible of his good Fortune ; not in the ufual
fneaking Manner, by hoarding up all he got ; but
bv behaving himfelf like a Gentleman, fwearitig at
every one that offended him, and afluming to him-
ftlf almoil: as much State as the old Chimney-fweep-
er below ; who we may be certain is haughty, be-
caufe to fiy any One is as fraud as Lucifer is be-
come a Proverb. Nor was it only in Cattiagtoni
Carriage that you might obferve the F.iTefls of his
good Fortune ; for he lived in the bed Manner pof-
fible ; no Liquor but Sack, forfooth, would go
down with him, and that too mull always be mull'd,
to make it tiie more pleafant. It was from this
that he got his Name of Mul-Sack, by which he
was commonly called, and by which we (kill chufe
to dillinguiib him in the following Account of his
Exploits.
One Evening Mul-Sack was drinking at the Devil
Tavern in Fhet-ftreet, when he obferved what he
thought was a beautiful Woman j and being natu-
rally pretty amorous, and at that Time in particu-
lar warm with his Favourite Liquor, he made his
AddreiTes to her. Madam appeared to be none of
the coyeft, for flie received him very freely, only
nothing but Matrimony would go down with her,
which did not throughly pleafe him : Tel 'why,
(thought he at laft) fitmld I be againfi it ? J tan
keep my fe If and a Wijc 'very ivell, and I ne-ver
a II Oman 'whom 1 could like better than this, tl.
fore, hang it, Pll e^en take her, for better
ix:orfe. Upon thi.s, he immdiately gave her
Hand, and there were no more Words to. the
gain, but away they tramp'd to the Fleet togetl
where Divinity link'd their Hands, proiiounc'd
Man and Wife, and pr.iy'd heartily for their '
fare, in particular, that they might be fuccefsf'
their honell and lawful Endeavours for the Pr<
ation of Children, which, as the holy Office of
Church informs us, is the principal End of M
mony.
But how was cur jolly Bridegroom deceive-
Night, when he found himfelf eipoufed to an
maphrodite, and that the Lady he had marry'd
no other than a Perfon well known by the Nar
AiirAfeed Robin? The Redundancy of Nature
foon difcovered, and the Bride confcfs'd her f
or if you pleafe his Fault, with abundance of
ing Contrition, wliile poor Mul-Sack had noi
more to do in Bed than to go to fleep as ufual
This Diftppointment in Matrimony had a
Efftfl upon our Gentleman's Marncrs ; fnr wh
he was never before known to be guilty of any i
Crime than fpending his Money, fitting up late
keeping jovial Company, he now run into all
of Extrav.^gancies : in particular, he got acqua
with five noted Amazons in Drury-Lane, who
called the Womtn-Jha'vers, and whofe Aftions
then much talk'd of about Town; till being a)
hended for a Riot, and one or two of them lev
puniftied, the reft fled to Barbadoes. Mul Saci
once prcfent when thele Furies got a poor W(
among them', whom one of them fufpefted o.
ving been great with her Husband. As a Pi
ment for this they ftripp'd her as naked as Ihe
born, beat her with Rods in a terrible manner,
then fhav'd off all the Hair about her whole B [:
After that they fous'd her in a Tub o^ Sosp Ids
over Head and Ears, and in fine almoil kill'd ?r,
in fpite of all her Tears, Cries, and Prote.latioijof
Innocency I
After the Law, the greateft Enemy that ?■'■'
of this Charafter have in the World, had dep
Mul-Sack ofthefe worthy Companions, he rel
to purfue his Amours elfewhere, and to that 'i
pofe appeared when out of his Bufinefs in a
(mart, and genteel manner ; being withal a grc)
Perfon, and having a very extraordinary Flo
Words for a Man of his Calling. With thefe Ac l
plifhments, he found Means to infinuate himfeildto
the good liking of a Merchant's Wife in Mark'rt,
who had before this none of the bell of Chara rs.
This Lady had originally been very hcndfome lat
by a long Courfe of Amours, her Beauty was a. tie
the worfc for wearing i^hen Mul-Sack becain. ac-
qus tsi
Pyratcs, Highwaymen^ Murderers^ 6Cc.
51J
alight before flie came to the Church Door; aJl
which was effeaed.and Mul-Sackilood ready, drcfs'd
in what was then the Height of tiie Mode, to ofrer
the Lady his Arm into the Church. He prefented
himfeif very impudently, the favour was lundJy ac-
cepted, arid by the Way he found Means to cut the
Gold Chain in two, and fecurc the Watch as they
palled through the Crowd. The Lofs was not per-
ceived till Mr. Jacomb concluded, when the devout
Gentlewomen was going to fee how long the Spiritual
Meal had laited : But alas ! ali the Conlbiution flje
had received vanifh'd after her Darlino- Watch.
It is reported that there never was ia England a
more dexterous Gang of Pickpockets tlian in the
Time of this Mul-Sack. We might liere introduce
by the Way of Epifode, (ai the Criticks phrafe it)
abundance of their furprifing Performances ; but b»»
caufe we would avoid Prolixity, only remark in ge-
ieie Ihe iism'd whom ilie belicv'd to be the Father neral, that they would lay Wagers of taking any Gen-
!' every one, iho' file could not be very pofitive in tleman's Watch, tho' warned of it but a Minute be-
ither; hecaule always more th.itr one Man had fore, and perform it by jolliiiig th^m, afking a Quef-
tion, pretending fome urgent Bufinefs, giving them a
Letter, and a I'houlaud other Methods of divcrtin"-
their Attention, and leaving the Pri.ze unguarded
long enough for them to accomplilh their Pleafure:
Nor was tiiere any one of thefe FeJIows, who under-
rtood his Bulinefs better than our Hero, Mul-Sack,
fo that it would be alnioit incredible to relate all the
'I"rc s of that Kind he pl.iy'd about tlie City, and
the numerous Straiagerns lie had Recourfe to.
We are iriform'd, that, before Mul-Sack left olF
this Trade, he was once fo impudent as tn attempt
the Pocket of Cromzuel himfeif, and the Danger h<?
tiien run of being deteifted, was the Occafion of his
leaving this fecret fort of Knavery, and takincr to
Higliway, in Company with one fom Cheney.
■jl'lielc two Fellows had tae Cour.ige and Confi-
dence to fet upon Colonel He-zujhn, a great Man in
thofe Times, and one who had been advanced from
a Cobler to the Dignity he then enjoy'd, mercl/ be-
caufe his Conl'cience was according to the Mcafure
of that Time ; that is very large, or if you pleafe
very fmall, which Exprelhons the witty Author of
Hudihrafs telk us, fignify the fame Thi.ig. The
Colonel's Regiment was then marching to Hounjlo-vj,
and he not fo far before it, but ibme of the i'roop-
ers faw the Ailion of our Bravoes. No Body can
doubt but they were foon purfu'd ; yet by the help
of a good Horle, Mul-Sack got clear off; but Che-
ney\ Beall filling him, he was obliged to Itand in
his own Defence, which he did very lloutly, till he
was overpower'd by Numbers, defparately wounded,
taken Pnibner, and carry 'd to Neivgaie. Sefiions
began at the Old Bailey wiCam a few Days after,
and Cheney being brought to the Bar, begg'd to have
his Tryal put off on Account of his Wounds : But
the Favour could not be obtained ; for they CQufed a
Chair to be brought for him to fit in, obliged hiin
to plead, and paffed Sentence of Death upon him.
What he had urged as a Motive for putting oft' ins
Tryal, was made the Means to hallen his Execution -,
for tho' 'twas Two o'Clock in the Afternoon when
he wa; «ondemn'd, he was carry'd in a Cart that vsry
Day to Tyburn, and there executed, lelt fie lliould
have evaded the Sentence of the Law, by dying in
Ne-vogate.
The next Companion Mul-Sack jnter'd into Ar-
ticlca with was one Mr. Hime, a very bold Man, and
a Pevvterer by Trade, tho' he had been formerly a
Captain in Colonel Doivne's Regiment of Foot.
1 heir Engagement was to adt in Concert, ofFenfively
and defenflvely, like generous Highwaymen : But
neither did this Partneilhip fubllft long ; for the firli
confiderable Ai^ion they ventur'd on was fatal to the
3 L poor
fluainted witli hsr. However, what llie wanted in
Perfon fhe made up in Purfe j for our Smut made a
Jhift to fqueeze out of her about 1 20 /. before (he
fell fick and dy'd, which happened not a great while
afterwards.
Captain S/nifh has told a long Story of this Lady's
Sicknefs, Death-bed Repentance, and Confelfion to
iier Huib-ind in her lall ivloments, the Subllance of
A'hich is, that (lie defired !ier good Man to call up
ill her Children, to the Number of twelve, one of
.vhich (he told him fhe believed migiit be his, bc-
:au(e (hj did not rcmeinber that any other Man had
■iiter'd upon the Premilfes Time enough to have
i.id any Share in it : hut for the reft, my Dear, ((aid
he with a deep Sigh) / am afraid you are jufi as
mch their Father, as the Kings of England have
een Kings of France for fome hundreds of 7''ears
■ij} ; that is, you inoTU 'very luc/l, in Name only
een dabbling about the proper i inie. She eon-
uded all witn telling him, tnat as they were all
iken in his Net, (he hoped he would not e.'ipafc
infelf and her after her Death, but put up his
orns without Words, and contentedly ad tne Part
a Father. We have not heard how far tiie Hus-
•nd comply'd with his dying Wife's Requelt, but
ere is good Reafon to thmk it caufed a grum-
iiig in Ills Gizzard.
Mul-Saci had 1 itely been fo plentifully (apply 'd
itli Money, that, when hli kind Benetaitiei^ de-
fied thii Life, and changed this vain World, as
. ought in Chnilian Chanry to believe, for a bet-
•, he could not think of applying hinilVlf to Bu-
els anew, and rclapfmg again to his Sooty Occupa-
in. We may obfcrve, that there is a Ibrt of Va-
:y inherent in us all, that makes us try any Shilt,
her than go backwards in t'le World. This Tem-
r is doubtlefs the Criginai cf Knavery in a great
iafure. Citizens that linve been reputed rich will
IJ up their Kerds to the laft, and think it much
5ie honourable to pay Six-Pence in tne Pound
er f Statute of B mkruptcy, provided they can be
i;tcJ i'gain, than honelkiy lay down their Trades
iile they can p.iy Twenty Shillings, and feek a
■a.ier Way of Livelihood. So a Courtier that
1 attain'd to be firit Minilter of State, generally
.fers bringing his Neck to the Block, before at-
iJing at tne Levee of his Succeflbr, after having
litted his Poll with univerfal Applaufe. 'Tisjull
i; fane in inferior Life, a Man that has once com-
i;nc'd Villain, ieldom, as we frid before, cares to
; backw.Tds, till he is drawn backwards up Hol-
. n Hill, or (bmc other Place for the fame Purpofe.
.^f'ter this (hort Digreffion then, we are to tell
'11, tbftt Mul-Sack now turn'd Pickpocket, a Cal-
:; that generally ferves for an Introduftion to the
■ iitlemen who make the Heroes of this Hiitory. As
''ryal of his Dexterity, the Hrft Thing he did was to
;e a very valuable Gold V/.'tch, let with Dia-
'ids, from a Lidy of chief Quality in thofe Times
' Ulurpation. One Mr. Jacomb, a Man very much
Jlowed by the Precifians, preached at that Time a
leekly Lecture at LitJgate Church, and the Gen-
i.voman we are fpeakinj of was one of his Admirers
;(1 coiillant Attendants. Mul-Snck \\?A taken No
ij; for (oine Time bow the pretty Bauble hung
tiigUiig at her Side by a Gold Chain. One of the
(|inpanions he had engaged on this Occaiion found
;ans to take out the Pin of one of the Coach-
iv-'els, fo that the Wheel fell, and the Coach cauf-
' ;in Obllruclion jult under the Gate. The End of
J was to malic a Crowd, and oblige Madam to
So
3^4
A General History of
poor Ciptiiii;, !.e being taken in the Purfuit, while
Mid Sj.ck had lii I the good Fortune to elcape. Tlie
C.piaih'j Fate was tht-l'inie as Uunc/'i,, ftiving tJiat
Jiv' continued i;i goud Health nil the liour ot" his
Execiitioi , wiien he behaved with io much Braveiy
and Gi'l ;iitry, tli;;t his Dea:h drew 7'e;rs I'lom a
grwit. Part ot tnc Spectators, particularly from that
Se-;, \»';ic) l.iiow tile V'alue of a hrixi iX'ian fo well,
as aiw.'iys to' be gjiev'd when fucii a One dies, efpe-
firdiv at T-:bmii.
His Conip.iiiians hftvinj^ fuch iil Sacctfs Mul-Saik
w.'.j rcfjiv'd to try his fortune alone, and he leve-
ral ti lies practib'd hii, csliinjf upon Ccnunitiee Men,
bcq'..eiirac-;)rf. Members of i'ariia.Tient, iSc who
We're r.\eii ainioli the only Men in tilt- Nation worth
robuii-g i tliev having plunder'd every Body tile, and
gotte.i :lie Wealth of i'/ii;/i.-«i/into tlitir oimi Huiid;.
Ill ail tcie.''-- Adventures he wns as fo;tuniite as iie
couid uilh, which prompicd him forwards to at-
tempt dill gititcr 'i'hmg'.. Keirg ii.foiui'd that
Four ThoufiiKi Pound was coining; from Londj't, lo
pay the P.cginients quartcr'd at (Jxfoid ;.ik1 Glaucef-
tcr, he rci'olv'd to venture his Life for fo canfider-
able a Sam, tho' two or thrct- Men well arni'd
were appointed for a Convoy. Juft iit the Clofe of
Day , when the Waggon was palt H'heatley, at tiie
Foot of a Hill he (tated from an Anibultade, pre-
feiited his Piftol, and bid the Carrier Stand. He
had certainly now gone to Pot, if the Guard had
not thought it impoffible he (hould attempt fuch aji
Aftioii without Company ; but the Apprehenfion
of more behind the Hedge made thefe llurdy Fel-
lows ride for their Lives, and leave our Adven-
turer to iecure the Booty ; which he fpent with as
Kiuch Mirth as he had obtain'd it with Danger.
There were alfo two or three Paflengers in this
Waggon, who were frighted terribly ; but Mul-Sack
generoufly told them he had no Defign upon what
they 'had. This ((ays he) that J haue taken, is as
much mine as theirs luho O'wn it ; being ail extorted
from the Publick by the rapacious Members of our
Common'wtalth, to enrich themfel-ves, maintain their
Janixaries, and keep honeji People in SuhjeSlion ; the
vtojl effeilual Way to do 'which, is to keep them 'very
poor.
It is faid, that Mu/Sack got more Money than
any Highwayman of his Time, though no Man was
lefs fufpefted than he by his Acquaintance in Town.
When out of his Calling he appeared like a Merch-
ant, talk'd always about Bufmefs, and was feen o
'Change very often, being tlie Methods he ui'd t
conceal his Trade; for nothing betrays a Man (
foon as endea\ounng to hide himlslf.
One 'Finic having Notice that the Receiver-Gi
neral at Rtading was to fend i:p Six I'lioufari
Pound to London by an Amniuniuon V/.ignon, )
immediatdy contrived to favc that Trouble, an
bring it up to Town himielf on his own Horl.
An Accomplice w.:s .necclTary in this Underial-;ir.i
and lie loon found or.e, by whofe Aflillance he fail'
the Re. elver's lio^fe the Night before tiie Moiic
was tj be carted. The Window tlicy got in^ at w
next to tiie G-.irden, where they left the Laddi
ftanding, and came ofFat the prcient very well. In
ving bound ail tuc Family to prevent any Alar
whereby they might be dii'cover'd.
But an Affair of tliis Kind, as might very wi
be e.-ptticd, made a gieat Noife, and Mul-iiack w
apprenen^ed in 'i'own, by ioirie who had leen hi
in Raiding the Fvening the Faft was committe
Upon tldo he was feat down to Rending, and try
at tlie nf.\t Afiizes for Berk/hire, before Judge J;
myu, who did all he could to hang him. Nevi
tneieii, by lii^ Cunning, he found iVieans either
baffle the Evidence, or to corrupt the Jury by \
Money, lb far, that he was acquitted ; the Proc
againll him being only circumilantial.
Not long after tliis narrow Efcape, our OiFenc
growing in Wickednei's, added Murder to his ft
mer Crimes : The Perfon on whoai it was comm
ted was one John Bridges, with Nvliore Wife he h
before contracted a Familiarity. On this Accoi |
he fkJ beyond Sea, and got himfelf introduc'd
the Court of King Charles the Second, who wJ
then in E.vile.
He got fo much Intelligence here, that -he v^l
tur'd liome again, upon a Prefumption ofobtaini, I
Ids Pardon from Oti'vcr Crontnvell, as a Reward I
what he could difcovcr of Affairs amongil the Kinj |
Friends. Accordingly he apply 'd himfelf to the '
furper, confefs'd his Crime, and made very iail
Promifes, upon the Performance of which Gvarwj
aflur'd him of his Life : But, whether could r I
be as good as his Word, or v^hether the Protedil
thought fuch an abandon'd Wretch utterly unfit [
live, fo it was, that he was apprehended, condemn' i
and executed in Smithjield Rounds, in jij>ril, i6f I
being 45 Years of Age.
ni
PyratcSf Highwaymen) Murderers, &c.
315
The LIFE o/TOM AUSTIN.
EVER was a more barbarous Villain than
this of whom we are now to give fome Ac-
count, nor is it poiTible there ever (houid be.
ae, another may commit more Barbarities in
ler than he did, but they cannot be more hor-
n their Kind ; and God Icnows to what a Num-
ev would have incie.iitJ, if he had not been i'o
:etedted as he was. But to proceed to the Nar-
.'nas Aujlin was born at Calumpton in Devon-
o( very honelt Parents, who at their Deith left
Fiirm of their own, worth about Eighty
t', .h per Annum, which ii a pretty Eibue in that
C niry ; and as his L.ind was without Incumbran-
nd he had a good Charader at that Time, he
,,ot a Wife with a fuitable Fortune, ll:e having
at cis than Eight Hundred Pounds to her Portion.
B this Increaie of his Riches, r.nd the Thouglit of
h; rg fo much Ready Money by him, made him
ni Lvi the ImprovemcBt of his Living, and take
tt 11 idle e.vtravrgant Courle ; by Means of which
ir els than four Years Time he had confumed all
tf his Wife brought him, and mortgaged his own
Ete.
eing now reduced to pinching CircumlV;nces, and
n knowing which Way to tarn himfeif for a Live-
li od, the Devil fo far got the upjier Hand of him,
ajo e.xcite him to the Commiiiion of all manner
Ojinlawful Adlions for the Support of himfeif and
h Fi.aiiiy. Several Frauds lie was detected in,
vw:. hi-, Neighboiiii were fo good as to forgive,
0 -r' Ktfpstt to liis Family, and to what lie had
r been. At I'll he was fo delperate as to ven-
■ ' ' ! :he Higiiv-'y, where afTaulting Sir 7^achary
on tiie Road between Uellmgtan and
I Dear 'lit unfortunate Gentleman was mur-
f jy him, ; jr making fome Attempts to fave his
^)ney.
The Booty he got from Sir Zachary was forty fix
Cineas, and a Silver-hilted Sword, with which he
g home undifcover'd and unfulpefted. This did
n howevtr laft him long, for he follow'd his old
rtous Coiirfe. When 'twas all Ipent he pretended
a I '■ ; to r.n Uncle of his, who liv'd at about the
1 lance of a Mile from his own Habitation, and
i was one of the bloodiell Vifits th:;t ever was
I'de.
When he catnc to the Houfe he found no Body
ihome hut his Aunt and five fmall ChiKlren, who
iormed him tlwt his Uncle was gone out on Buft-
ii's, and weuld not be at home till F.ixning, dc-
firing him to ftay a little and keep them Company.
He feemingly confented to flay ; but had not fate
many Minutes before he fnatch'd up a Hatchet that
was at Hand, and cleaved the Scull of his Aunt in
two; after which he cut the Throats of all the Chil-
dren, and laid the dead Bodies in a Heap ^!1 weltring
in their Gore. Then he went up Stairs and robb'd
the Koufe of Sixty Pounds.
He made all the Halle he could home to his Wife,
vviio perceiving fome Drops of Blood on his Clothes,
afk'd him how they came there ? Tou Bitch, iays he,
r II fton jhei-ij you tie Manver of it ! pulling at the
lame Time the bloody Razor which he had before
uled Out of his Pocket, and tutting her Throat from
Ear to Ear. When he h; d gone thus far, to com-
plete tlie Tragedy, he ripp'd out the Bowels of his
own two Children, the eldeft of whom was not three
Years of Age.
Sc.-.rccly had he finifli'd all his Butcheries, before
his Uncle, whom he had been to vifit, came acci-
dentally to pay him the fame Compliment in his Way
home J when entering the Houfe, and beholding the
horrid Spedacle, he was even Thunder-firuck with
the Sight, though as yet he little thought the fama
Tragedy hiid been aftej on all his Family too, as he
foon after fatally found. What he faw however was
enough to point out the Olfcnder, whom he imme-
diately laid hold off, and carry'd him before a Magi-
ftrate, who fent him to Exeter Jail.
In the Month of Auguff, 1694, this inhuman'
Wretch fufFer'd the Punilhmcnt provided by the Law,
which appears much too mild for fuch a black unna-
tural Monller ! But the Laus of £rf/a«<2' aggravate
nothing, and are content with barely taking away the
Lives of the very worll of Criminals.
Aujiins Behaviour both in Prifon and at the Gal-
lows was very fallen and dogged, yet he would now
and then fay fomething that difcover'd he was very
far from having a jult Senfe of his Crimes. An In-
llance of this was while the Halter was about his
Neck, when he was alk'd by the Miniller who at-
tended him, what he had to fay before be dy'd ;
Only, fays he, there's a Woman yonder 'with fome
Curds and Whey, and I 'wijh I could hwjt a Penny-
ivorth of them before I am hang'd, becaufe Idon't
know 'when I /hall fee any again. This extravagant
Requeft was not granted, and fo he Vi'as turned off
without offering to give a Reafon for his committing
the Murder fov which he fufFer'd ; nor indeed can it
be thought he had any other Reaibn than his own in-
hsmaa Temper.
The
3^6
A Ceneral History of
The LIVES 0/ EDWARD and JOA>:
BRACEY.
THESE two Criminals floarifh'd from the
Year 16S0 to 16H4, duting which Time they
committed a great Number of Robberies and
Frauds. Their natural Inclinations to fuch a Man-
ner of Living firft brought them together, and liept
up the Union between them till they were fep:irnttd
by Jurtice, though we cannot learn that they were
ever marry'd, Jotin only afluming the Name of hir
Companion, as is common in fuch Cafes, the better
to colour their living together, and impofe on the
World.
Ed-ward Bi-acey had been a Highw.iyman before
he fell into Company with his pretended Wife, who
was the Daughter of a wealthy Fariiier in l^orthan;p-
tonjhire, named John Pl:ilips. The Beginning of
their Acquaintance was Bracey's making Love to her,
in Hopes to get a large Sum of Money out of the
Old Man for a Marriage-Portion, and then to have
left both Wife and Father-in-law : But he was very
agreeably deceiv'd ; for Joan was as good as he :
Sne fufter'd herfelf to be firft debauched by him, and
then confented to rob her Father, and go along with
him on the Pad ; all which ftie accordingly accom-
plifh'd. They now palTed for Hufhand and Wife
wherefoever they went, frequently robb'd together
on the Highway, and as often united in picl<ing of
Pockets and Shop-lifting at all the Country Fairs and
Markets round about.
'Twas next to impoflible that they fliould continue
this Courfe of Life long together, without coming
into Trouble : One or t'other of them was often in
Danger of the Gallows, but they had both the good
FoKune to efcape till they had got a large Quantity
of Money. The Dread oi Juliice more than a De-
fire to live honeftly now prevaii'd upon them to quit
their Vocation, and take to fome creditable BuCnefs,
in which they might fpend the Remainder of their
Days in Quiet, and live. comfortably upon what they
had acquir'd by their Induilry. In order to this,
they took an Inn in the Suburbs of Biijhl, where
they met with Succefs j having a large I'rade in
particular for Wine ; which was occafion'd by the
Beauty o/our Landlady. 'Tis no uncommon 'Ihing
for a Hutband to get Money by his having a hand-
fome Wife ; efpccially if they have both Art enough
to manage an Intrigue ; which was the prefent Cale.
AH the gay young Fellows of the Place came to diink
with Madam Biaccy, purely for the Sake of havjiig
an Opportunity to dilcover their Love; She gave
them all Encouragement fo long as they could Ipend
a' great deal of Money, and then took Care not only
to turn them out of Doers, but to expofe them fuf-
iici^ntly.
It may not be amifs to give an Inllance of this her
Manner of ufing her Suitors. One Mr. Day, an
eminettt-Citizen of Brijhl, was among the Number
of her humble Servants. He made her a great nil
fine Propofal.s and (he receiv'd 'em all with a
dance of Complailance, confenting at laft tha
(hould make ule of the firik Opportunity that of
to take n Night's Lodging with her. In a
Time Mr. Day was infnim'd x.h:x his Landlord
cey was to be abroad fixh a Night, and that not
could happen more fa\'Ourab!y to his Widies.
wtntat the Time appointed with all the Ardor
Lover, and was receiv'd by a Maiti -Servant,
told him her Miliicfs was gone to Bed, and wi
impatiently for him ; but defirirg him howeve
pull off his Clothes, and leave them in another R(
where he miglit be conccil'd, and have Time to
iiimfelf again, in Cafe any Surprize (hould hap
The innocent Mr. Day thanked her for the Co
Vance, and hugg'J hinifelf in the Thought ol
Miftrefb's finceie Affedlion, becaufe the Maid w
careful for his Safety.
Mrs. Jii^a/led him to the Room appointed,
out the Candle on Account of mere Modefty,
fiaid at the Door while Mr. Day umlrefs'd himli
vvliich he did in two Minuts.';. Now the beft oi e
Comedy was to be play'd i our traflible Maid . .
dueled the Gallant to a Door, which (he told n
open'd into her Miftrefs's Chamber, bid him e r
foftly, and immediately tum'd the Key upon I
Here Mr. Day wander'd about to find the L'cJ, j
pronounc'd the Name of Mrs. Bi-acey as loud a t
dar'd, that (he might give him Direflions ; bui 1
Mrs. Bracey anfwer'd. He was fufliciencly am: 1
at the Odnefs of the Scene, but was yet more -
priz'd when he tumbled down a Pair of Stairs ag: 1
the Back Door of the Houfc. The Contrivance «
now plain ; he faw that MiHrefs and Maid wen .
greed not only to baulk his IV.fuon, but to firip ii
of his Clothes alfo. 'Twas in vain to call, , 1
malce Protellations ; he receiv'd no other Anfii ,
thsn that the Back-Door was only bolted, :1
he might open it if he pleas'd, and go .ibout his . •
finefs.
This Door open'd into a narrow dirty Lane, do 1
which the toirunon Sewer ran ; and there was 1
going out at it, unlefs you got into a Coach, or uj .
a Horle, dirciftly off the Stcj., which was the d, •
Ufe made of it, and that not often, efpecir.lly in 1
Winter-Time, as it was at prelent. Mr. Duy kn
all thefe Inconveniences ; but the terrible p'inchi
Cold, and the Shame of being difcover'd, it he li,
t.ll broad Day-liolit, made him go out, wade tlirou
the Mud, and make the befl of Ills V/ay home, win
he w.as heartily liugh'd at by thofe Friends to wh(
he told the Story ; which weic only fi;ch as he coi
not coaceal it from, and even upon thcfc he laid t
fevereft Irjundiona imagin.'ible never to divulge
Word of it. Tliey kept the Secret from every i'"
eli
PyrakSy High'WaymeHi Murderer s^ &c. ^17
c!fe, but diverted themfelves privately with poor Mr. At laft, however. Fortune put aa End to their Pro-
Day all his Life afterwards. _ grefs in Iniquity ; for as they were robbing a Perfoii
Every one whom our honell Inn-keepers impos'd of Qaality'6 Coach together in I^otlin^hsmfiire, Ma-
on were not however fo eafy as Mr. Day ; fo that in dam was apprehended, and carry 'd to Notiiigham-U\].
fefs than a Twelvemonth's Time their Houfe became At the next Aflizes fhe was condemn'd by the Name
lb fcandalous that they were obliged to leave it, and of Joan Bracty, and in Jfril, 1685, ftie w*s e^cecu-
thcn they had nothing to do but to tal<e to their old ted, aged twenty nine Years.
1 I Courfes again, being by this Time pretty well got Her pretended Hufliand got off at the Time when
, ! over the Apprehenfions tiiey were under of a Halter, flie W3» taken, and conceiil'd himfclf for fome Tima
At tlieir firrt fetting out ag'j'n, they pky'd fuch a after by fkulking about the Country. One Day be-
■J'rick as was hardly ever matcii'a, which was the '"gat a publick Inn he was feen by fome Body whom
Woman's Contrivance as well as the former. We hehadrobb'd, who immediately got Allilhnce and
fh.ll rcl.ite this alio in «» ieiv Words as we can con- came to take him, being at the Stair-foot with anncJ
ve.iiently. ^^^C" beffxe .ffracj-y knew any thing of the Aiatter. It
A young Gentlemsn, w!io had fpent liij Fortune, happen 'd that in the Room where he was oi;; 0/ the
had us'd their Houl'e all the Time ti]>y h..d been at Dr.iwers had left his Cap and Apron, uhich Eracev
>\Biiftol, and got a pretty deal in their Dtbt. They in a I'l'Iomeut ihatch'd up. and put on,' runtjin'- down
•) iknew he was Heir to an Ellate ofabou; an Huudred Stairs ready to break his Neck, and CJyi.^g out as he
hfPounds a Year, which was kept from him only by run, Cuming, GentUmsn, cominT ; as if he was wair-
I'the Life of an old dillemper'd Uncle, and they hada ing upon Company above. ''This Strat.-igem pre.
liij-nigluy Jtciiing to get this Revffkon into their Hand . f^rv 0 (.is Life a lutle longer; for the Gei.l.'enian
slln order to this 'Joan threaten'J iiim grie/oufly with
(li Prilon for what he ow'd them, till fne perceiv'd he
vas heartily frigliten'd, and Would do any Tiling to
If c'eep his Liberty: She knew bcfi .cs that he was
j-icioufly inclin'd, and only wanted a little Introduc-
ion to be made any Thing of tliat t'-.cy could wilh.
\ Jpon this flic told liim wliat fhe and -lier Huiband
'ere going upon, and prevail'd with him to join
hem. In a Day or two after, fiie intoi m'd him
]at a rich Tridclman was coming to Bii/h/w'nh a
! irge Quantity of Money, and thnt he mult accom-
aiiy her Hulhand To-morrow to lake it from him.
.coordingly Bracey and the young Man fet out,
opp'd a Pcrfon on the Road, and took from him
30ve an Hundred Pounds, with which they return'd
onie together, '/'he Man that was robb'd had been
nt out with the Money in his Pov,!:et for that very
urpofe.
As foon as the Faft was over, and they had got
leir Dupe fafe, Madam told him plainly, that he
luft mai-e over the Reverfion of his F.ilate to them,
■/ll' her Hufhand ihould immedi.'.tely fwear the Kob-
whocamt to feCLrehim, not .apprehending any thingj
let him paA as a Drawer, thoujii iie had taken lo
much Notice of his i-'ace before ; fo that he got his
"orlc out of the Stable and rode off, while they
were learch.ng the Houie after him. Two or three
ot his Companions, y,ho uere with him in the Inn,
nothing of the Occarion of his run
unnmg
and knew notning oi
down fo, were apprehended and brou-ht to fuN
tice. ^ ■'
ThisEfcape however did him but iii tie Service •
for about three or four Days af;cr, flopping at a little
Houfe to drink, and leaving his vWme Mare, on
wnich he uhially robb'd. at the Door, another Gen-
«man who had (-ufFer'd by him Ca.ie by. alarmed
t.ielVejghbourhcod upon his Knouledtfc of the Bc.li
and belet the Houfe, before he had tfe leali Notice'
As foon as ne lieard a Noife of Men at the Door ' he
ran out, and attempted to mount i but two or three
Pieces wrre inftantly difcharged ^t lim, one of them
killing his Mare, and another taking oil' fever.il of
his Fingers. He tlien cnde.n'.jurej to le'p over fome
Palei. and get_off by tlie P.ickfide oil" the Houfe
^';ry upon him, and get him hang'd for it. The when another Dilcharge was made at
ilerror he was under, and the Promile of Liberty
'.'lion complying, made him do all they deilr'd. AU
i|r which they llill ken: him in their Houfe till they
'.'lid fold it again, obliging him to affure the Purcha-
• !r, that he had receiv'd a valuable Conlideration of
„ , • - — him from a
i;owlmg-Piece, which lodg'd fcveral great Gocle-
Shotin his Guts.aad wounded him fo that hedropp'd
down on the Place, and dy'd ia three D.iys after-
wards.
We fhould have mention'd before, that Bracefi
pretended Wife, was handfomely bury'd by her Friends,
^"'^ that a reputed Witch told him about the Time of
They got Fourteen Hundred Pounds her E.xecution, that he fhould not furvive her many
This, ac
It. Bracey ; which v^as readily enough believ'd,
■calfe every Body knew the young Gentleman's
ttravagancy. They got Fourteen Hu
this Bargain, with which they immediately made Days, which happen 'd to be verify
F, leaving the unfortunate Spark to lament his Folly
'he Nama of this young ^L^n wa« Rumbald.
Joan after this ulually drcls'd herfelf ia Men's Ap-
]rel, and fhe and her FelJow i^dventurer commit-
A a great many Robberies toget'ier on the Highway.
leall, is what was reported in the Country, and t'hofe
wKo give any Credit to the Stories of Witches,' may
believe as much of it as tuey pleafe : Thofewho
laugh at thefe Things can't blame ns for relatir.o-
what we have been informed of. "
81
M
71
tje
3i8
A Gmral History of
The LIFE o/ANN HARRIS.
ANN HARRIS, alias Sarah Davis, alias
Thorn, alias Gothorn, was born of honeft but
poor Parents, in the Pariftiof St. Gi/es's with-
oat Cripplegate ; but being debauchM by one James
Wadf^mrth, (he foon abandoned all manner of
Goodnefs. This VTadfiuarth was otherwise call'd
Jemmy the Mouth among his Companions. He was
hane'd for Felony and B'lrglary at Tyburn, in the
twenty fourth Year of his Age, on Friday the twenty
fourth oi September, 1702. She lived nent with one
William Pulman, otherwife call'd Nor^'ich Will.
from the Place of his Birth, who alfo made bis Exit
at Hyde-Park Corner on Friday the ninth of March
1704-;, aged twenty fi.x Years, for robbing one Mr.
Jo/eph Edwards on the Highway, of a Pair of Lea-
ther Bags, a Shirt, two Neckcloths, two Pocket-
Books, twenty five Guinprfs, a Half Broad Piece of
Gold, and four Pounds in Silver.
Now Nan being twice left a hempen Widow in
lefs than three Years, flie had learn'd in that Time
to be as vicioa$ as th« very worft of her Sex, and
was fo abfolutely enflav'd to all manner of Wicked-
nefs thro' Cuftom and Opportunity, that good Ad-
inonition» could work no good EiFedb upon her.
Her Inclination waj entirely averfe to Honefty, as
appears by the following Example.
She went one Day to a Mercer's Shop on Ludgate-
Jlill, in a Haekney Coach, very finely drefs'd, with
a pretended Footman waiting on her ; where looking
on feveral rich Pieces of Silk and Velvet, flje bar-
gained for as much as came to two hundred and odd
Poundi ; which being more Money than Ihe had a-
bout her, flie defired the Mercer to go along with
her to her Houfe, and flie would pay him all in
jeady Specie. They putting the Goods into the
Hackney Coach which brought her thither, the
Mercer and ftie ftept in, ajjd rid with all Speed to
Dr. Adams, who kept a mad Houfe at Fulham;
where being enter'd, and telling the Doftor this was
the Gentleman of whom (he had fpoken to him in
the Morning, he, and three or four lufty Fellows,
fet upon the Mercer like fo many mercilefs Bailiifs
on a poor Prifpner ; one taking him by the Arms,
another by the Middle, another by the Legs ; which
raftical Ufage made the poor Man ask the Meaning
thereof, and bawl out for two hundred and odd
Pounds. Ay, ay, quoth the Doftor, the poor Gentle-
man s mery bad indeed ; he'' s re'ving mad, tie him
quickly doivn in that Chair, and prefently Jha<ve his
Head.
All the while they were lathering and (having
him, his Cry was ftiil either for Goods or Money ;
which made the Doilor fay. Pray, Madam, See hoiv
his Lunacy makes him talk at Random ! Slie, (having
her Head, replied, True, Sir ; but is there any Hopes
ef his Recovery? To which the Doftor anfwer'd,
Toil mujl knoiv, Ma^am, that there are three kinds
tf Frenzies, according to the three internal Senfes of
Ima^iijiftion, Cogitation, and Memory, ivhicj/ metf
be fevtrally hurt: For fame are frantick, mihich citn
judge rightly of tbofe Things that they fee, as touch-
ing common Scnfe and Imagination ; and yet in Cogi-
tation and Fantfify they err from natural Judgment.
Then fame others being frantick, err in Imagination ;
and there are fome frantick, luhs do err both in Senfc
and Cogitation ; that is, both in Imag ination and Rea-
fon, and do therewith alfo lofe their Memory, ii'hici
is the luorj- of all Frenzies ; and this it is luhict.
affiBs this unhappy Gentleman : but I doubt not oj
making him Compos Mentis again tn lefs than 1
Month.
While the Doflorw.is fetting farth the Dift'ereno
of Madnefs, the Mercer was llruggling and r.-ivin]
like a Madman indeed ; and when he faw Nan givi
the Doftor five Guineas, with all giving him a Urii
Charge to take great Care of her Hufband and h
(hould wand for no Encouragement, he cry'd out
' She's a lying B h, (he's none of my Wife
' iny Wife's at home in Ludgale-fireet ; (lop hei
• (lop her, llop her, (he has cheated me ofny Sil
' and Velvet. I am not mad, I am not mad, bi
' a Parcel of Rogues here will make me run out t
' my Senfes. ^oth Dr. Adams then to his Met
' Poor Gentleman ! he's very bad indeed ; we mu
' bleed him too, and give iiim a ftrong Glyfter ;
' Night i confine him to a Room where there's n
• Light at all, and bind him faft down Hand an
' Feet in his Straw ; and for one Week give hu
' nothing but Water-gruel, with little or no Brea
'in it ; but the Week aftet, if his Diftemper di
' creafes, we may veqture to giva him a little Pti
' an broth boil'd with fome husk'd Barley. Tt
' Mercer hearing thefe Bire^ions, cried out, I'll ha\
' none of my Blood taken from me, I have had <
' nough taken from tae already without paying for
' I want no Gl^lkr, I teU ycu lam in my rigl
' Senfes ; I'll have none of your Gruel and Devil
' Broth ; what cheat me and Itarv* me too ! No, m "
" I am not lunatick. ^loth the Doiior, You (ha
' not be Ihrv'd, Sir ; wli?.» Diet I prelcribe now,
' to redofc you to your Health again. To Healtl
' faid the Merar again, I think you are going I
' take it from me, as the Whore has my Goods.
Bat all the Mercer's talking uas to no purpofe
for Nan being gone o(F with her Booty, he w.^
hurried to his dark Room ; where, beirg bounl
down to his Bed, a Glyfter was applied to him mu(
againll his Will. However, he obtain'd his Liberl
in lefs than four Days ; for Nan Harris fending
Penny-Poll Letter to his Wife, which inform 'd h;
wliere her Hui'uand vvns, (lie, and fome Friends, we
with all Speed to Dr. Adams'^, in whole Hou
they found the poor Mercer .Tlmoll mad indeed, fi
the Lois qf his Gooda and Freedom too ; fo th(
brought bim home ; but the Doctor never faw ni
heard of Nan Harris any niore.
1 think thole who would arrive to as much P«
fediion » they are capable of enjoying here, muft
W'
PyrateS) High'wa^/meffy M^rderersy &c.
jellknow bad, that they may avoid to flinn it, as
he ood, which they ought rather to embrace ;
herore to procure the Reformation of others, by
he icked Examples of fuch whom the Sword of
"l&ft: has cut off for their heinous Enormities, I
hal relate another memorable Prank play'd by
\'aiHarris.
S going °"" '° ^■'' ^''/^> Student in Phyfick
nd Vrtrology, when he liv'd in B/aci Friers, ihe
wsjfoonei" inirodu'd into )iis Pretence, with alfo
^r^t^Mrhs Moore, but (lie thus declar'd the Caufe
ifviting on him. Sir, the Report of your great
ixrience in your Pradice liath Drought me hitner,
mn'y imploring your Afulnnce, and tliat inlbnt-
you have ai!y Refpei^ to the Piefervation of
The TrouWe I fhal! put you to fnJl be grate-
compeiiced to the utmoit of my Ability. The
; then inquiring of her, wiio it was, a.nd wiiat
,ai;. of Diltcmpcr the Pcrlon Ijboar'J under, She
olc im,'Tuas her Hulbiad, who being very drunk
ift igf>f. ^•^'^^ fo ^ '•'o i\*iiichance incoming down
P; of Stair.' ; but looking upon the Doctor to be
■ .M.-.n, fhe would give liim It-ave to tell what
might be, and for that Pjipofc had brought
4 ater. Dr. Cafe Imelling by her former Words,
,h; night afflift her Hu/band, he put the Water i..to
nlinal.andafcer well Ihakingit for;'.bouta Minute,
luihe. Good Wo.-nan, your Hulh.md hath tcri-
k ruifed himfelf by fulling do.vn a Pair of Stairs.
W 'Cflied Kan) 'tis realy true, Sir, what you
ly I fee, Sir, your Knowledge is infallible ; but
ov Sir, comes the Difficulty, can you tell me how
Wi Stairs lie fell down ?
1 re the Doctor was put to a Ke plus ultra ; how-
n to fave his Credit as well as he o<iuld, he takes
he Irinal into his Hand again, nnd fii.aking it fome-
/h: longer than betore, quoth he. Your Hultend
;l! i\vn all the Stair;. Nay (replyed Nan) there
01 re out. Sir, for he fell down but half the .Stairs.
rh Doftor being now fomewhat abaQied at his falfe
and (haking the Urinal again, quoth he to
-.. Is here all your Hulband's Water ? Said Nan,
Iroiing a fine Courtefy at the fame Time, No, Sir,
he s ♦ut half iiis Water. The Doftor then, who
Wi might}' cUolerick Man, being in a great Paf-
ior cry'd, A Pox on you, your bringing but half
lisVater, made ms imagine your Hufband fell
lo\ all the Stairs, when if you had brought all
lis iV ater, 1 could eafily have told you, that he
laibll down but half the Stairs.
.Ill upon this e.xcufing her Igtiorance, fhe defired
lisidvice for the fpeedy Cure of her Hufband's
Ines, and whilll the Doftor was writing a Re-
el] for her, pulling a Cctfd out of her Pocket, with
bofe, (he and her Spark came behind him, and
ijly clippjog it over his Head, they aftwl the
S^9
Part of a Turkijh Mute on a B.iftiaw ; for having
almoil Urangled him witu feveral fudden Jerks, they
went away with a iiJver Tankard and Cup, leaving
our old Fricid In a fad Ca/e indeed, till he came
to himfelf again, which wai cot m half an Hour;
in which Time the Booty was divided betwixt Nan
and Charles ?ioore.
Tills lAoore waj an in famous Rogue, who, for
breaking open the . UoJc of Sir John Buckvjorth,
Bart, was executed on Friday, Seft. 27. 1707. at
Tyburn, Where he toH the Ordinary- of Neiu^ate
that if he had known when he was try'd, thar tha
fliould have dy'a, he would have hang'd ene or
two with him for a Fancy ; for then he would have
maJe fome Difcovery of I'erfons conccrn'd with him
in thieving, but now he was refolv'd to nvike none.
Thus far have we proceeded on Nan\ wicked
Crimes, to deter othert from the like Pracli.-es ;
became nothing renders Man or Woman non con-~
temned and hated, than when their Aftiuns unly
tetid to Irregularity: We h;;ve only to add, that
biding adieu to every thing tliat looked li!;e Vir-
tue, (he drox'e a great 'iVade among Gcidfniiths. 10
whole Shop; often going to buy golu Kings, ihe on-
ly cheapcn'd till fhe had tiic Opportunity "of ftealnig
one or two j which fhe did by meani of a little Ale
held in a Spoon over the Fire, till it congeai'd chick
like a Syrup, for by ruhb'ng fome of ttii:. on tic
Palm of her Hand^, any Jigiit thing would liick to
it, without the leait Sufpicion at all. She w.is as
well known aaiong the Mercers, Latemen, and Lin-
ner>- Drapers, on Ludgale-hill, Che.^pjidr, or Fl.et-
Jlreej, as that notorious Shoplift Ifutei Thomas, who
was condemned for the fame Crimes.
Bat at hll fhe was apprehended for her Pranks, and
beirig fo often burnt in the Face, that there was
no more room left for the Haiigiain to lilgmatize .
her, the Court thought fit to condemo her for pri-
vately dealing a Piece of printed Callico out of the
Shop of one Mr. John Andreius. Then, to evade
their Sentence, (he pleaded her Bslly, and that fhe
might fucceed, ufed the old Stratagem of drinking
new Ale very plentifully, to make her fwcll^ cram-
ming a PiHow under her Petticoats to make h^
look big. Having Matrons of her own ProfelTion
ready at hand, who, right or wrong, bring in their
wicked Companions quick with Child, to the great
Impediment of Jullice, her Sentence was refpited.
But tho' fhe had the good luck to impofe thus on
the Bench after fhe was condemn'd, yet at the
End of nine Months (all which time fhe was not
wanting to procure a Pregnancy, if all the Men in
the Goal could h.ave done it for her, but they work'4
in vain) fhe was call'd down to her former Judgment^
and hang'd in the twentieth Year of her Age, at Ti-
hierti, on Friday* July the thirteenth.
Tk
3io
A General History of
The LIFE o/TOM SHARP.
THO MAS S HA R P Wis born of very
honell Parenti at Rygate in Surrey, where
he ferved his Time to a Glover : But he
hua not been long out of his Apprenticefliip, ere,
by the IVifluence of bad Company, he was fo har-
den'd in Villainy, as not to be recliiim'd either by
wholfom Advice, Threats, or tlie Examples of his
Companions, who where executed before him.
Nothing could put an End to his Roguery, but the
Halter that put an End to his Life.
To prove that this Fellow was not only Sharp by
Name, but alfo (harp by Nature, we need only re-
late the following Adventures. Drtffing himfelfone
Day in an old Sute of black Clothes, and an old tat-
ter'd canonic;il Gown, he went to an eminent Ta-
vern in the City, where at that Time was kept a
great Feaft of the Clergymen, and humbly begg'd
one of the Drawers to acquaint fome of the Mini-
fters above Stairs, that a poor Scholar w«s waiting
below, who crav'd their Charity. Accordingly the
Drawer acquainted one of the Divines, that there
was a poor Scholar below in a Parfon's Habit. The
Gentleman going down, and commiferateing his
feeming Poverty, fntroduc'd him into the Compa-
ny of all the Clergymen, who made him eat and
drink very plentifully, aad gather'd him betwixt
four and five Pounds, which he thankfully put into
his Pocket. One of the Divines then, after asking
Pardon for making fo free, defired to know of him
at whal Univerflty he was bred. 7am. Sharp told
them, he was never bred at any. Can you fpeak
Greek I the Divine ask'd again. Nt, replied Tom.
Nor Latin .' the Divine ask'd. No, Sir, faid Tom.
Can you lurite then, quoth the Divine ? No, nor
read neither, replied Tom. At which they fell a
iaaghing, und faid, He •wai a poor Scholar indeed.
Then I have not decei-vid you Gentlemen, quoth Tom.
and fo he brulh'd off with their charitable fiKnevo-
Icnce, as thinking bimfelf sat fit Company for fuch
learned Sophiflers.
This poor Scholar afterwards ufmg the Vine Ale-
houfc at CJjaring Crofs, which was then kept by a
rich old Man, who knew not that he was a Thief,
he brought feveral of his Gang there once a Week,
to keep a fort of a Club up one Pair of Stairs, with
a Defign to rob the ViAualler. Accordingly they
had feveral Times Aruck all the Doors above Stairs
with a Dub, that is, a Picklock, but could never
lioht on his Mammon , whereupon, one Night,
Tom. Sharp puts the Candle to the old rotton Harg-
iugs that were in the Club-Room, and fctting t),em
in a Blaze, he and his Company cried oat Fire. The
Ahrra brings up the old Man in a Trice, who in a
great Fright ran up to fecure his Money ; Tom, runs
toftly after him at a Diftance, to elpy wheie his
Hoard was, and in the mean Time, his Affociates,
with two or three Pails of Water, having quench'd
the Flame, which h.id done no great Damage, the
old Man, at the News, retarn'd down with a great
deal of J«y, leaving his Money where it was be]
With this Information, the Night following, n
and two of his Companions having a great S In
there, with each hit Lafs, they took the OppT
nity of taking away 500 Pounds in Money ; w I
when the old Cove niifs'd, he was ready to f
himfelf in his own Garters.
His chiefeft Dexterity lay in robbing VVagJ
which, in their canting Lunguage, they call W
Hers. They who follow this fort of thieviniP
generally wait in a dark Morning, in the Roai
twixt London and Bow, Black-heath, NiitiiA
IJlington, Highgate, Kenjington Gravel Pits
Knightihridge, and going in at the Tail of a '
gon, they take out Packs of Linnen or W( eg
Cloth. Boxes, Trunks, or other Goods. One n{
above the reil, Tom. Sharp and his Accom w
following a Waggon along Tyburn Road to St. ( I's
Pound, they had no Coineniency at all of ent ig
it, by reafon a Man drove the Team before id
the Mailer and his Son, a Lad of about thi ;n
Years of Age, rid behind on one Horfe. Stili vj
follow'd the Waggon 'till it came jull under . |.'
gate, when Tom. Sharp, who was a lafly hai il.
low, fnatching the Boy off the Horfe, he ran 1 in
the Old Bailey with him under his Arms, at \ i
the Father cry'd out to his Man to flop the Waj n,'
for a Rogue had flolen away his Son ; fo whil le
Matter rid after Tom. Sharp, and the Man ru f.
ter his Mafler, one of Tom'i Comrades flipt /»
Piecesof Woollen Cloth out of the Waggon, ic
old Man got his Son again, for Tom dropp'd hi it
the SefTions-Houfe Gate.
Under this fort of thieving is alfo compreht si
the robbing of Coaches in the Night Time ia «•
don, by cutting of Truaks and Boxea whicl rt
tied fometimea behind them ; and alfo the On i^
Bags or Pertmanteaus from bei»ind H-orfes, tl ii
cutting them of; for Chive, among Thieves, i li-
fieoaKnife. One Night Tew. Sharp, and am er
like himfelf, following a Man on Horfe-back 1 te
from Charing-C-ofs beyond the RoyalExchi t,
they had no Opportunity of getting his Portman u,
becaufe he held one Haad on it all the Wzy ; ut
comi.ng }ull under Mdgate, acute Mr. Sb<ir^, ik
the Man a grievous Rap over the Knuckles, ci ij
out at the fame Time, iVhat a Pox, vaill you it
over People? So whilll the Fellow clapt his FiTTS
to liis Mouth, to fuck them for E-fe, Tow's Cn-
r<ide cut off tl.i. PorUnantcau, in which was ] ji
Linnen, and other Tr.ings of value, which piiy
-well m.ide amends for the long Fatigue they haiit-
ler J.im and his Piancer, as tliey call a Horfe.
^ For Offences of this Nature, Tom. Sharp w, in
Newgate no Isfs than eighteen Times btiore the ft
fatal lime, 'lake the following Defcripiion of Jt
Prifon, as this FeUuw dcliver'd it to Ionic ol)is
Friends, in his half-camic, half-tragic Strain.
'Tis a Dwelling in more than Cimneiiiiti T^'^'
Pyratssy Highwoj/meft, Murderers, cCc.
321
B=, an Habitation of Mifery, a confus'd C*-m/,
V h'out any Diftinftion, a bottomlefs Pit of Violence,
a, a Tower of 5«W, where are all Speakers, and
n Hearers. There is mingling the noble with the
ijobic, the rich with the poor, the wife with the
j.orant, and the Debtors with the word of Male-
j!;ors. It is the Grave of Gentility, tlie Banifti-
unt of Courtcfy, tlie Poifon of Honour, the Cen-
I of Infamy, the Paradife of Coufenage, the Hell
rrribuljtion, the Treafurc of Defpair, the Re-
fc of Vengeance, and Den o( Foxes. There he
I I Yellerday was great, To-day is mean t he that
«ii well fed abro-J, there ftarves ; he tliat wa: rich-
I'liad, is Hark naked ; he that commanded, obeys;
a he that lay in a good Bed, is torc'd to reit Inm-
{, on the hard Boards, or cold Stones. There Ci-
Tty is metamorphos'd into Infolence, Courage in-
tSubtilty, Modelly into Boidnefs, Knowledge in-
t' Ignorance, and Order into Confufion : I'here
0 weeps, whiill anotlicr fiiig. ; one prays, whilft
a ther Iwears ; one goes out, another cuniei in ;
t is condemn' J, another abiblved ; and in fine,
c (ball hardly find two Perfons of one Mind and
1 ;rcife. There Hunger is their Appetite ; their
T nes of Meals, always when they get any thing
t eat ; their Table, the Floor 1 their Siuce, tiie
t\y Stinks of their Wards ; and their Mufick, no-
t ig but fnoring, fneezing, and belching. The
I ngings of their Chambers are ever in Morning,
a rn'd with large Borders of Cobwebs ; their Seats
t Ground ; and they live Apoftolically ; that is,
«hout Script, without Staff, and without Shoes.
} ny of tiieir Collars are edg'd with a Piece of
{ ping Linnen, to reprefcnt a Neck-clotli, but in-
t d it is only the forlorn Relicks of their Shirts
«.vling out at their Necks ; and fome of the Pri-
f ers have their appointed Hours, wherein they
f It their bodily Enemies, and evermore obtain the
\ ;lory, by continually bearing in Triumph the
] od of the Vermin they deftroy on their Nails.
li Word, Sighs are their chief Air, Coldnefs their
Jmfort, Defpair their Food, rcttling of Chains
I ir Mufick, and Death and Damnation their fole
Ipeftation ; whilft a Turnkey, with a grim Afpeft
« his Countenance, makes them tremble with fear
I a new Majtyrdom ; tho' the infulting Rafcal, in
'i: Height of his Pride, need not fcreW his ill-fa-
ur'd Face to a Frown, becaufe he knows not how
I look otherwife ; which (o dejefts the Spirits of
i)fe poor imprifon'd Slaves, who fear him, that
I; Condition of their Looks feems to implore his
Mies J tho' his flinty Heart having renounc'd any
Jimorfe, cafts a Defiance in their fad and piteous
Ices.
This mayfu£ce for ajSpecimen of Tiw'i Eloquence.
^e Ihall now proceed to relate fome more of his Ad.
intures.
Going one Day into OcdUniton'i Coffee-Houfc,
Irmerly at the Corner of Pariir'i-Lane, in Drurj-
•<ni, and fitting down at a common Table, as the
J)om is to all Comers, a little after came in one of
li Comrades, and fat bimfelfdown too. Ttm Sharp
the fame Time was looking on a curious Gold
edal, which he had fharp'd fomewhere, and an
:torney o{ New -Inn, fitting oppofite to him, he de-
d the Favour of looking on't ; which being grant-
kim, and the Gentleman having view'd and com-
jnded it for a choice Piece, hii Comrade, whom
feem'd not to know there, muft needs have 'a
ght of it too from the Attorney ; who thinking
|| harm, gave it into his Hands. After he had
jirly look'd on it a while, he has fairly march'd off
ith it : Tom. Sharp faw him, but would not in the
:& take notice thereof, as knowing where to find
ra; and aii t>.:i whil; the Gentleman ijnagin'd
nothing but that the right Owner had received it a^
gain. A little while after Tom. Sharp demand«d
courteoufly his Medal, excufmg the Gentleman's
Detention thereof upon the Account of Forgetful-
nefs. The Gentleman llarting, replied, Hr, I
thought ytii h,.d u long fince. He told him, he had
it tijt, and as ri; deliver'd it unto him, he fhould
req:iire i' fror.. no otlier Perfon. They came to
hign vV'ords, tiie Gentleman pifti'd at it, and in the
Concluf.on, br.de Tom. take his Courfe ; and fo he
did ;. for having firft took Witnefs of the Standeri
by, he fu'd him, and recover'd the Value of the
Medal twice over.
Anotiier Time Tom. Sharp, being very ivell
drefs'd, he went to one Counfcliur Ai'a/ji://:^'* Ciiani-
bers in Gruy'i-hn, and decanded a hundred Pounds
which he had lent him on a Bond. The Bjrniler
was furpriz'd at his Demand, as not knowing hini ;
but looking on the Bond, his Hand was fo e.xaiHy
counterfeited, that he could not in a manner deny
it to be his own Writing : However, as he knew
his Circumftarxes were fuch, tiiat h« never was m
any Necellty of borrowing io much Money of any
Man, and that therefore he could not be inuebted in
any Sum, upon the Account of borrowing, he told
Tom. he wouid not pay a hundred Pounds in hi*
own wrong. Hereupon Tom. taking iiis Leave, toU
him he mnll expeft fpeedy Trouble.
Mr. Manning expeibng to be arrefted, fcnt for
another Barrifter, to whom opening the Matter, tncy
concluded it was a forg'd Bond ; whereupon A'Jr.
Manning' i Counfel got a General Rdeafe iorg'd for
the Payment of this hundred Pounds. Wjjtu Kfue
wasjoin'd, and the Caufc came fo be try'd before
the Lord Chief Julbce/fc//, the Witneffci tuTtm.
Sharp's Bond fwore fo heartily to his lending of the
Money to the Defendant, that he was in a vtry fair
way of being call; 'till Mr. Manning'i Counfel
moving the Court in behalf of his Client acquaioted
his Lordfhip, that they did not deny the having
borrow'd a hundred Poandsofthe Plaintiff, but it
had been paid above three Nonths. Tirei Months
(quoth his Lordlhip) and -why did not thi Dejiaiant
take up hit Bond, or fee it cancel!' d? To this hie
CouBcel reply "d, That when they paid the Money
the Bond could not be found, whereupon the De-
fendant took a general Releafe for Payment there-
of; which being prcduc'd in Court, and two Knight t
of the Poji fwearing to it, the Plaintiff was calt.
This put Tom. Sharp into a great Paffion, fo that he
cry'd to his Companions, as he was coming through
Weftminfter-iiall, Were ever fuch Rogues feen ta this
tf^orld iefere, to Jivear they paid that v/hicb tbej ne-
ver borrmo'd?
This Fellow's Inclination to Wickednefs was fo
ftrong, that it did not ftop its Career in fuch Crimes,
which could only be punifli'd with a Fine and Pillo-
ry ; but being a Man of an undaunted Mind in act-
ing any fort of Villany, he was often wont to fay.
That that Man d»fcrv'd not the Fruition of tiie
leaft Happinefs here, that would not, rather than go
without it, venture his Neck. Thus Sin, if it b«
drefs'd up in fpacious Pretenses, may be entcrtain'd
as a Companion ; but w hen it appears in its t>wn
Shape, it cannot but ItriKe Horror into the Suul af
any, if not really ftupify'd, as Tow, S/6jr^ wa*, who,
to maintain himfelf in an idle Courfe of Life, would
perpetrate any thing.
Among many other Arts, peculiar to Perfons of
his Profellion, Tom. learn'd thai of making Hack
Dogs, which are Shillings, or other Pieces of Money,
made only of Pewter, double waih'd 1 by means ei'
which he maintain'd himfelf for fome time. It
may not be araifs to obferve here, that what the
Profcffore cf this hellifh Art call George Flatirotn,
4 N i,
3-^ 1
A Gemral History of
is all Copper within, with only a thin Plate about
it ; and tliey call what [Ctmpofiium, is a mix'd Me-
tal which will both touch and cut, but not endure
the ficiy Tert. Tom. had not been a great while at
tiie 'I'r.ide of Coining, before feveral of his Gang
were apprehended, and fent Poll to the Gallows
fur tlicir wicked Ingenuity, which oblig'd him to
employ all the Powers of his Wit and Invention, in
tlic Search of fomething elfe that might conduce to
fiipply him in his manifold Extravagancies.
. in til e next place he went to picking of Pockets,
.at wiiich being deteded, he was committed to Nc"m-
Prifon; v.'here having a great many loofe Women
oniing nfter him, who fupply'd him with a great
deal ot Money, he had all the Priviledge imaginable
in the Jail ; and going to take his Trial at Hicks's-
/y«//fur his Fad, one yohn Lee, a Turnkey, con-
(.luiliiig hmi thither, gave him the Liberty of being
Ihav'd by tiie'Way in a Barber's Shop. 7 he Keeper
having alio a pre:ty long Beard, quoth Tom Sharp,
Come, ive are Time enough yet. Jit Jo-wn, and PIl
pay far taking your Btard off too. Wliilft he was
trimming, Tom. talk'd one Thing or other te hold
him in Difcourfe, till at lafi the Barber cry 'd, Shut,
your Eyes, or elfe my Ball ivill offend 'em. The M^iH
did as he was bid, and Tom. took, this Occafion to
flip out, the Barber not taking him for a Prifoner, and
hid himfelf in an Alciioufe hard by. The Turnkey
not hearing him talk, open'd his Eyes, and not fee-
ing him in the Shop, rofe up To hallily, that he over-
threw Cut-Beard, Bafon, VVater, and all upon liim,
and ran out into the Street with the Barber's Cloth a-
bout him, and Napkin on his Head. The People
feeing him thus, with the Froth about his Face, con-
cluded him mad, and as he ran gave him the Way.
The Barber, with his Razor in his Hand, ran after
the Turnkey, crying, Stop Thief, flop Thief; but he
never minding the Out-cry, ttill ran ftaring up and
down, as if his Wits had lately llolen away from him,
and he was in purfuit of them, Some durfl; not flop
him, and other would not; till the Barber feiz'd
him at laft, and getting his Cloth and Napkin from
him, made him pay Six-pence befides for being but
half Ihav'd, while Tom. in the time of this Hurly-
burly, got clear off.
■ Being afraid of being apprehended for this Efcape,
he was obliged to lie incognito in a Garret in St. An-
dreius-flreet, by the Seven-dials, where alfo dwelling
in the fame Houfe one Baynham, a poor illiterate
Taylor, who was lately turn'd an Aftrologer, and
had a mighty great Conceit of his own natural Parti,
which were very extraordinary in ordinary Things,
they became intimately acquainted one with another ;
and hearing this Star-gazer often wifh he could fpeak
Arabic, for the Underftanding Albumaxar, Meffa-
halah, Abdtlazus, Ulugh Bei^hi, and other Authors,
who had written on the Art of Aftrology in that
Language, Torn Sharp pretended he had that Tongue
as perfect as his own, and would teach it him in three
Months for forty Shillings, one half in Hand, and
the other when he had perform'd his Bargain. Bayn-
ham was very glad of this Opportunity, and giving
him twenty Shillings, he was to procure Erpenius\
Arabic Grammer, which he underftood no more than
a wild Indian did Vyeljh or uijh. Tom. proceeded
with teaching his Pupil a great many canting Words,
telling him Autem was Arabic for a Church ; Borde, a
Shilling ; Buffer, a Dog ; Belly-cheat, an Apron ;
Cokir, a Liar ; Cuffin, a Man ; Canke, dumb ; C^n-
itakin, the Plague ; Deufe ai-il, the Country ; Fermr,
a Hole^; Flag, a Groat ; Glymmer, a Fire ; Ga j
Lip ; Gybe, a Pafs ; Harmanback, a Confta ; j
"J'gg"-, a Door; Kinchin, a Child; Libege, al|:
Make, a Half-penny ; Nab, a Hat ; Prat, a Th ;;
^arran, a Body; Ruffn, the Devil ; S-wag, a Sp,
Slat, a Half- Crown; Trin, the Gallows; Wi ^
Penny; Yarum, Milk; and abnndance more to le
fame Purpofe. They went on in this Manneilr
two or three Days, when Tom .ibfconding fron|i»
Lodging, not one Digit of his Body was to be In
ever after. Thus he trick'd the poor Aftrolof,
as nicely as he had the Daughter of James Garc>,
a Printer, out of above ff.y Shi Imgs, in telling tt
five or fix Years bcfjre, t. at O.e Ihould have a 1 f.
band in a (hort Time, and the poor Creature was ii
marred at the Time of Tow's Adventure.
Afterw.-.rds Tom. Sharp equipp ng limTclf a
Cloak, he went to the Portuguefe Ciiapel in ^,
coins- Inn-Fields, and privately threw a Pspe if
Lamp-black into t!ie htly Water, plaC'd by the U r,
hivi;ig fill! changed the Silver Bafon for ai'e..ter ?,
which he had under his Cloak. Soon after the I tt
camt out and crofled himlelf, and having fa a
fliort Ejaculation to himfel', he look'd toward; is
bigotred Congregation, to b'lefs ti.em with a x
•vobifcum, but when he faw them all have black C I-
fes on their Foreheads, and the Peo, le alfo fiw le
on his, there was (uch it.'iring one upon the othei it
if they would have llar'd thro' one another. ,i
length they found they were impos'd upon by 1 1{
Heretic!:, who was got far enough off before n ;
wjiereiipon, highly refenting the Proplianatioi if
that which they thought lufficctit Proof agriiift e
^ 1. and all his Works, the/ presently wen «
curfing of him with their grcavtll Anathema of I,
Book, and Candle ; but Tom being ready curs' o
their Hands, their Revenge did him no Injur it
all.
Toot's laft Faft was fliooting a Watchman, 9
oppos'd him in breaking open a Shoe-maker's J p
at the Corner of Grcai'l^ild-ftreet, facing up G »
^een-freet. He was apprehended and coiiden i
for this Murder ; but fuch was his Impiety, w \
under Sentence of Death, that inltead oi thani {
fuch who had fo much Chriflianity in 'em as tc d
him prepare for his latter End, he would bid t i
not to trouble his Head with the idle Whimfie f
Heaven and Hell, for he was more a Man thai I
dread or believe any fuch Matter after this L .
But when he came to the Place of Execution, wi i
was at the End oi Long Acre in Drury-Lttne, and :
Halter was put about his Neck, he then chang'd i
Tone, and began to call out for Mercy, with fu( I
forrowful Voice, which could not but awake thei I
lethargick ConfcietKe that ever the Devil lull'd afl< .
One there might plainly fee by the Deluge of T i
which fell from his Eyes, what Convulfion-Fits !
poor Soul fuffer'd, whilft his own Mouth confe.l
how grievoufly his afflidled Spiris were flretch'd .
the Rack of black Defpair. Now was the Timet!
the voluminous Regiilers of his ill Confciende, whi
formerly lay clafp'd in fome unfearch'd Corner of I
Memory, were laid open before him ; and the De ,
who hitherto gave him the leffening End of the Pi-
peiftive-Glafs to furvey his licentiou Ccurfes, cur!
the magnifying End to his Eye, which m:ide hi
implore Heaven for a graciou-; Pardon of his ma
fold Tranfgrefrions. in this manner he was ton
off the Cart on Friday the twenty fecond Day [
September, 1 704, aged twenty nine Years. '
Pyratesy Highwaymen^ Murderer jy 5Cc.
325
The LIFE o/GEORGE SEAGER.
hi foUo^ving Account ivas fent in a LETTER
from a Gentleman in Londos, to his Frit'id in the
Country, in the Tear 1 697.
SIR,
r Have no great Inclination to te!i "^torie^ which
p.-rhaps is notlii'.^ h,:t the ttic^t of a'- ili-
L ^rounueu \'unity, tiirt !»i?.:-es i:ie preTjr the ex-
"iiig of whst I iniagi'-e, to the jelating of what
Live fc-en. The P'-ofcion of h bii^ry-TeUer fits
t aukwardly upon vcung Peop'.e, and is down-
ht Wcaknefs in oid Men. \'i"hcn our ^^'it is not
■;ved to its diie ^ igor, or when it begins to de-
. ne, we then take r Pleafure in telling what does
t pjt us to any great Expeixe of Thought. How-
■ I, in Compliance with your Requeft I will for
:e renounce tht. Pleafure .vhich I generally take
rry own Imrgitiation, to relate the unacconnta-
i Adions of George Sealer, w ho was lately exccu-
I here.
Tnis notorious Fello v, aged twenty fix Years at
I Time of hi; Death, was born at Port/mouth in
J 'r:^j':ire, where his Father and Mother'd'ying, his
{ cr took Care of hitn for a while ; but fhe not be-
i able to fupport herfelf, left 1 :;;! to the PariTn to
i p him, the Overfeers v.hereot placed him out to
f I Pack-Thread After two Years he left that
1 ployment, and went to a Silk-Throwllcr for a
\i! and half; when running away from his IVlaller,
hook bad Courfe^, a> be^ng addicted to Gaming,
S;aring, Drunkennefs, aidTh.ift; but a Gang of
t, Ruiy Man of VV.-.r prefling iiaa, he went on
t rd that Ship to Sea, where robbing the Seamens
C;rts, he was often whipp'J at the Cap ftern, put
if he Bilboes, and once r'jel-haurd. Keel-hauling a
In is tying a P.ope round his Middle, to which
. U other Ropes are fo fiften'd, that carrymg hjra
tche End of l!iC Main- Yard-Arm on the Starboard-
fi< of the Ship, he is flung from thence into the
Vtcr, and hauled utder the Ship by a Man ftand-
inon the Main-Yard-Arm Oi\ the Larboard-fide,
W'le a Gun is fired over the Criminal's Head as he
israwing up. However, as no Punifhment would
dcr him from pilfering, i he Captain of the Ship,
.faier than be plagued witn him, put him aftiore at
P-nouth, from whence -le begg'd his Way to
P ! mouth, where he lifted himielf into Johnny
G/in's Regiment, to whom he was a continual
■ P'iue.
he firilTinie he mounted the Guard, being put
C Liy on the Ramp:>rt5, and ordered by the Cor-
pi'l not to let tiie grand Rounds p^fs without chai-
le irig, he faid, he would take Care of them, ima-
giing that if he challenged them he muft fight them
to So the grand Rounds going about at Twelve
"ight, wkh 'Johnny Gihjhn at the Head of them,
', who had got a whole Hatful of Stones by
becaufe he chofe to fight at a Dillnnce cries
If ho corns there? Being told, they were the
grand Rounds ; Oh .' a mn ye, quoth George, the
grai:J Runds are ye 1 Ha've at you then ; for I hu=ue
•wailed /or you this Hour and abo-ue. So pelting them
with Stones as f.ift as he could fling, ti.e grand
Rounds could not pafs any farther, tJl they called
out to the Captain of Zflj/z/o/Y-Giv*)//, who fent the
Corporal to relieve him, in order to his being exa-
min'd ; but Johnny Gibfon finding him to be a raw
Soldier, who nad never been u'pon Duty before, he
efcaped any FuiiiQinient inflifted on c3ffer.Jers by
Martial Law.
Another Time, fome arch Soldier putting a Whifp
of Hay into the Kiou'h of the Wooden Hone, v.hicb
ftindsat the End of tne Parade by the Main-Guard
Houle, Johnny Gibfon efpying it, quoth he, Ife
iLorrant him an honefl Ffioiv, ivho ivas fo kind as
to gii'e my Horfe for.e Hay ; gin Ifc ken nvho it luas,
I/e gi-ve him Saxf-ence to drink. George llaading by
the Governor when he faid fo, qLOth he, // was I,
Sir, nvho gafe four Horfe that Hay. Said Jenny
then, Ife -foiv it 'was vjell done of thee, and there if
Sax-^encefor thy Pains ; but as you <was jo civil a!
to feed my Horfe, you ou^ht to lidt him to Water toe.
So commanding him prefently to be mountei^ on it,
with a fifty Pounds Weight at his Feet, he there fat
for an Hour, curfing Jonny's Civility to him to the
very Pit of Hell.
But not long after this Riding-Bout, George Hand-
ing Centry one Night at Joiny's Door, as he was
coming homewards to his Houfe, quoth he, If'ha
comes there ? Jonny Gibfon the Governor replv'd, A
Friend, Lad. If hat Friend ? Stand, Sir. —
Quoth Jonny, Ifc am the Governor. George rtpl 'd,
Idontknoiuthat; therefore Jiand off', til! I call the
Corforal, or elfe I'll Jhoot you. Jonny wuuld fain
have prefs'd upon his Poft ; but wtien he faw nim-
felf frullrated in his Defign, quoth he, Ife fee, bo-
nejl Friend, that ye knozv yer Duty, therefore ye need
no call the Corporal, there'' s a Shilling for ye; and
if ye'' r hungry, ye may gang into my Kitchen and fill
yer Belly, and in the mean Time Ife n.i:ill ftand fn- ye.
George refufed his Favour feveral Times ; but wherj
Jonny as often promised him upon his Word ar.J
Honour, that not the leaft Harm fhould c»me to
him for leaving his Poft, he gave him nisMusqiiet,
and went into his Kitchen. When he lad kl'd
his Belly, he went out by a backward Dooi to the
Guard-Houfe, where being feveral Soldiers playing
at Cards, he put in among them. While iie wa>
here the Corpora! efpying him, Ha, ha, q_oth he
ho~M a Pox came you here from your Pojt .-'ready?
George reply 'd, Don't you trouble yomfelf about that,
I have got one there to Jl and for me.
The Corporal faid no more to him then ; but a-
bout an Hour and a half afterwarcs going to relieve
the Centrics, when he came to Gta.-^f'.. Toft, he was
much furpriz'd to fee Jchnny w .lk;i;g there with a
Mulquet on his Shoulders, who cry'd out, Ctme,
mauke Hafie Men, trnd relieve me, for it is a var,
CO.il
3-4
old Niihl i hut, ly mjf !#/, I/i tvill never flmif*r
any Knave agen, till be gang to fill hit Belly ; ity)-
tvtr, Ife Jhall ken that ill faud Loen eenather Time
from a black Steep. Some Time after, George being
in Johnnf'i own Company, and (landing another
Time Centry at his Door, wanting Shoes, he aflt'4
him for a Pair : Quoth johnny, Hafte thou ever m
Piece of Chalk about thee f George told him, Yei ;
and giving him a Piece, with which he drew out a
Piir of Shoes on the Centry-Box, quoth he, Thear't
a Pair for thee. George could not well tell what to
Uy to him ; but as foon as Jonny went in a doors,
he draws out a Man (landing Centry on the Centry-
Box, nnd went olFfrom his Poll. Afterwards, the
CJovcrnor coming out, and feeing what S/»rf/, wlio
was not there, had done, he prefcntly went to the
Guard-Houfe to fee for him ; but finding none cf
Gantleman, he fent a Corporal with a File of Muf-
quetcers to look for him. After long fearching
about the Town, they found him playing at All-
Tours in an Ale-Houfe, and brought him Prifonsr
n Jonny, who demanding how his Impudence could
be fa great as to quit his Poll before he was reliev'd,
he faid, He had left a Man to do his Duty. Tes,
quoth Johnny, a Man chalk'J out for me. Why,
replies George, I thought a Centry chalk' d out for you,
viould do as luell as a Pair if Shoes fir me. But,
to be (hort, Johnny committed him to the Hole,
where living only upon the Allowance of Bread and
Water for fourteen D.iys, he was then brought forth,
and rail the Gauntloop fix Time* thro' the whole
Regiment.
After this George had alfo ran the Gauntloop fere-
ral Times for robbing the Soldiers Barracks of
Vi(fluals, Linnen, or any thing elfe that he could
ind , but no Punifhment deterring him from hit pil-
fering Tricks, he was in a Draught fcnt over to FUn-
dtrs, where going one Day into a great Church in
Brujfels, he efpy'd a Capuchin-YtyM confeffing a
young Woman in a very private Place ; and as loon
29 the good old Father had given AbfolutiOn to his
PsniHentiary, he made up to him u»der Pretence of
confeiBng hii Sins ; for, as it happen'd, the Fryar
was an Englijhman. But, inllead of confeffing hit
manifold Crimes, hit Intention was to commit more ;
for, pulling a Piilol out of hit Pocket, and clapping
it to his Breail, quoth he. Reverend Father, I fir-
(eived the young Genllevuoman, lubom youjuft 7i»iu con-
feft'd, gave you fomitbing; but let it be more or left
unleft you furrender it to me, *nho have tnofi Need of
it, I vjill /hoot you thra^ the H»art, altho" Itvatfurt
/« be bangd this very Moment for it.
The Fryar being much furpriaed at thefe dange-
rous Words, and deeming Life fweet, he gave hiia
what he had of his Female Penitentiary, which was
two Louis d'Ors i then bidding him Hand and Foot
^ Central History of
in a Corner adjacent to his ConfefCon-Box, h< wei
away] ; and that fame Day, deferting hit Regimen
made the belt of his Way for Eifg/and, where 1
committed feveral mofl notorious Burglaries in ti
Cities of London and Weftminjier, aad the Out-Par.
thtreof ; but at lall being apprehended, and fent i
Newgate, for breaking open the Houfe of the Lo,
Cutts, and taking ihencs Plate and fine Linneo valui
at Two Handled and forty Pounds, he was haag'd
Tyburn, On Wednefday, the Twratjr feveath Day .
January, in the Year 1696-97.
Thus hate I given you all the Account I con
colIcA, of a Man, who Life you were fo defirous
be acquainted with 1 there is nothing very remark
ble in his Afliont, but his being your Counirym:
it a fufScient Excufe for your C^ltioflty.
/ nm, SIR, Tours, &c.
We may add by way of Pojlfcrift to the fore-goi
Letter, that at the fame Time and Place were ej
euted the following Criminals, viz. i . Jofefh P
ter, aged Twenty feven Yeart, and born in Sou
•work ; who running away from King William'% S
vice at Sea, broke open the Lady Anverguerqn
Houfe, and took from thence One Hundred :
Thirty Pounds in Money, which he confumed in ,
than a Week j and when he came to the Tree, fi ,
was his Impudence as to fay, / muft needs own the '
have brought my Hogs to a fair Market, but w f
fare 1 for hanging, ftnce ejhort Life vuell ffent is t .
ter than a long one I
t. Benjamin Ellifon, aged Twenty fire Years, 1
born at li'apfing, was condemn'd for breaking 0 1
the Houfe of the Earl of Albemarle, and tal 5
thence fome Jewels, and a Gold Watch of gi t
Value i but he was not much concerned at his -
timely End ; for, inllead of repenting, he faid f
1 novi ivas to live my Life over again, I would bi $
other Trade but a Thief; becauft he bat nofooBtr 1
hit Work, hut he is paid for bis Labour.
3. Jamei Ayres, aged Thirty Years, and boi 1
Scitland, was condemn'd for committing fereral : I
notorious Robberies on the Highway ; and b f
come to the Place of Execution, and efpyir s
Country Fellow gazing earneftly upon him, q k
he, pointing at the fame Time towards him, / / «
got one Half-Crown in my Breeches fttll; and 1-
llevingyou to be out ofBufinefs, l<viiil give it you ' li
all my Heart, to take Int one Turn for me fir If
an Hour : And let me tell you, a Crown an Hi if
good Pay for any Wirking Man »• England.
PyrateSy Highwaymerty Murderers^ &c.
325
The LIFE of NED BONNET.
ED irjR D Bonnet was born of very gond
and leputable Parents, in the Ifle ot £/f, 111
Canbridgejhire, who btito\i.iig lome i.'u.ill
uuL.itiuii upon mm, as Reading, VV'nting, arni Caft-
ig Accompts, about the t'lfteciith Yeai of his Age,
; Has put out an Apprentice to a Grocer, liv. -g
Potten in Bcdforjjhire, whom he ferved honel'.-
VVhen he was out of iiis lime, he niarrie.l a
eighbour's Daughter, by wnom he had two Imall
hildren at the '1 ime of his Death, apd (et op for
mfelf in the Country, being at one Tmie worth
)ove fix hundred' Po :nds. He was ruined by a
re, which burnt all liis Goods and Houfe to ti-ie
round ; and not being in a Condition to retrieve
s Lofs, he came up to Lomlou, to avoid the ira-
irtunate Duns of Creditors, where lighting into a
ang of Highwaymen, he took to tl.eir Courfes,
raife himlcif, IF pcffible, once more. Having
en upon feveral Exploits, wherein lie was fuccci--
, the fweet Profit of his Entcrprizes made him
in Love with robbing on the HighwiV, that lie
voted himfelf wholly to it, and committed (as
s reported) above tnree hundred Robberie';, p.ir.
ularly in CamhnJgijhire, infomucii that lie was
much dreaded by tae People in ihat Country, as
tx that great Tor}', Patrick Flemmtng, was by the
!d Lijb.
Atttr he was grown a good Proficient in the gain-
Art and Myllery of raobing on tiie Highway, l.e
:entimt3 attempted to rob by himfelf, tur lie was
■ excellent Horleman, and kept the bcft of Horfes
lich wuuid leap a Hedge, Ditch, or Five -Bar Gate,
th him on his Back, and knew the Road by D..y
> Nigiit, in ti.at Country, as perfectly as if was
cited by a Cumpals.
Upon tliis Eeall one Time he met a young Canta-
■ :\ian, who had more iVIoney than Wit, recreat-
:; himltlf abroad in his Calalli, with a bnlkjolly
'jurtezan, belonging to bawdy Bar/iife//, a little
lulge, within a Aide ot the Univerf.ty of Cam-
i'dge, well iuft with fuch fort of Cattle, as will
11 the foul D.foafe to a Gentleman at a very mo
trate Price. He made up to thele Gallants, and
«mmanding them to lland, he very civilly demand-
t their Money ; which they refufing, he took the
iin of fix Pounds or thereabouts from 'em by V'io-
lice J and becauie they ga\Te him feme Trouble be-
I e they would part witii vvliat they had, he was
lolved to put them to fome Shame.
To accomplifh this, he prclcnted a Couple of Pif-
is tow.irds them, ai.d Iwore they Ihould lufFer no
T than prelent Deatii, if they aid not llrip them
i.esilaric naked; and they, to fave their fweet
■ ves, obey'd his Comni'-nds. Then tying tiwir
llnds behind them, lie bound their Legs one to tiie
' ler, and (lathing the Hoife, away iic ran Vipon a
i i lot with theie .Liumita, i.ome to his I im in
ifthiidge. But as foor. as they came into the Town,
I'h a iVlultituJe of jVlcri. '.VoT.fn, and Ch.ijrtn,
■> re hallooiag and iiootiiij .utcr imm, tiiai -.iiu Iii^-c
to be fure was fcaicely feen after the Lady Gtutina,
whf 1 ihe rid naked thro' tlie City of Cauentry. Bat
tueir bname dia not eiid liere ; for the young Gen-
tlt:iii..ii being call'd to an Account by the Vice-
-runcellor, tor tins .ScmdaJ which he nad brought
-.1 the Colkgian.', by ids publickly keeping Com-
pany witn kwd \Vomen, lie was expeii'd by the
Univenity ; and the Strumpet fent to the Houfe of
Correction, to do "farther Ptnnance by Way of IVlur-
tification for the Fledi.
Having performed this Exploit, and removing his
Quarters on t'other Side the Country, he met with
his Taylor and Son, who bad lately arrelled him for
a Sura ot four or (ive Pounds, which ne ow'd iVlr.
Stitch, Reiolviug naw to be revenged on him, he
requelted him to deliver his Purfe ; bat the Taylor
not approving of his Propofition, he us'd a great
many Words and Ceremonies to divert Ned Bonnet
from his Projed. Nt:d not being to be Tongue paJ-
Ued, he, by force of Arms, took thirty fix Pounds
away from his former Cred. tor, and rid off ! which
made tJC Son fay to his Fatiier, I luonder luhat theft
Felloius think oj ticmfel-jci? Hureljthey iiiujt go to
Hell for commit li.'ig thcj'e notorious Atiions. (J — d
Jorbid, reply'd the Taylor, for to ha-iie Convirja-
tian of fuch Rogues there, <u,ould be ■u.a/yf thiui ull
the reji.
Atttr t lis, K:d Bonne! meeting on the Road be-
twixt CaitiLridge and Elt, Mi. i'iggot tiie .Anabap-
till Pie.x..er in Litth-UHd-f.reei, i.e conunaniicj
him to Hand and deuver ; whereupon, this pious
and much Pains taking Propagitor of the Goipei,
being very loath to part uitn Ji.i. Mammon to this
D — lota Kobocr, as tiiinRing it tails Her^uldry
to put Metal to Alctal, lie dropp'd a great many
derout Sayings to diver, him from his intended Pu.-
pole. Tins putting Ntd Bonnet into a great Palfioii,
he l;iid. Pray, S.r, ke.pyi.ur Breath to cool yaur Par'
ridge, and don't talk of religious Matttisio me, for'
I'll ha-ve you to kno-jj, that, like all other true bred '
Gentlemen, I bclis've nothing at all of Religion \
therefore deliver me your Money, and bejloiu your
laborious Cant uf on your Female Auditors, nvhu'fl ne-
•ver fcold at their Maids itjithout cudgellina them
luith broken Pieces of Scripture, 'which Jiovj 'very
fluently upon them on all Occrtf.ons. So taking troiii
mm a good Watcu, worth cigiit Pound;, and as
many Guineas, he ty'd his Legi under his Horfi.*.>
Bel;y, and leit him to lleer hia Courle as well as
he cou'd.
Anotner Time Ned and his Afloci.'ites meeting
with a Perfon of Quality, attended by foi-r Servant;,
on the defcending of a fliU irto a hollow Way, the
one Side whereo; was inclos'd with a craggy fhaiter-
ed Rock, and the other with a large W uod, riling
conliderabiy higher than the Road, here tney
thought u very proper to alfault the Nobk'm.iri and
Ills Attendants, whom they commancied to lir.ijd
and deliver, wiiat thev had. hx x.\yr she Per Ton oi
' 4 t> Q;:-i'-i-
ji6
A General History of
Quality fmil'd, {thinking, Ot at leaft diffembling
that he thought fo) that they were only in Jeft, and
told them, He believed they nvere Gentleman only
upon a Frolick ; therefore, if they 'would accompany
him to the next Tonvn, they Jhould be entertained
•with the heft the Place 'would ajford. To this tied
and his Comrades reply'd furlily. They muj) con-
•vince him by ftronger Argument t if he perfifted not to
dfliuer his Monoy, •which nolens volens they fwere rt-
fohed to have. So having made ready, they bore
lip to i'eize his Horfe's Bridle. Upon this, perceiv-
ing they were in Earneft, a fliarp Difpute began be-
tvvixtthem; but the Nobleman's Party being over-
powered, they were forced to farrender themfelves
Prifoners at Difcretion.
The Robbers then taking from the NoHeman a
Purfe full of Gold, a gold SnufF-Box, a gold Watch,
and a rich diamond Ring, they carried him and his
Servants into tlie adjacent Wood, where tying them
Hands and Feet, they left them ; but faying, That
they nvould bring them more Company prefently. Ac-
cordingly, they were as good as tiieir Word, for in
lefs than two Hours they made the Nobleman and
his four Servants jull a dozen Perfons, whom alfo
binding, quoth Ned Bonnet, ' There are now twelve
* of you, all good Men and true ; fo bidding you
' farewel, you may give in your Vcrdidl on us as you
' pleafe when we are gone ; tho' it will be none of
' the bell, yet to give as little Trouble as may be,
' we fhall not ftay now to challenge any of you : So
' once more farewell.
Ned Bonnet and his Comrades now going to their
Place of Rendezvous, to make merry with what they
had got, which was at a bye fort of an Inn (landing
fomewhat out of the high Road between Stamford
and Grantham, it happened at Night to rain very
hard, fo that one Mr. Randal a Pewterer, living
near Marygold-Jlley in the Strand, before it was
burnt down, was oblig'd to put in there for Shelter.
Calling for a Pot of Drink, whereon was the Inn-
keeper's Name, which was alfo Randal, the Pew-
terer aflced him, as being his Name fake, to fit and
bear him Company.
They had not been long chattering before Ned
and one of his Comrades, with a Trull, came down
Stairs and placed themfelves at the fame Table ; and
underllanding, by the Means aforefaid, what this
Stranger's Name was, one of the Rogues fixing his
Eyes more intent than ordinary upon him, in a deal
of feeming Joy, he leaped over the Table, and cm-
bracing the Pewterer, q^oth he, ' Dear Mr. Ran-
' doll who would have thought to have feen you
* here ? 'Tis Ten Years, I think, fince I had the
* Happinefs to be acquainted with you.
Whilft the Pewterer was recollefting whether he
could call this Spark to mind or not, for it came not
into his Memory, that he had ever feen him in his
Life, the Highwayman again cry'd out, Alas I Mr.
Randal, I/ee novj I am muck altered, fince you have
forgot me. So being here arrived to a Ne plui ultra
how to go on, up ftarts Ned, and with as great feem-
ing Admiration, faid to his Companion, Is this,
Harry, the honeft Gentleman in London, 'uihom you fo
tftenui'd to praife for his great Civility and Libera-
lity to all People ? Surely then 'we art very happy in
meeting thus accidentally ivith him..
By this Difcourfc they would almoft have perfwa-
ded Mr. Randal that they perfeftly knew him ; but
being fenfible of the contrary, he very ferioufly af-
fiired them, that he could not remember that he e-
ver had feen any of them in his Life. No .' faid
ihcy, as llruck with Admiration, that's Jirange 'we
Jhould he altered fo much "vithin thefe fc-w Tears.
Tiien Mr. Randalbegm toalk the Spark, who pre-
tended to know him fo well, fome Queftions which
he was certain he could not pofitively anfwer; ti'
fearing they Ihould then be put to a Nonplus, the
waved them, and llrained Compliments with M
Randal tofup with them ; which all his Refulals coui,
not avoid.
By that Time they had fupped, in came fourmc
of Ned'i Comrades, who were invited alfo to );
down, and more Provifions were called for, \vhi<i
were as quickly brought, and as quickly devour'c
When the fury of confuming h;iif a dozen woe
Fowls and other Viitual:. was over, befidcs -lever
Flaiks of Wine, there was not iefs than tluet- I'oum
odd Money to pay. At tlju they liai'd on oaclK
ther, and held a profound Silence', uhilll Mr. Ra.
dal w.is fumbling in his Pocket. \\ hen tliey law 1
only brought Jourth a Moule, which was only ,
much as caiac to his Share to p:iy, he tliat piettndt
to knokv him, ftarted up, and protclied he fhotilU 1
cxcus'd for old Acquaintance i.ike ; But the Pewit
er, not willing to be beholden, as indeed tliey ii/;v>
intended he fliould, to luch Companions, leil for thl
Civility they (hould expeH greater Obligations froJ
him, prefled them to accept his Dividend of the Re
koning, faying. If they thought requifte he -wait
pay more.
At laft their Trull taking the Wink, faid. Com*
come, •what needs all this ado F Let the Gentlema f
ifhefo pleafes, prefent us -with this fmatl 'Treat, a \
da you give him a larger at his taking his Fareivel
the Morning. Mr. Randal not liking tliis Piopof '
it was llarted that he and Ned fliouId rhrow Dice
end the Controverfy ; and fearing he was got into
Company, to avoid Mifchief, Randal acquired
throw a Main for who fhould pay the whole Sh(
which was fo managed that the Lot till upon Jen,
For putting the Ch,inge upon him, ttie Dice tn
threw with ran all Fives and Sixes oi\ Ned'i Side, a
but only Fours and Fives on the Pewterer's Sid
which he perceiving, and going to deteCl them, th'
Strumpet fnatched them up, and by tiie Art of flaJ
Pocus, converted them into regular ones. By tlj
Means Randal, having the Voice of the whd
Board againll him, wai deputed to pav the wh«
Reckoning; tho' the diffembling Villains vow'd ;
protefted they had rather it had fell to any of thee
to have had the Honour of treating him, with aiJ
making large Promifes what great Things thJ
would do the next Morning, to make him amem]
Mr. Rand*l diffembled his Difcontent at thi
ftiirking Tricks as well as he could ; and they pi
ceiving he would not engage in Gaming, but cou
teffeited Drowflnefs, and defired to be a-bed, t
Company broke up, and he was fhew'd to his Led
ing, which he baricado'd as well as he could, by pt
ting old Chairs, Stools, and Tables againft the Dot
Going to Bed and putting the Candle out, he fell
fleep ; but was foon awaked by a capering up ai
down the Room, and an Outcry of Murder ai
Thieves.
Upon this furprizing Noife he leaped out of Be
arid ran to the Door, to fee whether it was fall -
not ; and finding nothing removed (for the Hig
waymen came into his Chamber by a Trap Do
which was behind the Hangings) he wondtred ho
the Noife (hould be therein his Apartment, unit
it was enchanted. But as he was about to remo
the B^irricadc to run and raife the Houfe, he vv
furronnded with a Crew, who tying and gaggii
him, they took away all his Clooths, and left hi
to ihift for himfelf as well as he could.
A little after, the Inn-keeper, the better to colo^
his Bufinefs, carae thundering as the Door, demari'
ing what was the Caufe of this Clamour at th
Time of Night? But hearing no Body anfwer, I
juinbk
Pyratssy Highwaypfeff, Murderersy 5Cc.
mbied open the Door, and entered- the Room
uh a Candle, bringing alfo his Holller and Taplkr
ong with him. Finding the Gentleman in that
ondition, he foon unlooi'd him, with a great deal
■feeming Sorrow for this Difafter ; for he had not
ily loll his Cloaths, but alfo forty Pounds which
: had in Gold in his Breeches. In the mean while
■J Bonntt and one of his Comrades came into Mr.
mdal'i Chamber, to enquire the meaning of this
iillurbance there, and when they were acquainted
til his Lofs, they faore, in a feeming great Rage,
\:ey luould find out the Rogues, if they iveiit to a
• muror. But the poor Pewterer believed they need
itconfult the Devil to know who had robbed him,
: more than they might have doubted going to him
ijmi'elves when they died.
Mr. .S<7«^«/ being thus cheated and robbed of all
1 had about him, he was obliged jto borrow fome
<1 Cloaths of the Inn-keeper and then with a heavy
]:3rt return early in the Morning home again, as
I ng not able to profecute his intended Journey,
J want of Money to defray his Charges.
Dne Tims N,-J Bonnet, in a Rencounter on the
] ad, met with the Misfortune of having his Horfe
i t under him ; whereupon, he was obliged to fol-
I ■- his Trade on Foot, till he could get another.
1 : it was not long before he took a good Gelding
»:of the Grounds of 3 Man, who fince kept the
U-Lyon-Inn in Haunjlo'w ; upon which, riding flrait
i 3 Cambridgejhire, a Gentleman one Day overtook
t ion the Road, who had juft like to have been
r bed. Hearing Ned Bonnet to be tuning fome-
t ig of a Pfalm, he, thereupon, took him to be a
g ily Man, and defired his Company to fuch a
I :e, to which he faid he was alfo going, (for a
I jhwayman is never out of his Way, tho' he is go-
it , againll his Will, to the Gallows.) But at length,
iV coming to a Place convenient for his Purpofe,
b obliged the Gentleman to lland and deliver hit
^ ney j which being above eighty Guineas, he had
ti Confcience to give him half a Crown to bear hit
(uges, till he had Credit to recruit himfelf ag.iin.
Tis Gentleman ever after could not endure the
Ineofa Pfalm, and had as great an .Averfion a-
gift Sterhold, Hopkins, Tate, and Brady, as the
1/il has to holy Water.
The Reader will obferve by what precedes, that
A? Bonnet had always a iprightly Imagination,
ai this was yet more apparent before the Fa-
ciies of his Mind were debauched by evil Prac-
tis : We (hall give one Inftance, which was o-
irted at the Beginning, to prove the Livelinefs
oihis Genius when he was but a Child. B«ing fent
b;3is Father when he wai no more than ten
Virs old, with a Prefent to the Parfon of the Pa-
ri, he went and knocked manfully at the Door.
3^7
The Gift was a Spear-rib, the old Man having
juft killed a Hog, and it was wrapped up in a
Cloth, and put into a Bafket. A Servant comci
to the Door, and demands of young Bonnet hit
Bufinefs. I nuant to /peak ivith your Mafter fays he.
Immediately the Maiter was informed, and, he im^
agining what the Affair was, comes to receive
the Dole of his pious Pariihoner, a Thing thar
Gentlemen of the Cloth are as ready to do, as any
Men in the World. WeH, my Dear, quoth he.
What is your Bufinefs? Why only my Father has fent you
this, fays Ned, and gives hie the Ba{ket, without
moving his Hat. O Fie,fe, Child, fays leii, have
you no Manners ? You Jhould pull off your Hat, and
fay. Sir, my Father gi-ves his Seti-ice to you, and de-
fires you to accept this fmall Token : Come go out again
•with the Bajket, and knock at the Door, and VU la
you in, and fee ho-M prettily you can perform it.
The Parion waited within the Door till he was
weary, expefting Ned to knock ; till at lall, ima-
gining the Boy had niillook the Cafe, he opens the
Door, and fees our Gentleman at a Diftance, walk-
ing off with his Prefent. So ho! So ho ! Sirrah,
•where are you a going? calls the Parfon with a
loud Voice. Home, Sir, anfwered the Boy as loud-
ly. Nay, but you mujl come back, and do as I bade
you fir ft, fays the Prieft again, ""hank you for that.
Sir, quoth Ned: I kno'W better ; and if you teach
me Manners, I'll teach ytu If it. So away he fair-
ly went with the Spear-rib, which his Father, upon
hearing the Story, had Wit enough to keep, and
laugh at the Parfon into the Bargain.
At length one Zachary Clare, whofe Father kept
a Baker's Shop at Hackney, being apprehended for
robbing on the Highway, and committed to Cam-
bridge Goal, to fave his own Baeon, he made him-
felf an Evidence againll Ned Bonnet, who being fe-
cured at his Lodging in Old-Street, was fent to Neix>-
gate, where remaining till the Affizes held at Cam-
bridge, before Mr Baron Lovel, he was carried
down thither, and executed before the Callle, on
Saturday the 28th oi March, 1713, to the general
Joy and Satisfaftion of all the People in that Coun-
try ; where a great Number on Horfeback met him
on the Road, when he was going down, to conduft
him fafe to Prifon. Before he was turned off he
fliew'd himfelf very much troubled for the poor Con-
dition in which he left his Wife and Children, and
owned that his fliameful Death was no more than
what he deferved, in that he had been condemned
for his Life not above three Years before, at Chelms-
ford in Effex, and was pardoned for the fame ; but
not making good afe of that Royal Mercy, which
was extended towards him, the juft Judgment of God
had DOW overtook him for all his Wiekednefa.
The
3^8
'A Q^ntral History of
The LIFE e/JACK SHRIMPTON.
JOHN ShrimptoH was born of good and reputa-
ble Parents, living at Penns, near High-Wickham,
in Buckingham/hire, who bellowing fo much
kducation upon him, as might qualify him for a
Tradesman, he was put out an Apprentice when he
was between i , and 1 6 Years of Age, to a Soap-
boiler in Little- BritQn, in Lonilon ; but not ferving
out his Apprenticefliip there, he was turn'd over to
another Soap-boiler in Ratclife-high-ivay ; where
getting acquainted with a Parcel of unlucky Pren-
tices, they went one Morning early to rob an Orchard
a little out of Town. Jack Shrimpton getting into
a Tree, whilft hie Companions lay perdue, to pre-
vent his Difcovery, in the mean time a Sea Captain
came out with another Brother Officer's Wife to re-
create themfelves, and juft under this Tree wherein
yack was hid, our Gallant being difpos'd to give
his Lady a Green-gown, fhe denied hi? Civility, by
Reafon a great Dew being fell on the Grafs, flie was
fearful of difobliging her fine Clothes. Hereupon
the Gentleman fpread his fine Cloak on the Ground,
and giving his Miilrefs what pleas'd her, and praifing
his own Aflivity in the Sport of /'faw, to a high
Degree, Jack Shrimpton (baking the Tree, threw the
Apples down in Shoals about their Ean: The two
Lovers, in i great Fright and Conftemation, ran
into the Hoafe as faft as they could, without any
Thoughts of the Cloak, which Shrimpton, when he
came out of the Tree, with all Speed carried away,
and fold it for Six Pounds.
When Jack Shrimpton was out of his Time, hi$
Inclination not fuiting with the Thoughts of getting
a Livelihood by his honell Indufiry, he led a rakifh
Courfe of Life, and went into the Army, where he
was fome time In the Troop of Horfe commanded by
Major General IVood; but not finding fuch Prefer-
ment as he expedled by being a Soldier, he came
into Eiiglantl, and took to the High-way. He did
always the moft Damage betwixt London and Oxford,
infomuch that fcarce a Coach or Horfeman could pafs
him without being robb'd.
One Time overtaking a certain Barrifter at Law
ef the Middle-Temple, in the Woods betwixt Wick-
bam and Stoken-Cfrurch, the Gentleman lik'd Shrimp-
ton i Horfe fo extremely well, that he was pleas'd to
proffer him 30 Guineas for it at firft Word. But
Shrimpton valuing his Horfe at a higher Rate, would
not take under 50 for him. The Gentleman told
hit new Companion, whom he had pick'd up upon
the Road, that he had no more than 30 Guineas a-
bout him, and what would jiill bear his Charges to
the Place whither he was going, however, becaufe
lie had a gieat Fancy for the Horfe, he would give
him a Note, to be payable upon Sight in London, for
10 Pounds mere. Shrimpton rcfui'd his Chapman's
Offer, ('tying, Sir, mine is a Horfe ivorth its IVeight
inijoU; and, if'you'was to knoiu all, hasprocur'd
me more Money than ever Bjrcphalus got for Alex-
andw 1 thcieftre I pall not part iKith him on any
Itrmt : But indeed. Sir, you muft part ivith ,-
30 Gutneai neverthelefi, or olhevj^i/e ive mtfl di n
the Matter prefently at Siuord and Piflol. 1 he v
riiler was much ffartled at thefe Words; but " -i
Shritnpton being very refolute in his Demanu le
was oblig'd to part with his Money without /.
ing the Horfe, which he fo much admir'd to is
Coft.
Some Time after the committing of this Robl 1,
Mr. Shrimpton (whole Praftice in tliis unlawful C\ le
of Life, plainly (hew'd his main Indullry was to 0
himfelf, in following a Profeffion which der ..
firated an open Defiance to his Happinefs) b g
in London, he accidentally lit into the Compat jf
the Common Hangman, where he was takii a
Glafs of Wine ; and coming to the Knowledi jf
his Occupation, he afc'd him this Quellion : h u
IS the Reafon, ivhen you perform your 0£ice, tha >«
put the Knot jufi under the Ear ; for in my Opi «;
•was you to fix it in the Nape of the Neck, it ivou h
more eafy to the Sufferer ? The Hangman rep 1,
If one Chrifiian may helie've another, I have ha 'd
a great many in ?ny Time, but upon my Word, S, I
ne<ver had any Complaint as yet. Howefer, it
fhould he your good Luck to make ufe of me, I fhat \i
oblige you, be fo civil as to hang you after your <»
ll^ay. But Shrimpton not approving of the H ;-
man's Civility, he told him, tnat he defir'd nor if
his Favours, becaufe they generally prov'd of a y
dangerous Confequence.
One Mr. Littleton, a Face Fainter, living iq 1
•ver-fireet in London, was acquainted with fever;
Shrimpton^i Friends, by which means he had beet |
ten in his Company ; and once having fome Bui
which requir'd him into Buckinghamfhire, he '
and lodg'd at Shrimpton % Brother's, who ke[
Inn at Wooburn. Now whilft Mr. Littleton w
the Country, Jack Shrimpton din'J with his Wi
London, on a Sunday ; on the Tuefday followin le
din'd witn Mr. Littleton himfelf, in the Count i
Bucks ; and the Day after, being Wednefday, c i-
taking Mi. Littleton in a Coach, nearCf;ra, 8-
Croji, where like wife were three or four other Cpac^
Shrimpton fpoke firlt to him, after the ufual Wc«
ftand and deliver. Pray, fays he, ivhat you do U
quickly, becaufe 1 have a great deal of IVork lies t4
my Hands to f.nifh bet'u-ixt this and Night. So rj
/.!/.'/«/()» giving him j. Shillings, he riJ up to 1
Paffcrigers in the ctl.cr Coaches, from whom heijkl
150 Pound:: But three iJays after the play ing ji
Trick, Shrimpton lent to Littleton the fbllovwng ,
ter by a Porter, with two Guineas mcls.'d.
SIR,
THE la ft Time I had the Honour to fee yof
at Gerrard'i-CroU, ii^kich is all fiom^
humble Sertiant to command.
J Pa.--
Py rates J Highwaymen y Murderer s, &c. 329
Another Time Jack Shrimpton, who alfo call'd They both feparated, and went in Search for their
h\\n(e\i Piii-ker, meeting a Couple ef Bailiffs beyond Prey, till at laft, upon the joining of two Roads,
Wickham, carrying a poor Farmer to Goal, he de- they met together again. Shrimpton wondering th«
fjiVi to know what the Debt might be ; and being Perlon he wanted fliould not yet come, order'd the
told fix Pounds odd Money, he requeiled them to go Miller to follow him ftill, faying, Without doubt wne
witJi him to the next Ale-houl"e, arid he would pay Jhall cstch the eld Cuff anon. But as he was thus
it. They went along with him, where taking a encouraging his new Companion, who was juil at
Bond of the Farmer, wham he knew very well, he
paid the Dailiftb their Prifoner's Debt and Fees, and
then parted But Jack Shrimpton way-laying the
Biiliffs, he had no more Msrcy on them, than they
hid on the Farmer, for he took away what Money
h.; paid 'em, and about 40 Shillings befides ; after
winch he rid b.ick again to the F'armer, and regal-
ing him with a Treat of aGuineu, cancel'd his Bond,
and then uent in Purfuit of new Adventures.
A little while after Shrimpton travelling the Road,
Jie met with a poor Miller, who was going to turn
Highwayman himfelf j for being very much indebted,
fo that he expeded nothing but to be daily clapt up
in a J-iil, he was refolved to better his Fortune, or
lofe ills Life. Thus roving along, and meeting (as
abovelard) with Shrimpton, he held up an Oaken Plant,
for he had no other Arms, and bid him iVand, as
thinking that Word was fufficient to fcare any Man
out of his Money.
Shrimpton perceiving the SimpKcity of the Fellow,
fir'd a Pillol at him, which (tho' he purpofely :«iifs'd
him) put our nevv Robber into fuch an Agony, that
he furrender'd hini'clf to Shrimpton i Mercy ; who
prefently faid, Surely, Friend, thou art tut a young
Highwa\man, ar elfs you ivould haue knocked me Joivn
firft, and have bid me fland afteri.vards. The poor
Miller told him his Misfortunes ; on which Shrimp-
ton taking (ome Compaffion, quoth he, I am a High-
nuayman m\felf, and am nouj luaiting in this Road
for a certain Neighbour of yonrs, "juho I expc^ tuill
come this ivay by and by luilhjix /core Pounds ; there-
fore if you ivi/l be ajijling in the Robbery of him,
you Jhall hwue half the Booty.
'Jhe Miller was very thankful for this kind Offer,
iand refolv'd to ftand by him to the very utmoft.
Tben Shrimpton having told him again, that it was
not long fmce he had robb'd one of his Neighbours
of i;o Pouuds, he farther faid, " Honeft Friend,
" whilll I ride this Wsy, do you go that Way, and
" if you iTiould meet hira whom I have told you of,
" be fure knock him down, and take all he has fro»i
•' him, without telling him why or wherefore ; and
" in cafe I flwuld mcec him, I'll ferve him the fame
« Sauce."
his Horft's H«els, he takes up his Stick, and gave
Shrimpton fuch a fmart Blow betwixt Neck and
Shoulders, that he fell'd hira to the Ground ; then
being able to deal with him, he robb'd him of about
fouricore Guineas, and bad him go quittly about his
Buhnefs, or othervviie he would have him hang'd, ac-
cording to iiis own ConfefTion, for lately robbing his
Neighbour. Thus the Biter was bit : hM Shrimpton
iwore tie would never more take upon him to learo
Strangero i.ow to rob on the Highway.
Tins notorious Malefidor purfu'd his wicked
Courfes a long while, 'till at lalt being at Briflol,
where he refided for fome Months, he was drinking
one Night very late at a Bawdy-houfe in St. James' i
Churckyard, when a Watchman going his Rounds,
and hearing a great Noi!e of fwearing and curfmg in
the Houfe, he comprli'd Shrimpton to go along with
him to the Watch-houfe. As they v er« going toge-
ther thro' Wine-Jireel, he fhot the Watch-man thro"
the Body, nnd flung his Piflol away, that it might
not be found ; but fome Men happening to go by at
the fame Time, they apprehended Shrimpton, and
the Watchman dying on the Spot, they fecur'd him
till Morning ; wiien carrying him before a Magi,
flratc, he was committed to Ne-ivgate in Brijiol, where
he behaved himfelf very audacioudy.
At length being brought to a Trial, he was con-
vicfled not only for wilful Murder, but alfo for five
Robberies on the Highway.
After Sentence of Death was pafs'd upon him, he
was very carelefs of preparing himielf for another
World, whilll under Condemnation ; foi two Divines
coming to him to admoniih him, and give him good
Advice about his latter End, he faid, I'e need not be
fo offcicus as ye are about my Soul, for 'tis Time e-
nough to take Care of that ivhen I come to the Gal-
loius. So the Divines feeing him harden'd in hij
Sin, they left him to take his own Mealures ; and
when he came to the Place of Execution at St. Mi-
chael's-Hill, he was turn'd off without ftiewing any
Signs of Repentance, on Friday the fourth of 6'/'^-
temher, 1713. Thus died this incorrigible Offender,
tho' he had feveral great Men to make InterceiSon to
the Queen for a Pardon.
84
4 P
Vie
33®
^A General History of
The LIVES of Christopher DicksoxV, John;
Gibson, and Charles Weymouth.
CHRISTOPHER D I C K S O N, the
firft of thefe Malefaaors, aged 22 Years,
was born at IVhite-Chapel, where he ferved
five Years Apprenticefhip with a Baker, and tiicn by
confent, parted with him. Afterwards he was Jour-
neyman to another Baker, but ftaid not long there,
before bad Company drew him away, and leduced
him to follow wicked Courfes. The chief Perfons
who led him aftray, were yohn Gihfon and Charles
Weymouth ; the firft ef whom aged twenty Yean,
was born at Ne^wcaflle unJei- Line, in Stafforiijbire,
and was a Sea-farfhg Man ; and the other aged
twenty five Years, born at Redriff, had aifo been
brought up to [the Sea, and ferved the Queen on
Board fome of her Men of War, for feveral Years oiF
and on.
When thefe wicked Wretches firft launched out
into the Ocean of Iniquity, they met a poor old Man
going to Brentford Market, whom they aflaulted on
the Highway ; but finding nothing about him but an
eld Pair of Speftacles, AjtV Z)/iri/o« took them away
for madnefs : The old Man begging hard for them,
faid. Gentlemen, pray be fo kind as to return me my
SttBacles ; for they art hut little nvorth to you, and
mtry feriiiciable to me, as fitting 'very -well my -^ge,
tubich is above thrtefcore Tears. But Dickfon
fwearing heartily at him, becaufe he had no Money,
told him, he Would not part with th«m, till Jack
Cibfon faid to his Comrade Prithee, Dickfon, gi-vi
the pnor old Tellonu his Speilacles ; for ifive folloiu
this Trade, -we may affure our fellies, nvejhall never
reach his Tears, to make any ufe of them ; whereupon
Dickfon returned the old Man his Speftacles again.
One Morning before break of Day, thefe Sparks
lying perdue for a Prey, where was a dead Horfe
flea'd in a Field, they threw the Carcafs crofs th«
Road ; and a little after a Country Fellow riding
before it was ligiit, a full Gallop, and not perceiving
the Obilaole laid in his Way, down fell his Horfe,
and flung him into a Ditch. In the mean Time,
thefe acute Rogues coming to his Affiftance, they
very kindly helped him out of the Mire ; but for
eivility Money, they took three Pounds odd Money
«f him, and bound him both Hand and Foot, whilll
kis Horfe was run quite away. Some ftiort Time
after it being broad Day, fome Paflengers came by,
to whom the Country Fellow crying out for Relief,
they went and unbound him ; and when he was on
his Legs eg.iin, and fnw the flea'd Horle l>ing in
the Road, quoth he, G.tds bleed, fuch Rogues ar thefe
•Luert never heard 0/ before, for they have Jhlen the
very Skin off of the Hotfe I rid on. Then going
home on Foot, where he found his Horfe was got
before him, quoth he to iiis Wife and Servants,
Gads bleed, koTV came Dobbin alive again ? I'm
furl it cant be him^ it muft be the Devil in bis
Shape ; for my Horfe teas killed and flea'd nat above
three or four Hours ego, by a Parcel of Rogues that
robbed me of all the Money I had about me. And e-
ver after, let his Wife and Servants fay what they
would to the contrary , they could never perluads
him that it was the fame Horfe he rid out with.
Another Time thefe accomplifhed Villains riding,
into the Country, they there killed an Ox, and cut-
ing off three of its Feet, about the fame Length thair
N'eats Feet are ufually fold at Market, they put them
into their Portmanteau's, which were only Ibff'Ji
with Straw. Then going to an Ifln in Faringdon ia
Berkjhire, they called for a very plentiful Supper,
and went up to their Chamber, in which wa* twoi
Beds. But before they turned into Bed, they
crainm'd the Straw wliich they had in their Port,
manteaus up the Chimney, and then filled them a-
gain with two good Pair of Holland Sheets, thre«
Pillowbiers, two Pair of Callico Window Curtain*
one fine BLinket, and a \ety good Quilt, and the*
went to their Rcpofe.
In the Morning our Adventurers lying verv late
the Chamberlain having the Curiofity of going foftlr
up Stairs to fee whether they were fiirring, ai d peep-
ing thro' the Keyhole of the Door, againft which
one of the Beds was placed, he perceived three clo-
ven Feet, which they had tied to their Feet, dangling
out at the Bed's Foot. At this fight running dovvat
Stair5 again very much affrighted, (for his Hair llood
on end, and the Sweat ran down his Face in Crop*,
as big as Peafe) quoth he to his Mafler and Miflreft,
The three Strangers that came hither lafi Night, art'
threi Devils; nay, Pm fure they muji be Devils, ftr
I favj their cloven Feet,
The Mafler not believing this Relation withoati
ocular Infpedion himfelf, away he crept foftly up I
Stairs, and peeping thro' the Keyhole too, he no
fooner faw the black cloven Feet hanging o»t at tkc'
Bed's Foot, but he ran down Stairs fafter than he
went up, and told hii Wife, That it was true what
the Chamberlain faid, furthermore adding, I am ru-
ined and undone i far if it fhould be knovrn that fa
my Devils haunt my Hiufe, I fhall never have a Cu-
ftemer come to it again ; and htiM to be rid tf tbofi
Devils lean t tell.
The Inn-keeper's Wife being much ftartlcd ac
what her Hu/band faid, after fome fliort Paufe oo
th€ Matter, quoth fl.e, My Dear, Ivuotild have you
go and fetch the Parfon of the Parijh hither prefently,
and fee if he can rid the Hoife of thefe infernal Gusfis
by laying them. Ac€0rdinoiy the Parfon was fetch-
ed who poffitively afl'ured them over a Pint of Sack,
that he would foon ferd them all to Hell again,
their propei- Place of Rendezvous, in fpJte of chtir v
Teeth. '
The Parfon now foftly creeping up Stairs to be-
hold them, he no fooner law their cloven Feet too,
but he ran down again in as great Precipitation as
the Inn-keeper and Chambeilain hsd done before
him, faying, ' Indeed, Neighbours, them Guefts in
' that
Pyrates, Highwaymefiy Murderers, 5Cc.
fli Reom are certainly all Devils ; therefore the
5ti Advice I cm give you is this. That when
[li- Deviifhips are pieafed to come down, you
n, give them very good Words, and take not
jn Farthing for what they have had for them-
el« or for their Horfes.
Tr Inn-keeper and his Wife promis'd to obferve
I c-iflion, altho' their Reckoning came to above
Tiei; and at lart the Devils coming down into
;^'n, where they called for a good Breakfaft,
..nded what was to pay ? Quoth the Hoft,
c Farthing, Gentlemen : You are kindly
, ■, without paying any Thing. They ftiU
X upon pa\ ing their Reckoning ; but when
V lUiiJ that their Landlord and Landlady would
<e any Money, they took Horfe and rid Urait
Is London. Afterwards the Chamberlain going
;the Linnen off the Bed. and finding it ready
1 his Hands, with divers other Things, as a-
3ecified, he acqurinted his Matter thereof, who
Why then I'm come off better ftill ; for con-
ing they were thieving Devils, 'tis very well
did not take the Houle away with them ; but
oe I (hall never be troubled with fuch Guefls
:. And indeed he had his Defire, for it was
itention not to trouble him anv more,
ingth the Devil indeed having left thefe fham
in the Lurch, they were met with at laft, and
Newgate ; and at Jurtice-Hall in the 0/d-
were indifted upon three fpecial Indiftments,
lulting and robbing yoim EdzvarJs, Thomat
and Samuel Slap, on the Queen's Highway.
JI thefe IndiiSments Weymouth pleaded guilty ;
Other two putting themfelves upon their Tri-
as proved. That the feveral Perfons robb'd,
to Town to fell Cattle, ftaid to drink at the
and Hope at Stepney, where the Prifoners
*ith others of their Gang; and flaying till
sn o'clock at Night, as they were coming o-
Fields, were fet upon ; and they robbed Ed-
of a Hat, value four Shillings, eleven
;s, in Money, and a Pocket-Book ; Blake of
ff Shillings in Money, a Pocket-Book, a Pair
u'S, and a Buckle ; and Slap of twenty Shillings
^ ey, and a Hat. Ediuards having a Stick in
1 nd, oppos'd them, and defended himfelf as
gl he could ; but they beat him fo very barba-
Ujthat he was in Daager of his Life, and could
a'ear againft them.
^iiamjamet one of their Accomplices, being
irr depos'd. That he and the Prifoners, and
»rj Wade, and Henry Thompfon, not taken, be-
ai he Anchor and Hope in Stepney, were told by
i'^oan, that there were three Men had Money ;
«<pon they went to the Sign of the World'i
End, and flay'd till they came out, and then follow-^
ed and robbed them : The Evidence being fo very
plain, the Jury found them Guilty.
When thefe Criminals were under Sentence of
Death, they whiftled and play'd at Cards, till the
very Day before they were to die ; when refieftlng
on the Paft Follies of their ill fpent Lives, they then
began to bewail their Misfortunes ; before this they
were fo little concerned for for the dreadful Circum-
fiances in which they lay, that inftead of preparing
themfelves for their latter End, they only fung and
damn'd. Weymouth particularly declared. That his
coming to an untimely End, was occafion'd by his
keeping Company with an old Bawd in Grays-Inn-
Lane, of whom, and all others of that Profeffion, h«
gave the following Charafter.
They are the Refufe and Sink of all human Socie-
ty, w^ho having pafs'd thro' all the Degrees of Wick-
ednels with their own Bodies, and finding they are
incapable of afting any further Wickednefs them-
felves, do (when they are grown old) become the
Devil's Fadlors, and tempt others to do that which
they are now unable to perform, and thereby do
what in them lies to take the Devil's Work out of
his Hands, their whole Bufinefs being to involve o-
thers in the fame Damnation with themfelves.
Thefe, wherever they are found, are the very Pefts
and Plagues of a Nation, and above all other Offen-
ders, deferve to be made Examples ofPubhckJu.
ftjce.
On Wednefday x\\t \ox}ao{ March, 1713-14, they
were convey 'd up Tyburn Road. At the fame Time
fuffered Death with them, Alexander Petre, for pri-
vately aealing a great Quantity of Copper, of the
value of jtwenty Pounds, ont of the -Warehoufe of
one Mr. Thomai Chambers. He readily aonfefs'd
that he was guilty of the Faft ; but faid. That one
Fowil, the Evidence againft him, was the Perfon that
enticed him to the Commiffion of that Crime. He
was twenty two Years of Age, born at NetvcaftU
upon Tine, in the County of Northumberland; his
Calling a Sailor, having for twelve Years been em-
ploy'd on board feveral of her Majrfty's Men of
War ; and the M of them on board which he ferv'd
was the NeiM Ad'jice, a fourth Rate. And alfo Sa-
muel Denny alias Appleby, was hanged on the fame
Day, for Healing a Gelding from Mr. John Scagg,
and robbing him of twenty feven Shillings in Mo •
ney, on the Queen's Highway j he was twenty three
Years of Age, born at Braintree in EJfex, and a
Wheelwright by his Trade ; but had ferved four
Years as a private Centinel in the Army, which being
a Soldier was the Occafion of his taking to ill Cour-
fes.
«
-;..«.
i
Tfx
SS'^
A Gimral History oj
i
The LIVES o/'Edward Burn worth, alias Eraser
William Blewit, Thomas Berry, Emanuel D k
enfon, William Marjoram, John Higgs, ^c.
EDwarJ Burnvjorth, alias Frazier, was the ex-
traordinary Perfon who framed a Projed^ for
bringing Rapine into Method, and bounding
even tne Pradlice of Licentioiifnefs within foine Kind
of Order. It may feem reafonable therefore to be-
gin with his Life, preferable to the reft, and in fo
doing, we muft inform our Readers, that his Father
was by Trade a Painter, though fo low in his Cir-
cumftanocs, as to be able to afford his Son but a
very mean Education. However, he gave him as
much as would have been fufficient for him in that
Trade to which he bound Apprentice, 'viz. a Buskle-
maker in Grub-ftreet, where for fome Time Ed-
luard lived honeftly and much in the Favour of his
Matter ; but his Father dying, and his unhappy Mo-
ther being reduced into very narrow Circumllances,
Reftraint grew uneafy to him, and the Weight of a
Parent's Authority being loft, he began to aflbciate
himfelf with thofe incorrigible Vagrants, who fre-
quent the Ring at Moorfidds, and from Idlenefs and
Debauchery, go on in a very fwift Progreffion to Rob-
bery and pickmg of Pockets. Edward was aftive in
his Pe/ fon, and enterprizing in his Genius ; he foon
diflinguilhed himfelf in Cudgel-Playing, and fuch o-
ther Morefields Exercifes, as qualify a Man firft for
the Road, and then for the Gallows. The Mob
who frequented this Place, where one Frazier kept
the Ring, were fo highly pleafed with Burnnverti's
Performances, that they thought nothing could ex-
prefs their Applaufe fo much as conferring on him
the Title of young Frazier. This agreeing with the
Ferocity of his Difpofuion, made him fo vain there-
of, that quitting his own Name, he chofe to go by
this, and accordingly was called fo by all his Com-
panions.
Burnivorth\ grand AITociates were thefe, WiUiam
E/eivil, Emanuel Dickenfon, Thomas Berry, John
Legee, William Marjoram, John Higgs, Johrt IVil-
fon, "John Ma/on, Thomai Mekins, William Gilling-
ham, John Barton, William Siuift, and fooie others
that is not material here to mention. At firft they
contented themfelves with pickmg of Pockets, and
other Exercifes in the loweft Ciafs of Thieving, in
which, however, they did more Mifchief than any
Gang which had been before them for twenty Years.
They tok afterwards to Exploits of a more hazard-
cos Nature, "z/Zz. fnatcWng Womens Pockets, Swords,
Hats, £fff. The ufeful Placas for their carrying on
fuch infamous Praftices, being about the Royal-Ex-
change, Cheafjide, St. Paul's Church-Tdird, Fleet-
Srett, the Strand, and Charing-Crofs . Here they
ftuck a good while, nor is it probable they would
»ver have rifen higher if Bum'uiorth their Captain
^d not been deteded in an Affair of this Kind, and
commitled to Biidcivell, from whence he ■
moved to NenM-Prifon, where he projected an
which he put in Execution. During this In
mer.t, inftead ot reflefting his evil Courfe c
he meditated only how to engage his Compa
Attempts of a higher Natnre, iind conric'r! ii
large a Circle he had of wickcj Aflbciates, i;
to entertain Notions of putting them in iuc
turc as might prevent their falling eafil; i
Hands of Juftice, which many of them w
Month or two laft paft had done.
Full of fuch Projeds, r.nd liaving once
gained his Freedom, he took much Pains to
Barton, Marjoram, Berry, Bleiuit, and D.
in w liofe Company he walked with ftrangc £
confideriiig Warrants were out againft the
Part of the Gang. In the Night-time But
ftroled aijout to fuch little Bavvdy-Houfes as
formerly frequented, and where he yet fan
might be (ale. One Evening having wander
the reft, ht was fo bold as to go into a Houl
Old-Bailey, where he heard the Servants ai
cefTors o( Jonathan Wildvjct^ in clofe Purfuit
and that one of them was in the inner Room 1
felf. Burniuorth loaded his Pillol under the
and having primed it, goes with it ready coi
to the Room where Jonathan's Foreman w,
a Quartern of Brandy and a Glafs befoi
Hark ye, (fays Ed-ward) You Fellow, wl
ferved your Time to -a Thief Taker, wh?t
might you have with me or my Compar.\ ?
think CO gain a hundred or two by fwe.iri
Livet away ? If you do you are much milinki
that I may be fome Judge of your Talent tha
I mull hear you fvvear a little on another 0
Upon which filling a large Glafs of Brand
putting a little Gunpowder into i(, he ehippe.
to the Fellows Hands, and then prcfenting h
to his Breall, obliged him to wifli moft horr
chiefs upon himfelf, if ever he attempted to
him or his Companions any more. Ne foo
he done this, but Frassitr knocking him dowj
ted the Room, and went to acquaint his Com
with his notable Adventure ; which, as it ui
edjy frightened the new Thief- Tsker, fo it
exalted his Reputation for Bravery : A Thi
only agreeable to Burnivoith's Vanity, but u:
fo to his Dtfign, which was to advance himli
Sort of ablbiute Authority. His AiTociates w
cunning enough to penetrate his Views ; but '
knowing it, fuitejed them to take Fifed, ;
inftead of robbing as they ufed to do, as A
diredted them, or they received Intelligence
Booty, thev now fubmitted themfclvei to h
m • r!
lb
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ilhi
Sue
im
fab
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din
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kvi
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yoi
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be
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lubi
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9ii;
Gui
\Rii
PyrakSy Highiidaymeny Murderers^ &c.
.lc, and did aothing but as he commanded them.
Morning before the Murder oiThomai Ball.
^^■:«rth and Barton, pitch'd upon the Houfe of
,. Jiiftice of the Peace in Clerie/iivell, to whom
.lid a particular Pique for having formerly com-
1 Burnv.'orth, and propoled it to their Compa-
10 break it open that Night. They put their
:; in Execution fuccefsfully, carrying olFfome
:> of real Value, and a confiderable Parcel of
[liey took to be Silver Plate; with this they
nto the Fields above IJlington, and from thence
:ii!.\-igeii- Houfe, where they fpent the greatell
.1 the Day. On their parting the Booty, Bum-
perceived what they had taken for Sliver was
ig more than a gilt Metal, at which he in a
would have thrown it away. Barton oppofed
J faid, They Jhould be able to fell it for fame-
: To which Burnvcorth replied, That it ivas
)>• nothing but to difco-ver them, and therefore it
not be prefer'ved at any rate. Upon this they
•J, and while they weie debating, came Bleiv-
rry, Dirknfon, Higgs, Wilfon, Legee, and
!:ram, who joined the Company. Burn^vorth
«i Barton agreed to tofs up at whofe Difpoial the
S er Ware ihould be ; they did fo, and it fell to
i ".^L-orth to difpofe of it as he thought fit ; upon
V. ch he carried it immedi .tely to \\\e. Jscnx-Ri'ver-
&■. and threw it in there, adding. He ixjas forry
h .,'./ not the old Juflice himfelf there, to Jhare the
ft ■: Fate; being really as much out of Humour as
li le [ultice had impofcd upon them in a fair Sale
0 ae Commodity.
'hev loiter'd up and down the Fields 'till to-
il js Evening, when they thought they might ven-
'■ nto Town, and pafs the Time in their ufua]
les. While they were tnus murdering of
, a Comr.ade of theirs came up puffing and blow-
■ if ready to break his Heart. As foon as he
lied them, Lads, (Uys he,) beitiare of one thing ;
Conftables ha've been all abcut Ctiick-Lane in
ch of Folk of our Profe£ion, and if ye fenlure to
Houfe ivhere ive •were to have met to-Night, 'tis
to one but ive are all taken. This Intelligence
lioned a deep Confultation amongll them, what
thod they liad beft take : Burnivorth exhorted
rin to keep together, telling them, as they were
ai ed with Piftols and Daggers, a fmal! Force would
D' venture to attack them. This was approved by
aihe reft, and when they had made a folemn Oath
Miand by one another in Cafe of Danger, they re-
foed, as Night grew on, to draw towards Town,
Btott having quitted them and gone home. As
til' came through Tummill-Street, they met the
K;per of A'lf-ix) P;-//o'?, from whom ^arntuor/^ had
tfped about fix Weeks before. He defired Ed-
I'i/ to ftep crofs the Way to him, adding, that
Biid not intend to do him any Prejudice. Burnivorth
Kied, Tiat he ivaj no ivay in fear of any Injury he
Vi- able to do him. And fo concealing a Pillol in
hiHand, he flepped over to him, his Companions
Wring for him in the Street, but the Neighbours
h: ng Tome Sufpicion of the Methods they folio w-
ecbegan to gather about them ; upon which they
c::d to their Companion, to come away, which,
af.r making alow Bdw to the Captain of A'^tu-
f ''on, he did. Finding the People increafe they
thight it their raoft advifeable Method to retire
br: into the Fields ; this they did, keeping very
cli; together, and in order to deter the People from
m ing any Attempt, turn'd feveral times and pre-
fe ed their Pillols in their Faces, fwearing they
w Id murder the firft Man who came near enough
fciihem to touch him.
As foon as they had difperfed their Purfuers, they
entered into a frefh Confultation, in what Manner
they fhoaJd difpofe of themfelves. Burnivorth heard
what every one propofed, and faid at laft That he
thought the heji Thing they could do, loas to enter the
other garter of the Toivn, and fo go direBly to the
fl'ater-Side. They approved his Propofal, and ac-
cordingly getting down to Black-Fryers, crofs'd di-
reftly into Southivark. They went afterwards to
the Mufick-hoife, but did not ilay there, retiring at
laft into St. George\-Ficlds, where their laft Coun-
fel Was held to fettle the Operation of the Night.
There Burnivorth exerted himfelf in his proper Co-
lours, informing them that there was no lefs Danger
of their being apprehended there than about Chick-
Lane ; for that one Thomas Ball, who kept a Gin-
Shop in the Mint, and who was very well acquainted
with moll of their Perfons, had taken it into his
Head to venture upon Jonathan Wild\ Employment,
and was indefatigable in fearching out all their
Haunts, that he might get a good Penny by appre-
hending them. He added, that but a few Nights
ago, he himfelf narrowly miiTed being caught by
him, being obliged to clap a Piftol to his Face, and
threaten to ihoot him dead : Therefore, continued
Burnivorth, the fureft Way is to go to this Rogue's
Houfe, and (hoot him dead upon the Spot. His
Daata will not only fecure us from all Fears of his
Treachery, but it will fo terrify others, that no- bo-
dy will take up the Trade of Thief catching in haftej
and if it were not for fuch People, hardly one of our
Profeffion in a Hundred would fee the Infide of AVw-
gate.
Burnivorth had fcarce made an End of his bloody
Propofal, before they all tellified their AiTent to it,
Higgs only excepted, who feeming to difapprove
tliereof, they upbraided him with being a Coward
and a Scoundrel, unworthy of being any longer the
Companion ofluch brave Fellows. When Fraxier
had Iworn them all to Ilick fall by one anotlier, he
put himfelf at their He.id, and away they weat di-
reclly to put their Deiign in Execution. Hig(rs re-
treating under the Favour of the Night, beino- ap-
prenenlive that himfelf might fhare the Fate of
Ball, upon the firil Diflike of him, Burnivorth and
his Party, when they came to Ball's Houfe, and
enquired of his Wife for him, were informed tliat he
was gone to the next Door, a Publick-houfe, and
that ihe would flep and call him. Burnivorth im-
mediately followed her, and meeting Ball at the
Door, took him fall by the Collar, dragged him,
into his own Houfe, and began to expoftulate with
him why he had attempted to take him, and how
ungenerous it was to feek to betray his old Friends
and Acquaintance. Ball apprehending their mif-
chievous Intentions, addrefTed himfelf to Ble-uiit, and
beg'd of him to be an IntercefTor for him, that
they would not murder him. But Burnworth with
an Oath replied, He ivould put it out of the Pozver
o/'Ball eiier to do him any farther Injury, and there-
upon immediately fhot him. Having thus done,
they all went out of Doors again ; and that the
Neighbourhood might fuppofe the Firing the Pi-
ftol to have been without any ill Intention, Bleivit
fired another in the Street over the Tops of the
Houfes, faying aloud. They ivere got fafe into Toivn,
and there mas no Hanger of meeting any Rogues there-
Ball attempted to get as far as the Door, but in
vain, for he dropped immediately, and died in a
few Minutes afterwards.
Having thus executed their barbarous Defign,
they went down from Ball's Houfe direftly towards
the Faulcon, intending to crofs the Water back
4 Q_ again
334
A General History of
again. By the Way they met with Higgs, who was
making to the Water-fide likewife ; him they fell
upon, and rated for a pufillanimous Dog: that would
delert them in an Affair of fuch Confequence, and
llien Eunivjorth propofed to Ihoot him, which 'tis
lieheved iie would have done, had not Marjoram in-
lerptfed, and pleaded for the fparing his Life. From
the Faulcoti-Stairs they crofled to Pig-Stairs ; and
there confulting how to fpend the Evening, they re-
Iblved to go to the Bours Head Tavern in Smith-
ficU, as not being there i^nown, and being at a Di-
Ihnce from the Water-fide, in Cafe any Purfuit ftiould
be m.ide after tliem, on Account of the Murder. At
this Fl.ice they continued till near Ten of the Clock,
when they feparated themfelves into Parties for
that Niglit. This IVIurder made them more cauti •
ous of appearing in publick ; and Bleiuit, Berry,
and Dickenfin foon alter let out for Hartuich, and
weiit over in a Packet boat from thence for Hehoet-
Shiys.
Higgs alfo being in Fear, fhipped himfelf at Spit-
head, where he began to be a little at Eafe ; but
Jullice quickly overtook him ; for his Brother who
lived in Town, having wrote a Letter to him, and
given it to a Ship-Mate of his, tlii« Man acciden.
tally fell into Company with one Arthur a Watch-
man, of St. Sepulchre's Parifh, and pulling the Let-
ter by Chance out of his Pocket, the Watchman faw
the Direftion, and recollecled that Higgs was a Com-
panion of Fraizer's Upon this he fends Word to
Mr. Delajay, Under Secretary of State, and proper
Ferfons were immediately difpatched to SpitheaJ,
who feized and brought him up in Cullody. Wilfoit,
another of his Confederates, withdrew about the
fame Time, and preferved himfelf from being heard
of for a confiderable Time.
Burn-worth with fonie Companions continued to
carry on their rapacious Plunderings, and as they
kept pretty well united, and were refolute, they
were too ftrong to be apprehended. Amongft the
refl of their Pranks, they flopped the Chair of the
Earl of Harborough in Piccadilly ; but the Chairmen
drawing their Poles, and knocking one of the Rob-
bers down, the Earl came out of the Chair, and after
a fmart Difpute, in which Burnivtrth fliot one cf th«
Chairmen in the Shoulder, they rais'd their wounded
Companion, and withdrew. About this Time a
Proclamation was publilhed for the apprehending
BHrnuuorth, Bleivit, &c. it being juftly fuppos'd
that none but Men guilty of thefe Out-rages, could
be the Perfons concernetl in the Murder of Ball. A
Gentleman who had bought one of thefe Papers, came
into an Alehoufe in IVhite-Crofs-ftrett, and read it
publickly. The Difcourfe of the Company turning
upon the Impoffibility of the Perfons concerned
making their Efeape. Marjoram one of the Gang
who was there, unknown, weighing the Thfhg with
himfelf, retired immediately into the Fields, where
loitering about till Evening, he then ftole into Smith-
field, and going to a Conftable, furrendered himfelf
as an Accomplice in the Murder of Ball, defiring
to be carried before the Lord Mayor, that he might
put himfelf in a Way of obtaining a Pardon, and the
Reward promifed by the Proclamation. That Night
he was confined in Woodjlreci Compter, his Lordihip
not being at Leifure to ejtamine him.
The next Day the Nolle of his Surrender being
fpread all over the Town, many of his Companion*
changed their Lodgings, and provided for their
Safety j but Barton planting himfelf in the Way, as
Marjoram W3S carrying to Goldfmiths Hall, he pop-
ped out upon him at once, though the Contoble
kad him by the Arm, and prefenting a Piflol to him.
thoug!
in the
faid, /)-— » ye Pill kill you. Marjoram a
Sound of his Voice duck'd his Head, and he in
diately firmg, the Ball graz'd only on his I
without domg him any Hurt. The Surprize
which they were all flruck who were aflifling the '<
liable, gave an Opportunity to Barto7i to retire
ter his committing fuch an Infult on publick Ju
as perhaps was never heard of Marjoram pro(
ed, and made a full Dilcovery of all the Tranfaii
in which he had been concerned, Legce bein" t e
that Night by his Diredions in IVhue-Cvob-sL
and committed to Neivgate. i
Burnivorth was now deprived of his old A pi
ates, yet he went on at his old Rate by hiinfe!! L
a few Nights after, he broke open the'Houfe o(|r
Biizely a great DiUiller, in Clare Marht, and oi
away trom theme Notes to a very great V:.]iie, n)
a Quantity of Pinte, v.-hich niilhiking lor uliite It
tal he threw away. One Benjamin Jones pickij
up, and was theieupon hanged, being one c Ik
Number under Sentence, when the Condemi id.
Hold was fliut up, ^nd the Crimin Ji rcfiiled tc :b.
mit to the Keepers. Bnrnixoyih w>s particular! it.
fcribed in the Proclamation, and three hu: ,J
Pounds offered to any who would appiehcnd n:
yet fo 3ud.iciou3 was he to come to a Houie in
korn, and laying a Pillol dov;n loaded on the 7 ,,
called for a Pint officer, which he drank and ;id
for, defying any Body to touch him
knew him to be the Perfcn mentioned
clamation.
It happened at this Time, that one Chriji »,
Leonard vtji in Prilbn for feme fuch Feats as . •».
•ujorth had been guilty of, who lodged at the ne
Time with Leonard'^ Wife and Siller ; who I lo.
Cng nothing could fo effeftually recommend ti in
the Mercy of the Government, as the proeurinj! •«.
x.ier to be apprehended ; he, accordingly nuid ibe
Propofal, by his Wife, to Perfons in Authority jd
the Projed being approved, they appointed a £.
cient Force to I'eize him, who were placed an
adjoining Alehoufe, where the Wife of Ku <>.
nard was to give them the Signal. About Six li«
Clock in the Evening, on Shrove 7ucfda^, lu
Leonard and her Silter. and Emti'worth, ng
all together, Kate Leonard propolcd to try le
Pancakes for Supper, which the other two af p ed
of J accordingly her Sifter fet about them. ■»■
ivorth had put off his Surtout Coat, in the P :«
whereof he had feveral Piilols. There was a tie
bac!« Door which Burnivorth ufually kept upo he
Latch, only in order to make his Efeape, he
fhould be furprized. This Door Kate faftened in-
perceived by Burnworth, and whilft her Sifte
frying the Pankakes, went to the Alehoufe for
of Drink ; when having given the Men whO'
there waiting for him the Signal, (he returned,
entring the Houfe, pretended to lock the Door
her, but defignedly mi/Ted the Staple: The Doc
ing thus upon the jar only, as Ihe gave the Dri:
Burniuorth, SixPeWons rufhed into the Room, j
•worth hearing the Noife, and fearing his Sur]
jump'd up, thinking to have made his Efeape a
back Door, not knowing it to be bolied ; but
were upon him before he could get it open, and i
ing his Hands behind him, one of them ty'd tj
whilftanother, to intimidate him, fired a Pillol
his Head. Having thus fecured him, they imm^:
tely carried him before a Juilice of the Peace, '
after a long Examination committed him to New
Notwithilanding his Confinement in that Piao
communicated to his Companions, the Sufpicio
had ai Kate Ltonard\ botraying him, and the (B'
Pyratesy Hlghwaymeny MurdererSy 6Cc.
T there was of her detefting fome of the reft. They
:re eafily induced to treat her as they had done
;//, and one of them fired a Piftol at her, juft as
was etttring her own Houfe ; but that milling,
ey made two or three otiier Attempts of the lame
ature, untill the jullices of the Peace pi iced a
uacd thereabout.- in order to fecure her from being
lied, and if poiHble to feize thoie who fliouid ut-
mpt it, after which they beard no more of thefe
ttacks.
In Nenxigate tliey confined Burtywarth to the Con-
:inned-IIoid, and took what other Preciutiims they
ought proper, in order to fecure fo dargt-rous a
;rfon, wlio they were aware, miditated notliing
It how to eicjpe. He was in this Condition when
ttrton. Swift &:c. were under Sentence, and it vvas
rewdiy fufpeded that lie put t.iem upon a new At
rnpt of breaking out, which failed of Saccefs. The
eepers upon Sufpicion of hi . being ilie Projcdlor of
is Enterprise, removed him into the Bllbaa Rr.nm,
id there loaded him with Irons, yet nothing could
eal' tlie Stubbornnefs of his Teinper, whicii urged
m conti-iU/.Hy to force his V4\xy tliro' all OppoM-
)n, and regain hi: Liberty, in order to praiitife
ore Villainies. It is impoffible to iiy how, but by
me Method or other he li.id procured Saws, I"ilef,
d other Inllrument? for this Purpofe. With thefe
firft rclc.led himfclf from hi; Irons, then broke
ro' the Wall of the Room in which he was lodg'd,
d got into the Wom-m's Apartment, the Window
whic!\ being fortified with three Tire of Irran Bars,
■ forced one of thcra in a little Time. While he
.s filing the next, one of the Women gtve the
eepers Motice, whereupon they came and dragged
n bac:< to the ConJemneJ-HolJ, and there &.i-
;d him down to tlie Ground.
WILLIAM B L E JF I T, who next to
laziir, was the chief Perfon in the Gang, was one
St. Gi/ci's Breed, his F.uher a Porter, and his
other at the ''J^'mcof his Execution, felling Greens
the liime Parifh. They were both of them unable
give their Son Education, or otherwife to provide
r him, which oecafioned his being put out by the
rifti to a Perfumer of Gloves ; but his Temper
dining him to wicked Praftices, he foon got him
f into a Gacg of young Pick-pockets, with whom
pradtifed fever.d Years with Impunity ; but be-
; at bft apprehended in the very Faft, he was
mmitted to Newqate, ronvicled the ne.xt Seffions,
d ordcr'd for Tranfportation. Being (hipped on
iarcl the VciTcl with other Wretches in the fame
)hditian, he wiss qickly let into the Secret, of
:ir having provided for an Efcape. Blenvit imme-
itely forefaw Abundance of Difficulties in their de-
ls and therefore refolved to make a fure ufe of
for his own ."Idvantage, which he did, by commu-
ting all to the Captain, who immediately feia'd
h" Tools, and prevented the Lofs of his Ship. In
urn for this Service, Bleivit obtained his Freedom,
t before he had been two Months in Town,
leliody feizing him, and committing him to Nevj-
■te, at the next Seflions he w.is tried for returning
nn Tranfportation, and cor.vided, but pleading
:6ervice he had done, in preventing the Attempt
the other Maiefaftors, Execution wa? refpited till
|e Return of the Captain, and on his Report the
ntence was changed into a new Tranfportation, to
hat foreign Port he would : But he no fooncr re-
in'd his Liberty, than he put into the fame Uii:
before, till he got into Acpuaintance with Bum-
■ i-th and his Gang, who taught him other Methods
robbing. He had, to his other Crimes, added
e Marriage of feveral Wives, of which the firft had
:335
fo great a Love for him, that upon her vifiting him
at Newgate, the Day before they fat out for Ki/ig-
jion, (he fell down dead in the Lodge ; another of
nis Wives married Emanud Dickenfin, and (he fur-
vived tnem both.
His mtetuig Buriiiuorth that Afternoon before
Batl'i, Murder was r'CciiJental, but the Savagenefs of
his Te.mper led him ro quick Compliance with tiiat
wicked Propoiitioii. After t!ie Commitrion oftiiat
Fadt, tho' lie witii his Companions went over to
Holland, they weic fo uiiejly there, that tliev were
coiiifantly peruii'.-g the Englijh News P.-,pers,'at the
Coff'tc-Houfcs III Rotterdam, th.ii tl
ey inigiit g.iin
Intelligence of wra'.t iViethods had been taken to ap-
prehend the Pcrfw.i concerned in BaWi Murther ;
rc!(ilvi!!g, on tiie fiiii Kevvs of a Pioc'amaticn, or
oti.jr InterpnCtion of theSi'ate on th.it Occaiion, to
quit the Dominions of the liepubkck. Eat ^'^ Budi-
worth had been betr.ayed by the only Perfor.s (rom
whom he could hope for .Afiillance, and liigi^s fei?.-
ed on Bj.:rd a Ship, v.hcie he fancied hiiiikiricciire,
fo Blezvit and his Aflociatcs, tho' they endeavoured
to acquaint themielves wiiii tlie Tranfactions at Loa-
tt'jTi, reUting to tiiem, fell alfo into the Flands of
Juliice, when they Icaft expedled it.
The Proclamation for apprehending them c.ime
no fooner into t.he Ilar.ds of Mr. Fmch the Br-.tijh
Relident at the IL'.gue, but he caufed an Enquiry to
be made, whether any fucb Perfons as were tiierein
defcribed, liad been feen at Rotterdam ; and being
allured that there h.id, and that they were lod'^^cd
at the Hamburgh Anns an tlie Bosm-Ktys in li.ac
City, he fen: away a (pecial Meirc;:ger to enquire
the Truth tiiereof ; of which he was no (borer fa-
tiified, tnan he procured an Order from tiie States-
General fcr apprehending tiiem any where within the
Province. By Virtue of tliis Order, the Meirenoer,
with tlie Alfulance of proper Ofncers, apprehended
Blewit at tlis Houfe whither they had been direct-
ed ; but DickcKj'on and Berr\> had left him, and
were gone on Board a Ship, nut caiing to remain a-
ny longer in Hilland. Tney conducted their Prifo-
ner to tlie S^cJt-houJe Prilbn in Rotterdam, and then
went to the Brill; where the Ship, on Board v^hieh
his Companions were, not being cleared out, tliey
furprizea them alfo, and lent them under a llrong
Guard to Rottn dum, where they were put in the
fame Place with tlieir old .'\lTociate Blewit. We
(hall now take an Opportunity to fpeak ofeacnof
them.
EMANUEL D ICKE NSO N vjzs the
Son of a very worthy Perfon. The tad was ever
ungovernable in his Temper, and being left a Child
at iiis Father's Death, himfcif, his Brotner, and feve-
ral Silkrs, they unfortunately addifted themfelves to
evil Courfes. Emanuel having addid'ted him to pick-
ing of Pockets for a confiderable Space, at lall at-
tempting to fnatch a Gentleman's Hat o(F in the
Strand, he was feized with it in his Hand, and com-
mitted to Neiugate, and at the nc.Mt SeiTions con-
vifted, and ordered for Tranfporta.ion ; but his Mo-
ther applying at Court for a Pardon, and fetting forth
the Merit of his Father, procured his Dficharge ; the
only Ufe he made of which, was to afTociate himfelf
with his old Companions ; who, by Degrees, led
him into greater Villainies, till he wjs witii the reft
drawn into the Murther of Ball.
THO MAS BERRT was defcended from Pa.
rents in the moll wretched Circumllances, who fu/"-
fered him to idle about the Streets, and get into fuch
Gangs of Thieves, as taught him from his Infancy
the Art of Diving. He did not always meet with
Impunity i for belides getting into ihe little Prifons,
and
being whip'd feveral Times, he had been thrice in
Keivgate, and for the lad Fad ordered for Tranf-
port.icion : However, by fome Means or other, he
got away from the Ship, and returned quickly to
Ilia old Employment ; in which he had not conti-
nued long, before falling into the Acquaintance of
BarcTOo/cA it brought him to the Commiffion of
iMurder, and after that with great Jufiice to an ig-
nominious Death.
After they were all Three fecured, the Refident
difpjtched an Account thereof to England, where-
upon he received Direftions for applying to the
States- General for Leave to fend them buck. This
was readily granted, and fix Soldiers were ordered
to attend tham on Board, befides the MeiTengers
who were fend to fetch them. Captain Samuel
Taylor, in the Delight Sloop, brought them fate t*
the Nore, where they were met by two otlier Mel
ftngcrs, who affilled in taking Caarge of tiiem up
the River. In the Midll of all the Miferits they
faffjrcd, and the Certainty they had of being doom'd
ro lufFer much more aflbon as they came on Shore,
yet tiiey behaved themfelves with the greateli Gaity
imagia;ible. On their Arrival at the Tower, they
were put into a Boat with the MeiTeiigtrs, with
three other Boats to guard them. E.ich filled
with a Corporal and a File of Mulqueteers ; and in
this Order they were brought to Wejiminfier ; where
after being examined before Juliice Cholk and Jjllice
BLickerby, they were condufted by a Party ot Foot-
Guards to Ne-j.'gate, through a continued Lane of
Spectetors, who proclaimed their Joy, at feeing tliefe
crcgious Villains in the Hands of Jullice.
On their Arrival at Newgale, the Keepers having
put them on cadi a Pair of the heaviell Irons in the
Goal, they next did them the Honour of conducing
them up Stairs, to their old Friend Edward -Burn-
KvDrth, wfio congratulated them on their fate Arii.
val, and they condoled with him on his Confine-
ment. Being exhorted to apply the little Time they
had to live in preparing themfelves for another
World, BurnwortU replied. If they bad any Inclina-
tion to think of a future Stall, yet fa many Perfons
as nxjere admitted to fee them, muft needs divert anf
<rood Thoughts. But their Minds were totally taken
up with confulting the moll likely Means to make
their Efcapes, and all their Adtions (hewed their
Thoughts were bent only on Enlargement, and that
they were altogether unmindful of Death, or at leall
carclefs of the future Confequence thereof.
On Wcdnefday t.\it 30th oi March, 1726, Burn-
ivorth, Blewit, Berry, Dicienfon, Legie and Higgs,
were all put into a Waggon, Hand-cufF'd and cham'd
and carried to Kingjlon; under a Guard of the Duke
of Bo//<!»'s Horfe. At their coining out of New-
gate they were very merry, charging the Guard to
take Care that noMisfortune happened to them, and
calling upon the Spcdators, as to fhew the Refpedl
they bore them, by Hallowing, and paying them
the Compliments due to Gentlemen of their Profef-
fion. As they pafTed along the Road, they frequent-
ly threw Money among the People who followed
ihem, diverting themfelves with feeing the others
ftrive for it ; and particularly Blewit having thrown
cut fome Half-pence amongft the Mob, a little Boy
picked up one of them, and calling out to Blewit,
faid. As jure as you ivill be condemned at Kingfton,
fo fare will I ha-ve your Name engraved hereon.
VV hereupon Blewit took a Shilling out of his Pocket,
and gave it to the Boy, telling him, There was
femething towards dtfraying the Charge of Engra'V-
A Gmeral History of
»ng.
On the 31ft of March, the Aflizes were opened.
before the Right Hon. the Lord Chief Jufiice Ra
mond, and Mr. Jullice Denton ; and the Grand Ju
having found Indidments againll the Prifoners, th
were feveraliy arraigned thereupon, when Five
them pleaded not guilty ; but Burnworth abfolute'
refufed to plead at all ; upon which, after being a
vifed by the Judge, not to force the Court upon th
Rigour, his Thumbs were ty'd and llrain'd with
Packthread ; which having no EfFeft upon him, t
Sentence of the Prefs was read to him, and he fl
continuing contumacious, was carried down to t<
Stock Houfe, and the Frelb laid upon him. He co
tinued one Hour and three Minutes, under t
Weight of three hundred, three Quarters, and tv
Pounds, endeavouring to beat out hi', Brains aoaii
the Floor; during which Time, the High-Sacr
himfelf was prefeut, and frequently exhorted him
plead to the Indiilinent ; which at iafi he confent
to do. Being brought up to the Coart, after
Trial which iailed from Eight in the Morninc, 1
Ont in tne Afternoon, on the lirll Day of ^(
they were all Six found guilty of the Jndianiei
and being remanded back to the Stock Houfe, ^\^
all chained and llapled down to the Floor. "^ Wh
they were under Conviiition, they diverted the
lelves with repeating Jells and Stoiies of v,;rio
Natures, particularly of tjie Manner of their Elca]
before out of the Hands of Jufiice, and the Robbei
and Offerees they had committed ; and it being pi
pofed for the Satisfaction of the World, for tlicm
leave tne Particulars, of the feveral RobLeries bv th
committed, Burnworth replied. That "Mere Ire
•write^ nil the Robberies by him committed, an hand
Sheets of Paper, wro.'e as clofe as could ie, ivould
contain them.
On Monday, the 4th Day of April, they w
brought up again from the Stock-Houfe, to recc
Sentence ol Death. When Sentence was pail
they entreated Leave for their Friends to vifit th
in the Prilon, which was granted tiiem by the Coi
but with a Itriiit Injundtion to the Keeper to be c.i
ful over them. After they returned to the Piif.
they bent their Thoughts whoify on making th
Efcape, and for tn.it Purpofe had procured pre
Implementii for the Execution of it. Burnwtrt
Mother being furprized with feveral Files, fcf-.
bout her, and ti.e whole Plot dilcovered by Blew
Mother, who was heard to fay. That Jht bad for
the Opium. It feenis t!ie Scheme was to murder
two Perfons wno attended them in the Goal, to
ther with Mr. Elliot the '1 urn key. After they i
got out they intended to have fired a Stack of Bav
adjoining to the Prilon, and thereby amufed the
habitants while they got clear off. Burnwtn
Mother was confined lor this Attempt ; in his
vour ; and fome itller Implements tiiat were fev
up in the Wailibands of their Breeches being rip]
out, all Hopes of Efcape whatfoever were now tal
away ; yet Burnworth afFedled to keep up the fa
Spirit with which he hitherto behaved, and tall
to one of his Guard, of coming in the Night i
dark Entry, and pulling him by the Nofe, if he
not fee him decently buried.
About Ten of the Clock on Wednefday Morni
{■vix.. April the 6th, 1726) they, together with 1
Blackburn, who was condemned for robbing on
Highway, a Fellow grofsly ignorant and Itupid, w
carried out in a Cart to their Execution, being att
ded by a Company of Foot to the Gallows. Jn tl
Pailage thither, that audacious Carriage in wh
they had (o long perfilled, totally forfook them, :
they appeared with all that Scrioufnefs and De
tion, which might be looked for, from Pcrfor'
tl
Pyratesy HigJywaymeny Murderers^ 5&:.
heir ConcJition. tlevjit perceiving ore Mr. War-
■.::i among tlie Spedators, defired that he might
:,n to ipeak to him, which being grunted, ix threw
anlcitupon his Knees, and carnelUy eiureated his
■.;idon, fur having once attempted his Life, by pre-
■ntiiig a Piilol at him, upon Sui'picion thr.t Mr. War-
..■:i ti.'d given an Information ag:iinll him. When
[ ti.e I'Lcc of Execution and tied up, B/eu'il and
)':ckeiifon efpecially, pray'd with great Fervour, and
becoming Eornellnels exhorting ail the young Per-
ms they law, to take Warning by thein, and not
ioiv fucli Courfes is migiit in Time bring them to
J terrible and End.
Blewit acknowledged, that for fix Years he had
led by Ste.ding and Pilfering only. He hid given
V. tiie Cioaths he had to hi. Mother, but being in
rmed that he was to be hung in Chains, he defired
IS Mother might return them to prevent his being
ut up in his Siiirt : He then deiired the Executioner
337
to tye him up lo, that he might be as foon out of his
Pain as poffible : Then he fee the Penitential Pialm,
and repeated tlie Words of it to the other Criminals ;
then they all killed one another ; and, after fome pri-
vate Devotions, the Can urew away, and they were
turned off. Dkkenfon died very hard, kicking off
one of his Shoes, and loofing tiie other. Tneir Bo-
dies were carried back under the fame Guard which
attended them to their Execution. Bumi'jorth and
Bleivit were afterwards hung up in Chains, over-
againrt the Sign of the Fighti?t^ Cods in ot. Qcorge^i
Fields: Dickinfon and B^rry were hung up on Ksn-
nington-Common; but tliS Sheriff of cSiT-zfy liad Or-
ders to fuffer his Relations to take down tlie Body of
Dickenfoti after its hanging up one D.iy, which Fa-
vour was granted on Account of his Father's Service.
in the Army, v/ho was killed at his Poll, when the
Confederate Army befiegcd Air, in the late \V:j-.
Ltgee and Higgs were hung up on Futniy-drntnar.^
beyond If'andj'vjcyth.
r/jf LIFE 0/ TOM KELSEY.
T
HO MAS KELSEr was bom in Lea-
ther-Lane, in the Parifh of St. AnJiew's Hol-
bora ; but his Mother being a Welch Wo-
nan, and fhe having an Eftate of about 40/. per An-
lum, left her by an Uncle at IVrcxham in Denbigh-
hire, the whole Family went down thither to live
ipon it, which confilled only of the two old People,
ind this their Son.
Tom was from his Infancy a ftubborn untoward
3rat, and this Temper encreafed as he gerw up ; fo
hat at 14 Years of Age he was prevail'd on by one
Jones, who has fince been a Viftualler in London, to
eave his Father and come up to Town, in order to
eek his Fortune. Having neither ofthem any Mo-
ney, they were oblig'd to beg their Way along in
the bert Englifh they were Mailers of. Going one
Day to a Gentleman's Houfe with their Complaint,
he took a liking to the Boys, and receiv'd them both
into his Houfe ; Kilfey in the Quality of a Horfe-
keeper, and Jones as a Falconer. It may be fuppo-
fed they were both awkard enough in their Callings,
but Tom's Place was the leaft difficult, fo that he
kept it the longelf, the GentJemas being foon weary
of his Falconer, and glad to fend him about his Bufi-
aefs again.
Kelfey ufed to tell the foilowiug Story, as the Rea^
fon of 'Jones'^ Difcharge ; whether it were exactly
true or no, there is foniethmg pleafant in it. One
D.ay the Mader and Man went out a Hawking toge-
ther, and as foon as the Mailer dilcovered the Game,
he gave the appointed Sign, and "Jones, who had the
Hasvk on his Fill, let her fly. The poor Falcon,
without purfuing the Game, mounted direftly up-
wards ; upon wfiich the Gentleman beg.in to be rn a
terrible Paffion, not fufpefting the Caufe of her fo
doing. At lalt, v/hen he faw no fign of her coming
down again, / belie-ve, fays he, tke Hw.vk intends to
lodge in tke Sky Jo- Night. I belie<ve fo too, quoth
Jenes, for /he took her Night-Cap along •with her.
The Gentleman was not lone finding out what
86
this Night-Cap was ; for in a few Minutes the Bird
dropp'd down dead by them with Hood on, having
flown upwards till (he was quie fpent. This not
only got Jones a Difcharge, but procured him a
handfome Caning into the Bargain, which he would
have been very willing to hive gone without.
Joneses being turned away, while Kelfey was re-
tain'd, was the Occafion of breaking off their Ac-
quaintance, which probably might fave Jones from
the Gallows ; it being very likely that if they had
continued together, they would both have ftared
the fame Fate; whereas Jones now got a Tapftcr's
Place in London, and concsiiued ever after in the f.-.me
Buiinefs either as a Servant or a Mailer. It was not a
great while after, before Tom Kelfey was dttefled in
fome little pilfering Tricks, and turned out of Doors
after his Companion, whom he could not find when
he came to London. His being out of Place till lie
could fubfift no longer, and his natural Inclination to
Difhonelly, foon brought him forwards in thccouife
of Life for which he was afterwards fo infamous. He
fell into Company with Thieves, and was as bold
and as dextrous in a little Time as the bell of them,
if not even beyond them all.
Going one Day by the Houfe of M.--. Norton, a
iilverfmitb in Burleigh Street, near Exeter-Cba>i~c,
a couple of his Companions came by him like Stran-
gers, and one of them fnatch'd off his Hat, and flung
it into the Goldfmiths Chamber Window, whicii Itocd
open, running away as fall as they could. Tom, w'v.q
had a Look innocent enough to deceive any Body,
made a fad Complaint to Mr. N.rion, who llood at
his Door, and faw all that pall. It happened that at
that Time there was no Bady at Home but hiinfcLf,
of which Tom had got Intelligence before. Pocr Lad !
fays Mr. Norton, you Jhnll not iofe yiur tint ; go up
Stairs and fetch it yamfeif, for I cannot lea-ce the
Shop. This w.asjull what To/;; wsnted ; he went up
and took his Hat, and with it a Dszen of Silver
Spoons that lay in his Way ; coming down in a Mi-
4 ■'^ nute.
338
A General History of
note, and making a very fubmiffive Bow to Mr.
Norton for his Civility, who let him go without Suf-
picion. Thij Prize was divided between him and
tiis two Aflbciates, as ii common in fuch like Ca-
fes.
Tern was not, however, fo fuccerful in his Villai-
nies, but that he was condemn'd to be hang'd before
he was 1 6 Years of Age. The Fadl was breaking
open the Houfe of one Mr. "Johnfon, a Grocer in the
Strand, and dealing from thence two filver Tankards,
a filver Cup, fix filver Spoons, a filver Porringer,
and 40/. in Money. But he got off this Time on
account of his Youth, and the Interell hij Father
made at Court ; for hearing of his Son's Condem-
nation, the old Gentleman camediredlly up to Town,
and arrived before the Day appointed for his Execu-
tion, procuring a full Pardon by the Mediation of
fome powerful Friends
To prevent his following the fame Courfes again,
and expofing himfeif afrelh to the Sentence of the
Law, the old Gentleman put his Son Apprentice to
a If'eai'er, but before he had ferved half a Year of
his Time, he ran away from his Mailer, and took to
liis old Courfes again. It was his Pride, to make all
whom he converled with as bad as himfeif, an Inftance
of which appeared in what he did by one David
Hudges, a Coufin of his by the Mother's Side. This
Youth going to Kingfton Allizes along with Tom, a.
few Days after he came to Town, he was prevailed
upon by him to pick a Pocket in the Court ; in which
Aftion being apprehended, he was immediately try'd,
and condemned to be hang'd upon a Gibbet within
Sight of the Bench, as a Terror to others. This
Week was fatal enough to young Hudges ; for he
came to London on the Monday, on Tuefday and Wed-
nejday fpent and loft 10/. whicK was all the Money
ke had, along with Whores and Sharpers, on Thurf-
day in the Evening pick'd a Pocket, was condemned
en Friday Morning, and hang'd on Saturday. This
was the End of one of Kelfey% hopeful Pupils, who
had the Impudence to boaft of it.
Another of the Adions of this Extravagant, was,
his robbing the Earl of Feverjham^i Lodgings. This
Nobleman was General of the Forces in the Reign of
King James the Second, and confequently had a
Centinsl always at his Door. Tom drefs'd himfeif
in a Foot Soldier's Habit one Evening, and went up
to the Fellow who was then on Duty, alking him a
great many Queftions, and offering, at laft, to make
him drink, if he knew where to get a couple af Pots
of good Beer. The Soldier told him there was very
good a little beyond Catherine-Street, but he durlt
not leave his Poll fo long as to fetch it. Can't I
take your Place, brother Soldier? qusth Tom, 1 1,\
fure if fome Body be at the Po/i there can be
Danger. The Soldier thank'd him, took the Si
pence, and went his Wpy ; mean w hile yow's A
fbciates got into the Houfe, and were rifling it 1
faft as they couid. They had not quite done wh(
the Soldier came back; whereupon Torn gave hi
Two-pence more, and defired him to get a little T
bacco alfo. While the poor Fellow was gone f
this, the Villains came out, and Tom went wi
them, carrying off not only above 200 /. worth ■
Plate, but even the Soldier's Miilcjuet. Thi ne
Day ttie Centinel was call'd to Account, and cor
mitted to Prilon. At the enfuing Court iVJartial j
was ordered to run the Gantloop for lofing his Piec
and then was fcnt to Newgate, and loaded with
rons, on Sufpicion of being privy to the Robber
where, after nine Months Confinement, he miferab
perifhed.
Kelfey, after this, broke open the Houfe of tl
L^dy Grace Pierpoint, at ThiJJleivorth, and ito
from thence a great many valuable Things. B
foon after one of his Companions impeached hi
for this Fadl j whereupon, being informed that tl
OfHcers were in fearch after him, he fled to tl
C3.mf of Yi\ng William \n Flanderi. Here he got
confiderable Booty out of his M jelly's Tent, ai
from other general Ofiicers, with which he got
Amfterdam, and fold it to a Jeiv ; whom he al
robb'd afterwards, and fold what he had gotten to
nother Jemi at Rotterdam, from whence he rc-et
bark'd for England.
He had not been long returned to his natives Com
try, before he was detailed in breaking open tl
Houfe of a Linntn-Draper in Cheafjide, which p
a final End to his Liberty, tho' not to his Villain
For being fent to Newgate, and having no Hop
of ever getting out any more, un!els to go to 7
hum, he grew defperate, and refolvcd to do all tl
Mifchief he could there. Mr. Goodman, one of tl
Turnkeys of that Jayl, being one Day drinking!
the Common Side Cellar, Kelfiy privately flabb
him into the Belly with a Knife, of which Wour
he inftantly died. For this Murder he received Sei
tence of Death at the next Seffions in the Old-Bailt
and a Gibbet being eredled in Newgate-Street, ne;
the Pnlon, he was thereon executed on Friday ti
13th of June, 1690, being then no more tha
twenty Years of Age. As a Terror to the otht
Prifoners who were then in Confinement, his Bod
was fufFered to hang on the Gibbet the Space ofthrc
Hoari.
^
Thi
Pyriftcs, Hlghioaymefiy MurckrerSy &c.
339
r/;eLIFE o/RICHARD KEELE
fi More impudent Villain was never heard of
k than this of whom we are no.v to give fome
JJL. Account, who was born of very good and
reitable Parents at jfaw/i)/ in Ham^Jhii e ; and ha-
viiio other Education bellowed upon him than
lur Reading and Writing, he was put Apprentice
tc Barber and Perriwigmaker living at Winchefter,
w fe Daughter he married ; but after feven or eight
Yrs Cohabitation, left her, and married another
\^ nan in Loudon, who had fifty Pounds per Annum,
ding Life, quarterly paid her by a Jultice of the
P( e, living in St. Margaret'* Church- Yard at
If minjier.
is fole Delight and Pleafurc was ever in keeping
C'lpany v/ith the greatell Rogues, Whores, and
T ves, from whom he had learnt fo much of their
ba Manners, that he exceeded them all in ViUany ;
ef| :ial!y when he came to be a Biilifr, the general
Ci after of which Office is, that the Beginning ii
de lable, the Courfe deiperate, and the End damna-
bli Soon after he was married to his la(i Wife, he
te an Ale-houfe in Milk-Ailey, near St. Ann%
CI ch ; but he had not been long in that Employ-
iM , ere he was irrelled at the Suit of one Thomas,
I i dier in the Firft Regiment of Foot-Guards, in
m clion of one hundred Pound, for keeping Com-
» with his Wife IJahelln Thomas, a molt noto-
:ic ' Shoplift, whom he encouraged in her Thiev-
Ji{ill Ihe was condemned, but obtained Mercy.
:ing now arrefted, as aforefaid, and fo little be-
ov, that none would bail him, he was carried to
^tiale-houfe Priion at WeJiminJJer, where he liad
10 been a Week, before forty Robberies were
ait to his Charge, for which he way heavy loaded
ivii Irons ; but no Profecution commencing againli
lin he was admitted to Bail for them before Sir
P«- King, then Recorder of London. But flill
)ei; a Prifoner on Thomas' i Adlson, he removed
)in:If by a Writ of Habeas Corpus to the fleet
Prin, from whence he was fhortly after removed
iga to Neiugate, upon an Information exhibited
■gaft him for fpeaking feveral blafphemous Ex-
>reons when in the Gatehoufe ; and being try'd
or le fame at the Sejpons-Houfe in the Old Bailey,
>efc: the Lord Chief Juftice Parker, the Sentence
jft: Court was, That he Jhould fiand twice in the
P'Vji, ence at Charing-Crofs, and once luithout
fe/jle-Bar, and to fuffer Imprifonment for a luhole
^'•en the Time of Confinement was expir'd, and
:orious fellow had procured his Liberty, he
-rned a BjilifTs Follower; but his Income
being being but very fmall, and Uippoiing a
the more profitable Employment, he Hole a
nd Perriwig, for which he was committed to
'!e. On his Trial being found guilty of Fe-
i.e was burnt in the Hand, and ordered to
Libour at the Workhoule for twelve Months.
j;dingly being carried with one IFilliam Laxv-
ther, and Charles Houghton, two other Felons, to
Bridiiuell in Clerken-Mell, on the 19th of Septem-
ber, 1713, they made a Mutiny, upon Captain
Boremant going to put Irons on them, to prevent
their making an Elcape out of his Goal. In this
F'ray Charles Houghton was (hot dead on the Spor^
William Lotxther ihot in feveral P.irtE of his Body,
but not mortally wounded, and Dick Keele had one
of his Eyes fliot out. But thel'e Villains having
killed Ed-uard Perry, One of the Turnkeys oi Il/ide-
luell, Keele and Lowlher were committed by Jullicc
Fuller to Ne-ivgate again : where the former of
them was kept in the MalkrTide, at the Charge of^
Ifabel Thomas, that notorious fe'hoplift ; who being
now at Liberty, by pleading to her Majefty's Par-
don but in Auguft lalt, and followed Shoplifting as
much as ever, till at laft fhe was apprehended and
received Sentence of Death again, oa Monday the
14th o'l December, 1713, for privately ftealing 63
Yards of Siik, Value fix Pounds, from the Shop of
Philip Ba/s, a. Mercer on Ludgate-Htll.
Now Dick Keele being afraid of coming to a
Trial for the Marder of Edward Perry 2.Z tne Sef-
fions-Houfe in the Old-Bailey, he put himfelf into
a Salivation ; and pernaps it might not be without
a Caule ; for he was fuch a common Fellow, that
he would debauch himfelf with the very worll of
Whores. But now liaving no other Device to de-
lay his coming to Jultice any longer, Ijc Was at the
next SelTions brought to a Trial, on which the Evi-
dence for the Queen being very fJl and clear to the
Fact laid to his Charge, ne and li'illiam Loivther
were both found guilty of Wilful Murder. Not-
withllanding this, lucn was the AfTurance and Impu«
dence of Keele, whilft in the Condemned Hold,
that he was lure he Ihould not die, and "therefsre
made no Preparation tor his approaching Deatn, .-s
fuppofing his Siller, who Jived with a Perfon of
Quality, would procure his Pardon. However, mil-
taking his Aim, he and his Comrade If'ill. Low-
ther were executed on Clerkcnwell-Green, on H'ed-
r.ejday the 23d of December, 171 3 ; tne firlt being
32 Years of Age, and the other but 23.
It was always the Cutlom of this una.ippy Perfon
to fay, that he glorified in all manner of Vvjciicdneli ;
and if it ever was his Fate to come undc-r tiie Clr-
cumftances of Death for the Breach of any Law, iie
ihould fo far behave himfelf above tneco.iimon i^Ja-
ture of Mankind, as not to Ihtd Tears for l.lj Of-
fence, VI hen launching into the very Gulph of Eter-
nity ; and therefore, like other wlrniiig Fools, he
Ihould not make any Confeffion of his dins to anv
Perfon that prefumcd to afe mm at the very Place of
Execution, in Cafe he was to come to fuch an un-
timely End.
But it is evidently feen, that a fhameful Death
commonly overtakes fucli Wretches for their Wick-
cdnefs ; and tho' this Fellow pretended to out-brave
the very Terrors thereof, yet when he came under
d the
340
the unhnppy Circumftance of being cut off by the
Sword of Jullice for his Crimes, no iVlan coulJ be-
wail and bemoan himfelF more than he did ; How-
ever, his Sorrow was not fo niucii for the '1 hought
of his Sins, as being fent out of the Land of tlie
Living in his almoU juvenile Years. He flood to
his Refolution of Silence, tho' not of Bravery, in
not making a Confeliion of ail his Sins, to thofe who
defiredit; for according to tlie Papers put out of
him, he never dil'covet'd in particular his robbing,
of a Shoemalcer living once near Lincolns- Inn Fields,
call'd Bo)id and Judgment: An Account whereof
take as follows.
One Day Dick Keek being out of Money, by his
paying twenty or tturty Pounds to an Adveriary,
whom that notorious Shoplift Ijahel Thomas ufed to
rob, he was refoived to make up tliofe pull-backs by
robbing himfelf. So n.eeting with Bond and 'Judg-
ment, as aforefaid, (a very honell Man, 1o called up-
on his lending Money to People upon fuch an Aliign-
ment made over to him ; and as (con at the 1 ime
was expired that the Money was to be paid, upon
Non-payment, inllantly, t.iking tiie Advant ge
thereof, and turned tie Perfon and whole Family
out of Doors, by feixing on all they had) I fay,
meeting with him not far from Paddtngion, and hav-
ing been over-reached himfelf before upon an Deca-
gon by the fams Fellow, he commanded him to
ftand and deliver. Quoth Bond and Judgment,
Din't you kno-vj me, Sirf Ay, reply'd Dick, you Son
tf a Where, I knov) you to be a mercenary Rogue,
that lueuld fend your Father and Mother to Gaol for
the Fillip of a Farthing ; therefore it is but tt juji
Judgment befell you, to take all you ha've from you.
So clapping a Piftol to his Breafl, poor Bond end
Judgment was obliged to flop the Fury of the Bul-
lets, by giving him threefcore Guineas ; which was
fcch a finking of his Stock, that he went to Newgate
quickly after, and was hard put to it to raife Money
for an Habeas Corpus, to remove his corrupted Car-
cafs to the ^een's Bench Prifon in Southtuark.
Another Time Dick Keele being very well mount-
ed on a Horfe, and accoutred with Sword and Pi-
ftols, who fliould he meet on Hounflonu-Heath, but
C , lately a Tradefman, but then an Offi-
cer, as well mounted as himfelf. Neverthelefs, he
having as mu«h Courage as the pretended Son of
Mars, he gave him and ugly Word of Command,
which wa';, fland and deli'ver.
Here our military Man was at a Stand indeed,
what to fay to him ; but thinking the bloody Colour
ef his Cloaths might frighten him, quoth he, ' Don't
' you fee whofe Livery I wear ? See whofe Livery
' you wear, replied Dick, why, are you a Footman ?
• No, laid C again, I am an Officer in the
' Army; therefore to your Peril be it, if you pre-
' imne to ftop me when I ^am about unlawful Occa-
A General History of
• fions. Nay, replied, Dick, if you are about
' ful Occalions, I am abouc unlawful O
' Therefore deliver what you have, or ei'.t; we
• t-ry who is the belt Man, Said, C — '■ 1 c
bear a Commiffion to fighCwith Higliway.-]
' I only wear Her Majeily's Cloth to ^j^llt fur
' Queen and Country. Why tlien, replied 1
' that Cloth, nor any other, mulcnot be Prote(
' from my Arrcll; theicfore, as j^iis Piltolis
' '1 jp-llafF, I demand your Money upon Pa
• Death. ' So taking (not linding any AjJnc
bout him) his Coat, \Vaillcoat, and fSreicht:
ordered Inra to take up another Sutc on the legt.
tal Account.
He utterly hated and abhorred his lall., V.'ife
the fake of Arabella or Ifabel Thomas, othe
called Ifabel Jones, alias Bolton, alias V/ildma
lias King, belides ieveral o;hcr Names, to fhr
her fro.ai the Severity of Jultiee, of wliich Ci
file had much Occaiion, efpccially after her rol
a great Mercer in Cheapfide, of about fi.'cty P(
worth of Silk, for whicii fhe had like to nave
apprehended, but only fhe made her Efcape
the back Alleys to her Lodgings in Jc-win-flrei
She was about thirty three Years of Age, b<
Blackburn in Lancafhire, and about eight Yea.
fore her Death came up to London, wiiere fhe
Servant in feveral worthy Families, in which fl-
haved herfelf very honeltly ; bat falling at lafi
wicked Company, fne foon learned to be wicke
and committed divers Felonies in the Shops of
cers, Liiinen-Drapers, and Lace -men, living i
about the Cities oi London and H'efimivfier ; fo
which being clearly proved upon her, fhe was
ral Time* burnt in the Hand.
She formerly received Sentence of Death foi
iug feveral Yards of Muflm out of Mr. Woi
Shop, a Linnep-Draper, living at the Corner o
bican and Red-Crofs fireet, but received Merc j
pleading to the Queen's mofl gracious Pard ^
AuguJ} following Next fhe was apprehendi fot
privately Healing fixty two Yards of S..rcenet, Jij
fix Pounds, out of the Shop of Mr. Phillip B , X
Mercer on Ludgate-Hill, beforementioned, tor lict
fhe received Sentence of Death again, and w.
cutedat Tyburn, on IVedtiefday the 23d oi Da -n
17 J3, with James Gof'wil, Ihomas Hudfon, Till.
to Mr. Richard Jfukes, a Vitlualler, at thi li.
of the White Horfe, \\\ White Horfe Yard, m ..
Lane, Giles Sf enter, Samuel Hicks, James (> ..
en, Anthony Irlartin, James Vrv-in, Richar.i j
Sarah Bugden, alias Small, alias Junes, alias , j..,
alias Ei/ans, and Mary Baker, otherwife callci 'm
Cook, Lobby, and Hanun, or Harnale, from tl ibill
Men to whom fhe was marry 'd, who were a Ji«
together, for which fhe fuffcred Death.
Pyratesy Highnmymerty Murderer Sy &c.
341
He LIFE 0/ PATRICK O-BP.YAN.
f
HE Parents of Pa/r/f.f 0-5rva« were very
poor ; they liv'd at Liu^hrea, a M-rket
Town in the County of Galiuay and Pro-
V c of Conitaught m Ireland. Patrick Came over
in EiiglanJ \\\ the Reign of King Charles the Se-
C J, rind liiied himlelf into liis Majelty's Coldjiream
f< iment of Guards, lo called from their being firll
r: -'d at a Place in Sco/lwiJ which bears that Name.
(- i' good a Soldier he made is little to our Pur-
p;; only we may obferve, that 'twai not poffibic
fchould be more expert in the Ule of his Arms
tJi he was in the PraCtlfc of all manner of Vices.
T : Small Allowance of a private Centinel was far
t( little for him ; and he was not like a great ma-
n loor Men, who make the fame Complaint, yet
f; oun honelly to live on it, and only ende.ivour to
n L- up the Scantinefs of their Salary by their good
t- >T,ndry. No ; Patrick''^ Maxims were widely dif-
from thofe ; he was refolv'd to have Money
, ^le were any in the Land, and not to ftarve in
tl midft of Plenty, from a foolifti Principle of Juf-
aiid Honour. The firil Thirjg he did was to
in Debt at all the Publick Houfes and Shops
: would trull him ; and when his Credit would
ntaia him any longer, he had Recouife to bor-
ing of jU he knew, being pretty well furnilh'd
n tr.e common Defence of his Countrymen, a
nt tiiat would brazen out any Thing, and even
jhat'the Perfons whom he h^d impofed on, to
r very Faces. By fucli Meajis as thefe he fub-
d.fori'ome Time.
ic'kit, when he found Fraud would no longer
PQrt him, he went out upon the Food-pad. Dr.
Wr the Parfon of Croydon, was one of thofe
3IH be ilopp'd. This Ivlan had in his Youth been
'd at the Ohi-Eailey, and burnt in the Hand, for
Jiaf a Silver Cup. Patrick knew him very well,
greeted hin upon their lucky Meeting; telling
„ ^hat be cculd not refufc lending a little .^£ijl-
te to one of his old Propffion. The Doftor affured
1, .That ht had not made a IVord, if he had had
Money about him ; but he had not fo much as a
It farthing. 7ken, fcys Patrick, I Kuji have
yir Go-iun, Sir. If you can iiin it, quoth tne Doc-
ti, fo you Jhall ; but lit me haije the CJ:ance ef a
Cme at Cards. To this O Bryan conlentcd, and
t Reverend Gentleman puH'd out a Pack of the
Ivil'sBooks ; with which they fairly play'd at ^/Z-
iirs, to decide, who (hoald have the bl.xk Robe.
i trick had the Fortune to win, and the other went
I ne very contentedly, as he had laft his Divinity
i fuch an equitable manner. Indeed, according to
t: Idea whreh this Story feems to give of the Doc-
t , our Highwayman might become a C.inonical
libit as well as he, and be no more a Scandal to the
I.-red Cloth.
There was in Patrick''s Time a famous Pofture-
.'iiftrr in ?a//-i!i«//; his Name was Clark. Our
, V irurer met him one Diy on Primrofe-Hill, and
87
faluted him with Stand ar.d deliver. But he wa»
mightily difappointed ; for the nimble Harlequin
jiitrp'd over his Hea 3, aiid, inftead of reviving his
Heart with a few Guineas, made it fmk into his
Breeches for Fear ; he imagining the Devil was come
to be merry with him before his Time, for no hu-
man Creature, he thought could do the like. Thi«
Belief was a little Mortification to him at firft ; but
he foon fa>v the Truth of the Story in the publick
Prints, where Mr. Clark'% K^rnds took Care to put
it, and then our Teague's Qualm of Confcience was
changed into a Vow of Revenge, if ever he met with
his Tumblerfliip again ; which however he never did.
Another Time Patrick O-Bryan was got behnid ,a
Hedge in the Way to Hackney, late in the Evening,
in order to wait for a Booty. He had not beeo here
long before he heard a very merry Dialogue betweeri
one of the Sons of Apollo, and as old Bawd, whom
he had employ'd to get him into the Company of
a young Lady at a BoardingSchool juft by. The
Converfation ended fo much to our Poet's Satisfafti-
on, that pronounc'd the following Lines in a kind
of Rapture
Ob ! thou art txiondrous in thy Art .' thy Head
Was fortn d for mighty Things ; likt thofe ■X'.^ha rule
The Fates of Em^ittes : But our kinder Stars
Ha've fent thie to direii the Realms of Letie,
Juft as his Tranfport was over, out ftepp'd O-
Bryan, and prefented a P)ftol to the Head tnat con-
ceiv'd thofe fine Imaginations. It mult be allow'd,
that fuch a Surprize as this was enough to make the
poor Bard a little cooler ; but lell it ihould not cool
him enough, O Bryan order'd him to ftrip himfelf
to the SiciB ; which he did with abundance of Re-
luctance ; for the f.ne Embroidered Sute of Clothes
he had on. was only hired as an additional Charm
to his Verfes, that he might the niore efFedually
win the young Lady's Heart. Mad»m the Procu-
refs was alfo dreis'd in her richef; Brocade, that
her Vifit might be perform'd with the better Grace:
She fufFer'd the fame Fate, and was reduc'd to the
Condition ofourfirft Parents before the Fall ; Pa"
trick telling them both. That as he perceived nei-
ther of them had any Religion before, ^tivas proper
they Jhould begin to have fome ; and therefore out of
Charity to th, ir Souls he had converted them to A-
damitifm. We may fuppofe they did not very well
like their new Religion : But Patrick was a down-
right Pope ; if they had not hearkened to his Argu-
ments he would have made ufe of his Arms, and
fairly have fent him out of the World, becaufe
they would not be implicitly obedient to their Su-
periors in it. This they both coniider'd, and lb
thought it their belt Way to receive his Ipfe dixit.
O Bryan lAlx'i. intirely deferted from nis Pv.egi-
ment, and got a Horfe, on which he robb'd on the
Highway a long Time. One Day in particular he
4 S met
34^
met Kill Giuyn in her Coach on the Road to //7a-
cheftir, and addrefs himfelf t* her in the following
Manner. Madam, lama Gentleman, and, at you
may fee, a very able one: I ha've done a great many
Ji^gnal Services tt the Fair Sex, and have in Return
been all my Life long maintained by them. Noiu,
as I knoiu you are a charitable If e, and have
a great Value for Men »f my Abilities, I make bold
to afkytu fir a little Money, though I never ha've
had the Honour of ferving you in particular. Hoiu-
ever, if an Opportunity /haul J ever fall in my Way,
you may depend upon it I vnill exert myftlf to the
uttermoft ; for 1 fcorn to be ungrateful. Nell feem'd
very well pleas'd with what he had faid, and made
him a Prel'ent of ten Guineas : However, whether
Ihe wifli'd for the Opportunity he fpoke of, or no,
cannot be determin'd, becaufe flie did not explain
hcri'elf ; but if a Perfon may guefs from her general
Charafter, Ihe never was afraid of a Man m her
Life.
While Patrick robb'd on the Highway, he per-
verted feveral young Men to the fame bad Courfe of
Life. One Claudius Wilt in particular was hang'd
at Warcefier for a Robbery committed in his Com-
pany, though 'twas the firll he was ever coticern'd
in. Several others came to the fame End through
his Seducements i and he himfelf was at laft executed
at Gloucefter, for a Faifl committed within two Miles
of that City. When he had hung the ufual Time,
his Body was cut down and deliver'd to his Acquain-
tance, that they might bury him as they pleafed ,
But being carry'd home to one of their Houfes,
fome Body imagin'd they perceiv'd Life in him ,
whereupon an able Surgeon was privately procured
to bited him, who by that and other Means which
he uled brought him again to his Senfes. The
Thing was kept an entire Secret from the World,
and 'twas hoped by his Friends that he would fpend
the Remainder of his forfeited Life, which he had
fo furprieinjjly retriev'd, to a much better Purpofe
than he had employ 'd the former Part of it.
Thefe Friends offer'd to contribute in any manner
he fliould defire towards his living privately and
honeftly : He promis'd them very fairly, and for
fome Time kept within due Bounds, while the Senfe
of what he had efcap'd remain'd frelh in his Mind ;
but the Time was not long before, in Spite of all the
Admonitions and AfTillances he receiv'd, he return'd
again lo his Villainies like a Dog to hit Vomit ;
leaving his kind BenefaAors, Aealing a frcfli Horfe,
and taking ui.ce more to the Highway, where he
gifw z' riuU.\cious as ever.
It was not above a Year after his former Executi-
on, before he met with the Gentleman again who
had conviCled him before, and attack'd him in the
f_me Manner. The poor Gentleman was not lo
much lurprized at being Itopp'd on the Road as he
w.s at iMiiig the Pcrion who did it;, btiog «•;(»•
A Oeneral History of
i
'twas the very Man whom he Iiad feen executi
This Conllernation was fo gre.it, that he could r
help difcovering it ; by faying. How comes this
pafs} I thought you had been hanged a 7iLclvemo'r
ago. Solvjas, fays P.itrick, and thefore you ou,
to imagine that luhat you fee no'w ii only my Qho
However, left yeufhould be fo uncivil as to hang
Ghof) too, I think it my left I'/ay to fecure you. {]
on this he difcharg'd a Piftol thro' the Gentiemai
Head ; and, not content with that, difmounting
Horfe, he drew out a fharp Hanger fjom liis Sii
and cut the dead CV.reafs into feveral Pieces.
This piece of B.irbarity was followed by anothi
which was rather more horrible yet. Patrick w:
four more as bad as himfelf, having Intelligence tl
Lancelot Hilmot, Efq ; oiWiltJhire, had a'great d
of Money nnd Plate in his Houfe, which Itood i
lonely Pi.xe, at about a Mile and .i half from Tn
bridge ; they befet it one Night, and got in. Wh
they were entered, they ty'd and gagg'd the &
vants, and then proceeded to the old Gentiemai
Room, where he was in Bed with his Lady. Th
ferved both thefe in the fame Manner, and then w(
in the Daughter's Chamber. This young Lady th
feverally forced after one another to their bru
Pleafure, and when they had done, moft inhumat
flabb'd her, becaufe (he endeavoured to get fn
their Arms. They nextaded the fame Tragedy
the Father and Mother, luhich they told thm, m
becaufe they did not breed up their Daughter to bet
Manners. Then they rifled the Houfe of evi
Thing valuable which they could find in it, that v
fit to be carried off, to the Value in all of zcoc
After which they fet the Building on fire, and lef
to confame with the unhappy Servants that was
it.
Patrick continued above two Years after this 1
fore he was apprehended, and poflibly might nei
have been fufpeded of this Faft, if one of his bloc
Accomplices had not been hang'd for another Cri
at Bedford. This Wretch at the Gallows conftll
all the Particulars, and difcovered the Perfons co
cerned with him ; a little while after which, 0-B
an was feized at his Lodging in Little Sujolk-Strt
mM ihe Hay- Market, and committed la Neivgai
from whence before the next Aflizes he was convei
to Salifbury, where he own'd the FaiS himfelf, s
all the other Particulars of his wicked Aftions tl
have been here related. He was now a feco
Time executed, and great Care was taken to do
effeftually. There was not, indeed, much Dani
of his recovering any more, becaufe his Body v
immediately hung in Chains, near the Place whi
the barbarous Deed was perpetrated. He was in i
31ft Year of his Age at the 1 ime of his Execucic
which was on 1»ejdaj the 30th of Mril. i« 1
ti*i 1689.
I
Tk
PyrakSf Highiuaymeji) Mirderers, &c.
345
n^LIFE o/ELEONERSYMPSON.
EL E O N O R S r M P S 0 N v/is
born of very honeft Parents, at Henly upon
Thames, in Oxford/hire. She laid a Baftard,
)C on her by the Clerk of the Parilh, to her own
ither, who was a Farmer ; for which Piece of Im-
idei.ce being turned out of Doors, fhe came up to
mdon, and turned common Whore. Whilft (he
ntiiiued this wicked Courfe of Life, fhe picked up
:e one Night a Linnen-Draper, to whom pretend-
g fo great Modefty and Bidifulnefs, that fhe was a-
'im'd to g'j vvith a Man into a Tavern or an Ale-
■ufe, they :>.t laft i^greed to go into a dark Alley.
Ht-re, whi.. the Ci.1 y was feeling what Gender
■ >vas of, fhe in the mean Time was feeling for his
dtch, which pivtcly drawing halfway out of
, Fob, quoth fhe. The Watch is c§ming Sir. He
ing eager on the Game of High Gammer Cotk,
i/'d, D n the M^atch, I don't -value the Watch
a Farthing. At 1. ll, when fhe had got the Watch
1 1 of his Fob indeed, and tranfported it into her
I'n Pocket, (he ("aid again, Pray, Aiar Sir, mate
\ifie, for I-voiu the Watch is juji here. He ftill not
:prehending her meaning, reply 'd again, D n
] Watch, 1 tell ]0U I dont 'value the Watch of m.
, rthing.
The Sport being over, they parted, but he had
! t gone far, when beginning to have a Thought a-
1 at him, he felt for his Watch, and finding it out
< it's Precinfts, he made all the Hafte he could af-
\ hi» Miftrefs, and overtaking her in St. Martini-
yne, charged her with a Conftable, who commit-
il her to the Round Houft all Night.
Next Morning the Linnen-Draper appeared a-
jlnft her at St. Martin s Veiiry, where charging
ir upon Oath, before the Juftices, of her robbing
In of his Watch, Quoth one of the old Mumffimuf-
J, Well, Mrs. Jelliver, •what have you f fay for
yrfelf nonu? you fee the Fail ii f<worn poj/iti-vely a-
\infi you M»s. Jelliver, as he called her, drop-
Jig a very fine Courtefy, and looking as demure as
sA'hore at a Chridening, faid in her Defence, That
Xng home laf Night to my Lodging, that Gentleman
ire, luho is my Accufer, did fo far prinail ivith me
4 to he nought nuith him in a dark Alley, and ivhilft
I luai jumbling me up againji a Wall, Sirs, to pafs
t' Time anuay, I play' d with his Watch, ivhicb bt-
i- half •way out of his Fob, I told him, let him deny
if be can, that the Watch •was ctming, •whereupon
i reply d, D n the Watch, he did not •value the
titch of a Farthing ; nay, <when I had the Watch
\te out of his Fob, and had put it into my evjn Pec-
i, at the fame Time pointing to it, and plainly tel-
I ; him the Watch •was here, flill he •was fa eager
this Work, that he faid again, D n the Watch,
i '.11 you I don't •value it of a Farthing ; fo thinking
if more Confcquence than that comes to, I'was car-
t ng it home for my oiun Ufe, but fince he requires it
« tin, here it is Gentlemen, and I freely return it him
tiin •with all my Heart. At this Confcflion, the
Juftices were all ready to fplit their Sides a Laugh-
ing ; and making the Complainant give his Miltrefj
a Guinea for his Folly, he had his Watch again,
and fhe being difcharged, went about her Bufinefs.
Another Time Sympfon being pick'd up by a Cou-
ple of Captains in the Coldjiream, or iecond Regi-
ment of Foot Guards, they carried her to Righy's
Ordinary, at the Roe Bud in Suffolk Street, where
having a good Supper, and being allb much elevated
with Wine, they began to aft feveral Beafti:ilities
upon her ; but (lie made them pay for their Frolick
in the end ; for having drank them to fuch a Pitch,
that they both fell into a found Sleep upon the Floor,
honeft SympfoH began to dive into their Fobs and
Pockets, whence (he took a couple of gold Watches,
two Purfes of Guineas, fome Silver, two gold SnufF-
Boxes, two diamond Rings off their Fingers, broke
the filver Hilts off their Swords, tlien fh — 't — g in
both their Peiukes, which fhe clapt on their Heads
again, (he went off without laying fo much as a Word
to any Body. When they awoke, and found their
Lofs, what Vollies of Oatks and Curfes flew about
the Room, like Peals of great Ordnance I There was
ftriving betwixt them, who (hould fwear the failed ;
but all to no Purpofe ; the Whore being gone they
knew not whether, they were forced to be contented
with their Calamity ; and what was worfe too, to
pay a Reckoning of four Pounds into the Bargain.
One Time A'if// meeting a Butcher's Son of Clare
Market, who was a J — — — _ in the fame County,
he being difpos'd to have a Game at Tricke Tracke
with her, (for you muft know, that by bis Father's
Trade, he was given to the Flelh) (he takes him into
PiJJing- Alley, in Hollywell-Street, otherwife called
the Backfide of St. Clements in the Strand, fo emi-
nently noted for Taylors felling there their Cabbage.
No fooner were they arrived mto that dark Hole, fo
fit for Fornication and Adultery, but at he was lug-
ging out his Dagger, to whip her thro' the Beard,
fhe at the fame Time lugged out his filver hilted
Sword from his Side, which he never paid for to this
Day, and cry 'd. Pray Sir, don't play the Spaniard
tipin mi at once ; IJhall nrvir it able to bear it.
The J who was a Man of no great Metal at
the befl, reply 'd. My Dear, Pll ufe you gently, and
immediately, (being dead drunk) he fell down on
hii Arfe. Hereupon Nell takes up her Coati,
ftops his Mouth with her T 'y M——y, and
piffes down his Throat. His W — — now fancying
himfelf in a Tavern, and taking NelPs warm Water
for mull'd Wine, he faid, he was very well fetisfied,
and would pay the Reckoning next Day to a Far-
thing, and fo fell afleep, while Nell carried off his
Sword, Wig, and H^t, and left him there wallow-
ing in Sir Reverence, Urine, and other Naflmefs,
till fomebody that came by carried him to the Place
of his Habitation, laid him apon a Bitcher's Block,
and left lirm to ftiift for himfelf.
Now it happening to be about One of the Clock
on a
344
on a Saturday Morning, the Butcher who owned the
Block was drinking at an adjacent Alehoufe.
Whilll he was there, a Calf newly killed, but not
drell, was llolen from before his Shop ; which mif-
fing, he fell a fwearing and flaring like a Devil for
his Lofs, and called out to the Man that was then
putting out the Stands and Sheds againft the Market-
People came, and ask'd him if he knew any Thing
of his Calf. D n me, reply'd the Fellow, cant
you fee ? ivhy it lies upon your Block there. By G — ,
qiwch he, yi it does ; luell, J ick, I beg your Pardon,
Jor I did not fee it till you told me. So taking out
his Knife, and whetting it on his Steel, quotii he.
Prithee Jack come hither, and lend me a Hand to lift
him on one of the Hooks, to /lay him. Tne Butcner
was brifkly whetting his Knife tlill, and did not mind
what his Calf was made of, till yack coming to affift
him, finding it was fomewhat of a Man, faid to him,
Majier, this is "J fuch a one, 'tis no Calf ; but
yet. Sir, as his Flelh may be a Novelty, Idont kno-w
hut it may fetch a Penny in the Pound more than the
heft Mutton in the Market, confidering he has fed
himfelf a long lime upon laced Mutton, and •will to
his dying Day, if he can harve it gratis ; for he ni-ver
lo-ved to pay for any Thing in his Life, unLfs needs
mufl 'when the De-vil drives. The Butcher feeing
his Miilake, kicks him ofF of the Block, but was
bound over fsr it next Day, and had he not have
■lade up his W— — — p's Lofs, by Nel, he had cer-
tainly been profecuted for the Robbery.
But a little after this Exploit, Sympfon finding that
her Tail brought her not the Comings-in flie exped-
ed, though (he was a tolerable handlbme Woman,
and a goed Tongue Pad, {he was refolved to try
what her Hands could do. The firft Experiment fhe
made this Way, was at a certain Mercer's in Bed-
ford ftreet ; whither going in a Chair very well
drefs'd, with a Couple of fham Footmen attending
her, in good Liveries, when fliecame into the Shop,
(ke called for feveral Pieces of Silk To look on. In
the mean Time an Apple-Pafly comiog in for the
Family, (he feemed on a iudden to be taken very ill
and withdrew from the PLice where fhe was, to the
farther End of the Shop, and fat at the End of a
Counter, under which was a great deal of rich Silks.
fier Footman taking the Hint of her lUnefs, told
the Journeyman, there happening then to be none
but hira, that they believed their Lady (who pall
for the Countefs of Colrain) being newly married,
longed for fome of the Apple Pally juft then come
in, for fhe was mighty apt to long of late for any
Thing that was good. The Jouroeyman pitying
her Condition, prelently ran up Stairs, and acquaint-
ed his Mailer and Millrefs of the Matter. They
were mightily concerned at it ; but before they
came down, file gave her Footmen fix whole Pieces
of Silk, who put them into the Chair, the Chairmen
not fuppofing any otherwifc than that the fuppos'd
Li'dy had bought it.
When the Mercer and hit Wife came down, they
invited her up Stairs, which Kindnefs, after fome
feeming Reluttancy, fhe accepted of, eat very hear-
tily of the Pye, as fne might have done of other Va -
lieties which were there, but flie refufed them.
Whea ihe had done, ihe returjied them many Thanks
A General History of
invited;thcm to her Lodgings in St. James' i-Squa
and for their extraordin:iry Civility, promis'd to
out five or fix hundred Pounds with tiiem, befc
fhe and her Lord wen: to Ireland.
When ihe came down Stairs, fhe laid out four ■
five Guineas, and pitched upon other Siiks, to ■
Value of one hundred and twenty Pounds, wh \
ordering to be brought to her Houfe as aforefaid \
the Evening, (becauie flie was going then to pj
Vifit to the Dutchcis of Somerfet ^t NorlhumberU '
Houfe at Charing Crofs,) flic then took Chair, j
went off. But within a few Hours afterwards, ;
Silks fhe had llol'n being mifs'd, there was a gr
Outcry, the Mercer fwearing that the longing U
had long'd for more than ihe could eat ; which p ,
ved as he faid, for going to enquire after her in
James\-Square, there was no finding the Lady (
rain, nor any Thing like it.
Another Time fhe went to a Linnen-Drapi
Shop in Cornhill, attended Vi-ith a Couple of Po
men behind a hired Cliariot ; who kHcckinf at
Door with an Authority, for it was then nbout ei'
or nine at Night in Winter Time, the Journeyii
opened it, and gave Ad:ni;7!on to this fuppos'd f
fon of Quality, and htr Attendants, wiiom flie f
tended to lend to a Couple of Merchants by the I.
hidia-Houfe. Being (hcw'd feveral Parcels of tl.
nefl Muflins, ftie pitched upon as much as came
eighty Pounds, when pulling out a Pune, in wh
fhe had not above twenty Guircas, and perhaps n
of them Counters, quotii flie, Upon my Wurd,i
I have lefs Money about me than 1 thought for, J '
cannot puy 'what I knve agreed for ; therefore I
the Favour of you to let your young Lad, yaur Alitt
tice here, juftjiep to Mr. fuch a "one, my Banker,
Lombard tlreet, and telling him you are come fi
the Countefs o/" Colrain, defre himto pay you one t
dred Pounds upon Sight of this Note.
Away goes the Apprentice with the Note, :
in came iier two Footmen, who prefently knoc't
down the Journeym-in, ftunn'd him to tiiat Degi
that they carried olr above two hundred Pou
worth ofMuflin into the Chariot, and went ofFw
it, before the other could recover himfelf. Afici
bove a quarter of an Hour, calling down his Ma
he told him of the Difa.ler, and wondering the i
prentice aid not come back in above an Hour's Ti
at laft a Melfenger was km from the Banker,
whofe Houfe they found the Lad charged wit
Conflable, for bringing a forg'd N'Jte. Bjt wl
the Mailer came in hii Behalf, and told how I
Matter was, to his Lofs of above two hund
Pounds, he was difcS^rged.
But not long after tfiis notorious Robbery, Syi
fen was taken m the A& of Slioplifting at Sturbri '
Fair, and was committed to Cambridge Gaol, a
the Aflizcs following being try'd, flie received &
tence of Death ; wQereupon Ihe pleaded her Bel
and a Jury of Matrons being impannell'd, asis-
fual on fuch Occafions, flie was brought in qu
with Child; and wa-i really fo; for ihe was i- ouV
to Bed of a Girl before the Allizes followiii<r ; wj.
being called down to her former Judgment,
was hanged at Cambridge, upon Saturday the l>,
of 'July 1714, aged twenty eight Years.
T
PjrateSf HightoaymefJi Murderers^ 6Cc,
345
The LIFE 0/ EDWARD HINTOK
'|— ^ D W A R D H I N T O Nwzi born m
&-■* Lorhim in the Year 1673 of very reputable
|i i Parents. In his younger Year; he difcovtr'd
itrou^ Cent to Leaining, which his Father cheiith'd
' dtiuig him to St. Prta/'s-School, that celebrated
.inarv for Yojth. This good Turn of Mind was
.vcver loon overcome by a vicious one, which
ii'd ;;iro to be inn.itc, and grew ftronger as he
I ■■ older. Even at nine Years of Age, 'tis faid, lie
'.I'd one of his Sillers of S'vj.pences and other fmali
_s to the Value of Thirty Shillings, and kept a-
■-i in Compmy witii Boys like himfelf till he had
■It and loll it all. Tliis was a very indifferent
if of what the old People vvere fo proud of, his
■ ■•,'iity, and Inciination to Virtue.
!:: J jljjent Parents are more forward to attribute
. Faults of their Children to the wint of knowing
.tL-r, then to any Propcnfity which they have to be
c'-.ed. This was the Cafe here : After a little
jrreclion, young Hiiilon was fent to School again,
on his promiiing to be abetter Boy for the futuie.
,t ill vain, alas ! \veie his Promiles ; Thieving
■;• grew into a Habit with him, and there was no
jriuiiity of getting Money or any Thiig tife
cilinely that ever eii:ap'd him. He went lo far
i .'; as to rob his Fatlier's Counting-H-oufe of a
nfdersb'c Sum of Money, wiiich he carry'd toa
\J vVoin\n, with w.iom lie was loon alter taken
Ciimhrid^c- H.afh.
Old Mr. Hmio:! perceiv'd by this Time, that there
IS no Good to be e\pcfled from his Son if he let
ai ihy any longer in Loiuhn, fo he thought it the
it Way to lend mm where he might h :ve no Room
piaaife his Viiiainies, and accordingly he procur-
tiie King's Letter to m,.ke him a Reform^de on
i::rd a Man of War. In this Station he fail'd to the
yachts, and behav'd hinilcif bandfomly in feveral
igigements. At Cadiz he fotight with .1 Spaniard,
fio att:ick'd him one Day when he went alhore,
t the Don dead on the Phice, and m.ade his Efcape
;oard the Ship ngain undifcover'd. But as foon as
; Ship return'd to England, he quitted her, on a
.etcnce that a yotilVger Reformade was preferr'd
jfore him on the Death of a Lieutenant. Whe-
^er or know this was tlie real Caufe is uncer-
1: ; but from this Time he became a proltfiVd
.lief.
Tile firS Aflion which he pcrform'd in Conjunc-
■vith otiiers, was the robbing Admiral Carter\
itry-Houfe. Soon after this he and his Coni-
- broke open the Lndy Dartmouth''^ Houfe on
x-Heath, and ilole Plate to a great Viilue,
Ata they fold to a Refiner near Crippltgate. V/e
ution this lall Ciicumltance, becaufe tiie Refiner
iveafignal Proof of his Exaflnefs in Trade, and
Jiution of buying lloren Goods ; for the Day after
Plate was lokj, a Golden Cup and Cover were
-1 tiled amotig other Things, whereas the Thieve:
28
had valueil it all together as Silver, believing th6
Cup to be only gilt. When Hinton iww this Adver-
tifemc^nt, he laid fmartly to his Cornpanions ; I>P^hat
a Rvniie. 'was this to cheat its fo ! } nu f^s, there'' s r.i
trufling any Bod\-, nor any fuch 'Thing tu a fair Dea-
ler in the IVorld. This Refloiflion f.ora him, with-
out Doubt, was very entertaining.
Hintan was fome Time after apprehended for this
Robbery, and condema'd at Maidfione Affiz?; ; but
his Youth, and the Interceffion of his Friends pro-
cared him a Pardon. He was ag;in taken up for
breaking open and robbing the Houfe of Sir ^>v«
Friend -^t Hackney, for which he aifo receiv'd Sen-
tence of Death ; but was a fecond Time fo f;ir indul-
ged as to hare a H.tltcr tranfmuted into Tranfporia-
tion, in order to which he was foon after put p board
with other Convifts. One would have thouglit he
had now been fafe enough ; for he drew the rel} of
the Convicls into a Confpiracy, to get the Ship's
Company under the Hatches, and make their F.fc.^'pe
in the Long Boat ; which they efFcded near the Ijle
oj Wight, Hinton having firll beat the Captain with
a Rope's End, as a Return for being ferv'd fo him-
felf.
He was no fooner afhore than he left his Compa-
ny, and traveli'd alone through the Woods and Bv-
Wajs, being inaverytorB and rufiv Hibit. This
Diliiefs obliged him to link from fteaiing to bec.finf
which he pradifed all the Way to HoitnJIo-M-H^uth,
telling the People a lamentable Story ot liis having
been ihip.vreck'd. But he foon alter'd his Tone
when he faw a convenient Opportunity ; for on
Hoiinjloiu-Heath he unhors'd a Couittry Farmer, and
mounted in his Place : Nor was it long after before
he changed this Horfe for abetter, and his own rag-
ged Suit for a very genteel one, with a Gc^ntleman lie
met.
Being now got among fome of his old Ganc, they
continued fome Months to rob nu the Highw.iy al-
moJt every Day that pafs'd. The Buckinghamfkiri
Lace-men, and Stage -Coaches, in particular, were
afraid to travel for them, Hinton by himfelf, at
t\s < feveral Times, robb'd a Butch Colonel of his
Money, Horfe, Arms, and Cloak j and another
Gentleman, who had Courage enough to e.xchange a
Piilol with him. This Genlleinan was wouiictcd
in the Leg by Knton^ Fire, and our young Kigli-
wayman perceiving it, was lo generous as 10 lend
him his Afliftance, anJ accompany him as far i.',
within a little Way of Epfom; when he left him, in
order to take Care of lumielf ; for he vtry much
queilion'd whether the Gentleman waiuld act the
f>ime generous Part, if he once had his Enemy ii; :,i.
Power.
One Day, after robbing the Paflengeri in the
Southampton Coach, tliey were fo clolcly puifucd,
that fome of the Gang were t.aken ; and tuou^li
Hintor. had the good Fortune thii Time to K;c :pi?,
4- 1" ve:
546
A General History of
yet the Society being broken, he did not care to
venture any more on the Highway alone ; whereup-
on he retuni'd to his old Vocation of Houfe-braalc-
ing. picking of Pocketi, £jff . till after the following
Accident.
An old French Gentlewoman had her Houfe broke
open one Night, and (he was found the ntxt Morn-
ing dead on the Floor, with her Mouth gagg'd, and
her Chair upon her. No Body could guefs at the
Villains ; but they found on Examination that her
Money was all gone, and they imagin'd her Death
might be occafioned by her falling down in that Po-
ftuie : She was ty'd in the Chair, and therefore
might eafily be ftifled. A Night wat appointed for
the Funeral, and Providence was left to difcorer the
Authors of this Tragedy. When the Company were
got together, who were to attend the Corpfe, it was
obferv'd by fome Body that one Dewjier, a Grand-
fonofthe old Woman's, changed his Colour, and
trembled, as they try'd his Gloves on. This crea-
ted fuch a Sufpicion, that he was charged with the
Faft ; which he cBnfefs'd, and impeach'd his Accom-
plicei, among whom his own Brother, and one But-
lir, were found guilty of the Murder and Robbery,
and hang'd in Chains for the fame.
Hinten was nam'd as a Party concern'd, and talk'd
of publickly as fuch, yet he remain'd unapprehended
till after the Execution of thofe above-mention'd.
At lall he was taken and committed for fome other
Faft; of which being acquitted, a Bill was brought
in againft him for this. Deixifter, upon whofe Evi-
dence tlie two former were convifted, was not now
to be found ; neverthelels, the circumftantial Proofs
againft him were very ftrong j for it was fworn, th«t
he was lurking about the old Woman's Houfe, and
that he was feen to go in, and come out, at her Door
the Night before (he was found dead. But the Time
that Hinton avoided being apprehended, had given
him Opportunity to prepare againft all this ; for he
had lecured fo many Evidences, and their Depofitions
were fo pofitive, and fo agreeable one to another,
that the Court were induced to believe him innocent,
and Diloharged him accordingly. As this was fo
extraordinary a Cafe, it may not be difpleafmg to
our Readers, if we gire fome Account of the Witnef-
fes, and the Subftance of what they depofed.
The firft that appeared on his Behalf wai a well
drefs'd young Man, who declared. That he and ano-
ther Gentleman going through Somir/et-Hou/e-Tard,
on the Day fet forth in the Indiflment, they met
Mr. Hinton, who had been his School-Fellow, and
whom he was furpriz'd to find there, having been in-
form'd that he was tranfported for Crimes ; which he
was very forry for : That Mr. Hinton confefs'd his
having been order'd for Tran/ptrtaliom, expreffing
at the fame Time a great Concern Sor his Guilt ;" but
that he had made his Efcape, becaufe he was put a-
board as a common Felon, and was now waitiag to
fee what his Friends would do for him, in order to
his tranfporting himfelf, which he was refolv'd to do
the iirft Opportunity : That finding Mr. Hinton fo
fenfible of his Offences, he defired hit Company to
Chelfea, intending to make ufe of the Time they were
together to exhort him to a more regular Courfe of
Life for the future : That Mr. Hintott accepting the
Offer, they took Water at Somtrfet-Stairs, and went
up to the Sixan at Chelfea, where they (laid till Se-
ven o'clock at Night, and then came down to a Pub-
lick Honfe on the Bank-Siile, fupp'd on a Dilh of
Fowls and Bacon, ftaid there till almoft eleven j then
crofi'd the Water to Somerjet-Stairi, went together
into the Strand, and there parted.
All this he deliver'd tvith a stty good Grace ;
and bemg afk'd how he came to remember the D
of. the Month fo exaflly f He reply 'd. That a ft !
Days after he heard a Paper of the Murder cry'd
bout the Street, and buying it, found Mr. Htnio,
Name among the Murderers, whereupon lie made;
Memorandum in his Pocket-Book. here iie ftitw
his Pocket-Book to the Court, and then went on t(
ling them, That he made all the Speed he could
his Friend that was with them, and to the Waterir;
who carry'd them, fhew'd them both the Paper, ji
defired them alfo to take Notice of the Day '; b
caule Mr. Hinton being a Man of a bad Character,
any Rogue (hould Iwear againli Jiuii, he might 'l
hang'd for what, as they were both Icniible, jie w
entirely innocent of.
The next of honeft Mr. Hinton^ Evidences W:
the pretended Friend of the former, wlio laid, Tni
he faw the Prifoner and ids friend tlie lail Dtponen
talk together in Someija-Houie Ya, d ; but i-iit-w n.
on what Subjedt : That then they went to Cheljc, .
where the former Evidence was very earntll \wih 1
Prifoner to reform fome ill I'raclifcs I.e had ocer, .>ui.
iy of; That a few Days after his Friend tJie ioai«
Evidence came to him, dcfircd him to take iNutifr'
of the Day they went to Chcljea, and bear m iVliii,
the Ferfon that accoinpany'd tliem j which he
and was certain the Priloner at the liar was t
Man. This Evidence was alio ve\y
other Circumllances, of their fuppin
s,di, - ■ ■ •■■ ^
Cl(
e vtr
poiitive on tl^
_ at the £a«ii
coming over the Water togetiitr, and partiti
in the Strand at Eleven o'Ciock ai Ni^ht.
Then the Waterman Hood up, and afjirmed, Tlij
he carry'd the two Gentlemen who Ipol^c iali to Cti
fea, aud a third Peribn with them. iJei.ig afk'd,
the Prifoner at the Bar was that tiiird Ptrlbn .? Hi
faid his Eyes were b.;d ; but thci. going dole to Hi>
ton, he turn'd again to the Court, and aniwcr'd, Yc
my Lord, thii IS the Gentleman. This VVatcrma
then confirm'd all the Particulars concerning thei
Supper, and crolfing the Water at eleven o't-lock
adding, that he had niark'd down the Day of th
Montn in Chalk, at the- Delire of tiie firft Witnefs.
The pretended Landlord of the Houle where the
fupp'd, gave in his Dcpohtiou in the fourth Place'
the Subltance of it was a Repetition of what iiad beei
before (aid, concerning the Supper of Bacon am
Fowls, and the Haying at liis Houle till almoil Elevei
o'clock. The Means of his leinembring tlie Day o
the Month, was his having llaricd Beer tiiat Day
and being very dirty wlien our three Gentlemer
came. And look here, my Lord, faid lie, and toold
his Book from under his Arm, you may Jee all tht'
Days of the Month i<jhen I ftarted Beer for a lo\
•Mhilt faft.
The laft of all that appeared, was a Man, who
told the Court, That he liv'd in Burleigh Street in
the Strand, where Mr. Hinton was his Lodger:
That Mr. Hinton came home at Eleven o'Ciock:
on the Night mention'd in the Indictment, and that
he not only ftaid within all that Night, but all the
aext Day, complaining that he was not very well.
The Manner how this Witnefs remember'd the Day
was by hie Landlord's Receipt ; for he was v(ry furc
that he paid his Rent that Afternoon.
It muft be acknowledged, that fueh a Sett of Wit-
neffes as this wat enough to dafh Truth out of
Countenance, nor is it at all to be wonder'd at that
Hinton was eafily difcharged by the Court.
The Truth of the Story might have flill besn un-
known, if he had not himlelf been fo impudent
as to boaft in Newgate of this Mailer- piece of In-
vention, as he frequently call'd it, and a^ every one
muft confefs it to be ; though 'tis enough at the Gine
Time
Pyrates, Hlgh'waymeff) Murderers, &c.
7ne to make any one weep, who confiders what a
p. 'tis that (o much Wit Ihould be eraploy'd to (o
1). a Purpofe.
tut the Storm was not yet over ; for feveral Bills
ive prefented ag^^inil him, for Robberies committed
Inie Cojiuies of Surrey and Hertford, to anfwer
IV ch he was detain'd a Piiioner. One of his own
5 IT had made hiniftlf an Evidence againft him,
ivuii made tlie Cafe look very do«btful } yet even
he he hid again Hopes of efcaping, by Hopping the
Mith of tins Fellow. Some of Hmttni Friends
•tv.k to manage the Matter, and dicy threaten'd
, ;:iiy m Icvcral JnJidments a^ainll their falfe Bro-
if lie did not retrad in Court what he had be-
t . orr. ; which for his own Safety he did, pre-
; chat lie h :d recolleded himfelf, and tnat Mr.
I, ,1 ,vis never concern'd with him in any Robbery
(vrl'never.
his, and the other Afliftances he receiv'd from
lii;old Friends, broiigiit him off with Honour at
' \ ,-.;' Alfizes, arid he Q'd not at rll doubt but he
ci'cape as well at Hertftrd, there beirg no
livt.nie agJnll him that he knew of; io that
!ie ent thither with abundance of Confidence. But
■; his Tri.d came on, in Spite of all that could
i-'d in his F.ivoar, one of the Gentlemen
vt.ii he h.ad robb'd, -nd whom he did not expeft
0 ?pear, iwore fo pofitively, that he was the
■erPerfon who unhort'd him, and took away bis
Vrh, that theCwuit fiw Reafon to believe him.
r true, they btgan before to imagine that he
ea mull be concern'd in fome of thofe Things
haie got < IF i.f, becaufe 'tis unprecedented for
.in to re io often accus'd, and not beat all
iii : Bgfidts, Hinton was known to be an old
tffJer, wiiicii ffive Room both to fufped the
vi nces he b.ouglit, and to believe that he had
Jt ;rfedly left ofl-' his 'i'.ade, though he had Art
10 Ji to make iiiiiii'elf feem innocent. In a Word,
h< Hinton fincy'd himfelf (afeft, he met with
;S ferved Fate, b;ing convided, condemn'd, and
teited the fame D^v : A Thing feldom heard of,
A It this Time oceaiion'd by the Judge's
;i» infotm'd whit a dangerous Perfon he was.
I
347
on account of his Intereft atr.ong the Thieves, and
how proper it would be to take iiim out ui tne Way
as foon as poflibly they could ; the Jailor protelling,
that he was afraid he could not keep him a Week in
Cuftody.
At his Death he behav'd in an unconcerned, but
not an impudent Manner : He prsy'd for Forgivenefs
of all he had wrong'd, and compLin'd mightily of
his being executed fo fuddenly as not to h.ive Tim*
to prepare himfelf for Eternity. He was butjuft
tmn'd of twenty one Years of Age, which made it
the more furprihng, that he couid have run fuch a
Length in Villainy, as to be tne common Subjed of
Converfation at that Time. But he h-d a tery re.idr
Wit, was full of fmart and lively Repartees, and
arm'd with an undaunted Refolution, fo thit there
never was Man who ieem'd more capab'e of being a
dilbnguilh'd Rogue thm he. Mercury amono- the
Ancients was the God of Thieves as well as of Wit,
and if we confider yourg Hintun in a phyfical Man-
ner, it muil be allow'd that in cv^t'^ Relped his Con-
ftitutioi was perfedly mercurial 'Tis reported that
he declared to a Perfon, who reprov'd him for his
Pradices, and put him in mind of an filiate that was
to come to him on the Deith of a near and aged Re-
lation, That if he had Five hundred Pounds a Year,
his Propenfity to Thieving was fuch, that he believ'd
he could never leav« it off.
If we may be allow'd upon fuch a Subjed to
give a little Scope to F.-jHcy, it look'd a- \i Meicnry '
had not only infpir'd him all his Dajs, but that the
fame God even attended his deid Corpfe to tne
Grave ; for the Perfonj who brought his Body in s
Coach from Hertford to Mary-bone, u liere he was
bury'd, were robb'd a little before they came to
the End of their Journey ; one Woman lofing her
Gold Chain, and another a pretty deal of Money.
Thus have we purfued from the Cridel to the Grave,
a Man whofe Perion and Fate were lamented by tlioli:
who deteiled his Crimes ; a M in w ho, with a
Stock of Virtue equal to his natural Endowments,
might have been as remarkable for nis Services to
the Publiclc, as he was render'd notorious for hit
ViiUiniei.
r/beLIFE of Captain WORLEY.
I S Reign was but ftiort, but his Beginning
fomewhat particular, fetting out only in a
fmall open Boat, with eigftt others, from
J. This was as refolute a Crew as ever
ipon this Account ; They took with them a
w iicuits, and a dry'd Tongue or two, a little
3gi Water, half a dozen old Muflcets, and Am-
unjons accordingly. Thus provided, tliey left
'"■ ■"'•/J the latter End of September 1718; but it
e fuppofed, that fuch a Man of War as this
— iridertake any conliderable Voyage, or attempt
•y ^ctraordioary £ut«rprize ; fo the/ ftood down
I
the Coaft, till they came to Delatuare Rirer, which
is about 150 Miles diliant, and not meeting with any
Thing in their Way, they turned up the lame River
as high as Neiaca/iU, near which Place they fell upoa
a Shallop belonging to George Grant, who was bring-
ing Houfhold Goods, Plate, ^c from Oppoquenimi
to Philadelphia ; they made Prize of the moll valua-
ble Part of them, and let the Shallop go. This
Fad could not come under the Article of Pyracy, it
not being committed frper ahum Mart, upon tne
High Sea, therefore was a fimple Robbery only ;
but (hey did not ftaad for aFoint of iAm in the Cale,
bat
34S
\A Gefieral History of
but eafing the Shallop Maft of his Lading, the bold
Adventurers went down the River again in quell of
more Booty.
The Sliallop came ftraight to Philadelphia, and
brought the ill News thither, which alarm'd the Go-
vernment as much as if War had been dechir'd againll
them : ExprefTes were fent to Nciv York and other
Places, and feveral Veflels fitted out againll this povv-
eiful Rover, but to no manner of Purpofc ; for after
feveral Days Cruize, they all returned, without fo
much as hearing what became of the Robbers.
Worley and his Crew, in going down the River,
met with a Sloop of Philadelphia, belonging 'o »
Mulatto, whom they call'd Black Robin; they quit-
ted their Boat for this Sloop, taking one of Black
Robin s Men along with them, as they had alfo done
from Georgt Grant, befides two Negroes, which en-
creafed the Company one Third. A Day or two af-
ter, they took another Sloop belonging to ILll, home-
ward bound, which was fomewnat fitter for their
Piirpofe: they found aboard her Provifions and Ne-
cclTaries, which they Hood in need of, and which en-
abled them to proftcute their Defign, in a Manner
more fuitable to their Wiihes.
Upon the Succefs of thefe Rovers, the Governor
iflued out a Proclamation, for the apprehending and
taking all Pyrates, who had refufcd or ncgledled to
furrender themfelves, by the Time limited in his
M.-jcfty's Proclamation of Pardon ; and thereupon
ordered his M.ijclly's Ship Phasnix, ot 20 Guns,
which lay at Sa7idy Hook, to Sea, to cruize upon
this Pyrate, and fccure tlie Trade to that, and the
adjoining Colonies,
In all Probability, the taking this Sloop fav'd their
Bacons for this Time, tho' they fell into the Trap
prefently afterwards ; for they findiBg themfelves in
tolerable good Condition, having a Veil'el newly
clean'd, with Provifions, ^ir. they ftood off to Sea,
and fo milled the Pha:nix, who expected them to be
ilill on the Coaft.
About fix Weeks afterwards they returned, having
taking both a Sloop and a Brigantine, among the Ba-
hama Iflands ; the former tliey funk, and the other
they let go : The Sloop belonged to 'Ncuj Toik, and
they thought the finking of her good Policy, to pre-
vent her returning to tell Tales at Home.
Worley had by this Time cncreafed his Company to
sbout five and twenty Men, had fix Guns mounted,
and fmall Arms as many as were neceffary for them,
and feem'd to be in a good thriving fort of a Way.
He made a black Enfign, with a white Death's Head
in the Middle of it, and other Colours fuitable to it.
They all figned Articles, and bound themfelves under
a folemn Oath, to take no Quarters, but to Hand by
one another to the laft Man, which was rafhly fulfilled
a little afterwards.
For going into an Inlet in North Carolina to clean,
the Governor received Information of it, and fitted
out two Sloops, one of eight Guns, and the other
with fix, and about feventy Men between them.
Worley had clean'd his Sloop, and fail'd before the
Carolina Sloops reach'd the Place, and fleered to the
Northward ; but the Sloops jull mentioned purfuing
the fame Courfe, came in fight of Worley as he was
cruiCng off the Capes of Virginia. Being in the
OiEng, he Hood in as foon as he faw the Sloops, in-
tending thereby to have cut them off from James
River ; for he verily believed they had been bound
thither, not imagining, in the leaft, they were in Pur-
fuit of him.
The two Sloops (landing towards the C; pes at the
fame Time, and Worley hoilling his black Flag, thi-
Inhabitants of Janes Town uerein the utmofc C< ;,-
fternation, thinking thnt ali three had been Pvraic:".
and that their Defign had been upo-i them ; lo t!: ,;
all the Ships and Veflels that were in the Road, . ,
in the Rivers up the Bay, had Ordeis imniediatelv ;m
hale into the Shore, (or their Security, or e!fe to [■;,■
pare for their Defence, if they tiiou^nt themtelvcs . .
a Condition to fight. Soon afier two Boats, wii:^h
were fent out to get Intelligerco, can.e ciowding : ,
and broBght an Account, that one of die Pyrates ua.
in the Bay, being a ('mail S.'oop of (ix Guns. Tiie
Governor (expeding ti:e reil wouid i.ave followed,
and all together have made fome Atteii.pt to iaiii.,
(or the (ake olPlundei} beat to Arnu, and colleClul
all the Force that could be got togetl-.er, to oppoit
them ; re ordeied all the Guns out of tiie Ship,';, to
make a Platform, and, in (hort, put the whole Co-
lony in a warlike Podiir;-; but wris v^r^ much fur-
prifed at laft, to lee all the fuppoied Pyrates lighting
with one another.
The Truth of the Matter is, Worley gained the
E.Ty, thinking to make (ure of his two Prizes, by
keeping them (rom coming in j but by the hoiitmo
of the King'b Colours, and firing 3 Gu;i, he quickly
was fenfible of his Mill;:kc, and too (bon ^eiceivcc
that the Tables were turned upon liim ; and that,
infiead of kgfping them out, he (bund himielf by r
iuperior Force kept in. When the Pyrates faw ho"
1 hings went, they re(o!utcly prepared themlclves foi
a deiperate Defence ; and iho' three toor;e aie grea
Odds, yet Worley and bis Crew deicrmincd to figh
to the lall Ga(p, and receive no Quarters, agrceabl}
to what they had belore (worn ; lb that they mul
either die or conquer upon the Spot.
The Carolina Men gave the P\ r,"te a Broidfide
and then Boarded him, one Sloop getting upon hi'
Quarter, and the other on his Bow ; Worley and th<
Crew drew up upon the Deck, and (ought very ob
llinately, Hand to Hand ; fo that in a few Minutes
abundance of Men lay welieriiig in their Gore. Thi
Pyrates proved as good as their Words, not a Mano
them cry'd out for Quarter, nor would accept of fuel
when olfered, but were all kill'd except the Captaii
and another Man, whom they refervcd for the Gal
lows, and thofe very much wounded. They wen
brought afhore in Irons, and ths next Day, which wa
the 17th Day of Febiuary 1718-19, they were botl
hanged up, for fear they Ihould die, and evade ti.i
Puniihment which was thought due to their Crimes.
The Reader will (ee a very good Reafon for th.
great Difproportion in the Length of thefe Lives
lome of the Pyrates having continued their Depreda
tions but a fliort Time, and that too in a Capacit;
much inferior to others: Nor is it pofiible to gii'
long Accounts of all that may deferve it, with an;
degree of Certainty ; and we chule rather to mak'
the Narrative (hort, than lengthen it with Storic
that have no other Foundation than our own Fancier,
or, what is as little to be built upon, the many lyir;
Reports which thefe Fellows always occafion.
rk
/;. (\r/r ^,t'</
fan ^ aUOMdE L OWTHER a?i^/uj &7n^any
.//Port ^lajo , /7? i/u C^u/fyh c^ .Ma/^i^(i€ ,
Pyratesy High<voaymefiy Murderers, &c.
149
LIFEo/C^i>? GEORGE LOWTHER.
GEORGE LOirTHER fail'd out of the
River of Thames, in one of the Royal jif-
rican Company's Ships, called the Gambia
Caftte, of 1 6 Guns and 30 Men, Charles RufeL Com-
mander ; of which Ship the fsid Lo-wther was fecond
Mate. Aboard of the lame V'eiTel was a certain Num-
ber of Soldiers, commanded by one John Maffey,
who were to be carry 'd to one of the Company's
Settlements, on the River of Gamhia, to garrifon a
Fort, which was fometime ago taken and deftroy'd
by Coptain Daijis the Pyrate.
In May \iz\.> the Gambia Caftle came fafe to
her Port in Africa, and landed Captain MaJJey and
his Men on James's liland, where he was to com-
mand under the Governor, Colonel Whitney, who
arrived there at the fame Time in another Ship :
And here, by a fatal Mifunderftanding between the
military FoJks and the trading People, the Fort and
Garrifon not only came to be loft again to tlie Com-
pany, but a fine Galley well provided, and worth
10,000 /. turn'd againft her Mailers.
The Names of Governor and Captain founded
great ; but when the Gentlemen found that the
Power that generally goes along with thofe Titles
was overfway'd and bora down by the Merchants and
Faftors {meciianick FeHows as they thought them)
they grew very impatient and difatisfy'd, efpecially
MaJJey, who was very loud in his Complaints againii
them, particularly at the fmall Allowance of Provi.
fion to him and his Men ; for the Garnfon and Go-
vernor to« were vidualled by the MercliaHts, which
tvas no fmall Grievance and M irtification to
them. And the want of Eating was the only Thing
that made the grsat Sancho quit his Government,
fo did it here rend and tare theirs to Pieces ; For
Ma£ey told them, that he did not come there to be
a Guiney Slave, and thit he had promifed his Men
good Treatment, and Provifions fitting for Soldiers :
That as he had the Cnre of fo many of his Majelly's
Sabjefts, if they would not provide for them in a
kandfome Manner, he fhould take fui table Meafures
for the Prcfervation of fo many of his Countrymen
and Companions.
The Governor at this Time was very i!! of a Fe-
ver, and, for the better Accommodation in his Sick-
nefs, he was carry'd aboard the Ship Gambia Caftle,
where he coiK.nu.-d fu.' about three Weeks, and
therefoie could kave little to fay in this Difpute ;
tho' he refolv'd not to ftay in a Place where there
was fo little Occafion for hira, and where his Power
was fo confin'd. The Merchants hrtd certainly Or-
ders from tiie Company, to iflue the Proviilons out
to the Garrilons ; but whether they had cut them
fhort of^the Allowance that was appointed them, we
can't fay ; if they did, then was the Lofs of the Ship
and Garrifon owing principally to their ill Couduft.
However, an AccitleHt that happen 'd on board
the Ship, did not a little contribute to this Mis-
fcrtune ; which was '* Pique that the Captain of aer
S9
took agaifift his fceond Mate, Georgt Ltiuther, th»
Man who is the Subjefk of this (hort Hiftory, and
who, lofing his Favour, found Means to ingratiate
himfelf into the good liking of the common Sailors,
inforauch that when Captain Rujfel order'd liim to
be pinifb'd, the Men took up Handfpikes, and threat-
ned to knock that Man down who offered to iay
hold of the Mate. This ferved but to widen the
Differences between him and the Ciptain, and more
firmly attach'd Loivtber to the Ship's Companv, the
greateil Part of which he found ripe for any Jvjifchief
in the World.
Captain Majfeyvizs not z Whit the better recon-
cil'd to the Place by a longer Continuance, nor ta
the Ufage he met with there ; and having often Op-
portunities of converfing with Loiuther, with whom
he had contrafted an Intimacy in the Voyage, they
aggravated one another's Grievances to fuch a Height,
that they refolved upon Meafures to curb the Power
that controul'd them, and to provide for themlelves
after another Manner.
When the Governor recovered of his Fever, he
went aftiore to the Iflaiid, but took no Notica of
Maffey^ Behaviour, tho' it was fuch as might give
Sulpicion of what he defign'd ; and Loivtber and the
common Sailors, who were in the Secret of Affairs,
grew iniolent and bold, even refafing to obey when
commanded to their Duty by Captain Ruffel and the
chief Mate, The Captain feeing how Tilings were
carried, goes afhore early one Morning to the Go-
vernor and Faftory in order to hold a Council ;
which Lo'wther apprehending was in order to prevent
his Defign, he fent a Letter in the fame Boat to
Maffey, intimating it to him, and that he Jhould re-
fair on board, for it ixias high Time to put their Prs-
jcH in Execution.
As foon as Maffey received this Letter, he went
to the Soldiers at the B .rracks, and faid to them, and
others. You that have a Mind to go to Enghiid, no-n
is your Time. They generally confenting, Mnff'ey
went to the Store-room, burft open the Door, let
two Centinels upon it, and order'd that no Body
(houldcome near it ; then he went to the Governor's
Apartment, and took his Bed, Baggage, Plate, and
Furniture; in E.xpeflation, that tiie Governor iiim-
felf, as he had promifed Maffey, woulj have gone on
board ; which he afterwards refufed, by Reafon, as
he laid, he believed they were going a pvrating ; tho'
at firit. v.hatevcr Louuther defign'd, Maffey certainly
propclcd only the goirg to England. Wi:en this
was done, he fent the Boat off to the chief Mate
with this Meffage, That he Jhould get the Guns ready,
for that the King o/"Barro [a Negroe Kingdom ne.ir
the Royal African Settlement] ivould come aboard to
Dinner. But Loivtber underttanding belt the Mesn-
ing of thole OrdGrs, he confined tne chief Mate,
fliotted the Guns, and put the Ship in a Condition
for failing. In the Afternoon Maffey came on board
with the Governor's Son, having lent ciTali the Pro-
A U v;;':cr.3
35^
A General H
I s T O R Y
yf
vifions of the Ifland, and eleven Pipes of Wine, lea-
ving only two halt Pipes in the Store-houfe, and dif-
mouiitir.g all the Guns of the Fort.
In the Afternoon they weigh'd one Anchor, but
fearino- to be too late to get out of the River, they
flipped the other, and fo fell down.; in doing of
wiiicii, they run the Snip a-ground. Majfey fliew'd
himfelf a Soldier upon this Accident ; for as foon
as the Misfortune happen'd, he Ittt the Ship v/ith a-
bout fixteen Hands, and row'd diredly to the Fort,
remnimted the Guns, and kept Garrifon there all
the i\ight, v;hile the Ship was afliore ; and obliged
fo'.r.e of the FadoiV to afliil; in getting her clear. In
the mean wliile Rujfel amt off, but not being fuffer-
ed to come oa board, he called to Loixitber, and
offer'd him and the Comp-.ny whatever Terms they
would accept oi, upon Condition of furrendering
up the Ship ; but this h,id no Eifcdl upon any of
them. In the Morning they got her afloat, and
Maffey and his Men came aboard, having nailed up
and difmounted ail ti.e Cannon of the Fort : They
put the Governor's Son, and two or three otliers
nlhore, who were not willing to go without the Go-
vernor, and fail'd out of the River, having e.xchang'd
fcveral Shot with the Martha, Otter, Is'c. that lay
there, without doing E,\ecution on either Side.
Wlien the the Ship came out to Sea, Lotvther call'd
up all the Company, and to!d them. That itivas the
oreatcfl Folly imaginable to think of returning to Eng-
land ; for ivhat they had already done, tould not be
juftify'd upon any Pretence 'whatfoe'ver, but luould
be looted upon, in the Eye of the Laixj, as a capital
Offence, and none of them luere in a Condition to
nuithftand the Attacks of fuch fovjerful JU-verfaries,
as they luould meet ivith at Home. For his Part,
he told them, he luas determined not to run fuch a
Hazard, and therefore if his Propofal luas fiot a-
greed to, he defired to be fet afhore in fome Place of
Safety : That they had a good Ship under them, a
Parcel of brave Folloius in her ; that it •was not
their Bujinefs to firoTie, or he made Slaves ; and
therefore, if they ivere all of his Mind, they fliould
feek their Fortunes upon the Seas, as other Adven-
turers had done before them. They one and all
came into the Meafures, knocked down the Cabins,
made the Ship flulh fore and aft, prepared black
Colours, new nam'd her The Delivery, having a-
bout 50 Hands and 16 Guns ; and then the follow-
ing Ihort Articles were drawn up, figned, and fworn
to, upon the Bible.
The Articles of Captain George Loiuther, and his
Company.
I .' H "t H E Captain is to have tivofull Shares ; the
j^ Majler is to have one Share and a half ;
the DoBor, Mate, Gunner, and Boatfiuain, one
Share and a quarter.
2. He that Jhall befound guilty of taking up any un-
laixful Wenpon on hoard the Privateer, or any Prize
by us taken, fo as to ftrike or abufe one another, in
any regard, Jhall fuffer '-johat Punijhnient the Cap-
tain and majority of the Company /hall think ft.
3. He that Jhall be found guilty of Coivardice in
the Time of Engagement, Jhall luffer ivhat Punijh-
ment the Captain and majority Jhall think fit.
4. If any Gold, JeT.vels, Silver, &c. be found on
board of any Prize or Prizes, to the Value of a
Piece of Eight, and the Finder do not deliver it to
the ^arter-majier, in the Space of 2^ Hours, he
/hall fuffer wohat Punifhment the Captain and majori-
' (y Iha'll think fit .
5. He that is found guilty of Gaming, or Defraud-
ing another to the Value of a Shilling, Jhall fujt
'what Punijhment the Captain and majority of tk
Company Jhall think fit .
6. He that Jhall have the Misf art line to lofe
Limb, in Time of Engagement, Jhall have the Sum 1
One hundred and fifty Poumh Sterling, and remiiM
ivith the Company as lorg as he Jhall think fit.
7. Good Starters Jlsall ahvays be given luiA
caWd for. ■ ■ • ■ .i
8. He that fees d Sail firfl fi: all have the ieji
Piftal, or fmall Arms on board her.
Il-Jtl
It w.ns on the ly^aijune 'J\z\.Lo-vither left thi'
Settlement, and on tJie zotli, being tjicn within 2c
Leagues of Barbadocs, he came up with a Br g ntine
belonging to Bofton, called the Charles, Janus Doug
las Maher, which they plunder'd in a pi ratical Man
ner, and let the Veii'el go ; but leaft fne Ihouid mee
with any of the Station Ship;, and fo give Informa
tion of the Robbery, in Terrorem, to pi event a Pur
luit, Loni^ther contrived a iort of a Certificate, whici
he diretied the Mailer to fnew to their Conlort, i
they fliould meet with her; and upon Sight of i
the Brigr.ntine would pafs unnioieftcd : I'his Con
fort, he pretended, was a .-j-O Gun'SJiip, and crujf
ing thereabouts.
After this the Delivery proceeded to Hifpaniola
near the Weft End of tlie ifl.md ftiemeirwitii a Frend
Sloop loaden with Wine and Biandy. Aboard o:
this Vellcl wentCoptain Mafry as a Merchant, anc
ask'd tiie Price ot one Thing, and then anoiiier
biddir.g Monty for tiie greatelt Par: of her Cargo;
but after he had trifled a while, be whifper'd.a Se-,.~
cret in the Frenchman s Ear, viz, ' That they muj
have it all ixiithoitt Money. Motifieur prefently uOj
derllood their Meanir.g, and unwillingly agreed U
the Bargain. They took out of her thirty Cafks ol
Brandy, five Hogflieads of Wine, feveral Pieces ol
Chintzes, and other valuable Goods, and aboj-.t 70/,
Englifij, in Money ; of which Lowther q^'^uexc^V.y re'
turned five Pounds back to the French iWaherlor hi
Civilities.
But as all Conllitutions grow oil, and therebyjl
(hake and totter, io did their Commonwealth, in a-"
bout a Month of its Age, feel Commotions, andt|
inteftine Difturbances, by the Divi/ions of its Men*'
bers, which iiad near hand terminated in its Deftruce
tion : Tliele civil Difcords were owing to the foJt
lowing Occafion. Captain Maffey had been a Sofe
dier almolf from his Infancy, but was very indiffi^!
rently acquainted with maritime Affairs, and having
an enierprifmg Soul, nothing could fatisfy him, buftl
he mult be cluing Bufmefs m his own Way ; thereS
fore he requireo Lovjther to let him have thirt^
Hands to land with, and he would attack tiie FrencBA
Settlements, and bring aboard the Devil and all 0|
Plunder.
Lowther did all that he could do, and faid all tha
he could fay, to difluade Maffey from fo ralh and
dangerous an Attempt ; pointing out to him the Ila-'
zard the Company would run, and the Confequeiices
to them all, ifhefhould not iucceed, and the little
Likelihood there was to expeft Succefs from the
Undertaking : But 'twas all one for that, MaJJey
would go and attack the Freuch Settlements, tor
any thing Lovjther could fay againll it ; io ttiat he..
was obliged to propole tlie Riatter to the Com-
pany, among whom Maffey found a few Fellows a*
relolute as himfelf ; however, a great M.ijority being
againll it, the Affair was over ruled in Oppohtion t«
tne Captain. Upon this Maffey grew f.-attious, quar-
rel'd with Lotxther, and the Men divided into Par-
ties, fomc iiding with the Land Pyrate, and fome
witk
Pynitesy Highwaymen y Murderers^ SCc, 55 1
with the Sea Rover, and were all ready to fall toge- inform'd them, he was the Man, that my Lord would
tlier by the Ears. foon be applied to for that Purpolc, and the Officer
In the Midrt of this Squabble the Man at the Mail- might come to him at fuch a Piace, where he lojg'd :
he J cry'd out, a Sail! a Sail ! then they give over T^'i^y took the Diredion from him in Writing, and
the Dilpute, fet all their Sails, and ileer'd after the
C.! ce. In a few Hours they came up with her, (he
be<ng a fmail Ship from Jamaica, bound to Erig-
lanJ; they took what they thought iitoutofher,
and a Hand or two, and then Loivther was for fink-
ing the Snip, with feveral PaiTengers that were in
her; for what Reafon no body knows ; but iI/«/^
fe\ uucrpofed in ti-.is Affair, prevented their cruel
"Fate, and the Ship fafely arrived afterwards in Eng-
land.
The next Day they took a fraall Sloop, an inter-
loping Trader, whicii they detain'd with her Cargo.
Ail this whila Majfey was une.ify, and declared his
R^folution to, leave them ; and iowM^r finding him
a very troublelome M..n to deal witn, conlented that
heftoi.ik! take tiie Sloop laft made Prize of, with what
H:ind5 had a Mind to go with him, and fliift for
himfelf. Whereupon Maffey, with about ten more
Makcooten;s, goes aboard the Sloop, and comes a-
way in her uijtcliy for Jamaica.
Notwithftanding what had pafled. Captain il/a^^ _ , _^ ...^„ .,,.
puts a bold F;'.ce upon the IMatter, and goes to Sir ''croick Spirit, that, in ail probabiiity, he vvould have
in a few Days, a Warrant being ifl'ued, the 1 ipilaff
went direftly, by his own Information, and appre-
hended him, without any ether Trouble th.-n walk-
ing to his Lodging.
There was then no Perfon in Town to charge hin
with any Faft, upon whicii he couU be coniiiTitted 5
nor could the Letter be proved to be hi; H;nd- wri-
ting, fo that they had been obliged to let him go a-
gain, if he had not helped his Acculers out at a Pinch/
i he Magiflrate was reduced to the putting of this
Queftion to him ; Did you write this Lettrr ? Ke
aniwer'd, /a'/rf'; And not only that, but conleifcd all
the Contents of it ; upon which, he was committed,
to Ne-u-gate, but was afterwards admitted to a hun-
dred Pounds B.iil, or thereabouts.
On the 5th of Ji^ly 1723, he was brought to his
Tryal, at a Court of Admiralty i.e'd at the 0!d B.-,i^
hy when Captain Ruffel, GoVernor irhitnef^ Soi;,
and others, appeared as Evidence?, by wiiom the Jn-
diftment was plainly proved againll h:m ; tho' if
this had not been done, the C.-sptnin ues of fuch an
Nici^olas La-!.-s, the Governor, informs him of his
leaving Lon.'jt'.-ir the Pirate, owns. That he ajfifted
in goi''% off" Kvith the Ship, at the Riucr Gambia ;
bJt faid, Unuas to fa-je fo many of hit Majefty's Sub-
jects from ferijhing ; and that his Defign <u;as to re-
turn to England, /:'// Lowther, confpiring luitb the
greater Part of the Company, ivent a pyrating "vith
the Ship ; upon ix-hich, he had taken this Opportunity
to lea-je him, and furrcnder himfelf and Veffel to his
£xcelkncy.
Ma/Jey was very well received by the Governor,
land had his Liberty given him, with a Promife of
'Li- Favour, and fo forth ; and, at his own Requett,
iht was 'ent on board the happy Sloop, Captain Lanvs,
tOCruiieoiT Hifpaniola ioT Lo-iviher ; but not being
ifo fortunate as to meet with him. Captain Maffcf re-
turned b.'ck to Jamaica in the Sloop, and gettinc a
Cenificaie, and a Supply of Money, from the Gover-
nor, he came home Paflenger to England.
Wiien M.-fjey came to Town, he writes a lonor
Let"er 10 the Dsputy Governor and Directors of the
African Company, wherein he irr.prudently relates
the wnole Tranf.idlions of his Voyage, the going ofF
with the Snip, aud the Aifls of Pyracy he had com-
mitted with Lo-ix-ther ; but e.xcufe. it as Ralhnefs and
Inadvertency in himfelf, occafioned by his being ill
ufed, contrary to the Promifes that had been made
him, and the Expeftations he had entertained. He
own'd however, that he deferved to die for what he
had done j yet, if they had Generofity enough to
fo: :;ive him, as he was ftill cr.pable to do them Ser-
vice, as a Soldier, fo he would be very ready to do
it ; but if they reiolved to profecute him, he begg'd
only this Favour, that he might not be hang'd like a
iDog, but fufFer'd to die like a Soldier, as he had
been bred from his Childhood ; that is, that he
might be (hot.
This was the SubHance of the Letter, which, how-
jsver, did not produce fo favourable an Anfwer as he
(hoped for, Word being brought back to him, That
[htfhoiild he fairly hang'd. Upon this, Mafjey re-
r>'";d not to go out of the Way, when he found what
■jortant Occanon there was likely to be for him,
t:r:es a Lodging in Alderfgate-ftreet, and the
; Day goes to the Lord Chief Juftice's Chamber.":,
enquires, if my Lord had granted a Warrant a-
.11 Captain 7oAir Maffey for Pyracy. Being told
'. the Clerks, that they knew of no fuch Thing, he
denied nothing ; for in'.lead of making a Deftrc
Only entertain'd the Court with a long Nair- ,
his Expedition, from the (irii fetting out, to!.:
tarn to England, mentioning two Ads of Piri^cy
committed by him, which lie was not ch.iroed with
often challenging the Evidences to contr.dift him,
if in any 7'hing iie related the leail Untruth ; and in-
(lead of denying the Crimes fet forth in the Indict-
ment, he charged himfelf with various Circumlfcnces,
which fixed the Fads more home upon him. Upon
the whole, the Captain was found Guiify, received
Sentence of Death, and was executed three Wtel.s,
after, at Execution Dock.
We return now to Loivther, whom we left crui-
fing o(r Hifpaniola, from whence he piy'd to Wind-
ward, and near Porto Rico, chafed two Sail, and
fpoke with them ; tiiey proved 10 be a (mail Brijhl
Ship, commanded by Captain Smith, and a Sfani/b
Pyrate, who had made Prize of tiiC faid Ship. Lo-vj-
thtr examined the Spaniard's Authority, for t:.king
an Englifh Veflel, and threatened to put e\ery M..n
of them to death, for fo doing ; ib that the Spaniards
fancied themfelves in a very pitiful Condition, till
Matters clsar'd up, and then they found their Ma-
fters as great Rogues as themfelves, from whom feme
Mercy might be expefled, in regard to the near Re-
lation they Itood with them, as to their Profeilion.
In (hort, Loivther firft rifled, and then burnt both
the Ships, finding the Spaniards away in tlicir
Launch, and turning all the Englifh Sailors into
Py rates.
Afte» a few Days Cruife, Loivther took a fmail
Sloop belonging to St. Ghriftophers, which they
mann'd and carried along with them to a fmail
Ifland, v;here they cleaned, and ifaid fome Time to
take their DivciTions ; wiiich confilled in unheard of
Debaucheries, with drinking, fwearing, and rioting,
in which there feem'd to be a kind of Emulation a-
mong them, they rcfembling rather Devili than Men,
and liriving who fhould out do the reft in new invent-
ed Oaths and Execrations.
They all got aboard about Chriflmas, oljirrving
neither Times nor Seafons for perpetrating their vil-
lainous A.ftions, and failed towards the Bay of //oc-
duras ; but flopping at the Grand Caimanes, for Wa-
ter, they met with a fmal! \'e(rel with 13 Ha.nds, in
the fame honourable Employment with th:;mfe!ves )
the Captain, of this Gang was one Edijjard Low,
whole
35^
^hofe Life will be infarted in this ColleSion. Low
iher received them as Friends, and treated them with
all imaginable Reefpeft, inviting them, as they were
faw in Number, and in no Condition to purfuc
the Account (as they called it) to jom their Strength
together ; which on the Confideration aforefaid, was
accepted of, Lowtber (till continuing Commander,
and Lo'vj being made Lieutenant : The Vcffel the
new Pirates came out of, they funk, and the Confe-
derates proceeded on the Voyage that Lawtber before
intended.
On the loth of January, the Pyrates came mto
the Bay, and fell upon a Ship of 200 Tun, called
the Greyhound, Benjamin Edwards Commander, be-
longing to BopH. LoiMther hoifted his pyratical
Colours, and fired a Gun for the Greyhound to bring
to ; which (lie refufing, the Hafpy Delivery (the
Name of the Pyrate) edg'd down, and gave her a
Broadfide, which was returned by Captain Edwards
very bravely, and the Engagement held for an Hour ;
but' Captain 'Edwards finding the Pyrate too ftrong
for him, and fearing the Confequence of too oblli-
nate a Refiltance againlt thofe lawlefs Fellows, or-
dered his Enfign to be flruck. The Pyrates Boat
came aboard, and not only rifled the Ship, but
whipp'd, beat, and cut the Men in a cruel IVlanner,
turned them aboard their own Ship, and then fet
Fire to theirs.
In cruifing about the Bay, they met and took fe-
veral other Vefiels without any Refiftance, 'vi%. two
Brigantines of Bofion in 'New England, one of which
they burnt, and funk the other ; a Sloop belonging
to Conntiiicut, Captain Airs, which theyalfo burnt ;
a Sloop of Jamaica, Captain Hamilton, which they
took for their own Ufe ; a Sloop of Virginia they
unladed, and were fo generous as to give her back
to the Matter that own'd her. They took a Sloop of
100 Tun, belonging to Rhode Ijland, which they
were pleas'd to keep, and mount with eight Carriage,
and ten Swivel Guns.
With this little Fleet, •»>/«. Admiral Loiuther, in
the Happy Delivery ; Captain Low, in the Rhode
JJland Sloop ; Captain Harris (who was fecond Mate
in the Greyhound when taken) in Hamilton" % Sloop;
and the little Sloop formerly mentioned, ferving as
•a Tender ; I fay, with this Fleet the Pyrates left the
Bay, and came to Port Mayo in the Gulph of Mati-
quel and there made Preparations to careen ; they
carried aftiore all their Sails, and made Tents by the
Water fide, wherein they laid their Plunder, Stores
i^c. and fell to work ; and at the Time that the
Ships were upon the Heel, and the good Folks em-
ploy'd in heaving down, fcrubbing, tallowing, and
io forth, of a fudden came down a confiderable Body
of the Natives and attack'd the Pyrates unprepared.
As they were in no Condition to defend themfelves,
they fled to their Sloops, leaving them Mailers of the
Field and the Spoil thereof, which was of great Va-
lue, and fet Fire to the Happy Delivery, their capi-
tal Ship.
Ltwther made the bell Provifion he could m the
largell Sloop, which he called the Ranger, having
ten Guns and eight Swivels ; and ihe failing bell, the
Company went all aboard of her, and left the other
at Sea. Provifion was now very (hort, which, with
the late Lofs, put them in a confounded ill Humour,
infomuch that they were now and then going toge-
ther by the Ears, laying the Blame of their ill Con-
duft fometinies upon one, then upon another.
Tlie Beginning of May i~2z, they got to the IVeJl-
Indies, and near the Ifland of Defeada they took a
Brigantine, one Payne Mailer, that afforded them
what they flood in need of, which put them in bet-
A Qentral History of
ter Temper, and Bufinefs feemed to go on well a-
gain. After they had pretty well plundered the Bri-
gantine, they fent her to the Bottom. They went
into the Jfland and watered, and then flood to the
Northward, intending to viflt the Main Coall of
America.
In the Latitude of 38 they took a Brigantine, cal-
led the Rebecca of Bojhn, Captain Smith, bound thi-
ther from St. Chriftophers. At the taking of this
Veflel, the Crews divided ; for Low, wlioni Lo-w-
^W joined at the Grand Caiman;;, proving al-.vays a
very unruly Member of the Commonwealth, conti-
nually afpiring, and never fatisfy'd with the Pro-
ceedings of the Commander, he tliought it the fifeil
Way to get rid of him, upon any 'I'ernii ; and, ac-
cording to the Vote of the Company, they parted
the Bear Skin between thrm : Lo'w with 4^. Hand*
went aboard the Brigantine, and Lowther with tl.c
fame Number ftaid in the Sloop j and fo they
feparated that very Night, being the 28th of May
1722.
Lowther proceeded on his Way to the Main Coall,
took three or four fifhing Vefl'cis off New York,
which was no great Booty to iht- C: ptors. On the
3d of June, they met with a fm 11 A'^u England
Ship, bound home from Barhadocs, which flood
an Attack a fmall Time, but finding it to no Pur-
pofe, yielded herfelf a Prey to the Booters : The
Pyrates took out of her fourteen Hogiheads of Ram,
fix Barrels of Sugar, a large Box of EngUfl} Goods,
feveral Cafks of Loat Sugar, a coiifiwer.ible Quanr
tity of Pepper, fix Negroes, befides a Sum of Mo-
ney and Plate, and then let her go on her Voy-
age.
The next Adventure was not fo fortunate for
them; for coming pretty near the Co;'ll of 5oa^^
Carolina, they met with a Ship juh come out, on
her Voyage to England; Lowther gave her a Gun,
and hoifted his pyratical Colours ; but this Ship,
which was called the Amy; happening to have a brave
gallant Man to command her, who was not any ways
daunted with that terrible Enfign, the black Flag
he, inllead of ftriking immediately, as it was expec-
ted, let fly a Broadfide at the Pyrate. Lowther (not
at all pleafed with the Compliment, though he put
up with it for the prefect) was for taking Leave ; but
the Amy getting the Pyrate between her and the
Shore, flood after him to clap him aboard ; to pre-
vent which, Loivther run the Sloop a-ground, and
landed all the Men uirh their Arms. Captain Giuat-
kins, . - i-aptain of the Amy, was obliged to flaod
off, for fear of running his own Ship afhore ; but at
the fame Time thought fif, for the publick Good, to
dellroy the Enemy ; and thereupon went into the
Boat, and rowed towards the Sloop, in order to fet
her on Fire ; but before he reached th^ Veffel, a fa-
tal Shot from Lowther^i Company afhore, put ait
End to their Defign and Captain Gwatkins'i Lif^.
After this unfortunate Blow, the Mate returned a-
board with the Boat, and, not being inclined ta
purfue them any farther, took Charge of the Ship.
Lowther got off the Sloop after the Departure of
the Amy, and brought all his Men aboard again,
but was in a poor fhattered Condition, having fuf-
fered much in the Engagement, and had a great many
Men kill'dand wounded : He made Shift to get into
an Inlet foniewhere in Norih Carolina, wliere he
ftaid a long while before he was able to put to Sea
again.
He and his Crew laid up all the Winter, aftd!
Ihifted as well as they could an.ong the Woods, di-
vided themfelves into fmall Parties, and hunted gene-
rally in the Div time, killing bljck Cattle, Hogs ^c
for
PyrateSj Highwaymeny Murderers, 5Cc.
for their Subfiftence, and in the Night retired to their
Tents and Huts, which they made tor Lodging ; and
fometimes, when the Weither grew very cold, they
would flay aboard of their Sloop.
In the Spring of the Year 1723, they made Shift
to get to Sea, and (leered their Courfe for Newfound-
land, and upon the B^nks took a Scooner, call'd the
Siui/t, John Hood Mafier ; they found a good Quan-
tity of Procifions aboard her, which they very much
wanted at th.u Time, and after taking three of their
Hinds, and plundering her of what they thought fit,
they let her depart. They took feveral other V'effeis
upon the Banks, and in the Harbour, but none of
any great Account ; and then ileering for a warmer
Climate, in Angujl they arrived at the Weft-Indies.
In their Paflage thither they met with a Brigantine,
called the John and Eli^nbeth, Richard Stanny Ma-
iler, bound for Bofton, which they plundered, took
two of her Men, and difcharged her.
Loiuther cruifed a pretty while among the Iflands
without any extraordinary Succefs, and was reduc'd
to a very fmall Allowance of Provifions, till they
had the Luck to fall in with a Martinico Man, which
proved a fe.ilonable Relief to them ; and after that a
Guinev Man had the ill Fortune to become a Prey co
the Roveri ; flie was called the Piince/s, Captain
IVickfied Commander.
It was nosv thought neceflary to look out for a
F! ice to clean their Sloop in, and prepare for new
Ad'-entures : Accordingly the Ifland of £/a«i'a ivas
pitched upon for that Purpofe, which lies in the La-
titude of 11° i;o m. N. about 30 Leagues from
the Main of the Spanijh America, between the Iflands
of Margarita and Rocas, and not far from Tortuga.
It is a low even Ifland, but he.'llthy and dry, unin-
habited, and about two Leagues in Circumference,
with plenty of Lignum Vitis Trees thereon, grow-
ing m Spots, with Thrubby Bulhes of otiier Wood a-
bout them. There are, befidee TurtlB, great Num-
bers of Guanoes, which is an amphibious Creature
like a Lizard, but much larger, the Ejdy of it being
as big as a Man's Leg : They are very good to eat,
and are much ufed by the Pyrates that come here :
They are of divers Colours, but fuch as live upon
«3ry Ground, as here at Blanco, are commonly yel-
low. On the North-weft End of this Ifl.ind, tliere
is a fmall Cove of fandy Bay ; all round the reft of
the Ifland is deep Water, and tleep clofe to the llland.
Hither towther reforted to, abo*t the Beginning of
OSlober, unrigged his Sloop, fent his Guns, Sails,
Rigging, l^c. afhore, and put his VsfTel upon the
Careen. The Eagle Sloop of Barbadaes, belonging
to the 5ea/A Sea Company, with 35 Hands, com-
353
manded by Walter Mure, coming near this Ifland,
in her Voyage to Comena, on the Spanijh Continent,
faw ths faid Sloop jufl careen'd, with her Guns out,
and S.iils unbent, which fhefuppofed to be a Pyrate,
becaufe it was a Place where Traders did not com-
monly ufe, and fo took the Advantage of attacking
of her, as fhe was then unprepared. The Eagle
having fired a G«n to oblige her tofhew her Colours,
the Pyrates hoilled the St. George's Flag at their
Topmaft-Head, as it were to bid Defiance to her ;
but when they found Moore and his Crew refolved to
board them in good Earnell, the Pyrates cut their
Cable, and hawled their Stern on Snore, which ob-
liged the ^a^/f to come to an Anchor athwart her
Ilawlre, where fhe engaged them til! they called for
Quarter and flruck, at which Time LozLthcr and
twelve of the Crew made their Efcape out of the
Cabin Window. The Mailer of the Eagle got the
Pyrate Sloop off, fecured her, and v\ent alhoie with
2 J Hands, in Puifuit ofLc^veier and his Gang, Wuc
after five Days Search, they could find but five of
them, which they brought aboard, and then pro-
ceeded with the Sloop and Pyrates to C«M./;a afore-
faid, where they foon arrived.
The Spaniji Governor, being informed of this
brave Aftion, condemned the Sloop to the Captors, •
and fent a imall Sloop with 23 Hands to fcour the
Bulhes, and other Places of the Ifland of Blanco,
for the Pyrates that remained there, and took four
more, with fevcn fmall Arms, leaving behind them
Captain Loivther, three Men, and a little Boy,
which they could not take j the above four the Spa-
niards try'd, and condemned to Slavery for Life ;
three to the Gallies, and the other to the CaiUe of
Arraria.
The Eagle Sloop brought all their Prifoners af-
terwards to St. Chrijiophers, where the following
were try'dby a Court of \'ice Admiralty, there neld
March the nth, 1722, 'viz. John Churchill, Ed-
ivard Macidonald, Nicholas Lewis, Richard Weft,
Samuel Le'uercott, Robert White, John Shaw, An-
drew Hunter, Jonathan Delve, Matthew Fi ecbarn,
Hctry Watfon, Roger Grange, Ralph Candor, and
Robert Wills. The three lalt were acquitted, the
other eleven were found Guilty, two of which were
recommended to Mercy by the Court, and accord-
ingly pardoned ; and the red executed at that Ifland,
on the 20th of the fame Month.
As for Captain Lowther, it is faid, that he after
wards fhot hirafelf upon that fatal Ifland, wheue his
Pyracies ended, being found, by fome Sloop's Men,
dead, and a Pillol buril by his Side.
9©
X
m
354
A General History of
The LIFE of Captain SPRIGG&
SPRIQGS fail'd with Loiu for a pretty
while, and came away from Lowther along
witli him ; he was Quarter-Mailer to the Com-
pany, and confequently, had a great Share in all the
Barbarities committed by that execrable Gang, till
the Time they parted ; which was about Chri/imas
1723 ; when Loiu took a Ship of twelve Guns on
the Coaft of Guiney, call'd the Delight, (formerly
the Squirrel Man of War,) commanded by Captain
Bunt. Spriggs took pofltffion of this Ship with
ciffhteen Men, left Low in the Night, and came to
tlie H-^e/l Indies. This Separatioa was occafion'l by
a Quarrel with Lotu, concerning a Piece ofJuUice
to be executed upon one of the Crew, for killing a
Man in cold Blood; Spriggs infilling that he Ihould
be hang'd, and the other that he ftiould not.
A Day or two after they parted, Spriggs was
chofen Captaia by the rell, and a black Enfign was
made, which they call'd Jully Roger, with the fame
Device that Captain Loiai carry'd, njiz. a white
Skeleton in the Middle of it, with a Dart in one
Hand, flriking a bleeding Heart, and in the other
an Hour-Glafs ; when this was finifh'd and hoifted,
they fired all their Guns to falute their Captain
and themfclves, and then look'd ont for Prey.
In tiieir Voyage to the Wejt-Indies, thefe Pyrates
took a Portugue/e Bark, wherein they got valuable
Plunder ; but not contented with that alone, they
(aid they would have a little Game with the Men,
and lo order'd them a Sweat, more for Diverfion
of thefe brutal Wretches than the poor Man's Health.
Wjiat they mean by a Sweat is performed after this
Manner. They flick up lighted Candles circularly
round the Mizon-Maft, between Decks, within which
the Patients one at a Time enter : Without the
Candles the Pirates poft themfelves, as many as can
lland, forming another Circle, and armed with Pen-
Knives, Tucks, Forks, Corapaffes, i^c. and as he
ruBs round and round, the Mafick playing at the
fame Time, they prick him with thofe Initruments.
This ufually lafts for ten or twelve Minutes, which
19 as long as the miferable Man can fapport himfelf.
When the Sweating was over, they gave the Portu-
gueji their Boat, with a fma'l Quantity of Provifi-
«jis, and fet their Veflel on Fire.
Near the llland of St. Lucia, they took a Sloop
belonging to Barbadoes, which they plundered, and
then burnt ; forcing fome of the Men to fign their
Articles ; the others they beat and cut in a barbar-
ous Manner, becaufe they lefufe to take on with
the Crew, and then feiu them away in the Boat,
in which they ail got fafe afterwards to Barbadoes.
The next was a Martitiico Man, the Crew of
which they lerved as bad as they had done the others,
but did not burn the Ship. Some Days afterwards,
in running down to Leeward, they took one Cap-
tain Hwwki/is, coming from Jamaica, laden chief-
ly with Logwood i they took out of this Veffel,
Stores, Arms, Ammunition, and feveral other Things,
as they thought fit ; and what they did not want
they threw over-board or deftroy'd : They cut the
Cables to Pieces, knock'd down the Cabins, broke
all the Windows, and in fliort took ail the Pains in
the World to be miichievous. They took by Force,
out of her, Mr. Burridge and Mr. Stephens, the
two Mates, and fome other Hands j and after de-
taining the Snip from the twenty kconA o( March,
to the twenty ninth, they let her go. On the twen
ty leventh ihy too\x a. Rhode-i/!and i\oo^. Captain
Pike, a;} J ali .'is Men were oblig'd to go aboard the
i/rate; but the Mate, being a grave I'ober Man,
and not inclin.-'ble to Hay, they told him, he fhould
hr.vc his Difcharge, and that it fliould be immediate-
ly writ on his Back j whereupon, he was ientenced
to receive ten Laf^is from every Man in the Ship,
which was rigoro-fly put in E.\ecution.
The next l)j.y Mr. Burtidge, Captain Haiv/ii/i's
Mate, fign'd their Articles, which was fo agreeable
to them (he being a good Artilt and Sailor) that
they gave three Huzza's, fii'd all the Guns in the
Ship, and appointed him M -fter : The Day was
fpent in boilterous Mirth, roaring and drinking of
Healths, among which was that of King George the
n. For now and then thefe Gentry are provok'd to
fadden Fits of Loyalty, by the Expeilation of an
Aft of Grace, vv^iich they tliougnt would be pall at
the Acccllion of his prefent Majeily to the Throne,
wko was then Prince of If- ales. It feems Captain
Piie had heard at Jamaica by millake, that the late
King was dead, fo the Pyrates immediately hoift-
ed their Eniign Half Malt (the Death Signal) and
proclai.ricd his Royal Highnefs, faying, They doubt-
ec: not but there ivould be a general Pardon in <t
tinel've Month, ivhich they ivould embrace and come
in upon ; hut if they Jhould be excepted out of it,
they ivould ir.urder every Englilhman that Jhould fall
into their Hands.
The fecond o'i April, they fpy'd a Sail, and gave
her Chace till twelve o'Clock at Night : The Py-
rates believed her to be a Spaniard, and fo when
they came clofe up to her, they difcharg'd a Broad-
fide, with fmall and great Shot, which was follow-
ed by another : but the Ship making a lamentable
Cry for Qu.vters, they ceas'd firing, and ordered
the Captain to come aboard ; whicn he did ; but
how diiappointed the Rogues were when they found
'twas their old Friend Captaii; Haijukins, whom
they iiad lent away three Days before, worth not
one Fenny f This was fuch a Baulk to them, that
they refoived he Ihould fufFer for falling in their
Way, tho' it was fo contrary to his own Inclina-
tions. About fifteen of them furrounded the poor
Man with fharp Cutbfties, and fell upon him, where-
by he was foon laid flat on the Deck. At that In-
Itdnt Burridge flew amongft the thickeft of tue Vil-
lains, and bejjg'd earneflly for his Life, upon whofe
Requeft
PyrakSy Hfghvoaymeft) Murderersy &:c.
:queft it was granted. They were now moft of
n drank, as is ufaal at this time of Night, fo
i;y unanimoufly agreed to make a Bonfire of Hatu-
•s's Ship, which was immediately done, and in
If an Hour fhe was all of a Blaze.
After this, they wanted a little more Diverfion,
;d fo Captain Haivkins was fent for down to the
.bin to Supper: What (hould the Provifion be,
i t a Difti of Candles, which he was forced to eat ;
ving a naked Sword and a Piftol held to his Breaft
the while ; when tkis was over, they buffeted
n about for fome Time, and fent him forward a-
mgft the other Prifoners, who had been treated
th the fame Delicacies.
Two Days afterwards, they anchor'd at a little
inhabited Ifland, call'd Rattan, near the Bay of
mdurai, and put afiiore Captain Haivkins, and
'eral other Men ; one of whick was his PaflTenger,
10 dy'd there of the Hardfhips he underwent.
hey gave them Powder and Ball, and a Mufquet,
th which they were to Ihift as they could, failing
'ay the next Day for other Adventures.
Captain Haiukins, and his unfortunate Compa-
)ns, ftaid nineteen Days upon this Illand, fuppiy-
; themfelves with both Fi(h and Fowl, fuch as
;y were. At the End of that Time came two
en in a Canoe, that had been left upon another
iroon Ifland near Bcnacca, who carry'd the Com-
fi^ at feveral Times thither, it being more con-
lient in having a good Well of frefh Water, and
luy of Fiih, £sV. Twelve Days afterwards they
•'d a Sloop off at Sea, which, upon their making
jreat Smoke, Aood in, and took them off; fhe
s the Merriam, Captain Jones, lately elcap'd
t of the Bay of Honduras, from being taken by
Spaniards.
At an Ifland to the Weilward, tha Py rates clean -
their Ship, and faii'd towards the Ifland of St.
Bxjiopber, to wait for one Captain hlocn-, who
imanded the £a»/i?-Sloop, when fhe took Lozv-
r's upon the Careen, at Blanco. Spriggs refol-
to put him to Death, whenever he took
n, fer falling upon his Friend and Brother ; but,
lead of Moor, he found a French Man of War
Martir.iio upon the Coaft j which Spriggs
t thinking fit to contend with, run away with
the Sail he could make. The French Man
3wded after Spriggs, and was very likely to fpeak
.th him, when unfortunately Lis Main-Top-Mafl
me by the Board, which obliged him to give
e Chafs.
Spriggs then flood to the Northward, towards
*» ^ r:
Bermudas, er the Summer Ijles, and took a Scooner
belonging to Bojion : He took out all the Men,
and funk the Veffel, and had the Impudence to tell
the Mafler, that he defign'd to increafe his Company
on the Banks of Neivfoundland, and then he would
fail for the Coaft of Nenv-England, in quefl of Cap-
tain Solgard, who attack'd and took their Con-
fort Charles Harris. Spriggs was at than Time
in Company with iaiu, who very fairly ran for
it. The Pyrate afk'd the Mailer if he knew Cap-
tain Solgard? who anfwering A», he aCc'd ano-
ther the fame Queftion ; who denying alfo, he
put the fame Queftion to a Third, who faid he
knew him very well ; upon which Spriggs ordered
him to be fweated, which was done in the man-
ner before defcrib'd.
Inftead of going to Neivfoundland, as the Py rates
threatened, they came back to the Iflands ; and to
the Windward of St. Chrijlophers, on the fourth of
June, they took a Sloop, Nicholas Trot Mailer,
belonging to St. Eufiatia. Wanting at this Time a
little Diverfion, they hoifted the Men as high as
the Main and Fore-Tops, and let them down fud-
denly, enough to break all the Bones in their Skins ;
and after they had pretty well crippled 'em by th:$
cruel Ufage, and whipp'd them about the Deck,
they gave Trot his Sloop, and let him go, keeping
back only two of his M^n, befides the Plunder of
the Veffel.
Within tWQ or three Days after they took a Ship,
coming from Rhode-Ijland to St. Chriftopher''% laden
with Provifions and fome Horfes j the Pyrates mount-
ed the Horfes, and rid them about the Deck back-
wards and forwards a full Gallop, like Madmen at
Ne'-jj-Market ; curfing, fwearing, and hallooing, at
fuch a Rate, as made the poor Creatures wild.
Two or three of them at length throwing their
Riders, they fell upon tiie Ship's Crew, and whip-
ped, and cut, and beat 'em in a barbarous man-
ner, tilling 'em, it was for bringing Horfes with-
out Boots and Spurs, for want of which they were
not able to ride 'em.
In this Manner thefe Wretches went on as long
as they could maintain their Community, taking
from all they met, every Thing they plealed : Nor
is it any Wonder that Men who have taken Pains
to divelt themfelves of Humanity fhould aft thus ;
fince when we once lofe the Notions of Right and
Property, which keep up the mutual Dependance
among mankind, we have nothing within us, that
can lay any Reilraint upon our A£^ioni.
Tht
356
A General History of
The LIFE oJCaptain PHILIP RO CHE, &
PHILIP Rtcht was born in Ireland, of mean
Parents, and from his Youth had been bred up
to the Sea, where he apply'd the little Leifuie
he hnd.to the improving the (mall Share of Learning
he had received at School. He was a brifk gentee!
Fellow, about thirty Years of Age at the Time of
his Death ; one whole black and lavage Nature did
no Ways anlwer the Comlinefs of his Pcrion ; his
Life being almoil one continued Scene of VilKiiny,
before he was difcovered to have committed the hor-
rid Murders we are now fpeaking of
This inhuman Monfter had been concerned with
others, in infuring Ships to a great Value, and then
deltroying them ; by which Means and other Ro-
gueries, lie had got a little Money. By thefe Means
becoi'.r.p.p Male ef a Ship, he was diligent enough in
tradir.g fi ■ 'mfelf between Irelar.d and France, fo
that he w.. r. a Way of getting himfelf a comforta-
bie Livelihood : But, as he relolved to be Rich, and
finding (air Dealing brought in Wealth but flowly,
he conkiTed l.e had put other Methods in E.\ecution.
What thefe Methods were, he would never own ; bat
'tis thought he had murthered feverr.l innocent Per-
fons in the Profecution of his abominable Schemes.
However, a» we cannot have the particular Circum-
ftances of thefe Fafts, we (hall confine oarfelves to the
horrid Deed for which he fufFered.
Rache getting acquainted with one AVa/, a Fifher-
man at Gork, whom he found ignorantly bold and
ready for any villainous Attempt, he imparted the
Defign to him, which they afterwards e.\etuted.
l^eal being pleas'd with the Projedl, brings one
Pierce Cullen and his Brother into the Confederacy ;
together with one Wife, who, at firft, was very un-
willing to come into their Meafures j and, indeed,
bad the leaft Hand of them all in the Perpetration of
what follows.
They pitch'd upon a Vefi'el in the Harbour, be-
longing to Peter Tartoue, a French Man, to execute
their cruel Intentions upon, becaufe it was a fmall
one, and had not a great Number of Hands on board,
and 'twas eafy afterwards to exchange it for one more
fit for Pyracy ; and therefore they apply'd themfelves
to the Mailer of her fof a PalTage to NantK, whereto
the Ship was bound.
Accordingly, in the Beginning oi Nouetnber, 1721,
they went en board ; and when at Sea, Philip Roche
being an experienced Sailor, the Mafter of the Veffel
readily trulled him with the Care of her, at Times,
while he and the Mate went to reil.
This was the unhappy Cafe on the fifteenth of No-
•vember, at Night, {tie Time defign'd for the Tra-
gedy. Before the Adlion, Francis Wife relented,
and appeared defirous to divert them from their
bloody Purpofei ; whereupon Roche told him, That
as Cullen and he had fufiained great Loffes at Sea,
uiilefs every Infnman frefent ilouIJ ajjijl in repairing
their Loffei, hy murthering all the French Rogues, and
running wj:ay i<:ilb the Shif, he fliould fuffer the fame
Fate with the French Men; hut if all luoulj a^
allfhould ha'vc a Share in the Booty. Upon t
they all 'tfolved alike, and Roche ordered tli
French Men and a Boy up to hand the Topfails,
Mafter and Miite being then afleep in their Cab
The two fii-ll t!;-,'.; csme down, they beat out t
Friins and tiKt-w them overboard : The other t
feting \vl)at was done, ran up to the Topm<itt-H<!
but Cullen followed them, and taking the Boy by
Arm, toll him into the Sea ; then driving down
Man, thofe below knocked him on the Head,
threw him over board.
Thofe who were afiecp, being awakened by
difmal Shrieks and Groans of dying IMen, ran u
Deck in Confufion, to enquire into the Caufe of
unufual Noifes ; but the fame Cruelty was imm
ateiy afted towrrds trem, e'er they could be fen^
of the Danger that threatened them.
They were now (cs Rtche himfelf afterwards
fefs'd) all O'ver as mjet tuith the Blood that had
fpill, as if they had been dipp'd in Water, orfot
a Shoivcr of Rain ; nor did they regard it any n
Roche faid. Captain Tartoue ufed many Wordi
Mercy, and afic'd tliem, if he had not ufed them
Civility and Kindnefs ? If they were not of the i
Chriftian Religion, nnd owned the fame bleficd J:
and the like .' ijut they, not regarding what he I
took Cords, and bound the pooi Ma.ler and
Mate Back to Back. While that \,; ; doinp, (1
of them begged with the utmoft EarnefliTefs,
ufed the moll folemn Intreaties, that tlicy ivouli
leaft allow them a few Minutes to fay th ir Prav
and crave Mercy of God for the various Sins
Offences of their Lives : But it did not mcvt- th
(although all the rell were dead, and no Danger cc
be apprehended from thefe two alone) for tlie boi
Perfons were hurry'd up, and thrown into thel
after the refl.
The MalTacre being linifh'd, they vvafhed the -
felves a little from the Blood, and fearched the Che ,
Coffers, and all J^laces about the Ship, and then s
down in the Captain's Cabin, and reftefh'd th( -
felves with fome Rum they found there, beings
Roche confefs'd) never merrier in their Lives. Tl.'
inverted Rocke with the Command of the Ship, ;I
calling him Captain, talked over their Liquor, wt
rare Aftions they would perform about Cape Btii ,
Sable Ifle, and the Banks of Nenvfoundland, whit f
they defign'd togoasfoon as they had recruited tl r
Company, and got a better Ship, which they pre]-
fed fpeedily to do.
Roche taking upon himfelf the Command of )
Veffel, Jndreix/ Cullen was to pafs for a Mercha ,
or Super- Cargo, but when they bethought the-
felves, they were in Danger of being difcovered '
the Papers of the Ship, relating to the Cargo, i
Bills of Lading, &c. they eraied and took out it
Name of the French Mailer, and inllead thereof, ■
ferted the Name of Roche, fo that it flood in 1:
Shi:
I
PyrateS) Highwaymefty Murderer
&c.
^57
ShiD's Paper^, Peter Roche Mafler. Having fo
few HanJ. on board, they contrived if they met any
ShTo^to give out. tnatthey had loft iomc Hands
by their being wafli'd overboard in a Storm ; by
which Means they thought to fcreen themfelves
from being fulpefted of having commuted any
fuch wickfd Aft: For, the fmall Number of their
Men might otherw.fe have given ground for iuch
f S^rD^cfon They allb fuppofed, that by this
Means taey might prevail with the firrt Ship they
Ifet t« ^are t.iem fome. .n Confiderat.on of their
^T%^'^'c:!es they were in Diftrefs by the
Weat^CT and being near Lisbon, they made Com-
lirt to aShip,but obtam'd no Affiftance They
£e then cbh'g'd to fa.l back for En.U.J, and
into the Port of Dartmouth;
put
but "then they
were m fear leil they might be difcover'd. To
«-event that they refolv'd to alter the Ship, and
|; Xg Workmen, they took down the Mizzen-
Ll built a Spar-Deck, and made Rails (on pre-
«^ce' that the Sailors had been wafh'd overboard)
to fecure the Men. Then they took down the
JmJe ofSt. Peter at the Head of the Sh,p, and
p^f Lion in its place ; painted over the .tern of
K Chi,, vuith Red and new-nam'd her the Mary
Snlw V s£p be.ng thus alter'd that they
Loueht it could not be known, they fancy 'd them-
Sefpretty fecure; but wanting Money to defray
the ChV of thefe Alterations, Roche, ^s Mafter of
She Veffel, and Jndren^ Cullen, as Merchant, apply d
hemfelve to the Officers of the Cuftoms for Liber y
Spofe of fome of the Cargo, m order to pay the
Workmen. Having obtained Leave, they fold fifty-
I Rirrels of Beef, and then h.r.ng three more
H^ds t y fet Sail for Oftend, and there fold more
5r"es'of Beef; thence they lleerM d.cr Courfe to
xs^ricis " ^ J- ^ Cargo, and
^"''^':'^''%tri;lwho1eighted the Ship for
rVTw ,n thdrpXe, inallormy Night,
f "£'/;e; dirk 'hey tfok ip Mr. ^J^, tLir
PaSev, Jnd threw him into the Sea ; who fwam
-;'S:;:eSimag!ltatotheV.fIel:bu:in
vain were he Cues !
After this, they were obliged to put into fevcral
Ports, and, by contrary Winds, came to the Coalt
of Fraice, where, hearing there was an Enquiry
made after the Ship, Roche quits her 7^1 Mature dc
Grace, and leaves tne Man.igeinent to Cullen and ti.e
relt;who, having fhipp'd otlier Men, laii'd a-
way to Scotla„d, and there left the Vefle!, which
was afterwards feiz'd and brougnt into the River ot
Thames. _ , .
Some Time after this, Philip Roche came to Lon-
don, and making fome Claim for Money he ..ad
made Infurance of, in the Name of John Euftace,
the Officer was apprized of the Fraud, and he ar-
relled, and flung into the Compter ; from whence
direfting a Letter to his Wife, (he O.ew d it to a
Friend, who d.fcover'd by it, that he was the pnn-
cipal Villain concern'd in the Dtftruaion ot c^t.r
Tartoue, and the Crew. Upon this, an Infoni^a.i. n
was given to my Lord Cart,et, .\iV. (ne Perfoii ^a.o
went by the Name of John Euftace v/.;s Pki.p
Roche, as aforefaid ; and being brought down by his
Lordlhip's Warrant, he ftifly deny 'd it tor fon-.G
Time, notwithrtanding a Letter was ^f^^ ^^ •;'«
Pocket, direfted to him by the Name ot Roche. At
laft being confronted by a Coptam ot a Snip, who
knew him well, he confefTed his N..me, but p.evari-
cated in feveral Particulars ; Wiiereupon he was com-
mitted to JVfw^«/^ upon violent Sufpicion, and the
next Day was brought down agam at hi' own Ke-
quefl, confefTed the whole, detir'd to be made an
Evidence, and promis'd to convift three Men worfe
than himfelf. Neal and Cullen were d-Jcover u by
him who dy'd miierably in the Murfl^aljea, and
Roche Uvnk\f was afterwards try'd, founa gu.ity of
the Pvracy, and executed at Tyhum ; no more of
his Crew than the two juft mention'd bemg appre-
hended.
He nppcar'd not very follicitous at his Tryal ;
knowing It was impoihble to get clear of the Py-
racy • ffut when ti.e Order for hi. Execution ciir.e
from Hanover, he complamM of being hardly us d ;
for he depended upon having his L.ic given him,
when he made himfelf an Evidence againit his Com-
panions.
Tk
91
358
A General History of
The LIFE e/ Captain JOHN G O W, dias
SMITH.
Bee'
her.
O H N Goiv, failM from Amjlerdam in July
1724, on boArd tiie G^o;^^ Galiey of that Pl^ce,
Oliver Ferneau Mdiler. They went firft to
a C/uz, in South Bari/ary, where they took in
s-Wax, and liiid till tiie Beginning of Ncvem-
On the fecond or third JJay of that IVlonth,
they weigh'd Anchor, and failed out of the Bay ; a-
bout three Hours after which was aftcd the follow-
ing horrible Tragedy, they being at that Time
bound for the Streights.
A Combination having been formed between Go-w
and fevcral others, that will be occafionally nam'd
in tills Relation, Mel-vin, one of the Confpirators,
was heard to cry out. There is a Man over-board :
Thu Captiiu thereupon, came inflantly to the Side
of the Ship, and look'd over ; when Melvin and
Rolfoii, another Confpirator, feiz'd him, and en-
deavoured to throw him into the Sea ; but by ftrug-
gling hard he got from them. At that Inftant, one
John Winter came up with a Knife in his Hand,
and cut the Captain acrofs the Throat, but not fo
as to kill him ; for, in all Probability he niilTed his
Windpipe. The former two laid hold of him a-
gain, and try'd to throw him over-board ; yet he
itill ftruggled fo as to prevent them, till Govj, who
was then fecond Mate and Gunner, rtept up to him
with a Piftol in his Hand, and (hot him thro' the
Body ; after which they tin ew him over as they at
firft intended.
Alter they had difpatch'd the Ciptain, they were
to proceed with all the reil, whom they look'd up-
on as dangerous Perfons. One Daniel Maccaivly
cut the Clerk's Throat, whofe Name was Stephen
Algiers, as he lay afleep in his Hammock j but not
thoroughly, ( as Maccanvly afterwards ufed fre-
auently to fwear) for he awak'd and got out in the
Struggle ; whereupon James Williams meeting him,
took Care to finiih tne bloody Aftion. Williams
firft afk'd him for his Watch, but Algiers faid he
had it not about him, gave him the Key of his
Cheft, and begg'd very hard for a little Time to
fay his Prayers ; but the barbarous Villain was
deaf to all his Cries, fhot him direftly thro' the
Head with a Piftol loaded fo high, that it burft 'in
firing, and had like to have deltroyed the Murder-
er too. "John Peter fan cut the Throat of iJo«<3x'f«-
txire "Jelphs ihe chief Mate; and then Mel'vi n ty'd
.1 Rope about his Neck, dragg'd him to the Side,
and threw him over board ; Michael Moore, who
ftood Centry over the Arms, fliooting him as he
was drawn along. "
All thcfe Murders took up about Half an Hour's
Time, and as loon as they v.ere over, James Wil-
liams came upon the Quarter Deck, ftruck upon a
Gum with his Cutlafs, and falutcd Go-m (alias
Smith) in the following Manner : Captain Smith
you are nuelcome .' "joehsme to your neiD Command !
I'hen Williams himlelf was declared Lieutenant. |
Piter Rolfon was made Gunner, and James Bel-
liin Boatfwain. The OfScers being thus lettled, the
new Captain made a lliort and pithy Speech to his
Men, to this Effedl : If hereafter 1 fee any of you
ivhifpering together, or if any of you refufe to obey
tny Orders, let every fuch Man depend upon it, that
he fi}all certainly go the fan:e Way as thofe that
are juji gone before. This Liconick Harangue was
very well received by the Confpirators ; and all
who had not engaged in the Confederacy, was im-
mediately confined to the great Cabin the reftiain-
ing Part of the Night.
William Booth, who was afterwards a Witnefs a-
gainft this Crew at their Trial, was afleep in his
Hammock, all the Time while thefe Barbarities
were perpetrated ; when he awaked and heard a
Noife, he afked one of the Company what was
the Matter, but was inftantly anfwered with, Tou
Bog, if 1 had a Piflol I 'woiid tell y«u ! Bat James
Belvin, tho' not at firft in the Secret, declared im-
pudently the ne.xt Day, That he nvas very forry
he ivas not told of the Defign the Night before, for
he ivould have lent them a Hand vuith all his
Heart. This was afterwards fwore againft him at
the SefTions-Houfe in tlie Old-Bailey, wliere he was
condemned with the reft of his inhuman Compa-
nions.
The Day after the Perpetration of the^c Cruelties,
Phinnes, who was an Evidence at the Old-Bailey,
afked Goiv, whether or no he was fure he hit tiie
Captain when he fhot at him ;• fliowing at the fame
Time the Mark of a Piftol-Ball in the Side of the
Ship: I'o which Co ty replied with an Oath, that
the Piftol was loaded with two Balls, and he was
certain one of them went thro' the Body of the
French Son of a E' h. Thus did they delight
to glory in their Villainies.
They had not been long Mafters of the VefTel,
before they took the Sarah Snovj, of Briflol, when
Captain Govj made a Declaration to the Crew, That
if any of them chofe to go, they might ; but if they
ii^ere trilling fojlaynvith him, they Jhould find good
Vfage. There was but one of all the Ship's Com-
pany, who wou'd condcfcend to turn Pyrate ; his
Name was Alexander Rob : The reft were di.'chare-
ed, after they had rifled their Prize of every '1 hing
they thought proper.
'I'he next Ship that was fo unhappy as to fall
into their Hands, was the Delight of Pool, Thomas
Wife Maftcr. Out of her they took only one thou-
fand pound weiglit of Fi(h. About a Morth after-
wards (viz.) on the eighteenth of December, they
took the Batchelor, Benjafnin Crofs Mafter, with-
in twenty Leagues of ti..e Rock of Lifion : Here
ther
Pj/raks, HJghiJDaymefi) Murderersy SHc.
they foand two tlioufand pound Weight of Bread,
two Barrels of Beef, and one of Pork, all which
they feized. They had befides two Hands out of
this Snip, whofe Names were Hai-vey and Teague :
Thefe Men were both taken againll their Conltnt,
and begged hard to be difcharged, but the Captain
would not grant it ; for he had picked them out
of the whole Ship's Company. Harvey afterwards
had projeded an Efcape along with fome others,
who went off without him, while he went back to
fetch fomething he had left behind. 'I'hefe Particu-
krs being fworn at the Old-Bailey, the two Men
were thereupon difcharged.
A French Ship, call'd the Leviis and Jofefh, was
fo unluckv as to be in tne Way of thefe Rovers,
on the 27th oi Deceniber : The Matter's Name was
Henry Mens. Englijh sxid French were 2M thtiime
to them, provided there was any Thing to be got.
They had before taken Meat and Bread, here they
found twelve Pipes of Wine, forty Barrels of Oil,
one hundred and twenty Barrels of figs, and one
hundred and thirty Chei'h of Lemons and Oranges :
in all to the Value of about 500/. Sterl. This
they look'd upon as an indifferent good Prize, con-
fidering they were young Traders.
On the fixth of ^a^aary following, within thirty
Leagues of Figo, they took the Trium'virate, "Joel
Da'vis M lUer ; they pillaged her of two Caggs of
Bj:ter, ten .'inchors of Brandy, thirty Gallons of
Rum, a. Silver Cup, fix Silver Spoons, a Silver
W itcii, and fcveral otlier Things. This V'effel made
no Refi'.lancc, and fo they let her go as foon as they
had plunder'd her. Thia was their laft Expedition,
,nd tiiefe five were all the Ships they ever took, at
leaft all tliat have come to our Knowledge.
Soon after this .■Adventure with the Trium^irnte,
they made away ior the Iflcs of Orkney, in order
to clean tneir Ship ; But an End was foon put to
;he;r Deprsd.itions ; for, being flranded upon the
Coaft, they were apprehended by Mr. Fea, a Gen-
ieman of that Country, and brought up to London ;
2>^9
where a High Court of Admiralty was heW for their
Tryal, before Sir Henry Penrice, Judge of that
Court, affiiled by Mr. Juftice Tracy and Mr. Juf-
tice Reynolds, on IVednefday and Thurfday, the 26th
and 27th of May, 1725.
When the firlt Indiftment was read, Goi'j obfli-
nately refus'd to plead, for which the Court ordered
his Thumbs to be ty'd together with Wnip-cord.
The Punifhment was ieveral times repeated by the
Executioner and another Officer, they drawins; the
Cord every time till it broke. But he ftill ijeing
ftubborn, refufing to fubrait to the Court the Sen-
tence was pranounc'd againft him, which the hwy
appoints in fuch Cafes ; th.it is, That he fhould be
taken back to Prifon, and there prefs'd to Death.
The Jaylor was then order'd to conduft him b^ck,
and fee that the Sentence was executed the next Mor-
ning ; mean while the Tryals of the Prifoners, his
Companions, went forwards.
But the next Morning, when the Prefs v,-as pre-
par'd, purfuant to the Order of the Court the Day
before, he was io terrify'd with the Apprehenfion of
dying in thit manner, that he fent his humble Pe-
tition to the Court, praying that he might be ad-
mitted to plead : This Requell being granted, he
w.is brought again to the Bar, and arraign'd upon
the firft IndiiSlment, to which he pleaded. Not guiliy.
Then the Depofitions that had been given againil
the other Prifoners were repeated, upon which he
was convifted, and receiv'd Sentence of Death ac-
cordingly.
The Names of the reft of his Crew that were
condemn'd with him, 'fjere James Ji'illlams, Daniel
Mncca'vcly. Peter Rol/on, alias RollinTon, John Pe-
terfon, John Winter, William Mel'vin, William
Moore, James Bel'vin, and Alexander Rob ; who
were afterwards executed, along with Brip-Jlock
h^enver and William Ingram, condemn'd at the
fame T ime.
: r/;f LIFE o/G^/^/^/V^BRIGSTOCK WEA-
VER, ^w^WILLIAM INGRAiS
RIGSTOCK WEAVER and William Ingram
were bo:ii on board the Good Fortune Bri-
gintine, Thomas Anflis Commander, when
lat Pyrate took the Morning-Star in the Manner
ilated in his Life. Ingram was made Gunner of
le Morning Star, after fhe was convertsd to An-
'j's Ufe, and Weanjer fucceeded Anftis in the
'ommandofthe Good Fortune. Thefe Particulars
ere depos'd at the Tryal of our Two OiFenders by
\Ktkiel Davis, who waj on board the Moming-
ar when {he was taken, and was dstain'd by the
rates above ten Months after this Aflion. It
,s further prov'd, that Weai/er had been Mafter
ider Anftis before this, and that Ingram came vo-
Intarily on board, and fign'd the Articles, while
^fiis lay at Anchor.
Weaker feem'd at firil unwilling to acceot the
Command of the Good Fortun: ; but was afterwards
prefent at the taking between fifty and fixty S.ii!
of Ships in the J-fcfi-Indics and- on tlie B.'.nk3.of
Kcivfoundland, all which Time he feem'd pretty ac-
tive, end difcover'd but little fign of Remorfe :
Tho' Da'vis confefs'd that in private he had fome-
times talk'd pretty freely about leaving the Ship,
and h.ad always behav'd himfelf in a very civil man-
ner. But as for Ingram's Part, he was fo far fiom
being unwillinj; to leave his Companions, that he
did all he could to prevent any Body elfe from
getting away. In particular, while they were at
Cuia, one Mayork, a Portuguefe, defir'd Le.we to
go afhore, wh.ich was granted liim, and he took his
Gun
36o
A General History of
Gun and went : But Ingram miftrufled he had a
Defign to elcape, and therefore immediately fol-
low'd him. The poor Portuguefe, as fcon as he was
loofe, took to his Heels, and dropp'd his Gun for
Expi:dition-i'al:e ; whereupon Ingram drew his Cut-
lAfs, jind purlu'd, took up the Gun, and fir'd it at
him, and, at laftj when he faw he could not over-
t;ike him, he return'd in a great Rage, and fwore,
it he eoald have catch'd him, he would have cut him
in two.
The Stories of thefe Two Men are fo interwoven
with Others, that 'twill be impofiible to diilinguith
many of their particular A£tions .• They were, how-
ever prov'd to have been concern'd, if not tiie prin-
cipal Aftors, in the following Pyraciet : ift. The
feizing a Dutci/ Ship m Juguft, 1722, and taking
from tncnce an hundred Pifr'.;s of lloliinci, Viiliic
800 y. a Thoufaud pieces of Eight, Value 250/.
2dly, The entering and pillaging the Dolfbin of
Londmi, If'iUinm Haddock, out of v.iiicli they got
three hundred Pieces of Eight, Valae 75 /, forty
Gallons of Rum, and other I'hings, on the twentieth
of No-vemtcr in the fame Year. 3dly, The Healing
out of a Ship call'd the Don Carlos, Lot Keckiris Ma
fter, four hundred Ounces of Silver, Value 100/.
fifty Gallons of Rum, Value 30 s. a Thoufand Pieces
of Eight, an hKndred Piftwlcs, and other valuable
Goods ; and 4thly, The taking from a Ship call'd
x\it Portland ten Pipes of Wine, Value 250/. The
two letter P'afts both in the Year 1721.
Wea'uer came in May, 1723, to the Houfe of Mr.
Thomas Smith in Briftol, with whom he had been ac-
quainted nine or ten Years before, in a very ragged
Condition, and told him that he had been taken by
Pyr.,te5, anJ made his Efcape from 'em- Mr. Smith
pity'd his Condition, and immediately lent him fome
Money, and one Captain Edivards fupply'd him
with 10 1. more, to buy him Clothes, and other Ne-
ceffaries. They moreover provided a Lodging for
him at the Griffin, a publick Inn ; and he walk'd
openly about the Town : From thence he went to
Hereford to fee his Relations, being born in that
City ; where he ftaid fome VVeeks, and then came
back to Rrijlol i ftill continuing to svalk up and
down unmolefed, till about MV^a</zn«i he was ta-
ken up by Captain Jofeph Smith, who was Com-
mander of the Hamilton, when (he was taken by An-
fis, at which Time Wea'ver was Mailer of the Good
Fortune Brigantine. His Apprehenfion was in the
following manner.
Wea'ver was walking along one cf the Streets of
Brijlol when he mtt the Captain, and was known
by him. The Captain alk'd him how he did, and
defir'd to drink a Bottle with him ; which being
agreed to, when they came to the Tavern, he told
Wea'ver, that he had been a great Sufferer by his
boarding the Ship, and had in particular loft a
confiderablc Quantity of Liquer ; therefore, Mr.
Weaver (fays he) as I undtrftand you are in good Cir-
cumjlances, I expeQ you nxill tnake me fome P.cjlitu-
tion ; ivhich if you do, 1 'will never hurt a Hair of
your Head, becaufe you luas i<e>y ci'v;.' .'; :ie ivhen I
rxas in your Hands. The Equivalent denii'.rlfd was
four HogflieaJs of C)der; which whether Itcat-er
was able to procure or not, or wiiether he imagin'd
himfelf fefe enough without it, we can't determine:
However fo it was, that the Cyder was not prodcc'd,
and IVen-ver was apprehended, brought to London,
try'd along iviih Ir.grr.m, and received Sentence of
Death at tiie fatie Tin.e with Go-.y and his Crew.
Ingrain appear'd, according to all the Evidence,
to have been a very refolute hardened Ftilo^v, al-
ways one of the forwardelt in any Aflion : Jt was
depofed againil him in particular. That one Benja-
min Sates deftred to leave the Pyrate Service, and all
the Crew cemented to it bat Ingram, fo he was de-
tained only upon his Oppofition ; every Man, it
feeiBs, among the Pyrates having Liberty to hinder
another from going away. This was the Fai5l before
related concerning the Portuguefe, made his Cafe
look very darkly.
But every Body, on the contrary, ^seWea'aerZ
good Charafler, with refpedt to his Behaviour ; tho'
his having adted as a Pyrate was as clear as the Sun at
Noon-day. One Mr. Parker, a Surgeon declar'd in
particular, That when he was taken by the Goo*
Fortune's Company, they put burning Matches be-
tween his Fingers, and twice threw him overboard
But Wea'ver took his Part, though he gain'd the il
Will of a great Part of the Ship's Crew by fo doing
When Mr. Weaver and Others, continued he, cam,
on board our Ve[fel, he faid to me. Well, DoSor
lubat do you think of it ? ho-w Jhall you like to he 1
Prifoner. / can't /ay I ha've any great Lik
ing to it, faid I, but -what muft be, muft be. You fa
light, (quoth Wea'ver) I am a Prifoner as iLell a
you ; hut as your Ship Jell in our Way, ivas oblige,
to fpeak nvith you : Na-w "ue ha-ve got our Hands i
the Lyons Mouth, ive muji draiu them out agai
as gently as ive can. This and a gre»l deal nior
was faid on his Behalf; but nothing was fufficien
to invalidate the plain Matter «f Faift that wai pro
due'd.
n
Fyntts, Higliiaymcfi, MurcUrers^ 2<c,
361
The L I F E 0/ Captain JOHN UPTON.
HE was about fifty Years of Age at the
rime of liii Execution in M-z>r, 1729. He
was born at Deptford, of honell Parents,
wl.o g-v-' him in Education luit^bie to their Station,
teichirg nim to read and write, and making l^im fit
for Buhners. He ierv'd his Time to a Waterman on
the River witli Approbation, having always a good
Chirifter, 'till his lall unhappy Voyage. From his
leaving iiis M:'.fier 'till his Death, i<e had (pent the
greateit P.irt of his Time at Sen, chief), to ivicn of
War ; aboard of whicti he had comiuuaiy ferv'd as
B.K.LlwaiB, Qiiarter-Maftcr, or lome otr.er inferior
Cfn:er. VV.it.n he was nt Lome, he liv'd in Repu-
tation among iiis Neighbouis, having a Wife and h'a-
mily : And this haa been his iVIanner of Living for
twenty eight Years.
The Rcafon of his going abroad the laft Time,
and leaving behind him tour Orphans, tie declared to
have been his receiving Information that five Actions
were taker, out ag;inlt him, for Debts contratted by
his Wife in his Abfence, of which he knew nothing
till after her Death, when Creditors came to hiin
hourly for Sums of Money on his iaiddece.Hied Wife's
Account. The Surprize of tneie Difcoveries, and
the Fear of an Iniprilonment, made him precipitately
leave his Habitation, and fly to Pool in Dorjcijhire,
whence he fet fail as Boativvain, on board t{itjihji
and Elizabeth (Merchant-man, Captain Hooper Com-
mander, being bound tor Bonavifla in Kewfquiidland ;
and never returned to England again till he was
brought Priioner by the Kottingham Man of War, in
Order to his fubfequent Trial. It was on the 12th
oi Jul;, 1723. that he departed from die E/igli/A
Coals.'
The Faft for which he fufFered was fworn on him
bv Charles Dimmock, chief Mate, and Henry Eaion,
fecond M^tc, of ttie Perri Galley ; and Peter Pur-
ntll, a Palfenger in the fame Vell'el: We will hrll re-
late ;heir Depofitions, and then the M.ilefa5ior's own
Account of his Voyage, as it was e. traced from his
Pocket Journal, which is the only Thing we could
have any Information of, as he had never attained to
the fupreme Command among the Pirates, and confe-
quently his Storytould never make any Figure in the
general Account.
The Subllance of what they depofed uas. That
Upton was Boatfwain of their Galley in a Voyage
from Barbadoes \a Briftol, when, on the 14th of
Kniember, 1725, in the Latitude of forty Deg. N.
Cie was taken by a Pyrate Sloop, called the Nigljt
Rambler, of which one Cooper was Commander :
That the Prifoner e.xprefTtd great Satisfaftion at
meeting of the Pirates, voluntarily lilted w itn them,
and fign'd their Articles : That foon after they took
,a Fr'tich Sloop, which with the Perry-Galuy tliey
carrv'd to Arnha, an Iflmd near Carajao, where
the Prizes were both pluiider'd, and a Divihon of
92
the Booty made, when Upton had his Share along
with the rcii ; there being out ot ih; Perry-Galley
alone tnree hundred and htry Pounds in Moi.ey, be-
fides her Proviiii-iis, Sto.e;, Rigging, isc. That
tiicy (the Evidences) uere kept on that Iflar.d Ceven-
tccu Days, during which Time they mini have
ftarv'd had ncc tne Doctor of the Pirati-s relieved
them ; winch Tenderneis of the D.ftoi Upisn ob-
ferving, he fwoie at him, and faid, Dar,.n \m let
^emftai-ve : That the Prifoner advis'd the Pirates to
hninihe Perry-Galley, with her Capt dn ana cliief .
Mate in her, asd apptar'd to be more cruel in his
Behaviour, than any of the older Pirates : Tiiat, ia
particular, he mr^de a Cat of nine Taili, and faw the
firil Mate receive two hundred Lafhes with it ; and
that he eniieavour'd, by the moft inhuman 'I'reat-
ment, to oblige the fecond Mate to join with them.
Upton could not fay a great deal in his ov.n De-
fence, the Evidence agamlt him having been io lull
and clear ; what he urged moll was, iiis having been
forced to join the Pirates. He called fome Perlbns
to vindicate his Charafter ; but they could fay no-
thing with relpcft to the Fadls that were ciiarced
upon hini ; nor did he pretend himfclf abiohitely ta
deny tiiem, only endeavoured to palliate :;j! tiie moil
criminal Circumftances : He faid, he never h"u'J
their Articles, that his Name on the Liil uas written,
by fomebody eife, and that wiiatever Service he did,
'twas for Fear of being njurder'd : He confcfTed his
making the Cat of nine Tails, but faid it was upon
exprefs Orders, wr.ich he durft not di'.obey. In a
Word, tiie Jury brought iiim in Guilty, and Sen
tence of Deatu was pronounced againit ].im accord-
ingly.
We (hall now proceed with the .Account extrafled
from hii Journal. It has been already mentioned,
that he was bound for Bsnanjifta from Eiiflaud u He
arrived there, and was cifcharge by mutual confent
when, being at Liberty, he contraiSed with one
William K'iight, a Planter there, to ferve him a
Twelvemonth in Furring and Filhing for iS 1. V/awes •
which Agreement he punctually fulfili'd, and then left
his Service to feek fomething further.
On the 3 ill of yj'aja/?, 1724. he went Paflenger in
a Sloop to Eojion in Kcio-England, %vheiice he fhipo'd
hlmlelf on board the Mary iVierchan:-man, yohn
Kent Malter, made a \'oyage in her to the Bay of
Honduras, and lo returned to Netv-Englaiid. It
was after thi-; that he went on board the Perry-Gnlley,
Captain King Commander, bound to Barbadoes and
Brifiol. At Barbadoes the Ship was del.vered and
laden agaiir. and then they prepared for England.
Before their Departure, Upton defiied the Captain to
difcharge him, and fufier him to go on board his
Mjjeliy's Ship the Lynn, Captain Cooper Com-
mander ; but Captain King abfoiutcly dcny'd his Re-
que-r.
4 ^ ^member
6i
Nowmher tlie Qtli, 1725. t'ue Perry GalUf fet f;iil,
nnd on the i2:h of the fame Month tlicy were taken
Iw the Pirates ^viio commanding theni to hoiil their
lia.it out, they ordered the Captain and IVlate to
come therein aboard their Veflel, which wab done
accordingly. The Pirates then retunied with die
Boat to tiie Galley, and made thenii'elves abfolute
Mafter5 of her immediately. One of them sccord-
insj to this Jourpnl, {wore at Upton in a terrribW M .n-
iisr, and f.iidj D — » you, yon old Son of a B • h,
I knoivyau ; aKii you Jhall go along ivith itt, or elje
r II ait your Liver out. After this he beat iiim vio-
lently with his Cutlifti ; and the fame Evening, when
Upton was carried on board the Pirate Ship, three of
the Gang attacked him ; one with a Plllol cock'd and
levelled at ids Forehead, another with a Piftol at his
l-iaht Ear, and a third with a Fork in each Hand
pointing at his Brchll ; fwearing, That they iijould
blow out his Brains, if he did n'jt Jign their Articles
that Injiant. The Journal added, tiiat Upton refu-
ied, and dcfired them to defer tiJl ne.xt iVIorning,
urging his four Children, and the Difiike he had to
their Way of Life : and that \>hen they infilled on
his Compliance, he called the Captain as a Witnefs of
liis being forced, while one of the Company fub-
fcrib'd his Name.
Thi? is his own Account concerning his Entering ;
but ;t is very probable this Jourrwd might be a Con-
trivance to Confront the Evidence againft him, if e-
vcr he Ihould be taken ; for the Deponents fwore
pofitivcly ana circumtontiallv ; and they were all
three Men of an undoubted Cisarafler.
The Journu! goes on with faying, that the Pirates
carried the Perry-Galley and her Men to the Ifland of
Ruby, where they we»e l:ept till the loth ot Decem-
ber ; about which ^1 ime one informed the Pirate that
he faw her aSailtoO^w^; upon v.hich they made
after her and took her, then (lie prsved to be a fmall
Dutch Sloop. Upton and fome othtrs were fent »n
board this Veflll, where watching an Opportunity,
they made their Efcape, Carry 'd aw.-.y tiie Sloop, and
got her down to the Point of Gourda, joining to the
Mojhitta Shore. What their Delign was in this Ac-
tion, we cannot determine, havjng only his Word
for it ; which to be fure gives us the beil Side of
Thingi. Bat to proceed, accordmg to tiie beft Light
we have.
In the Month of January, \'Z'^- he got his Paf-
fage along with tlje Traders to Carpentir^t River,
otherwik culled the Martine, bcjlonging to the Spa-
niards ; to which Place they truffitk lor Cocoa. He
arriv'd there on the 12th oi February, when the Go-
vernor gave him Le.ive to go to Porto Bello, by tue
Way of Panama, there being no oti er late PalT.ge
thither on Account of the wild Indians. In twenty-
eight Days he fet out with the Mule.s for the City of
Curritago, lying fifty-fix Leagues on the burning
A General History of
Monnt?,ins, and eftecmed to be about Midway be-
tween tne Narth and -South-Seas. When he came
thither, he was taken up by the Goveinor for a
Spy, and kept Prlfoner three three Month and four
Days ; after which he was fent to Kildare, on t'lc
South-Sej, being flill confin'd, where he ftjia a
Mir.th longer, waiting for the Barks which came
out of the Lake of Granada, and wcie bound for
Panama. At lall he was lent on board tiie Admiral
of New- Spain, who commanded the Lin:a Fleet in
the South Sea, where he was again very Itrictly exa-
mined.
The Spaniards defired h!m to erfei- into their Ser-
vice, whicli he abfolutely :f.<"uftd to comply wi'h'
and defirrd to go en Shore for Porto-Bello ;'but as'
he would not ?grie to their Propoiaij, tr.ev would
not grant him his Rtqueft, and fo, rcftead of fettiB<r
him .Ihore where he defired, they fent him to
Panama, where he was iinpriloned four Month, and
five Days longer. After this, with thirtv-two Dutch,
man, who were alfo det.-.ined P.-i!oners,' he '.vas fent
to Porto-hello, and there put on board the Gail'-ons
bound for Old Spain. From tf.em he found fome
Means of efcapmg, but does not fv in what Man-
ner ; and then lieentsrcd on boiirda ,Vi-w n./f Sloop
Captain Ph,rrnix Commancfev, bound (or Jamaica'
where they ar-iicd on Ue ziih oi December, 172'/
Heliad not be»n here long, before lie w;;s prefs'd on
board his Mijdty's Ship tlie Nottingham, command-
ed by Captain Charles Coiterel, wliere he remained
ed more than two Years in the Quality of Quirier-
Maltc.', behaving himfelf all the Time veiy obedi-
ently to his Officers Comm.ands, till he was acculed
of Piracy, and brought home in order to his Trial
For the Truth of this latter Part of the Story he
faid, he rppealed to Captain Co/Zi-ri./. '
_ At the Place of Execution he made fome I^eilec-
tions that are not proper to be rehears'd, and laid
he forgave all his Enemies. Keing afk'd at the De-
fire of a Gentleman, whether or no he perfuad«d the
Pir-ae.s to burn the Perry Galley, with Capt.in AW
and Mr. Dimmock tlie chief Mate, on board of her'
he ftcdfailly denied the Fatl ; protellmg that he ne'
ver either propofed fnch a 'Jhing iiimlelf, or g.ve
his Vote for the doing it. One would think the
Words of a dying Man fliould have fome Wejos .
yet how can we believe the Trutn of what was now
aflcrtcd, after three fueh crc-ditable WitnefTes had
fwoin the direil contrary, ;.nd decl red to h.s Fae-
that he aftually did persuade this Piece of Villainy!
There was no Need tor tnem to have added fuch a
Circumftance, if it had net been true, bccauie there
wasciiough without it to have procured the Sentence
that w.as palled on him. and have given him all the
Sati- taction li.c , could now expeft. I mean, that o(
feeing him fufFer what was the juft Punilhmcnt due
for his Crimes.
Thu
PjrattfSy HrgLictfjmtf/, Murderer Sy 5Cc.
S^S
The L I F E 0/ Captain EDWARD 1.0^Y.
I -| — ^ D WJR D L01V was born in Weftminfier,
\A nd nad hi^ Educa:ion tnere, fuch as it \ias,
■■ ^ ror he couiJ neitiier write or rer.d. Nature
K 1:1 .; to have defjgn'd Jiim for a Pyrate from his
C , J'.ood, for he very e.jly begfta the 1 rade of
Plun xring, «nd was wont to raiie Contributions :i-
mon^ all the Boy^ of M'ejfminflir ; and if any weie
[bold en'ugn to refule it, a iiattie was tlie Conle-
quence ; but Loiv was fo hardy, as well as bold,
b that there was no getting the better of him, fo tiiat
[ he robb'^d the Youths of tiieir I'artiiings *'th Itn-
f. punity; when he grew bigger, lie tooH to Gaining
( :n a low Way, for it was commonly among tae Foot-
(nen in the LoDby of the Houfe of Commons, waeie
lie II led to play the wnole Game (istl.ey terra i:)
:hut is, tiie^it all he coulu, and tuole who pretended
:o di puie it with rum, mull fignt liim.
The Virtues of fome of his t-amily were equal ta
lis ; one of his Brothers was a Youth of Genius ;
viien he was but feven Years old, he ufed to be
arried in a Bafket upo.i a Porter's Buck, into a Crowd
,nd match Hat» ana Wigs : According to tfie exaift
hronology of Nt^vgale, he was tJie firft who prac-
led this ingenious 1 rick. After this, he applied
iiir.ielf to pick ipg of Pockets : When he increaled
n Strength, he attempted greater Things, luch as
iiouie breathing, is'c- But after he had run a fhort
^ace, he had the Misfortune of ending his Days at
'yiu-n, in Comp ny with Stephen Bu/ice, and the
eie&rKted yuci Hall (he Chimney Sweeper.
But to rttur.i to AW; when lie came to Man's
iliate, at his eldeA Brother's Defire, t.e went to Sea
vjtij him, and fo continued for three or four Years,
nd then they parted. Ned work'd in a Rigging-
loufe in BofioH, in Ne"v- England, for a while. A-
lOut the Year 171 7, he too^ a I rip home to Eng-
tid, to fee his Motficr, who was then living, llis
tay was no: long here ; but taking Leivc of his
'fiends and Acquaintance, for the lall Time he
lOuld fee them (for fo he was plcaled to fay) he re-
imed to Bofton, .ind work'd a Year or two longer
t the Rigging Bahnefs. Bat being too apt to ail-
;ree with his Maflers, he left them, and fhipp'd
rofelf in a Sloop that was bound to tiie Biy of
haduras.
When the Sloop arrived in the Bay, Ned Ltzu was
painted Patron of the Boat, which v^as employ'd
cuttmg of Logwood, and bringing it aboard to
de the Ship ; for that is the Commodity they make
Voyage for: In the Boat were twelve Men be-
les Low who all went arm'd, becaufe of the Spa-
ardi, from whom this Logwood ii but little bet-
than dole. It happen'J that the Boat one Day
me aboard juft before Dinner was re.ndy, and Z.oxu
fir'd that they might llay and dine j b.it the Cap-
in, being in a hurry for his Lading, order'd ti'.em
Bottle of Rum, and to take t'other Trip, becMiTe
1 Time fbo iid be loll : This provok'd the Boat's
tw, but particularly Lo^v, who took up a lo;-.ded
Mufquet and fired at the Captain, but mifl-rg him,
he fhot another poor Fellow thro' tr.e He. d, ti.eii
put ofF the Boat, and with his twelve Comp .-i.-ons
got to Sea: The ne.xt Day they took .1 imall Vei-
lel, and went into her, m:;de a black F.-g, and de-
clared War agairll all tue World.
I'hey then proceeded to tlie [Hand of the Gra/iJ
Cainuincs, intending; to have fitted up tiieir Iniall
VclTcl, and prepare themfefve?, as well as tiieir Cir-
cumll'.nces woii.d permit, for t;;eir hof.cur.-b'e t"m-
ployh.en' ; but f.Jli g in Conip'ny with George Lou.-
ther, another Pyra'.e there, and he p;»ying his Com-
piancnts to Lonx!, as gre ;>■ FoIks do to one anotiier
V. h*n they meet, and ofFrnng hlmielf as nn Ally,
Louj .'.ccepted the Terms, and fo tne Treity was
fign'd without Flenipo's, or any other Formalties.
We have aire dy given -n .Account of their j.jmt
Pyracies, under Lonxther as chief Comm.'.nder, till
the 2Sth oi May 1722, when they took a Brioanrme
of Boj}o», bound thitiier from St. Oji-i/lcfbcrs ; at
V hich they parted, and Educaid Lovu neni into the
Brig-mtine, with forty four others, who chole iiiin
their Captain : They took with tneni two Guns,
four Swivels, fix Quarter-ca'.ks of Powder, fome
Provifions and fo left Loznther to proiecute ins Ad-
ventures, with the Men he liad left.
Their firll .-Xdveniure in the Br:gnntine was on
Su>:day tiie 3d Day oi 'J.ine, when liity took a Vtfi'el
beloni^ing to Jmioy, J^it Hance Alallcr, whom he
rlHed of ids Proviiions, and iet go ; the l.me D.iy
he met with a Sloop, Jaims Gaiquhaon M.ller, off
Rhode Iftand, bound iiuo tnat Port. This Ship he
firll .Plundered, and then cut away his Boltfpi it, ai.d
r.ll his Rigging; as jalfo his Sails from his Yards,
and wounded the Mafter, to prevent his getting in
to give Intelligence, and then flood awr.y to the
South-Eaflward, w ith all the Sail he could make,
there being but little Wind.
Lott' judged right in in.-.king Sail from the Co iH,
for a longer flay had proved i.w.l to him ; for not-
withftanding the difabled Condition he h d iroufrht
the Sloop into, flie made (hift to get into Black-
Ijland, at 12 o'Clock that Night, and immedia:ely
difpatch'd a Whale-Boat to Rhode Ijland, which got
thither by feven the next Morning, with an Account
of the Pyrate, Ids Force, and what had happened
to him : As foon as the Governor had received this
Ini'ormation, he ordered a Drum to beat up for Vo-
luntiers, and two of the bell Sloops then in tfc Har-
bour to be fitted out : He gave Commilllons to one
Captain John Headland, and Captain yohn Broivn,
jun. for ten D.iys ; the former tiad eight Guns aiu-l
two Swivels, and the latter fu Guns, well fi:;ed
with fmall Arms, and in both Sloops 140 liou: Fel-
lows. All this was pcri'onned v\ith fo much Expe-
dition, that before Sunll-C they were under Sail,
turning out of the Harbour, r.t the fame Time the
Pyrate was feen from Elick JJland, wiiich gave great
Hopes that the S!ocpj would be Mailers of licr the
nt.il
364
A General History of
rext Day : This however did not happen, for the
Sloops returned into the Harbour feme Days after-
ward;, without fo much as iecing tueir Enemy.
After this Eicape, Captain Zo-xu went into Port
upon the Coall j for he liad not trefh Water enougn
to run to tiie Ifl.mdf, wliere he ft; id a few Da,ys,
getting Provihoiis and what hJectlTaries the Crew
wanted, and then fail'd for Purclialc (as they call it)
lliering their Courfe for MaibUhcad.
About tiie i2tti of July, the Ungantine failed in-
fo the I-iarbour of Port Rojemary, and there found
thirteen Sfiips and Vefilh, but none ot force, at
Anclior ; tliey fprc^d their bl.-;ck flag, ar.d ran in
among tlien; ; Low telling them from the lirig.m-
tine, that they fhould have no Quarters if they refift-
ed. In the mean Time they manird and arm'd
their Boat, and took Polfeffion 01 every one ot thtm,
plurocr'd tliem rf wJiat they thoug.it fit, and con-
verted one to their own Ule, 'viz. a Si.ooner ot 8o
Tuns. ..^board of this they put ;o Carriage Guns,
and 50 Men, ;nd Low hinilelf went Captain, and
named her the Fancy , making one Charles harris
(who uas at firit forced into their Service out of
the Griyhound ot Bofon, by Lowther, of which Ship
Harris was fecond Mate) Captain of the Brigan-
tine : Oat of the Veffcls they took ieveral Hands,
and eocreafed the Comp.-'ny to ?o Men, who ail
figned the Articles ; fome willingly, and u few per-
haps by force > and fo they tailed away from Mur-
hlehead.
Some Time rJter this, they met with two Sloops
bound for Bojlon, with Provilions tor the Garriion ;
tlie Scooner coming up firll, the attacked them ;
but tl.ere happening to be an Clncer and iome Sol-
diers on board, who gave them a waim Reception,
Lonxj chole 10 flay till he could be joiiiea by tie
Erigar.iine ; in the n.tin vi.ile the Sloops maoe the
belt ot their Way, and the Pyrates gave ti em Chace
two Days, and at laft loft Sight ot li.em in a fog.
Tt.cy now llter'd for the Leeward Iflar.di, but in
their Voyage met with tuch a Hurricane of W ind,
that tlic like t.ad not been known ; the Sea ran
Mountain high, and fecnitd to tlireaten them every
R-ioneiit with Deilrudlicn. It was no Time now to
Icok out tor Plunder, but to hve themielves, if
p< ilible, ftcn: pcrifiiirg. All liands were cortirual-
]) ti. ployed Kight and Day, on board the Brij^an-
tii.e, and all litile eroug!. ; tor the W.-.ve.' went
ever her, to that they v\ere forced to keep tlit Pump
conllantly gong, btfdts their Buckets. Isctwith-
flandirg which, fndirg themfelvcs not able to keep
her tite, aiad keing ti;e utmoli Danger before their
I)cs, tliey turn'd to the 1 ; cl- le, ard hoifted cut
their Provifions, and other heavy Goods, and threw
them cvtr-board, with hx ot ti.eir Guns ; to that
by ligf tenirg the VefTel, the might rite to the Top
ot the Sea with the Waves, "i hey were alio going
to cut away their Mali ; but conliderir.g how dan-
gerous it would be to be leit in tuch a Ccrditicn,
they re.olv'd to delay it to the iatl, which was a
gicat deal of Prudence in them ; for a Ship without
Mafts or Sails lies like a Log upon the W'ater, ar.d,
if attack'd mull fglu with Citadvantege, ti.e work-
ing of her btii g ti.e njoft artful Part ot the Eng; ge-
mtnt, bccaufe tl;e may (ometimes bring all her gitat
Guns on one Site, to bear upon her Enemy, when
the difabled Ship can do little or nothing.
Bur to proceed ; by their thiowirg over-board the
heavy Goods, ti-e \ efiel made coniicerable lels Wa-
ter, ard tliC) could keep it under with the Pump on-
ly, which gave tljcni Hopes and new Lile ; io that
inllead of cutting ail away, they took necclTary Mea.
iuies to kcure the Malt, by making Pitvcmor-
Shrowd?, i^c. and then they wore and lay too up-
on tlie other Tack, till the Storm was over. 'Ji,e
Scooner made home fomewnat better Weather of it;
ot the two, but was pretty roughly handled notwith-
Itanding, n.iving loiit iier Mam-lai), Iprung her Bolt-
tprit, and cut her Anciiors from her iiows. 'i iia
Brigantine by running away to Leewaiei, when fhej
vvoie upon the Larboard Tack, had loft Sight of thtil
Scooner; but not Knowing whether the might b<|
late or not, as foon as the Wind abated, i:ie fei
her Main- Sail and i'op-Sail, and maoe ihon J'rip.ij
to Windward ; and the iie.s-t D^y had the good i-orij
tune to come in Sigi.t of her Conlbrt, who, upoii
a Signal, wnich the other knew, bore down to t)eri|
and tlie Crew were overjoy'd to mce-t again, afte
tuch ill Treatment trom the Winds and Se.is.
At ter the Storm, Low got fate to a imall IflanAJ
oneof the Weatherinoft oi the Canbbees, and tlief]
fitted their Veifeh, as well as the: PI Ce could atF.uel
'J iiey got Provifions of the Natives in exciiang
for Goods of tiier own ; and as foon as the Br»|
gantine was ready, 'twas judg'd necefl'ary total*
a lliort Cri.iic, and Itavi- the Scooner 111 the HaJ
hour ml hti Return, i he iJriganrine tail'd out ai.
• oruingly, and had not been out many Days beto I
they met a Ship at Sea, tnat had loft all her Maflj
On board of iicr they went, and took from her
Money and Good.', to the Value of looc/. a«
fo let: her in the Condition they iound her : Tti
Ship was bound home from Barbadues, but loin I
her Mails in the late Siorin, was making for /i\
tegoa, to refit, where the afterwards arnv'd.
I'he Storm juft fpoken of, was found to haJ
done increeiible Dam.ige in thole Parts of the Worl"
but however, it appear'u to have been more vioit
at 'Jamaica, both to the Itland and Si.ipping : The
was iuch a prodigiout Swell of the Sea, tiiatfevel
hunared 1 uns ot Stones and Rocks, were thro'l
over tiie Wall of the Town ot Port-Royal z.'c\A\\
lown it ielf was oveiflowed, ard abov-e half
firoy'd; there beii:g the next Morning five F(
Water froni one End to the other ; the Ca..non I
Fort Charles were dilmounted, and fome waft I
into the Sea, and four l.undied People loft thi
Lives ; a more mclanciiolly Sight was icarce ever it I
when tlie Woter ebb'd away all the Streets beil
covered with. Ruins of Houlcs, Wrecks of VefliJ
and a great Number of dead Be'dies, for forty SailT
Siiips in the fiaibour, were caft away.
The Brigai tine retu/ned to tlie Jlland, where I
had lett tiie Scooner, who being ready to fail, I
put to the Vote of the Company, what Voyage
take ne.\t ; and herein they lollovv'd the Advicelj
the Captain, who thought it rot advifabie to gos
farther to Leeward, becaule ot the Men of War 1
were cruifing in their leveral Stations, which
were rot at all fond of meeting; and therefor
was agreed to go to the Azores, or Weflern Iflan
The latter End of Jul^, Low took a French Si
of 34 Guns, and carried her along with him to f
Azores. He came into St. MichaetW\0-iA thej
ot Auguft, and took leven Sail that were lying th^
'vi%. the Nojirc Dane Mere de Dieu, Captam R\
Commanaer; the Dcve, Captain Cox; the il
l^ink, formerly a Man of War, Captain fhoi
another £»^/.7{?' Si, ip. Captain Chandler; and'tf
other Vtfleis. He tliieatned all witli piefent D«
who refitted, which lliuck iuch a Teiror to th
that they yiclued themielves up a Prey to the'
lains, without firing a Gun.
The Pjrate? be.i g in gieat Want of Water »
frelh Provifions, Loiu ient to the Governor ot '■■
Micha^Ti lor a Supply, ar.d proiiiiled upon it
Condi 1 1'
i
Pyratesy Higb^nymen^ MurdererSy 2^c.
365
Gonlitlon to rele.ifo the Ships he had taken but o-
therwife to barn them all. This Deniand the go-
vernor thought it not prudent to refuft, but ient ue
Provifion he required ; upon which, he relealed lix
of the Ships (atter he had plundered them ot what
he thought fit) and the other, i-iz. the Roje f mk,
was made a Pyrate Ship, which Low himlelf took
the Command of. ^ r 1
The Pyrates took feveral of the Guns out ot the
French Ship, which proved not very ht for their
Turn fo tliat they mounted them aboard the Koje,
and condemned the former to the Flames They
took all ths Crew out of her, but the Cook, who,
they faid, being a grealy Fellow would fry well m
the Fire ; fo the poor Man was bound to the Main-
maft, and burnt in the Ship, to the no fmall Di-
verfion of Low and his Mirraidons.
Low ordered the Scooner to lie in the Fare be-
tweer. St. Michael'^ and St. Mar/s, where, about
the 20th of Auguft, C«ptain Carter m the Vlri^ht
Galley had the ill Fortune to come in her Way ;
and becaufe at firft they ftiewed Inclinations to de-
fend themfelves and what they had. the Pyrates cut
and mangled them in a barbarous Manner ; particu-
larly iome Purtuguefe Paffengers, two of which being
Friers, they tied tiiem up at each Arm of the Fore-
Yard,' but Ice them dovvn again before they were
quite dead, and this they repeated feveral Times out
Another Porlu^uere, who wa? alfo Cjptain Lar-
ter'i Palleneer, putting on a forrowtul CountenaiKC
at what he uw aded, one of this vile Crew atticked
him upon the Deck, faying, he did not like hu Looks,
and thereupon gave him one Blo»v a-crofs his Belly
with his Cutlalh, thit cut out his Bowels, and he
fell down dead without fpeaking a Word. At the
fame Time, another of thefe Rogues cutting at a
Prifoner, miffed his Mark, and iox*/ ftanding m his
Way very opportunely received the Stroke upon his
under Jaw, which laid the Teeth bare ; upon this the
Surgeon was called, who immediately ftitched up
the Wound ; but Low finding Fault with the Opera-
tion, the Surgeon being toUerably drunk, as it was
cullomary for every Body to be, ilruck Low fuch a
Blow with his Fift, that broke out all the Stitches,
and then bid him few up his Chops himfelf andbc
damned ; fo that Low made a very pitiful Figure for
fome Time after. .
When they had plundered Captain Carter s bhip,
feveral of tbem were lor burning her, as they had
done the Frenchman,, but it was otherwiie refolved at
Jaft • for after they had cut her Cables, Rigging,
and Sails to Pieces, they left her to the Mercy of
After thefe Depredations, they fleered for the
IQand of Madera, where miffing other Booty, they
took up with a Filhing Boat, with two old Men and
a Boy in her, one of which they detainea on board,
but fent the other aOiore with a Flag of Truce, de-
manding a Boat of Water of the Governor, on Pain
of liking away the old Man's Life, whom they
threatned to hang at the Yard Arm, upon their Re-
fufalj but the Thing being comply'd with, the old
Man was honourably (as the Pyrates fay) dilcharged.
and all the three much handfomer cloathed than when
Ihey took them. From this Ifland they la.led to the
Canaries, where meeting no Prey, they continued
their Courie for the Cafe de Ferd in.inds, and at Bo-
nai'ijla took a Ship called the Livtrfool Merchant,
Captain Goulding, from whom they Hole a great
Quantity ot Provifions and dry Goods, 300 Gallons
oT Brandy, two Gums and Carriages a Mall, Yard,
and Hawlers, behdes fw of his Men, and then
93
would not let them trade there, nor at St. Nicholas,
but obliged Captiin G'.iM'wj to go with his Snip
to the lile of Iilay.
Tlie Pyrate alfo took among thefe Idands a Ship
belonging to Z/jiitT/ioc/, on£ Scot Commander; tuo
Pcrtuguej'c Sloops bound for Briijil ; a imall E}ig-
lijh Sioop trading there, James Peafe Matter, boui d
to Santa Cruz ; and three Sloops from St Thomas
bound to Curafu j the Makers Names were Lilly,
Staples, and Simfkins ; all which they plundered, and
then let them go about tiieir Bufinefs, except one
Sloop, which tliey fitted up for the following Pur-
pofe.
Z.01U had heard by one of the above-mentioned
Ships, that two fmall Gallies were exptdled every
Day £t the IVeJlern Ijlands, liz. tne Ureyhoitnd,
Captain G/rt,^j, and the Joliff, Q^fywn Jram ; tne
former of which was defigneo to be fitted for the py-
ratical Trade to Brajil, if Things had happened to
their Minds. They mann'd tlie Sloop, anu lent i.er
in quert of one or both of thefe Sliips to tne IVef.
tern I/lands aforefaid, whilll taey careeen'd their Ship
Rofe, at one of the Cape de Verd'i : But now For-
tune, that hud hitlserto been lo propitious to tnem,
left her Minions, and b.arfied tortile preient all their
Hopes; for the Sioop mifliug of their Prey, was re-
duc'd to great iSeccfiities for want of Provifions and
Water, lo that they ventured to go afhore at St. Mi-
ikatVi for a Supply, and to pali for a Trader ; but
they play'd iheir Parts lo aukwardly. that tney
werefufpedled by the Governor to bewnat they real-
ly were, and he was foon put out of Doubt by a
Vifit fome Portuguefe made them, who happened
unluckily to be Palfeiigers in Captain Carter i Sa:p,
when Low took her, and knew the Gcn-Iemen"»
Faces very well ; upon which the whole Crew wa*
conduftcd into the Callle, where they were provid-
ed for as long as they liv'd.
' Low, in the mean Time, did not fare quite fo ill,
but iiad his intended Voyage to Brafil ipod'd, oy
the overfetting of rIs Ship, when file was upon tiie
Careen, whereby fhe was loll, fo that he was re-
duc'd to his old Scooner, which he called tne Fancy,
aboard of which they all went, to the Number of
lOO, as vile Rogues as ever ended their Lives at
Tyburn. They proceeded now to the V.'eft India,
but before they had gotten far on their V o>..ge, ti.ey
attacked a rich Portuguefe Snip, dlled the Kojtrit
Signiora de Viiloria, oojnd home from Bahia, and
after fome Reiiltance took. her. Low tortured fe-
veral of the Men, to make them declare wnere tne
Money (which he fuppoied tney had on bo.ird) i .y,
and extorted by tnat Means, a Conttlfion that tne
Captain had, during the CP;.ce, hung our of tne Ca-
bin Window, a Bag witn 11,001 Moidor -. ; and
that, as loon as he was taken, i.e cut the Rope off,
and let it drop into the Sea.
Low, upon hearing what a Prize had e'ciped him,
raved like' a Fury, (wore a thouland Oa.hs, and
ordered the Captains Lips to be cut off, « hich ne
broil'd before his Face, and afterwords n.urthered
him and all his Crew, bemg thirty two Perlons.
After this bloody Attion, they continued their
Courie, till they came to the Northward of all the
Iflands,' where they cruiled lor about a Month ; in
which Time they made Prizes of ti.e following Vef-
fels I'iz a Sloop from Aviu Tori to Curacoa, Ro-
bert Leonard Mailer; a Sloop from tne B.iy , bound
to New-York, Craig Malier j a Snow from London
and Jamaica, bound to New York ; and the S/a«-
ho^eVrnV, AndewDelbridge Matter, iiom Jamai-
ca to Bofton ; which laft they burnt, becaule of Low's.
irrecoacileable Avcrlion to Next: England Men.
c A After
j66
^ General H i s t 0 r y
^/
After this Cruife, they went into one of the Iflinds
and clc.in'd, and then lleer'd by the Bay of Hondu-
ras, where they arrived about the Middle oi March
1722 3, and met a Sloop turning out of theUid Bay.
The Pyrates had hoilled up Shantjh Colours, and
continued them till they drew near the Sloop ; then
they haird them down, hoilled their black Flag,
fired a broadfide, and boarded her. This Sloop
was a i'/ai/rtz-^of fix Guns, and 70 Men, that csme
into the Bay that Morning, and meeting there with
five EnglHh Sloops and a Pink, had made Prizes of
them all, plundered them, and brought the Maflers
of the Vefl'els away Prifoners, for the Ranfom of the
Logwood i their Names were TuiIhH^ Nortou, Neiv-
hury, Sf'-alfort, Clark, and Parrot. The Spaniards
made no Refinance, fo that the Englijh Pyrates loon
became their Mailers, and fell to rifling ; but find-
ing the above mentioned I'eople in the Hold, and
feveral Englilh Goods, they coniulted Lo^w their
Captain theieupon, and without examining any fur-
ther, the Refolution pafs'd to kill all the Company ;
and the Pyrates, without any Ceremony, fell Pell-
Mell to Execution, with their Swords, Cutlaflies,
Pole-Axes, and Piftols, cutting, flalhing, and flioot-
ing the poor Spaniards, at a fad Rate. Some of
the miferable Creatures jump'd down into the Hold,
but could not avoid the Maffacre ; they met Death
every where, for if they efcap'd it from one Hand,
they were fure to perilh by another ; the only Pro-
Ipedt they had of Life, was to fly from the Rage of
thole mercilefs Men, and to trull to the more mer-
ciful Sea ; and accordingly a great many leap'd over-
board, and fwam for the Shore.
Loia perceiving this, ordered the Canoe to be
mann'd, and fent in Purfuit of them ; by which
Means feveral of the poor unhappy Men were knock-
ed on the Head in the Water, as they endeavouring
to get to Land ; however, about twelve of them
reached to the Shore, but in a miferable Condition,
being very much wounded, and what became of them
afterwards was not known ; except that one, who,
while the Pyrates were at their Sports and Pallimes
afhore, finding himfelf very weak, and fainting with
his Wounds, and not knowing where to go for Help
and Relief, in this Extremity, he came back to them,
aad begg'd tor God fake, in the moll earnell Man-
ner. poHible, that they would give him Quarters j
upon which, one of the Villains took hold of him,
and faid, G d n him, he ivould ri^je him g:od
^arttrs prefently, and made the poor Spaniard down
en his Knees ; then taking his Fulee, put the Muz-
zle of it into his Mouth, and fired down his Throat.
Twas thought the rell did not long furvive their
miferable Condition, and could not prolong their
Lives, to add to the Mifery of them.
When the murdering Work was over, they ru-
maged the Spanijh Pyrate, and brought all the Booty
aboard their own VeiTels : The fix Mailers afore-
mentioned, found in the Hold, they reilored to their
refpedlive Veflels : They forced away the Carpen-
ter from the Pink, and then fet Fire to the Spanilh
Sloop, and burnt her ; which lail Scene concluded the
DeftruJlion of their Enemy, Ship, and Crew.
Loi<j fet the Mailers of the Vefl'els free, but would
not fiiffer them to fteer for Jamaica, where they
were bound, for fear the Men of War ihould get In-
telligence of them ; but forced them all to go to
Ntw Tori, threatning them with Death, when they
met them again, if they refufed to comply with his
Damands.
In the next Cruife, which wat between the Lee-
ward Iflands and the Main, they took two Snows,
bound from Jamaica to Liverpatl, and a Soow from
Jamaica to London, Bridds Msi'lcr ; as alfo a Ship
from Biddiford la Jamaica, John Pinkham Com-
mander ; and two Sloops from Jumciica 10 Firginid
On the f]\h. of May, Lo-iu and liis Qoniwl Har.
ris, came olF South Carolina, and met with tiirte
good Ships, -viz. the Crown Capt..in Lovenign, the
King li'iliiam, the Carteret, and a Brigantiiu-, wl.o
all came out oi Carolina togtther two Days befo <,
I'he Pyiates were at the 'I'louble ofchaiing them,
and Captain Lovereign being the llernmoll, llie foil
firft a Prey into tucir Hands ; and they fpent a#l
the Day in coming up with the reih
Within a few Days they took a Ship called the
Jm/lerdam Merchant, Captain IVillard, from Ja-
maica, but beiuiiging to Nciu-England ; as Lozfj
let none ot t'.at Country depart vi/itiiout fame Aiarks
of his Rag.-, he cut off taii Gcntleinan'i Ear^ flit
up liis Noie, and cut iiim in feveral Places of nis
Body, and alter plundering his Ship, let him purlue
Ids Voyage.
After tnis he took a Sloop bound to Amboy, Wil-
liam Frazier Mailer, with whom Mr. Low Jiappcn.
ing to be difple.ifed, he order'd lighted Matclies to
be ty'd between tlie Mens Fingers which burnt all
the Flelh off trte Bones ; they tlien cut them in fe-
veral Parts of their Bodies with Knives aiid Cut-
lalhes; alterwards they took r.Il their Proviiions a-
way, ana let loine of thsm alh,>rc in an uninhabiied
Pare of the Country
The Kingjion, Ciptain Ejl-wici ; another Ship,
one Burring/on M.ii'.er ; two Brigantines from Caro-
lina to London , a Sloop irom Firginia to Bermudas ;
a Snip from Clajcovj to Virginia ; a Scooner from
Neiti York to South Carolina ; a Pink from Virginia
to Dartmouth ; and a Sloop from Philadilphia to
Surinam, all lell a Prey to thele Villains upon this
Cruife, beiides the above-mentioned.
It happened that at this Time one of his Majefly's
Ships was upon the Cruile, on this Station, and got
Intelligence of fome of the mifchievous Adions of
this Mifcreant, by one of the V dfels that had been
plundered by him ; upon wliicli, itccring as directed,
Ihe came in Signt of tae Pyrates by break of T)\y,
on the loth oijune. Tne Rovers looking out for
Prey, foon faw, and gave Chace to the Man o; War,
whicn was called tlie Grcyhonnd, a Ship of 20 Gun-,
and 1 20 Men, rather interior in Force than other-
wills, to the two Pyrate VelFcIs : 'i'he Greyhound,
finding them fo eager, was in no Doubt what th.y
fliould be, and there;ore tack'd and llood from them,
giving the Pyrates an Opportunity to chace her for
two Hours, till all Things were in Readinefs for an
Engagement, and the Pyrates about Gun fliot off;
then the Greyhound tack'd again, and tiood towards
tire two Sloops. One of thcli; Sloops w.as called tlia
Fancy, and Commanded by Lo^u hinillif, and the
other the Ranger, commanded by Harris ; botll
which hoilled their pyratieal Colours, and fired each
a Gun. When the Greyhound CAme witiun iVIufquet-
fliot, fhe hailed up herMam-fail, and clapp'd clofe
upon a Wind, to keep tne Pyrates from running t9
Leeward, and then engag'tl ; But when the Rogues
found who they had to deal witii, they edg'd away
under the Man of War's Stern, and the Greyhound
Handing after them, t.hey matie a running Fight for
about two Hours; but little Wind liappening, the
Sloops gained from her, by the Help of their Oars ;'
upon which the Greyhound left ofF firing, and turn-
ed all Hands to their own Oars, and at three in tiie
Afternoon came up with them. Tlie Pyrates haul'd
upon a Wind to receive the Man of War, and the
Fight was immediatt'Iy renevv'd, with a briik Fire
on both Sides, till the Ranger''^ Main-Yard was (hot
down,
Pyrnti!y Highway fjjerjy Murderers^ &c.
367
wn.and the Greyhound •fxt&ng clofe upon the difa-
J Sloop, L01V, in tlie other, thought (it to bear
av and leave liis Confort a Sacrifice to his
emy ; u'ho {I'eeing the Cowardice and Treaciiery
hi; Commodore and Leader, having ten or twelve
;n killed and wounded, and findir.g tnere was no
liibility of efc.iping) called out for Quarters, and
render'd themlelves to Julb'ce, whicii proved le-
e enough to them a-while afterwards.
The Conduft of Loiu was furprizing in this Ad-
iture, becaufe his reputed Courage and Boldnefs
i, hitherto, fo pofleifed the JWinds of all People,
t he became a Terror, even to his own Men ; but
Bell .viour throughout this u hole Adlion, (hewed
I to be a bafe cowardly Villain, for had Lotu's
op fought half fo briskly as Harris's had dome
tliey were under a folemn Oath to do) the IVIan of
', m tiie Opmion of iome prefent, could never
irted them.
e Greyhound drried in their Prize to Rhide
./, to the great |oy of the whole Province, tlio'
Sttijfadion had been mo.'e compleat, if the great
■ nimitit liad grac'd the Triumph. The Piifo-
verc iirongly fecured m a Goal, till a Court of
. Aduiiralt) could be held for their Tryals, which
n on tae loth Day of July, at KiWport, and
; i:'ject three Days.
. .11-. n'lrrow Elcape of L')-jj and his Cjmpanions,
would have ttiougnt, might have brought tliem
a little Confideration of their bkick and horrid
nes, and to look upon this Interval as an Oppor-
ty put into tlieir Hands by Providence, to recon-
themlelves to God, by a hearty and fincere Re-
:ance. But alas! they were dead to all Good -
, and had not fo much a; one Spark of Virtue to
them up to be thankful for luch an eminent De-
■ance ; Bat inllead thereof, vented a iMillion of
hs and Curfes upon the Captain oithe-Greyhound,
ing to execute Vengeance upon uh they (hould
t with afterwards, for the Indignity he put upon
n.
'he firfl Prey that they met with, after their
ht, >v;.s a fmall Sloop belonging to Nantucket, a
ale tifning, about 80 Miles from Land ; the
ler of which, one Nathan Sliiff', a brilk young
ow, the Pyrates cruelly whipp'd naked about the
:k, making his Torture their Sport ; after wtjich
' cut oiFnis Ears, and lall of all iliot hini through
Head, and then funk his VeiTel ; putting the rell
he Hands into their WnaleBoat, with a Compafs,
tie Water, and a few B. fleets. Neverinelefs, it
g good Weather, they p'ovidentially got fafe to
iiticket, beyond all Expectation,
here was anotiier While-Boat, belonging to this
)p bit mentioned, which happened to be at fome
aiice from her, and, perceiving what was doing,
eJ with all Speed to another Sioopnot far ofF, to
jsint her witii tae Misfortune, that the Men might
■■ care of themlelves ; by which Means ihe happily
aw.;y in Time. Some Day after, Lqiv took a
iiiigBoft off o( Block fjland, but did not perpe-
; io mucii Cruelty on her, contenting himfcif
1 only cutring off the Matter's Head : But after
jg two Whale-Boat' ne;r Rhode IJland, he caul-
ir.e of the Mailer's Bodies to be npp'd up, and
In'rails to be taken out ; ana cut oft" the Ears of
uther, and msde him eat them himlelf *vith Pep-
and Si;lt; which hard Iiijunftion he comply 'd
I, without m-iking a Word. Several otuer Per-
he would h'.ve murtliered, but Humanity pre-
ag in the Ht rts of his Companions, they refufed
Jt his Orders in E.\er..f;on.
roin t: r Co 1 of K-r-iuglaxd, Lfw failed di-
> for Ni'wfoundluiid, aiiu, near Capt Bnlor.,
took two or three and twenty French VcfTels ; one of
which, of 22 Gun:-, hem.ann'd witii Pyrates, making
a fort of a Man of War of her. With this Ship iie
fcower'd the Harbours and Banks of NeivfowiJlandi
and took fixteen or eighteen other Ships and V ef-
fels, all which they piunder'd, and fome the-, de-
ftroy'd.
Thus thefe inhumane Wretche.-, went on, not con-
tented to fatisfy their Avarice only, and travel in the
common Road of Wicl-cdnefs ; but, like their Pa.
tron, the Devil, they made Mifcnief tl.eir Spoit,
Cruelty their Delight, and damning of Souls tiieir
conllant Employment. Of all the pyratical Crews
that were ever heard of, none of \.\\i.' English l\\xn^
came up to tr.is in Barbarity; their Mirth and their
Anger had mucii the lame Effefl, {or both were ufu-
ally gratify 'd with tiie Cues and Groans of their Pri.
foners ; (o that they almoft as often murtliered a
Man from the Excefs of good Humour, as out of
Paflion and Refentment ; and the Unfortunate could
never be allured of Safety from them, for Danger
lurked in their very Smiles. An Inii.nce of this had
like to have happened to one Captain Granjes, Ma-
iler of a Virginia Snip which they had taken; for as
foon as he came aboard of the Pyrate, Low took a
Bowl of Punch in his Hand, and drank to him, fav-
ing. Captain Graves, here's half this to you. But
the poor Gentleman, being too fcnlibly touched ac
the Misfortune of falling into his Hand?, modeltly
defired to be e.xcufed, for that he could not drink;
whereupon Low draws out a Pillol, cocks it, and
with the Bowl in t'other Hand, told him, he (hould
either take one or the other : Se Graiej, w ithout
Hefitation, made Choice of the Vehicle that con-
tained the Punch, and guttled down about a Quart,
when he had the leaft Inclination thaf ever he had in
his Life to be merry.
About the latter End of July 17ZJ, Low took a
large Ship called the Merry Chrijimas, and fitted her
for a Pyrate, cut feveraj Ports in her, and mounted
her with 34 Guns He goes aboard of this Sr.iphim-
felf, sfTumes the Title of .'\dmiral, and hoifts a black
Flag, with the Figure of Death in red, at tne Main-
topmall Head, and takes another Voy.ige to the
U'ejlern IJlands, where he arrived at the Beginning
of September. The firfl VefTel he met wita there
was a Brigai/tine, formerly an Englijh Sloop, com-
manded by Elias Wild, but lately bought by a Par-
iuguefe Nobleman, and altered She was manned
p. rtly with English, and partly with Porti/guefe ;
the latter Low caufed to be hang'd, by Way of
Reprifal, for fome of his own Men fent thither in
a Sloop from the Cape de Verd IJlands, as has been
mentioned : The EngUfh Men he tnnift into tJieir
own Boat, tofhiftfor t.iemfelves, and ftt Fire to tne
VelTel.
At St. Michael's, they fent in their Boats, and
cut out of the Ro-d a new Londm b'lilt Siiip of 14
Guns, commanded by Captain Tompfon, who was
taken there tne Year before, by Lew, in the Ro/e
Pink. The Boats had fewer Men than the Ship, and
Captain Thompfon would have defended himfelf, but
his Men through Cowardice, or too great an Incli-
nation of becomirg Pyrates ihemfeives, refufeo to
(land by him, and he was obliged to fi.rren' er.
When he came aboard the Pyrate, he had his Ears
cut off cioie to his Head, for only proposing to re, lit
Admiral Low'-> black Flag ; they then gave iiim one
of his own Boats, and burnc his Ship.
The next w.,b a Porfttgue/e Bark that fell into their
Hands, wiiole Men came off Ibmewi.at better tlian
ufual, for they onlj cu' then, with their Cutlaflies,
out oi Vvai!tonnei<, turned t.x-m all into ti.eir Boar,
and fc'. tliuf Vcliei 011 Fire. Wjien tijeBoatuas
gomg
368
A Qemrai History oj
going from the Side of the Ship, one of Low's Men,
who, we may fuppofe, was forced into the Gang,
vv;\s 'drinking with a Silver Tankard at one of the
Ports, and took his Opportunity to drop into the
Boat among the Portuguefe, and lie down m the Bot-
tom, in order to efcape along with them : After he
had'ilowed himfelf in the Boat, fo as not to be feen,
it came into his Head, that the Tankard might prove
of fome Ule to him where he was going ; fo he got
up again, hid hold of the Utenfil, and went off,
without being difcovered : In which Attempt had he
failed, no doubt his Life, if not the Lives of all the
People in the Boat, would have paid for it : The
Name of this Man was Richard Mains.
Loiv took his old Touf to he Canaries, Capi
/^ifrt/Illands, and fo to the Coalt of Guitiey ; but rj
thing extraordinary happened till he arrived IK
Sierraleon in Africa, where he met with a Shipci
led the Delight, Captain Hunt Commander ; t
Ship the Pyrates thought fit for their own PurpO
for (he had been a fmall Man of War, and earner
Guns, however, they mounted i6 on board i„
mann'd her with 60 Men, and appointed one Sprip
who was then their Quanernialler, to be Captain
her, who, two Days after, feparated from tiie Adr
ral, and went to the V^eji h.iies a pyrating, upon
OWB and particular Company 'a Account, wkere
the prefenc we fhall leave them.
lit'
I
The LIFE of Captain JOHN JAEN.
IT cannot be amifs to conclude the Lives of the
Pyrates with an Account of Captain Jaen, who
wat condemn'd by an High Court of Admiralty
for the Murder of his Cabin Boy, and executed at
Execution- Doci: For, tho' this Malefiftor was no
Pyrate, yet the iaid Circumftances, and his fuffering
for a Crime committed on the High Seas, makes
this a properer Place for what we have to fay con-
cerning him, than any other in the Book. We (hall
be as brief in our Relation as the Nature of the Cafe
will admit, becaufc of proceeding with the High-
waymen, is'f.
The Parents of John Jain liv'd in very good Cir-
cumftances at Brijiol ; they bred this their Son up
in the Knowledge of every Thing that was requifite
for a Youth whom they defigned to put to a Trade ;
nor did he at all balk their Expeftation in the Pro-
grefs he made ; for he became not only a Proficient
in Writing and Accompts, but attained alfo a con-
fiderable Infight into the Latin Tongue. When he
had finifb'd the Courfe of his Learning, under the
bell Mafters his Friends could provide for him, he
was removed from his Purfait of the Mufes, and
bound Apprentice to a Cooper in his native City,
with whom he ferv'd out his Time with Indullry and
Fidelity ; tho' there was always a remarkable Seve-
rity in his Temper, which Difpofition, we may
fuppofe, at laft prompted him to the barbarous Aft
for which he fufFer'd, as foon as it found Scope to
exert itfelf, of which it had too much at Sea, where
the Matter's Command is too abfolute to be put into
Uie Hands of any Man who wants Compaflion.
After he had compleated the Time of his Servi-
tude, he apply'd himfelf to his Trade with the fame
Diligence he had difcover'd while he was an Appren-
tice, going fometimes to Sea for the Advancement of
his Fortune ; which defir'd Eifeft happen'd in the
Year 1724, when he became Mafter of a Snip called
the Burnett, fitted out by fome Merchants ot Brijioi
for South Carolina. This was the firll and laft Voy.
ase in which he was Commander ; for it was in his
Return home in March, 1725, that he committed
the Murder of which we fliall now give fucli Acconnt
at. was depofed againft him in Court.
Being apprehended as foon as he came on Shi
and fent up to London, he was indicted at tne f;
Ssffions of Admiralty, where Go'u), Ifea-ver,
their Companions, received Sentence of Diath,
the Murder of Richard Pye on the high Seas, wii
thirty Leagues ©f Camliur', and within the Juril
tion of the Admiralty of England, by beating
llriking the (aid Richard Pye with a Rope, on
Head, Shoulders, Arm.--, Back, Bread, and Sides,
the 15th of Marchh\A ; of which bfating and ft
inline ti.c R I hard Pye did lapgnifh till the 21
the f<>nie Moiit.'i, and then dy'd ; ., .'; the Piifc
making Afnuavii in Court, that two uf his mat«
Witue&s, Captain Samuel Jennings and John JU
peth, were abi'iiu it Sea, having been gone -bo
Fortnight belore, the Court deferr'd his Trial
another Time. This iicflions of Admiralty, at wl
he was full indifted, was held on the 26tii and 2
of May, in the fame Vtar the Faft was comi
ted, and not above nine Weeks after the Deat
the Boy. «
On the 27th of Jpril, 1726, another Sefliom
Admiralty was held at the Old Bailev, before
Honourable Sir Henry Penrict, Judge, afiilled by
Honourable Mr. Baron Hale ; at which Cap
Creagh was indifted for felonioufly linking the g
?t\i\fthe Friendjhip, of which he was Commanc
but there appearing no Evidence fufhcient to con
him of fuch a Charge, he v»a-s acquitted. Cap
John Jaen was then let to the Bar again, and a
cond 'i'ime arraign'd on an Indiif'ment for the ^ •
der of his Cdbin Boy Richard Pye, which Fad wa t
forth in the Words before related.
It appeared by the Evidence produced ag:ft
him, that he either whipp'd the Boy himfelf if
cauled him to be whipp'd, every Day during e
Voyage ; that he earned him to be ty'd to the h n
Mall with Ropes for nii.c Days together, extent g
his Arms and Legs to the uttcimolt, whipping a
with a Ca/, as it is commoniy called, made of e
fraa II Cords, till he w:is bloody, and then cau g
his Wounds to be feveral times walh'd with B e
and Pickle ; that under this terrible Ufsge the y
grew fpecchlefs very loon; that the Captain, i:-
withllam g
Pyrates, Highvoajfnajy Murderer s, SCc.
3^9
withftniiding, continued his barbrirous Ufage, ftamp-
ing on him, beating him, and ^buling hiiu, nay e-
ven obliging him to c it hi; own Excrements, tliuugn
it immeuutelv forced its Way up again ; tliat wl.ca
the Bov, in ins Agoiiv and Pain, made Signs for _a
Dram, 'tlie iaid Capt.iin in Deriiion took a Gials,
carried it into the C .bin and made Water therein,
, and then brought it to the Boy to drink, who re-
fakd the fame; that the lamentable Conduion the
I Boy wai in made no Iniprcilion on the Captain, who
■ continued to treat him wi:h the i'di^^e Barbarity, by
whipping, pickling, kicking, beating and bruifing
him, all the while he was lingering out his milera-
bie Life ; that on the »ery lall Day of Ins (aid Lite,
he gave him eighteen Lalhes with the aforelaiJ Cat
of five Tails, in a little Time after which the un-
happy Wretch dy'd.
The Evidences farther depofed, That when they
were fewing up the Boy's Body in a Hammock, in
Older to its being thrown oveibo:ird, it had m it as
many Colours as the Rainbow ; that his Flelli was
in many Places as foft as a Jelly, and his Head
fweli-d as big as two. Upon the whole it appeared,
that a more bloody, premeditated, and wiltul Mur-
der was never committed ; and Sir Henry Pennce
declared, when he pronounced Sentence ot Death,
that m all the Time he had had the Honour ot lu-
ting on tiie Bencli, he never heard any thing like it ;
and he ^ddcd, tl-.at he hoped no Perlon who might
fit there after him, would ever have a Parallel Cafe
brought before him. In a Word, every Cody was
fhock'd at the verv Reh«arfal of this Adion.
Under Sentence of Death he behav'd wHth a great
deal of feeniing Piety and Refignation, tho' he did
not frequent the publick Chapel ; for which he gave
the Ordinary two Re.afons, which were juft enough :
' Firft, That'thc Number of Stranger.s who were ad-
mitted thither, to llare at Perfons under his unh.ap-
py Circumftances. was generally very great, and their
Behaviour fomelime very indilcreer. Secondly, 'J hat
the Faft for which he was to fuffer had procured hi;n
many Enemies, who would take a Plealure in com-
ino- thither to infull him under his Misfortunes : As
he" was fure, (he faid) thcle Things mull of NtcelTi-
ty wholly interrupt his Devotion, he thought it more
eligible onlv to receive the Affillanoe of a Minifter
privately in'his Chamber; which he had daily till
his Execution.
worfe continuall) ; one Evening, foj Irflancc, when
Ihey were upon their Return tioaie, and he was a-
flecp in the Cab;n, the Boy broke open his Lockers,
and took out a Bottle of Rum, of which he drank
near a Pint, making himlelf therewith fo drunk, that
his Excrements fell involuntarily from him, and llunk
fo abominably that it awaken'd him. Upon this, he
called in feveral Men, who found the Boy in a fnd
natly Condition, and were obliged to lit down and
fmo'xe Tobacco, in o.-der to overcome the Stench
lie had raifed. This Adlion of the Boy's produced
tne terrible Pur.ifnment of tying him to the Mall for
feveral Days, ana offering him his Excrements, as
had been depofed.
Notwithilanding the Captain owned all this, yet
he could not forbear refleding very hardly on thole
who had given in their Evidence a^ainli liim, charg-
ino them with Peijury and a Conlpiracy to rum him ;
tho' nothing like it appear'd from the Manner in
which they delivtr'd their Tcllimony.
As the Time appointed for his Execution drew
nenrcr, the Fear ot Death, and thit Rcmorfe of Con-
fcicnce which riJturally attends Perfuns in his Con-
dition, brout^ht him into fuch alow f.nd bad State
of He.'dth, tnat lie could (carce fpeak to any Body,
or attend to the Difcourfe of others ; but he laji in
a lan^uilhing Condition, frequently fainting aw^y,
and appearing in fine not unlike a Perlon who had
taken foiiiething to procure a fudden Death, in order
to prevent a p'ublick and ignominious one. How-
ever, when thcle Sufpicions were mentioned to him,
he declared that they were utterly without any Foun-
dation, and that he had never fufFcr'd fuch a Thought
to come into iiis Head : His Wife alfo, who attend-
ed hini conllanlly whilll he was in Prifon, declared,
(he loved hiin too well to become his Executioner,
beiiig politive nothing unwhollome had been aimi-
niiler'd to iiim, fince his Confinement.
He appeared to be fo very muca Ipent when lie
was carry 'd to the Place of Execution, that it was
thought he would hardly have lived to reach thi-
ther. There was prelent a' Miniller of Dillindlion,
who allil'.ed him, and pra) 'd by him til! he was
thrown off. His F^xecution was on the i 3th Day of
May, 1726, when he was about twenty nine Years
of Age. As foon as his Body was cut down, it was
put into Chains, in order to be hung up over againft
the Kind's Powder-Houfe, as a Warning to Others
Hewas very open in confeffing the general Offen- who lerve in the fame Station, how they abu^ the
ce. of hi L fe^ bu^t took abundance of Pains to pal- great Power, with which 'tis necelTary they ihould
fete the pi icalar Faft for which he was to die : be inverted while they are abroad for the Sake of
Late f'^'^ll^^^^ ^rokK,A, that he never intend- Order and Decorum ; but of which 'tis the Privilege
particular^
ed
he
ve
Boy was very much given to
ed to murder the Boy, but onlv to corretl him as of tho'.e that lerve under them to require an Accoun
deferred he being exceeding wicked and ungo- when they come home, that fo no Subjeft of Gr...
vernabe Vhe„they fitll we°nt out (he faid) the i?„>«,. may be oppreffed, much lefs ""rder d, by
vernaDie. vnent y thieving, and grew another entrulled with a greater Snare ol Authoiitv.
94
B
m
;7o
A Caieral tl i s t o r y of
r/;,? LIFE 0/ NED WICKS.
TjHIS wretched Perfon, Edward Wichs, was
born ot very good Parents, who kept an [nn
at Co'ventry, and bellowed on him fo much
Kducation in Reading, Writing, and Calling Ac-
compts, as qualify 'd him to be a Clerk for extraor-
dinary Bufinefs. He was an Excifeman about four-
teen Month ; but not thinking that a Poll fufHcient
enough to cheat Her Majelly's Subjedls, he was re-
folved to impofe upon them more, by taking all they
had on the Highway. Being well Equipp'd for fuch
Enterprizes, he travelled the Roads to feek his For-
tune, and had the good Lack to commit two Rob-
beries without any Dil'covery : But a third Time be-
ing apprehended for a Robbery committed not far
from Croydon in Surrey, he was fent to the Marfi^al
j'ca in Southivark.
However, Micks was not long under Gonfinement,
before he obtained his Liberty, by his Friends mak-
ing up the Bufinefs with his Adverfary, to whom fix-
ty Guineas were given, for taking from him but thir-
ty Shillings. Then running JehuXikc to his Dellruc-
tion as fall as he could, hp kept Cempany with one
Joe John/on, alias Sanders ; with whom going once
on the Road, they met, between Hounftozu and Cole-
brook, with a Stage Coach, having four Gentlemen
in it ; who feeing them come pretty near the Coach,
and perceiving they had Maflis on, were apprchenfive
of their Intention of robbing them ; and upon that,
to be beforehand with them, one of them fhot Joe
Johnjon with 3 Brafs Piece, or Blunderbufs, ^nd
lodged feven or eight large Shot in his Body. Wicks
now rode clear olF, without any Hurt, whilft his
Comrade was apprehended, and, on Sufpicion, fent
toNeivgnte; where he wat charged by one Mr.
Woolly, with robbing him of a lilvcr Watch, and
fome Money, on the Highway ; for which he was
hanged at Tyhuni, on Wednefday the 17th of February,
1704-5, aged twenty two Years.
But the untimely End of this Fellow making no
Impreffion on Uick^s bad Manners, he ftill purfues
his wicked Courfes with a great deal of Pleafure and
S.itisladion ; and one Day the Duke of Marlborough
beinw at St. Albans, after he was in Difgraee, Ned
bsinc then in the Town, and rummating on the old
I'roveib, Fallere fallenteni non eftfraus, he thought
it no lujuflice to finger a little of his Grace's Money ;
but having too great a Retinue with him when he
left that Place, our Highwayman durll not venture to
niake an Attack ; whereupon, riding towards Che/h-
:iHt, in the fame County, he put into a bye fort of a
Houfe a little out of the Road, in which, finding only
a poor old Woman, bitterly weeping, and adcing her
the Reafon of fhedding thofe Tears, (he told liim,
That fhe was a poor Widow, and being fomewhat
indebted for Rent to her Landlord, fhe cxpeftcd him
erery Minute to come and feize what few Goods (he
had, which would be her utter Rain.
Wicks bid the old Woman rell contented, and h.e
would make Things eafy ; fo pulling off his rich lac'd
Cloaths, and putting on an old Co.t which his Land-
lady lent him, and having ;:iro f^cur'd his Horfe in an
old Barn, prefently after, the old Mifer of a Land-
lord came and demanded his Rent: Hereupon, Nei
rifing out of the Chimney Corner, with a (hort Pipe
in his Mouth, quoth he, I under ft and. Sir, that my
Sifter here, poor Woman ! is behind-hand for Rent,
and that you defign to fdzc her Goods ; but as fie is a
defolate Widow, and hath not ivherenvithal to pay you
at prefent, 1 hope you nxill take fo much Pity and Com-
pajjion on her mean Circumflances, as not to be loo ft'
mere : Pray let me prrfuade you to have a little For-
bearance. The Landlord reply'd, Do?i''t tell me of
Forbearance, Pll not pity People to ruin myfelf; Pll
hanje my Money ; I tvant my Rent, and if I am not
paid now, I'll fize her Gucds furthvjith, and turn
her out of my Houfc.
When AV/^ found that no Intreaties nor Perfuafions
would prevail with the old Cuff to ha\e Patience with
tiic poor Woman a little longer, he laid, Come, come,
ht^s/ee a Receipt in full, and Pll pay it. Accord-
ingly a Receipt was given, and the Rent paid. Then
the Landlord being upon going away, quoth Wicks,
'Tis draiving to^vards Night, Sir, and there is great
robbing abroad, therefore I ivould ad<vife you to fay
here till To-morroiv, and take the Day before you.
No, no, reply'd the Country fellow, /'// go homt
noiv ; I pall reach fc-ven Miles yet, by that Time it
is dark. Ah ! Sir, faiit Ned again, but let me per-
fuade you to tarry here ; for indeed there is great rob'
bing abroad. 1 don t care, cry'd the Landlord, r-nhat
robbing there is abroad, P II go home noiv ; befides, I
don t ^ ear being robbed by any one Man, let him be
ivko he ivili.
So taking his Horfe, away the old Fellow rid, and
Wicks after, dreflld then in his fine Cloaths ; and
meeting him at a Pond where he knsw he mull pafs
by, he did not only bid him ftand and deliver, but
prelenting him alio with a whole Volley of fir(l-rate
Oaths, he fo frightened him out of his Wits, that he
delnered all the Money had lately received, and at
much more to it.
Then Wicks riding back to the old Woman again,
and difguifing himfelf as before, it was not long af-
ter, 'ere the Landlord came to the Houfe again, and
knocking at the Door, quoth Wicks, Who's there.
The Landlord laid, "7/V /, reply'd Wicks, What I ?
Why, it is I, quoth the Country Fellow acain. At
thefe Word;, the old Vv'oman cried, O .' 'tis my
Landlord. So letting him in, he told his Grievance
with a great deal of Sorrow ; as how he was robbed
by a Rogue in a laced Coat, who fwore a thoufaad
Oaths at him, and had certainly killed him, if he had
not given him all his Money. Ay ('quoth Wicks) I
told you there luas great robbing abroad, but you ix.ould
not take my Ad-vice ; noiu I hope you iajHI flay here
Sir, till Morning. However, he did not; for hav-
ing given an Account of his Misfortune, he made
the bell of his Way homewards, kaviiig nothing more
to iole. A lit-
PyrakSy I^h^h-vjciymeHy Murderers, ^c.
37^
good Behaviour, after they -had fet her loofc, ftie
told them of her irretrievable Lots, and (wore thet ilie
wouid never pick up dumb Men again.
Anotlier Time Jf'ich meeting with the late Lord
M on the Road betwixt //}W/ar and Co/^-
hrocik, attended only with a Groom and one Foot-
A little after the Performance of this Exploit,
Wicks being in Loniion, and going one Night along
Drury-Lane, drcfled much like a Gentleman, who
fliould make a ili.im flumb'e by him, but one Mnd.^m
Vohj, a noted Jilt? whereupon, catclnng hold on her
Arm to fave her from Killing, liie returned him many
Thanks, and for his Civility, invited him to her nian, he commanded his Lordfhip to ftand and del.
Lodging jufl by, in P, inccs-flreet, where (lie would ver, for he was, in great Want of Money, and Money
alfo make him a fuit,-.ble Return for his Courtcfy. he would have before they parted. His Honour pre-
Now IVich, by his Behaviour in not fpeaking, Teem-
ed to be dumb, but iicAcrthelefs, by the Signs he
made, he intimated tliat he accepted of Madam Tory's
Proffer ; who thinking him to be really fpeechlefs,
(he faid as they wei;t along, Oh ! dear. Sir, 'tis a
tbottjand Pities that Jiuh a handjomc liktly Man as you.
4tre, fiouli be dumb.
tendmg to have a great deal of Courage, fwore h^
(hould fight for it then. Vt'icks very readily accepted
the Propolal, and preparing his Pii'ols for an E.-ga<Te-
ment, his Lordlhip feeing his Refolution , he begaa
to hang an Arfe ; which his Antagonill perceivin»
Jie began to fwagger, faying, AH the irorld ino-^]
me to be a Man ; and tho" your Lordjhip luas concern- '
As foon as he came to her Lodgings, he made a <:d '" the cowardly murdering o/M — '-d the Player,
Sign for Pen, fak, and Paper, to be brought him ; and Captain C i, yet Ptn sot to be fri'rhteiied at
whereby figuifying liis Defire of having a Couple of that ; there/ore do~Mn tvith your Gold, or elfe expea
fiottlcs of Cbrrct and a J'owl for Supper, he gave »" S^uartcr.
he Maid a Guinea to provide it. VVhilfl flie was His Lorddiip now meeting with his Match, it put
»one to get what was ordered, he, by writing his '''"i into iuch a pafiionatc Fit of fwearing, that //Vri/
Wind, delired to know of Madam Toby, who was not willing to be outdone in any VVickednefs, faid'
rvery now and then crying. What a Pity it isfuch a ^h' L^rd, 1 percei'zie you jivear perfealy ii'e/l extem-
veli-bred Cen/Ienian fiauld be dumb, the Price of a pofe '• Come, P II giie your Honour a fair Cha-nce for
>Iights Lodging, which was two Guineas, as (lie J"'"" Money, and that is, he that fivears beft of us
gnificd by holding up two Fingers. — So the Bargain tv.o, j/mll keep his o'wn, and his that loCeth. His
eing m.iuc, alter Supper they went very lovingly to I-nrdOiip agreed to that Bargain, snd throws down a
:ed ; but in the mitldle of the Night, Ned iriehs I'urle of fifty Guineas, whian Ih'icis matched with a
rifing, and taking a Couple of Piltols out of his like Sum. y\ftcr a quarter of an Hour's fwearinfr
ockets, which lie prefented to Madam To/ij'j Breaft, nioft prodigioufly on both Sides, it was left to my
joth he, Tou jilting B /', / mujl haie my tiua Lord's Groora to decide the Matter ; who faid
uineas again, and more to boot; therefore if you Why, indeed your Honour fujears as •tvcll as cjcr I
'er to make the lea ft Niife, tkefe fatal Injlrumtnts heard a Per/an of ^ality in my Life J but to giife the
' Death Jhall fend your Saul to the Detil. Jlrange Gentleman h:s due, he has ivon the Wager, if
Our Lady of Iniquity was in a great Surprize to '' '"'"'" f'»' " thoufand Pounds. Whereupon, Wicks
:ar iier fuppos'd Cully ufe his Tongue ; but not taking up the Gold, he gave the Groom a Guinea
ring to fpeak for her Life, he did not only tie her and rode about his Bufinefs.
and and Foot, but alfo took from her a very good But not long after this. Wicks being apprehended
atch, a gold Locket, a gold Bracelet, a filver Cup, in London, for a Robbery done in Warwicklhire, ha
Jf a dozen fiber Spoons, a velvet Hood, and vel- was committed to A'ifii.^e/f ; from whence attempt^
t Scarf, and then left her in a a deep Study how to ing to break out, he was quickly removed to War-
t more. When Wicks was gone, flie cry'd out, "uick Gaol ; where being try'd the next July, he
ardcr and Thiefes, with fuch an audible Voice, was condemned to be hang'd. His Parents made
It alarming all the Houfe, the Landlord, Land- great Interceffion for this their only Child ; but in
ly, and Maid, came running naked into Madam vain; for he was executed on Saturday the 29th of
Jjf's Chamber ; where finding her bound fail to her Auguji, 1713, aged twenty nine Years.
T/jc
11^
A Generai History of
The LIFE (5/ NAN HEREFORD.
WHETHER it be that we entertain a great-
er Regard for the Female Sex than for
the other; or whether Inllances of their
falling into thofe Sorts of Victs that expofe them to
the Cognizance of the Law are iefs frequent, or what-
ever elfe may be the Caufe of it, 'tis certain, that a
Female Offender excites our Curiofity more than a
Male, if (he has any Way diltinguirfi'd her felf in
the Courfe of her Aftions. Some indeed will fay,
that we need not be at a lofs to find the Reafon of
this ; becaufe a Woman always difcovers more Art
and Cunning than a Man, when fhe applies her feif
to the Praftice of Fraud. We will not difpute any
Point o( Honoar with the fubtil foft fair Sex, fince
'tis our Duty to yield to them, as we are taught by
the Example of our common Father Jdam : Let it
be their finer Genius, or whatever elle they, or
their greatell Admirers will call it, that gives 'em
this Advantage, we mull ilill acknowledge it, and
confefs that an Anne Bonny, or a Mary Read, are
greater Names than a Elackbeaid, an Avery, or a
Robert! s and that the Tricks of a German Piineefs
leave ftronger Impreffions than the open Robberies
of Hind and Du Vail, Sec.
But not to amufe the Reader with a long Preface
to a fhort Life, we would only cbferve, that Anne
Hereford, the Perfon of whom we are now to write,
was one of thofe Women who, in her Time, was
more famous than almoft any one of the Male Rob-
bers, whofe AiJlions have adorn'd, as well as fill'd,
this Work ; which extraordinary Reputation (if we
may ufe a Word here that is commonly taken in a
good Senfe) was, we believe, chiefly owing to her
Sex, and the Manner in which fhe impofed on Man-
kind. One Inftance, out of many, fhall fuffice to
give an Idea of her Cunning j and one Inftance of
this Kind is as good ns one thoufand, lince, how-
ever they may be diverfify'd by Circumilances, all
thefe Sort of Stratagems tend to one Thing, and
'tis eafy at the Beginning of a Story to know where
it will end. But firil take this (hort Account ©f her
Original. She was born at Ipfiuich in Suffolk, of very
honeft Parents, who both died when fhe was about
fcventecn Years of Age. No fooner was fhe an Or-
phan than fhe came up to London, where fhe got a
Service, and lived in it above half a Year : it was
then her Misfortune to fall into bad Company, who
feduced her from her Place, and brought her to be
a Partner with them in their evil Courfes, which ifce
purfu'd afterwards all the Days of her Life ; ta-
king Care ftill to keep herfelf genteely, and not to
be leen among her AfTociates ; by which Meani. fhe
long elcap'd unfufpefted, and during which Time
fhe executed the following Piece of Invention.
She took very good Lodgings in King-ftreet, IVejl-
minfter, where fliie entertain'd an experienced old
Beldam as her AfTillant, knowing.very well, that fhe
eould not purfue her Enterprizes without Help, it
was the liuuneft tif this old Wsraan to enquire about
for a rich yOung X^ovice in that Neighbourhood, whs'
might be a proper Subjed to work on. Upon a di-
ligent Se;.ich, fhe found there was a young Shop-
keeper, by Trade an Apothecary, who was both
rich and covetous. Thefe two Qualities were look'd
upon as a fuficicnt Excute for their taking him in,*
for firfl, ai he was fo very we.ilthy, he might fpare
a few Hundred Pounds without hurting himlelf y
and then, fecondly, his being covetous ■ffij.&t it a'
Sort of Duty, in their Opinion, to take from him
what they could ufe, though he had not the Heart
to do it. There is a Sort of natural Antip.ith/
between thofe Free-baters and nn avaritioifs rcrion ;'
whereas, in Reality, a Robber fliouIJ at Icaft fpeak
well of a Mifer, bccauic 'tis tlirougli h;i Means'u
that the other often gets fo n-iuch .Money at a Time.
But l^an did not rcifon in this Maiinci ; fne uTcd to
fay, 'twas a jull Judgment upon tlicm for their griev-
ous Sins, when any Inch Perfon was fliipp'd ol his
Gold, or, in other Words, of his God.
Nan kept herfelf up cloli: at home, and the old
Woman was fent of many an idle Errand to the A-
pothecary's Shop ; one Time for Pomatum, another
Time for Mithridate, another for Diafcordium, and
fo continually for fuch Things as the Ufe of wa
well known. This frequent coming induced thi
Apothecary to take Notice of her, and talk to he
in a more free and pleafant Manner than at firft. Sh.
took [Care to improve thofe Opportunities, whie
were all fhe came for, and to run from indifFeren
Things to hisdomclljck Affairs ; afkinghim, in par
ticular, ll'bj he dtd not marry ? His Anfwer was fuc
as might be expeaed from a Mifer, 'That the Tim
were hard. Trading dead, and Houfckeeping expenftvi \
That^s true, laid Ihe, but a rich Wife, Man, nvoul
make amends for all this. A good one, and a ric
one too, quoth he, ivould be abra've Thirtg indeed
1 muji confefs, I Jhouhi be glad to embrace fuch t
Opportunity of altering my Condition. The old W('
man had now nothing to do, but to inhnuate, th^
fhe was certain fuch Fortunsa might be had, ai^
raife a Curiofity in liim of knowing farther wh|
fhe meant, 'i'his P.-rt (he afled to Admiration, t|
fhe made the young Fellow ftark ni;:d to draw til
Secret from her ; and he was alnioit ready to thri
himfelf at her Feet when (he told him, That tk
ivas a young Gentleivaman of her Acquaintani
luho -ivai Niece to a ■very eminent Citizen ofU
don, and had T'zuo Thoufand Pounds to her Porti
lodged in her Uncle^s Hands, ivhicb muJl be paid
upon the Day of Marriage, if demanded. 'I he ni
Quettion was, Hoiv he Jhonlt get into the swung Lat
Company. To this 'twas as re;idily reply'd. That
Uncle kept a ftrift Hand oiier her, and 'permitted
to go abroad but -very feldom ; but that fie bad ni.
and then the Liberty of making our old Lady a V\
fie having been formerly a Nurfe in her Path,
Family: And every Time the poor Thing is at my Hi
fayj the cr;(ty old Eiiggage, fie complains of
Gil
«i,
(Iff
td
lit)
•ill
li, j
teoii
tiV I
\
fl!llj|
fcpb
|Wt
Vaiiiit
Pyrates, Highwaymeny Murderers^ 6&:.
Vncle's Severitj/y and '■ajijhci flre ccuLi meet ivitb a
good Opportwiity of altering her Condition •u.'ith a
Man •who ivould ufe her ivell, and take her entire-
ly out of the old hlan s Tutelage. The Apothecary
was charm'd, and engigej the old Dame to do ail
fhe could lor him.
Having taken down tlie Names both of the Uncle
and the Uamfel, he goes the next Day into the City,
and makes Inquiry concernieg then;, with iis much
Care as an old U Hirer woula examine his Security
before he put oat his Money. He ibon found that
there was iucn a Man as had been delcrib'J, and
that hs liad a Niece witli Two Thouland i'ounds.
The old Woman iiad been very e.xad in thel'e Par-
ticulars, for Fear h-; lliould give himfelf this Trou-
ble ; which fhe afterwards wifh'd he might, the bet-
ter to confirm his good Opinion of her Sincerity.
He had no iiulinefs to enqnire any further, than whe-
ther or no there were fuch Perfons, and iuch a Sum
of IVIoney ; becaufe he had been before caution'd a-
gainll letting the Uncle fee him, or know any thing
of his Defign. To be lure he was now very earnelt
to fee his good Angel again, as he afterwards call'd
her, that tney might concert further Meai'ures, and
that they might engage her more flrongly to his
Intereft by a ProniilTor/ Note, to be paid as foon as
ever he got the young Lady. Our Go-between was
not long abfent from uis Sliop ; but when he made
his Propolai to her, flie feem'd more cold than be-
fore, and told him, that llie would not for the
World be concerned in the Match, if he had no-
thing in View but getting the Money : Ho^vever,
laid Ihe, fince I ha-ue promijed you, I'll bring you to-
gether ; and if you like her Per fan, and Jbe likes
yours, then nvc ivill tali further of Conditions •, for
as I am but a poor Woman my felf, a fmali Gra-
tuity ivould not be unacceptable, if I do you any
Service,
In a few Days our Apothecary was introduced to
the Company of tian Hereford; who receiv'd him
like a Girl that had never leen a Man in her Life
before ; fuch Modelfy, fuch Silence, fo many Bliifhe.',
were enough to deceive almoll the Devil himfelf:
The Interview was but v^xy fhort ; for the Lady
was afraid of flaying long abroad, left her Uncle
fliould be angry. Her Coldnefs made Galen the
warmer, till tne old Woman whifper'd him not to
fay too much at firft, for Fear he fiiould ipoil all.
In a Word, Mifs went home, without fo much as
promifiiig tiim politively that fhe would endeavour to
come again ; however, fhe gave him Room to hope
a little. The next Time the old Woman faw our
Gallant, he renew'd his Propofal to her, protell-
ed, he liked her Choice beyond any Woman he had
ever leen in his Life, and begg'd of her to pro-
ceed as vigoroufly for him as Ine vv.is able. After
a few Compliments, a Bond was drawn up for an
Hundred Pounds, payable to the old Woman on the
Day of Marriage, in Cafe fhe effected what fhe had
. undertaken. He feemed to give this Bond more
willingly than fhe receiv'd it, and would almofl have
doubled it, when, a few Days after his Angel told
him. That Jhe had feen Mifi, and perceivd jhe en-
tertained a good Opinion of him i for Jhe had pro-
I mis^d to come to her Houfe again.
The next Meeting was fomething, longer, and
even long enough to finilh the whole Affair. He
told her plainly tuat he lov'd her, could maintain
her handfomly, and would make her his Wife, if
(he plealed, without any further Ceremony. The
Counterfeit Fortune feem'd to content, but withal
intimited, thra fhe left her Uncle only becaufe he
did not ifl'e her well, and allow her any Money ;
95
373
and that therefore flie hoped he would not ferve her
in the fame Manner. / hai;i been hitherto, fays
fhe, kept fo foort, as not to be allo-iu'd Apparel fuit-
ahlt to my Condition, ecnd I Jhall think it hard to
he ufed fo by you too : My Uncle iMill fuffe^ fonts
Defign of lea'ving him, if I fiould novj prefs him
mare than ordinary for a Supply, and as I am, I
am unfit to appear as your II ifs. My Fortune may
be demanded ity'.^tn -.',r are marry^d, and ''tis beji not
to trouble the old Man till all be fecure. '1 hus fhe
ran on, talking at a Dillance, but plain enough for
him to fee what fhe meant ; and it was now proper
to try his Mettle. If fhe found him bleed well,
as the Phrafe among thefe People is, 'twould be
worth while to tickle him a little longer, and even
marry him, if it were neceflary ; but otherwife Ma-
dam had nothing cile to do, but to give him the
Bag, and look out for frelh Sport. The Strata-
gem fuccceded beyond her moft extravagant Lxpec-
tations ; for he fetch'd Two Hundred and fifty Gui-
neas, to give the more fignal Proofs of his Sinceri-
ty, and leave lier no Room to lufped his loving
iier. All tliis he threw into her Lap, told her he
had three times as much more at home, and fhe
fliould enjoy whatever was in his Power to pro-
cure.
In a Word, they were foon after marry'd, and
bedded the fame Day, becaufe Madam durlt not be
abfent from her Uncle's Houfe all Night. When he
had enjoy 'U the Darling of his Soul, as fhe now
began to be in Earnelt, he lent her Jiome with a
thouland Sighs and Expreffions of Fondnefs ; pro-
mifmg to come in a few Days, and demand both
her and her Fortune of her Uncle. In the mean
while he continued very impatient, till Time would
allow him in good Manners to make his Claim ;
and Madam and her old Procurefs made off t.he
Ground to freih Lodgings, far enough from him,
and where he was never like to fee, or hear of her
any more.
When three Days were over, our Apothecary
dtefs'd himfelf up in his beft Clothes (wnich were
entirely new on the Wedding-Day, to anfwer what
his Spoul'e had bought with his Money) took »
Coach, and drove into the City, up to tiie Door of
the fuppoied Uncle. He expected a warm Recep-
tion, and had fortify'd hw Mina to Dear it ; fo that,
when he had knock'd, and was admitted to the old
Gentleman's Prefenee, he peremptorily laid, He ivas
come to demand his Wife, I kno'ui nothing of your
If ife, nor you neither, quoth the old Man, and de-
fire therefore that you d exp'- tin your Meaning. Ga-
len Imardy reply 'd, / men-: ycur Niece, Sir, iv&t
is my laifjful Wife. Tour M^i/'e, Man ! faid t'other ;
fince hoiu long, pray ? The Apothecary here named
the Day and the Circurnli.iices, to convince hitn
of the Truth of what ne'l^id ; but the old Man
told him his Niece was not out on the Day fpeci-
fy'd, and that he could not cf.';j..ci.en^ his Drift.
In fhort, they came at 1 all j high Words; and the
Apothecary feemed fb politive and fincf re all the
while, that the Uncle began to think l;e had been
impoled on ; whereupon he ask'd him, Jf he ine-u
his Wife ivhen he faiu her ? 1 fhould be glad, re-
ply'd Wit. Gallipot, if you luould try me. The old
Man agreed to lend for his Niece, and fhe came
accordingly. Ibis is none of tny Wife, faid the dil-
appointed young Man. But this is my Niece thourh,
quoth the other; and all the Nieces 1 have in the
World too. They botli Hood aghall, and the young
Lady is as much furprized as they, to hear her
felf talk'd of by the Name of Wife, when fne was
certuin fhe had never had the Plealure of being one
5 C The
374
The old Man having fully weigh'd tlie Cafe, Friend,
fays he, be conviiu' d that fame Tiick has been flay-
id you, and be fo kind as to relate the Particulars
of iour Courtjhip, and every Thing that has pa/s'd
betkueen you. This was no (boner demanded than
conicntcd to ; and one particular clear'd up another
through the ivhole Courle of the Affair, till the A-
potliecary was as fully convinc'd as any Body that
he had met with a Couple of Sharpers. All he liad
noiv to do, was to think oi Job, go peaceably home,
tell over the Money he had left, and advance one
Penny per Shillinj on his Medicines.
This Relation has been fomewhat long ; but as
'tis the only Story in this Life 'twill be the more
excufable. We (hall nW conclude what we have to
fay of this Criminal in as few Words as poflible.
After this Adventure Nan grew enajnour'd with one
Kirkham a Player, who confented to live with her.
To maintain their juft Extravagancies, fhe went a
Shoplifting, and he on the Highway. He had the
Fortune to be taken on his firft Progrefs, and hang'd
A Qaieral tl i s t o r y of
for what he hid done in good Time ; \i\ii Nan zon-
tinucd litr Occupation for fix Years longer, fteal-
ing from Mercers, Linen Drapers, and Lace men, at
much Goods as were fuppos'd to be worth abo\e
Four Thoufand Pounds. Hoi^ever, at l..lt, flie alfo
was deteded, at a Linen Draper's Shop in Corn-
hill, as (he was endeavouring to fecure a Pit-ce of
Mullin, after (lie had come to the Shop in a Chair
with two or three Footmen at hei HccIb. Before the
Seflions, 'tis faid, (he oiter'd an IJund.ed Guiiieuj
to prevent her Adverfary's appearing againlt her;
but in vain, for he was relolv'd to profecute her
to the utmolh She alio attempted to fet Neiv^att
on Fire, for which (he was very heavily fetter'd
and Hand cuif 'd. Being condemn'd at the Old-
Bally, (he was executed before the Prifon (he had
endeavour'd to dertroy, on Monday, the twenty fe-
cond Day of December, in the i6go, aged twenty
eight Years. Her Body was given to the Surgeont
for a Skeleton.
n^f LIFE 0/ TOM MARSH.
THIS Fellow being one who, {like all other
Rogues) employ 'd his Wits in all manner of
ViUany, to fupport himfelf in the Purfuit
of his unlawful Appetites, he one while ufed an Ale-
hoafe in Lelcejler Fields, the Man whereof having
a very handfome Wife te fit in the Bar, (he brought
a great many Cuftomers, who were in Hopes of qua-
lifying her Husband for Horn Fair. But the Hollefs
being as cunning as her Guefts, (he would not be like
3 Glove, for every one's drawing on ; for if (he had
any Gallants, it was her Refolution that they (hould
be of the bed, and thofe fhe counted fo, who had
the moft Money in their Pockets. Her Carriage in
all Company feemed to be varnilhed with a very
great Modefty ; but it was only counterfeited, for
leveral having laid Siege to the Fortrefs of her Chaf-
tity, (he had furrendered it for the Prefents of fine
Hoods, Scarves, Gloves, Rings, or other fuch wo-
mani(h Toys.
Among the Crowd of this Woman's Admirers,
was Thomas Marjh, who difcovering his flaming
Pafiion to her, (he as foon made him fenfible by
what means he muft cool it, which was, by giving
her a filk Night-Gown ; fo, after promifing her
one, they parted, and he went Home, to contrive
how to be as good as his Word, whilll the other found
cnt a Way to procure her Hufband's Abfence for a
Night or two. This (he accomplilhed by fending
him fifteen Miles ofF, to Watford in Hertfgrdjhire,
to fee her Mother, who then lay a dying.
In the mean Time Tom finding the Strength of
his Pocket was not fulficient to acoompli(h his Pro-
mife, he fupply'd that Tltii^S^ by this Stratagem :
Vifiting a Woman of his particular Acquaintance,
who had then lately flolen a very rich Gown (name-
ly Eleanor Jack/on, alias Scotch Nell, who was
Snce hang'd at Tyburn, for dealing 3 calicoe Petti-
coat from one Mrs. Margaret Stephens) and ac-
quainting her with his Defign, which was more than
mere Love, as you will find by the Sequel of the
Story, he beg'd the Favour of her to lend it him,
to facilitate his Intention. Accordingly file did at
he defired, upon AfTurance that he would fee it
forth coming; then fending it by a Porter to the
Viftualler's Wife, fhe accepted it and the follow-
ing Letter, with a fmiling Countenance.
My Dear,
' T TAving fent you a Gown by the Bearer, this
' X Ml '5 alfo to acquaint you, that I mull die or
' fee you To-day. Never Man lov'd to fuch a De-
' gree as I do ; but it is true, never Man lov'd
' fo amiable a Creature. You may be fure of roy
' Company at the Time appointed. If I had a
' thoufand Lives, I would espofe them all for fo
' dear a BlefTmg. How long will this Day feem ta
• me ! How many tirefome Minutes am 1 to pafs,
' before that I arrive at that which is the Perfedioa
' of my Happinefs ! Thus dearly Love will make
' us pay for his Joy ! But I fliall osve him the
' more, if in this Tim© of my Pennance I can pre-
' vail upon you to believe that never Man deferved
' more to pofTefs you ! I (hall give a Proof of it,
' and if you give all your Heart, I'll venture for
* mine.
Tour humbie Servant,
T HO. MARSH.
Towards the Evening thit pafljonate Lover paid
her
Pp-ateSf High<waymef7y Murder en ^ &Ca
her a Vifit, Ijeing very merry at her Houfe till late
at Night, \/hen preparing (or Bed, they took up
foine good Liquor?, as Cyder, Stout, and Brandy,
to enjoy thcnifelves in private ; but Tom ind put a
fmall Do(e of Laudanum into his Beloved's Cup,
which made her, after but one Enjoyment, fall lo
fai^ aflecp, that you might as well awake the Dead
as her Laayfhip. Now Tow, thinking it was good
to make Hay while the Sun (hin'd, took thrse gold
Rings ofF her Fingers ; then taking the Keys of a
Clielt of Drawers out of her Pocket, he rifled them
of the bell of her Cloatiis, and forty Pounds in Mo-
ney ; which bundling up in his Friend's Gown, he
left Madam NirkamlFroth \o retrieve her Lofs by
the old Way oi fcoring two for one.
Afier this he cheated the Country up and down,
by pretending to be a difbanded Soldier, or fhip-
wreck'd Seaman ; for which Purpofe he made falfe
Pafles, and counterfeited their Seals, after this Man-
ner. Going to three or four Magilirates, and pro-
curing their Warr.ints, figned and fealed, by fwear-
ing the Peace againll Tom a Noies, or yack a Stiles,
he would take a Piece of Clay, which being rubb'd
with a bit of Butter, that it might not iHck to the
Wax, the Imprefiion theieon would come off very
clean ; then dry it very hard, and it gives the fame
Imprefiion on Wax. But Tom being once detected
in this fort of Forgery, he was whipt at Turtle-
Fu/i/f BriJetvcll ; a Place where all the Senfes of
a Man may enjoy a peculiar Pleafure ; by feeing no-
tiiJng but the Marks of Poverty, fmelling the (rs-
grant OJour of that Commodity, which they often
beat for their own Dellruflion, hearing the harmo-
nious Noife made with Beetle and Punny, tailing
Water without .Adulteration, and feeling a good
Bull's Pizzle in Cafe they won't work.
Once Tom Mar/Ii lodging at one Mr. Bennirs
Houfe near Mutton-Lane, who and his Wife were
ftrong Prefbyterians, he feemed to be a Precifian too,
which made his Landlord and Landlady have a great
Refpedl for their feemingly ferious Lodger. Tom
made Ufe of their good Opinion, and one Sunday
in the Evening, coming Home from a Meeting-
Houfe, he fat down by the Fire, in a very devout
Sort of a Poilure, as having his Glove on his Head,
and Arms a-crofs ; then defiring the old People to
fetch him a Bible, they, glad to fee him in this
godly Frame of Mind, brought him one prefently.
Taking it in his Hand, he pitch'd on that Chap-
ter of the Gofpel, which tells the Evangelical Story
575
of our Saviour's bidding the lame Man take up his
Bed and walk, which he read with a great Em-
phafis ; and afterwards going to his Repofe, he,
very early in tiie Morning, bundled up his Bedi
which fling out of the Wmdow, he carried clean
away.
About ?soon the Landlord's Daughter going to
make Tcm\ Bed, (he came down in a great .4«ony
to her Mother ; te whom telling what had happen'd,
fhe made as terrible an Outcry of her Lofs, in the
Neighbourhood, as the People did of the w'ild Lijh
coming hither, a little before the Prince of Qrangi
arriv'd at LandoH ; but her Flufbaiid being a mode-
rate Man, and, for his Profeflion, a merry one too,
he bid her be quiet, becaufe 'Jowiiad been fo civil
as to prove over Night by Scripture, that he ought
to walk away with it.
This wicked Perfon was born near Ludlovt in
Shrofjhire, a Mafon by Trade, and coming up to
London, married a very honeft Woman, by whom
he left a Girl behind hira ; but being of an idle
lazy Difpofition, he took to ill Courles, and had
not only been whipt at the Cart's Tail, for Heal-
ing Le.ad ofFSt. Paul'% Cathedral, but for a Trefp.ifs,
in entring a Man's Yard, with a Defign to rob him,
he was alfo fin'd twenty Pounds, and committed to
Keivgate till he paid the Sum, where he remained
4 Ycirs, except fome little Time when he broke
out, which he did twice, but was both Times foon
retaken, and punifh'd with Hand-Cuffs, the Neck-
Collar, and double Irons.
Whilft he was under Confinement, he had a Child
by one Elizabeth Key, a notorious Whore, a Pri-
foner in the fame Goal for Debt, whom, as being
of a fickle or rather luftful Temper, he flighted,
for the fake of Jane Hays, another Prifoner there
for Debt. It was not long after his Correfpon-
dence with the laft, that he got his Fine remit-
ted, and obtain'd his Liberty. But he did not en-
joy it long ; for committing a Burglary at Hamp-
fiead, he was committed to Ne-wgate again, and
on the 20th of December, 1 7 1 o, hang'd at Tyburn,
where he confefTed 'twas he that murdered the Far-
mer at Shipperton, in the County of Middle/ex, and
not Mr. Charles Dean the Attorney, who, a little
before was wrongfully executed for it, at that fame
Time that one Mr. Crouch was try'd on the fame
Account at Juftice-Uall in the Old-Bailey, but wxs
honourably acquitted.
The
37^
A Qemrai History of
The LIFE o/JACK ADDISON.
THIS Fellow was born of very honed Pa-
rents, in the Parith oi Lambeth, and for fome
Time h:id been in the Sea and Land Service;
but for the moft Part of his Life followed the Trade
of a Butcher, to which he was brought up. He
kept Company much with ill Women, efpecially one
Kate Speed, a PeFlon both Whore and Thief j and,
for the Maintenance of her, he went upon the Foot-
pad, committing feveral moft notorious Robberies of
that Nature, with one William Jewel, and Peter
Carfwright, the latter of which was hang'd at Ty-
burn on Wednefday the iSthofJa/y, 1711.
One Time meetmg with a Parfon between ^'.f/?-
bourne-Green and Paddington, he took trom him
five Guineas ; which putting in to his own Pockut,
quoth Jack, ^Tis as fa/i there as in yours, that I
belie'ue, reply'd the Parfon, but I hope. Sir, you II
be fo ciwl as to gi've me fome of it back again. Said
Jack then, Alas ! Sir, I ivondtr hoiit a Man in
your Coat can be fo unconfcionable ai to defire any
Thing out of thisfmall Matter ; but I tell you ^hat.
Sir, if you can tell me tubal Part of Speech your
Gold is, Pll return it all again. 1 he Parlon, think-
ing the Money was his own again, told him it was
a Noun Subftantive, as any Thing was to which he
could put A, or The. No, no, reply'd Jack, you are
out n 01V ; I perceive you are no good Grammarian,
for luhere your Gold is at frefcnt, it is a Noun Ad-
jeiiive, becaufe it can be neither feen, felt, heard,
nor underftood. So leaving the Parfon to ruminate
on his Millake, away Jack went about his unlawful
Bufinefs again.
A little while after this, meeting on the Road be-
twixt Haanierfmith and Kenfington, with one Pal-
mer, a Victualler, who formerly kept the Kings-
Head Alehoufe, in King's-Head-Court, in Drury-
l.ane, he took from him a filver Watch, and eigh-
teen Shillings ; and Mr. Palmer defiring Jack to
give him fome fmall Matter to bear his Charges
up to London, quoth he. Had you been an honell
I'radefman, perhaps I might have confidered you ;
but as 1 knovif you wear a blue Flag, I will not
give you a Farthmg, becaufe all of your ProfefTion
neither eat, drink, or think, but at other Mens
Charges.
Another Time meeting with a Captain of the
Foot Guards, betwixt Marybone 2,Xi& Tottenham Court,
knocking him down, qwith Jack, Thou great De-
fender of Women, whofe Sword is your Plough,
which Honour and Geneva, two fiery mettled Jades,
are ever drawing, I mull make bold now to bid you
Stand, and doubt not but you'll forgive my Rude-
nefs, becaufe your Chanty goes beyond the Clergj's,
in loving your greatell Enemies bell, that is to fay,
much drinking. So llunning the Officer with a
fecor.d Blow, he took three Guineas from him and
a gold Watch.
(Jr.e Evening meeting a Town Mifs whom he
knew w«ll, coming from Chcljia, after he Ikpp'd
her, he faid, Oh ! you B h of H — //, -.vhere ka'vt
you been all this 'while, that I mttfi tvait tiuo or
three Hours for your Strumpctfhip ? I fuppofe yon
have been dreffing all Day, to be tafled 'with thi
better Appetite at Night. Came, come, Itt^ s fee
•what Money you have in your Pcckets. So taking
about three or four Shillings from her, he gave
htr a green Gown, by tying her Neck and Heels
on the Grafs, wltere (he remained till next Morn.ng.
before ftie was releas'd by fome Hay- makers.
Afterwards meeting betwixt HampfeaJ ?inil Ken-
tifi-Ton'n, with a Barrifter of Lincclns-htr, and tak-
ing from him a gold VVa;ch, a filver SuufF Box,
and two Guineas, quoth he to Jack, I'd have yoi
take Care what you do, for I am a Lawyer ; and i
you ihould come into my Hands, I fhould be ver)
levere upon you, Addifon reply'd, I value not tilt
Sti t rity of all the Lawyers in England, who onh
ie.iri! to frame tiieir Cafes from pubiick Riddles, am
imitating Merlir^i Prophecies, and lo let all th(
Crofs R.OW together by the Ears, jet your wholi
Law is not able to decide Lucians, old Controverfy
'twixt Tflu and Sigma. So binding the Lavvye
Hand and Foot, he left him to plead his Caufe bj
himlelf.
Another Time Jack meeting with a Chamber
Maid, whom he knew belong'd to the Dutcnels o
M , betwixt Kenfington 3.nA Kiiightsbiidge
he civilly defirtd her to Stand and Deliver ; bu
fquawling out, and making a gre.it Clutter, rathe;
than part with what (he had, he laid violent Hand
on her, faying at the fame Time, ' You coveiou
E ' h, how loth you are to lend an honelt Man :
' little Money, to do him a JCindnefs ; when I war
' rant you, if you had a good fwinging Clap now
' you would divide it equally betwixt your M— —
' and his Footrrei, as if you had cut out the get
' ting of it by a Thread.' So taking about twen-
ty three Shillings from her, he made the bell of hi.
Way to London.
Not long after this Exploit, Jack meeting a Ser
jeant of the Poultry Compter, coming from Jfling-
ton, he commanded him to Siand and Deliver, 01
elfe he would (hoot him through the Head. The
Fellow being furpriz'd, gave him forty Shillings,
defiring, at the fame Time, that he would be fo
civil as to return him what he pleafed back again
But Jack knowing his rafcally Funfiion, quoth he
' Sirrah, was the tenth Part of a Farthing to fave
' your Life, nay, your Soul, I woiild not giv«
' it, becaufe thou art tl:e Spawn of a broken Siiop.
' keeper, who takes Delight in the Ruin of th|
' Fellow- Creatures ! The Mifery of a poor Man, is
' the Offals on which you feed, and Money is ths
' Crull you leap at ; your Walks in Term-Time
' are up Fleet-jheel, but at the End of the Term
' up Holborn, and fo to Tyburn ; for the Gallow;
' is your Purlieu, in which you and the Hangmar
• are Quarter-Rangers, the one turns c(F, and thi
' othei
Pyratesy Htghnjoaynieny Murderers, &c.
" other cuts down.' At thefe Words quoth the Ser-
jeant, ' And I hope I (hall have the Happinefs of cut-
' ting you down too, one of thefe Day?. Perhaps
' fo, reply 'd Jaci, but you fhall devour a great many
' more of the Shenffi Cuftards firft.' So tying him
Neck and Heels, he bound the Serjeant to his good
Behaviour, till feme PaiTengers came by to rcleafe
him.
He had committed 56 Robberies thus on Foot,
and at laft being apprehended, upon the Information
of one Will. Jeiucl, a Prifor.er in the Mar/haljea
Prifon, in Soulhixark, for robbing His Excellency
the Duke D' Aumont, the French AmbalTador here of
late, he was committed to Neiugate, and tr) 'd at
Juftice Hall in the Old- Bailey, fnrafiauliing and rob-
bing on the Queen's Highway, Mr. Matthcvj Beii^ly,
Mr. WiUiam H'inJJo"*.', Mr. Di/sey Stanniford, Mr.
377
Robert Sherivood, and Mr. Jofeph JJhtoit, on the 3-th
of Koi'imher, and 20th o{ December, 1710, and tiie
6ti\ of February, 1710-11; and for which being caft
and condemned, he was hang'd at Tyburn on Friday
the 2d of March following, aged 23 Years.
But before I conclude this Fellow's Life, I muft
not forget his once robbing mad Wigmiie ; whom
meeting betwixt Kentijh-'Tcitjn and London, raving a-
lorg With a Qiiarter-StafF in his Hand, and a great
Pair on Boots on his Legs, he oblig'd him to Stand
and Deliver, without much Oppofition ; for prelint-
ing a couple of Pillols at him, Jf'igmore was not l"o
mad as to lofe his Life for the Value of ten or fvtlve
Shillings, which Jack took from him, beiides cutting
the Madman's Boots to Pieces, fo that he was obliged
to go through Thick and 'I hin, it being then very
dirty Weather, barefoot Home.
rZ)e LIFE 6/ ANDREW BAYNES.
T'HIS Andreiu Baynes was from hii Infancy
of a vicious Inclination, and tho' he had the
natural Senfe to know he was in an Error,
yet ...IS he lefolved his Heart fhoulJ be lliil the lame.
When he firll duplay'd his Vanity, he began with
defr ud ng ar.d cheating all he had to deal with, ef-
pecially by taking great Houfes, and then getting
Upholllers to furnifh 'em, which vvhen he had done,
he would run away with their Goods by Night. Thus
would he alfo trick Braiiers, Pewterers, Limners,
C.ibinet-iVIakers, and other Tradefmen ; as particu-
l.irly once by taking a Houfe in RedLyon-Square,
from whence he carried above four hundred Pounds
worth of Goods into the Mint ; but was took out
from thence by Virtue of a Pojfe Comitatus, and fcnt
to Gaol.
Another Time being in great Want of Money, (for
v.i'.r.t luch Rogues get by \ iilany, is always fpent in
Luxury and Excefs, he went to a Juftice of the Peace
at Norivich, before v/hom he fwore {tho' he had not
loil a Farthing) that he was robb'd of one hundred
and fifty Pounds, within five Miles of that City, be-
twi.'-;t Sun and Sun ; and brought three or four as
great Knaves as himfelf, to depofe he had, to their
Knowledge, fo much Money when he left fuch a
Place ; tlicn fuing ths County, he recovereu iiis pre-
tended Lofs.
Afterwards his profligate courfe of Life tempting
him to greater Villanies, he turned Houie-breaker
■with one Tom Beli, who was a notorious Offender
in this kind. This Bets being caft once for a Felony
at the Seluons-Houfe in the Old Bailey, lie w.ns, by
an Order of the Court, fent into the Foot Service in
Flanders ; after which he fufFered a great deal of
Hardfhip : For, beir.g firll commanded into Germany,
he was there taken Prifoner by the French, and car-
ried to Le'-j-'k. After a longllarviag Confinement, he
made his Efcape, and went to Fern in Sweden, v.ki\a
being lifted into that King's Service to go into Poland,
he ran awsy. Then coming into Holland, he en.
tered himfelf on board a Dutch Man of War, that «vm
c,6
to convoy a Fleet from Mo/covy ; where going a-
fhore, he fiole one of the Czar's Bears in the Night,
and returning to Holland zgiin, fhew'd it, after his
Difcharge from five Months Service, about Amjierdam;
and getting Money thereby, he came over to Eng-
land ; where he was hanged at Tyburn, on If'ednefday
the 15th of May, 1706, for robbing the Houfe of
the Lord Georges in Covent-Garden.
But his untimely End working no good EfFefts in
his Comrade Andreiu Baynes, he flill followed the
Faculty of Houfe-breaking, till he was condemned
for it in I yog, and had the good Fortune to be re-'
priev'd ; yet not making good Ufe of that Mercy, a
little after his Liberty was obtain'd, he robb'd the
Earl of U'eftmorland\ Houfe, taking from thence fe-
veral good Medals, his Lordihip's Parliament Robes,
damafk Curtains, Cloaths, Linnen, and other Goods,
to the Value of five hundred Pounds; for which be-
ing apprehended upon the Information of one Daniel
Waters, (a Shoemaker concerned with him in the fame
Faa, and hanged in Augujl, 171 3, at Maidlhne in
Kent) he was committed to the Marjhalfea Prifon, in
Sotithi'.-ark ; from whence being removed by a Writ
of Habeas Corpus to Neivgatt, he was condemned
again ; but faved his Life once more, by a Reiiitution
of moli part of the Goods which he had lioien from
that Peer.
Having obtain'd his Enlargement a fecond Time,
and being ib unfuccefiful in Hoafe-brcaking, he refol-
ved to try his Fortune in turning Foot-Pad ; fo he
and hii Comrades (who likewife followed this E.xer-
cife, which is the high Road to Hell) m.cting with
one Mr. Archer, a I'aylor, living in BlaJ.niore-Preet
by Clare-Market, coming one Evening ftom hiah-
gate, they fet upon him j but he having fome Know-
ledge of Andrez.c Barms, who was indebted to him
for making a Coat, when once in Ne^vgate, quoth
he, Mr. Biynes, den't you kno%v me? Yes, reply'd
Baynes, I knoiv you n.K:ell enough, and therefore am
refol-ved to fend you home like a Gentleman, for you
jhall ha^Jt no Aloney in your Pockets.
i Ji> Searching
57^
A General H i s t o r v of
Searching him, they found about eight Shillings in
his Breeches, and a iilver Watch ; which taking from
him, quoth Baynei, wlio had a good Bull-Dog with
hirp, By G J I fanci it is pretty Sport to fee a
live Taylor baited ; therefore T II bait this Felloiv to
try the Experiment. So ilripping him Itark naked,
they bouTid him to a Tree ; then fetting the Dog at
him, he flew like a Dragon on the Taylor, who cry'd
and roar'd like a Bull indeed, and had had a Mifchief
done him, if Bayaes's Companions had not been
more merciful, in timely taking off the Dog, which
had griev'oufly bit him in fevtral Parts of the Body :
Eut for this Civility, they kept his Cloaths, as look-
ing upon him to be a fort of an Akhymift, who could
loon extradl another Sute out of Cultomers Appa-
rel.
Another Time Andreiu Bayncs, and his AfTociates,
meeting, betwixt Hampftead and London, with one
Mr. 5/flf^<2;(/ a Shoe-maker, formerly living in the
Strand, they commanded him, with out much Cere-
mony, to Stand and Deliver ; but not obeying the
Word of Command, he begg'd 'em to ufe Confci-
ence, and not to ruin him and his Family at once.
Quoth Baynes, You Son of a IVhore, dont talk of
Coifcience to us, for ixie Jhall nozu ft retch it as large
as you do your Leather. So riflng his Pockets, they
found about fixty Pounds, molt in Gold, received
that Evening of a Cuftomer ; then, as they were ty-
ing his Hands and Feet, quoth Baynes again. Is this
all the Money you hai}e ? The poor Shoe-maker an-
fwer'd. Yes, indeed. Mr. Baynes cry'd. You Son of
a B h, you ought to have every Bone in your
Skin broke for bringing ko more ivith you ; for this
fmall Matter is no more in our Pockets than a Man in
Paul's. In the mean Time the Shoe-maker begg'd
and pray'd, that if they would net give him all his
Money, they would give him but fome ; but Baynes
laid, Homi can you be fo unconfcionable, Crifpen, as
to ajh for our Charity out of this little Sum ? Pray
hold your chattering ; for luas you to fiand as hard
nvith us, as for a Piece of Carrot, nue luould not give
ycu a Doit ; fo flay here till tue come io unloofe you,
•which may be about the Day of Judgment.
Not long after this Robbery, Andrevj Baynes and
his Comrades meeting three Women, who were ^ta-
kers, coming from a little Way out of Town, they
fct upon thefe holy Sifters, and having firft fearched
all their Pockets, in which was not above two Gui-
neas, and twelve Shillings in Silver, they thought
this a very fmall Prey, without taking their Cloaths
too. So ftripping them Hark naked, quoth one of
the Lambs, as they were tying her to a Tree, Ye
Men of Belial ! v)hat is the Meaning of all this Vio-
lence, in taking avuay our Garments ? Andrevi Baynes
reply'd. Nothing at all, beloved ones, but only to make
your Bodies as light as your Souls ; and on my Word, if
ye al-ways keep in this tnanner, as ye came into the
World, ye 'will never offend the Statute made againjl
the Exccfs of Apparel.
Now Andre-w^s Comrades, becaufe they were to-
lerably handfome, were for untying them, faying.
'Twas eafy to get away, without any Danger of
their havmg us fecured. Bi.t Andrew Bjvnef, in
a great Pajjion, replfd. They (hall not be'unty'd ;
for tho' I'm of no Religion myfelf, yet I mortally
hate a Sluaker, or any other Prccifan, becaule he
is a demure Creature, only full of oraj Sandity,
and mental Impiety. Though he will not fwear|
he'll lye confoundedly ; neverthelefs, his Prefum) 1
tioB is fo fure of Ins Salvation, that he will not
change Places in Heaven with the I'irgin Mary, he
will not ftick out from commuting Fornication I r
Adultery, fo it be done for the Prop gatioaof the
Godly ; and can find in his Heart to lye with any
Whore, but the Whore of Babylon. He thinks
every Organill is in the State of Damnation, and
had rather hear a Duty of his own makintr, than
the bell Hymn a Cherubim can ling. Jn fine, he
had rather See Antichrift hiniielt. than Pictures
in a Church Window ; and pioph,mely thinks his
Difcoarfe is (o good, that he durit challenge the
Almighty to talk with him extempore. Truly
this Charafter I h:xve heard difcreet Men give of
this fort of Cattle ; and for this Reafon the Spirit
moves me to Ihew no Favour here to thefe female
Hypocrites, who we'll leave in the Dark, till their
own Light eondufts them to a better p'lace " So
his Companions being fatisfy 'd with what he fbid
tney left the three Yeas and Nays to hold forth br
themfelves. '
Andrew Baynes being once imprefs'd bv Dent
the informing Conifabie, (who was kill'd in 'Covtnt'-
Garden, by one Tuoly, a Soldier\ and fcnt to
Flanders, he vm aw.iy from his Colours into Eng-
land, and being one Day at a Houfe in Cheljea
where Dent was alio drinking, and knowing him
agam, h» and another way -laid him at Bloody-
Bridge; where fctting on him, quoth Baynes,
Thou infolent Rafcal! ivho haj} fold many a Man's
Blood at tvjenty Shillings per Head, I am fexfible
you can ufe your long Staff vcell enough, Vllftt
hovj you can exercife your Jhort one. So pulling oat
his Generation-Tool, they applied a Blifler Plaifter
to it, bought for that Purpoleat an Apothecary's in
the abovefaid Town, and tying his Hands and Feet
left him in that Condition till Morning, before any
Paflengers came by to releafe him.
This Malefador, executed at Tyhum, in 171 1,
aged 26 Years, was born in Effex, ard ierved as a
Drawer lall at the Blue Pofts Tavern, at the Corner
of Portugal-fireet, by Lincolns-hm Back-Gate, He
was very undutiful to his ancient Mother, who went
a begging j and the Woman he kept Company with,
was called Flu7n, from her formerly felling Flum-
mery ; being the Leavings of one George Purchas,
a Bailiff, condemned (but reprieved) forliiwii Tiea-
fon, with one Dammary, a Waterman, for" tfie In-
furreftion made by the Rabble in London, when Dr.
Htnry Sachtverell luas trfd by the Peers, upon feve-
ral Articlif exhibited againji him by the Ueufe of
Cgmmem.
Th
PyrateS) Highwaj'm€», Murderers, SC-c.
379
The LIFE 0/ JAMES
F T T
r 1 -L
O
OD.
THIS Fellow was often called Fi/s/, tho'
Fiie'u.o'id was his i^ht Name. He was bom
of hoaell Parents in the Parifh of St. Pe-
ters Cornhill. Hia Father was a Poulterer ; which
Occupation he, and two or three other Brother;,
pretended originally to follow ; but finding the fid-
dling Work ot fcalding, picking, and gutting Cocks
and Hens, and other Poultry, was not fo beneficial
as picking of Pocket.', they took up that Employ-
ment, as knowing there was their ready Money as
foon as they liad (lore rrieir Work.
Wlien this Fellow fuffered Death, 'twas thought
there were fomc of his Brothers who deferved it more,
one of them having been formerly condemn'd, gave
Proof thiit the Mejcy wr.s ill bellowed, for he lived
to do a great deal of Aiifchief ; and another of them
had been at Old Brideivell by Fleet-Ditch, where he
was two Years at hard Labour ; whicn going hard
agsinft tht Grain, he and fome others mutifty'd, with
a Defign to break out ; but the Keepers and Blue-
coat boys foon q jelled them. Ar^d in this rafli At-
tempt, one Ij'aac Rag, a Prifoner then with him,
and wno was afterwards an Evidence againft White,
and another Ptrfon hanged with him, fur the hor-
rid Murder of Mrs. Knap in 'Jackey-Fields, had one
of his Eyti ftiot out.
But to return to James Fileiuood. h% foon as he
had lilled himleJf under the Banners of WickeJ-
nefs, he firll went a Clouting, that is, picking Hand-
kerchiefs out of Pockets ; in which having pretty
well improved himfelf, after often being duc^'d in a
Horfe-pond, or pumped, he next veotuied to pick
Pockets and Fobs and Money and Watciies. To
which Purpofe, he always gave his conllant Atten-
dance at tiie King's going to the Parlianient-Houfe,
the Lord-.Vliyor's Show, tlie Artillery Men making
a Mock- Fight, Entries of AmbalFadors, Bartholo-
metu and Sauthv.-aik Fair.'', Drury-Lane and Lincolus.
Inn Play-Houlej, or any other Place wJiere a great
Concourfe of People is drawn together upon any Oc-
cafions ; and to be lure he never inifs'd going on Snn.
days to Church, t!io' it v.as more to ferve the Devil,
than that omnipotent M.'.jelly, to whofe Honour and
Glory the Houfe of Prayer is ereiSed ; and here he
would, as well as pick Pockets, change an old Hat
or two for a new one.
In the late Qjjeen's Reign, V'dtt being try'd at
the Affizes at Oxford, for a Matter in which he
was allowed the Benefit of Clergy, being put to
read his Neck Verfe, a Student (landing at the Bar,
took fo much CompaiSon as to inllruit him. The
Words were Lord ha've Mercy upon us : So he held
the Book, and the Scholar bid him fay after him ;
0 Lo'-d, fays the Scholar ; O Lord, fays Filet ; and
and (lis Thumb b^mg upon the other Part of it,
t!ie Scholar fnid, Taie aujay thy Thumi ; fays Fil.t
then, O Lird, take away thy ThuT.!>. Q,!Oth tne
1 idgf, Legit, aut mn legit, at Clericus ! And be that
.0 sippOiCtsd to aaA^er, being plens'il to iaiuui vuc
Cr'minal, reply'd. Legit at C'?ri:us ; by which
Means he Uwed his Neck tihs Time.
One Day tliis Filet meeting v. ith another of his
own Proteffion, named CL.rk, Lome Clark, quoth
he, fince ive ha've fo happily fumbled upon one ana-
ther, let us take a Pint together. A Match, f lys
the other; fo they went into a Tavern la Holbom.
But drinking about for a Wliile, when they uime to
examine their Pockets, they found tiiemfelves de-
ceived, one thinking the one had, and the other thin-
king the other had. Money enough to defray the
Reckoning, when indeed both of them could make
not above a Groat. Hang it then, (faid the Inviter)
ive had as good be in for a great deal as a little.
So they called lullily till it came to five or iix Shil-
lings, then looking cut at the Window, as if they
had been viewing the Defcent, fays one to the other,
I have it now. Upon that, knocking and defiring
to fpeak with the Mailer, up he came, Sir, fays Fi-
let, nx-e came hither about a mathematical Bufnefs,
to meafure from your Windo-M to the Ground: f
ha've laid upon 1 3 Foot my Friend on 13 Foot g Inches ,
and you are to be Judge that 1 flip not this Line
(which was Packthread upon a Piece of Brafs, which
joyners and Carpenters ufe in Menfuration) //// he
goes doiun, to fee luhetber from this Knot, [&cvj.
ing'\t W\m) 'which is jujl fo much, it reaches to the
Ground. The Vintner was content, i he other
Sharper being below in the Street, cry'd. It did not
reach by tle'ven Inches. Pray, Sir, faid Filet to the
\'intner. Hold it here till I fiep doavn and fee ; for I
•ivon't belie've him. So down he went, telling the
Drawer he'd paid his Mailer, and away tney both
fcoured, leaving the String for the Reckoning.
Once Jemmy Filet having ftolen an Alarum VV'atch,
llifly denied it before the Juflice, i"o that upon the
{lender Evidence he was difcharged ; but before he
got .«at of his Worfhip's Prefence, the Alarum went,
and he was ordered to be brought back again, and
fearched ; at which he cry'd our. What de-vtli/o Luck
ha've I, that IJhoutdfj eafily baffle both Jujlice and
Conjiable, and yet am trapanned by the Watch ! But
for all his Jelling, the Jullice was in fuch good earn-
nell now, that he committed him 10 Ne ^ugate, and
had he not fo far made it up witi tne Proiccutor to
throw in a Bill of Ignoramus at Scllions, lie m.gnc
perhaps been hanged then.
Once Filet having been at fome Country Fairs, he
got a pretty deal of Money ; but tailing into Play
with a Shoemaker at Lincoln, it was his Misfortune
to lofe it, Cloaths and all. Crijpin gave mm his old
Cloaths, and his leather Apron, and wlien he depart-
ed from Lincoln, was io civil, as to put twenty Snil-
Imgs into his Pockets to bear his Charges. With
this he lets out to t.'avel, and coming to a lone Inn
betwixt Grantham and Stamford, he puts in there,
and ipending four or five Sniilings, the People pro-
vided rum a good Lodging, and Jemmy went to Bed
jjetimes. It fo fell out, that they hud fevei.*! Guclts
came
38o
A General History of
came to the Inn, which took up their Lodgings, fo
that a Paribn coming in very late, they had no
room for him. The Parfon rather than go farther,
chofe to accept of a Bedfellow; but there was none
cared to be dilturbed at that Time of Night but l^Het
whom they took for a Shoemaker, and who was
well enough pleafed with the Honour of having fuch
fuch a Bedfellow.
Matters being thus accommodated, and the Parfon.
a-bed, he foon fell afleep, and flept very heartily,
being tired with the Fatigue of his Days Journey ;
but niet having flept well before, had no mind to
fleep any more that Night, but lay awake medita-
ting Mifchief ; and feeing the Parfon had a great
deal of Money in his Pockets, which he pulled out
to pay for a Pot of Beer which he called for to make
his Bedfellow drink, he was contriving how to change
Breeches with him, well knowing his own Pockets
were but thin lin'd with that precious Metal. After
having refolved what he would do, he gets up at
the dawning of the Day, and puts on not only the
Parfon's Breechc;, but alfo all his facerdotal Gar-
ments, finding they fitted him very well ; and being
rigg'd in thofe facred Habiliments, down Stairs he
goes very foftly, and calls the Hoftler, bidding him
bring his Boots, and make ready his Horfe.
Now the Hoftler, not in the leall milbufting, but
that yUet being in that Drefs, was really the Parfon,
brought him his Boots, and ask'd him what Corn he
mnft have ? He told him half a Peck of Oats, which
was accordingly given him ; and rHet was very un-
eafy till the Horle had eat them ; but in the mean
Time, that he might be the fooner ready to go,
he called to pay ; and was anfwered he had paid all
lall Night but for his Horfe. The Horfe having
eat up his Corn he was very much in Hafte to be
gone ; but the Holller afking what it was a Clock by
his Watch, which he faw the Parfon pull out the
Night before, it put Vilet to a little Stand, not ha-
ving fo farexamin'd his Pockets as to know whether
he had or no, and therefore being loath to make a
vain EfTay, he anfwered that his Watch was down,
and io got upon his Horfe, and giving the Hoftler
a Shilling, rid away as fall as he could ; and it being
Summer Weather, he had a long Day before him.
After he had rid a confiderable Way, he examines
his Pockets, and finds in them fix Gnineas, four
Pounds odd Money ^n Silver, and a very good Watch;
find having found himfelf fo well provided, he rid
away the merrily, refolving to live well as long as
that lafted.
But let us retur*l to the true Parfon, whom t.e left
faft afleep in his Bed, About Seven in the Morning,
it being in Jwie, the Parfon awakes, and going to
bid his Bcdlellow good Morrow, he foofi found not
only that the Bird was flown, but alfo that he had
flown away with his Feathers 5 for he faw nothing
there but fome old Cloath'j which he fuppos'd be-
longed to his Bedfellow ; wticreupon he calls lor
foniebody to come up ; bnt the Servants, who fup-
pofcd It to be only the Shoemaker, alk'd him, wli.it
a Po.x ail'd him to make inch a Noife, and bid him
quiet, or elfe they'd make him quiet. This vcx'd
the Parfon, and mr.de him knock the harder ; till
the Chamberlain came up, and threatened to thi.ilh
his Sides, if fo he would not be quiet.
The Miniller wondring at this rude Treatment,
afk'd. Where -was his Chathi? Tie Ch.,mberlaili 1
flill taking him for St. Hugh, reply'd, Where the
Plague fhculd they be hut upon the Chair, inhere you
left them? Who the Devil do ye think <vuould meddle
ivith your Cloaths ? They an t fo much nuorth Ppt
fure, you need not fear any Bodis ftealing them. The
Man' J mad, I think, replies tiie Parfon ; Do you knoiu
luhoye ffeakto? Speak to, f?.ys the Fellow ; Yes,
fure, I think I do. If you did, you d ufe better Words,
lays the Parfon. Better Words, fays the Man ; my
Words are good enough for a diunken Shoemaker,
Shoemaker ! lays the Parfon ; / am no Shoemaker,
I a>n the Minijier that came in here la/i Night. The
Devil you are, replies the Chamberlain, / am fure
the Minijier 'went aivay foon ajter three a Clack this
Morning, With that the Mmilier gets out of Bed in
his Shirt, and taking hold of the Ciiamberland, Sir-
rah, fays he, bring me my Cloaths, my Money, and
my Watch, or B II break your Neck donxn Stairs.
With this Noife and ScufHe comes up the Mafter of
the Inn, and fome other of the Servants ; wno pre-
fently knew that was none of him wiiom they took
for a Shoemaker ; and upon a little Enquiry into
the Matter, found that St. Hugh had made an Ex-
change with the Parfon. Whereupon the M..fter of
the Inn furnifhed him with a Suit of his own, and
Money to bear his Charges, till they coul4 hear
what became of the Thief.
He was at length taken in picking a Pocket, and
tho' the Value he took from the Perlon did not come
to ten Shillings, yet he was convided thereof ;
and likevvife upon another Indictment preferr'd a-
gainft him by Mrs. Frances Baldock, for fnatching
from her a Pocket valued at one Shilling, and in
which were twelve Guineas and two Piftoles. For
thefe FatSs he received Sentence of Death at Juftice-
Hall in the Old-Bailey ; but no Report being im-
mediately given in to the King of the MJefadiors
condemned the SefTions he was try'd, he remained
in the condemned Hold till another Seffions ; wlien
the dead Warrant being figned for eigiit Criminals,
he vvas one among them appointed for Death ; and
accordingly on the 31ft of OSiober, 1718, he took
fhipping at Newgale, failed with a tair Wind up
Holborn River, and ftriking againft the Rock of St.
Giles's, was call away at Tyburn, in the- 27th Year
of his Age,
TU
PyrateSf Highijonymefj) Murderers y &ic.
iSi
The LIVES of William Ward, Samuel
Lynn, Ralph Emmery, Robert Vickers
John Prior, and Francis Parquet.
A^
S all thefe Malefaflors were executed at the
fame Time, and as we have not many Par-
ticulars to relate of any one of them, we
thought it beft to put them all into one Chapter.
William Ward was born at Drydocking in the
County of 'Norfolk. When he was but three Years
old, his Parents removed from thence to the City of
Nornvich. His Father who- was a Mill- Wright by
Trade, made him, when capable, to work with him
in that Occupation. Afterwards he came np to Lon-
doiiy where he married a very honeli Woman, and at
Bonju, and other Places thereabouts, followed the Bufi-
neis he was brought up to ; but unhappily falling
into ill Company, he was too eafily feduced to fol-
low their bad Examples. The fir(t Fail he com-
mitted, was the taking off from a Hackney-Coach
llanding at the four Siuans-Inn Door within Bijhaps-
Cate, a Portmanteau corded under the Ccachman's
Seat, in which there was a gold Watch and Chain,
Cloathi, and feveral other Things of Value, which
were fold together for fourteen Guineas, and (hared
between him and two others concerned with him in
that Fad : However, the right Owner had them a-
gain for twenty one Guineas.
Another Time Will Ward riding thro' Htlborn m
a Hackney-Coach, and efpyisg a Porter with a great
Trunk on his Back, bids the Coachman ftop, and
call the Porter to him ; accordingly the Man of Car-
riage comes, to whom giving a Shilling to ftepjuft
by of an Errand, he bade him lay his Load into the
Coach, of which he would take Care. No fooner
was the Porter gone, but Ward calls to the Coach-
man again, who was feeding his Horfes, and bids
him drive to fuch a Place, where the Porter (he faid)
was to meet him. He is driven to an Alehoufe in
Lutencr^ i-Lane, which harbours all Sorts of Villains ;
where opening the Trunk to find what Prize he had
got, he found therein about eighty Pounds in Money,
befides a great Quantity of rich Cloaths, both Wool-
len and Lmnen ; in the meaa Time the Porter was
making a great Outcry all thro' Holbarn for his Lofs,
but all to no Purpofe, ibr the Owner of the Trunk
fued his Sureties, which all Ticket-.Porter6 give, and
they again fu'd the Porter, who was put in Gaol for
his Folly.
Not long after. Ward covamixxtA another Robbery
at the four Stvnns-lmt in Bijhoj'fgate-ftriet , taking
from another Hackney Coach a Portmanteau Trunk,
but being preiently flopped and feized with it, was
carried to tlie Poultry Compter, from whence le was
committed to Newgate, io that he h.d no Oppor-
tunity to knoiv vvnat wis in it. At t, e S. lijviis held
>At'tie Old-Baihy \i\ OSc:)ber \-jl%. ,= w.i iry'd for
it, and found guilty of his lall f ..a ; wiiitii proring
97
but 3 fingle Felony, he was thereupon enly ordered
for Tranfportation ; but whilft he lay under Con-
finement he was convided upon two other Inditl-
ments. Firft for breaking open the Houfe of Thomas
Lane, and ftealing ten Pounds Weight of Tea, on
the 1 2th of 4>W/ 1 71 7; and Secondly, for a Bur-
glary committed by him and Samuel Lynn he'eatter
mentioned in the Houfe of Mr. Julian Bailey, m
the Parifli of St. Giles's Cripphgate, from wiie'nce
they took divers Pieces of Plate to the Value of forty
Pounds, on the :4th of July, 1717. and on Monday
the i6:hof February 1718 ig, he was executed, tje-
ing twenty two Years of Age, at TyUm, where he
confefs'd that about a Twelvemonth before then, l.e
and Sam. Lynn took from oS'a Coach llanding at the
Spread Eagle in Graceihurch-jlreei a Portmanteau
with Goods in it, belonging to Dr. Tilhurg ; and
had alfo been concerned together in itverai ether
Fafts, but could not particularly recoiled themielves
about them.
Samuel Lynn was born at Brampton in Norfolk,
and for fome Time lived at a i;el Jubnuring Town
called Shtrington. When he was Vouig, his Father
(a Grocer a.id Tallow- Chanaler) len.ov-^ to the City
oi Nornxich, where he Wis bound Appiei.iitc to him,
and afterwards wrought Journey-work tlieie, and
then came up to London, where falling into il! Com-
pany, he foon took to picking 01 Pockets, for which
he was brought to Juface ; particularly for picking
the Poc et 01 the Ludv Dorcas Robeits, from whoiS
he took a gretn hlk Purle with three Guineas, and
fixteenShiliirgs in it, on the ibiho[ March, 171 3-14,
and a little after was try'd -nd received Sentence ol'
Death for the fame, but afterwards received ' trie
King's gracious Pardon, and pleaded it at the Old
Bailey on tnc loth of Juguj} 1715, the Conditions
of that P.rdon (which he did not obferve) being,
that he Ihould tranfport himfelf within fix Months
out of His Majefty's Dominions in Europe; but
wanting Grace to improve this Mercy, he not only
fell in .gain among his wicked Acquaintance, but re-
turned to his former Trade of Thieving, til! he was
conuemned for the fame Faftas /^^'az-^abovemention-
ed, and at the fame Time hanged at Tyiar/i ; aged
19 Years.
Ralph Emmery, was executed at the' fame
T:me, for a iViurdcr and Robbery committed by
iiuii on the Body of Nathaniel After, on the
lotii of June, 1718. He was born in Oldftreet, in
the Parilh of St. GiLs\ Cripphgate. He was a
Parifti-Boy, and bound for nine Years to a Cain-
Cbair-muker, whom he ferved faithfully all that
5 E Time,
SS-i
A General History of
Time, which when expired he followed that Bufi-
nefs for himfelf, going about the Streets to get mend-
ing Work of that Sort, whereby he got a Lively-
hood. The Murder he ftood condemned for, was
committed in Stepney-Fields, in Company with
William Audley, and Sarah Broivn, executed fome
Time before. Emmery took out of the Deceafed's
Pocket a Pocket-Book, and fome ColFee ; however,
he deny'd the bloody Faft, faying, that he never
was guilty of any Murder, but coul3 not jullify
himfelf in other Matters, for he had lived a long
Time in Fornication and Adultery, had been a pio-
phane Swearer, a vile Drunkard, and all along neg-
le£led the Service of God ; that he had abandoned
himfelf to a fmful Courfe of Life, and for Six Years
paft made it his common Praftice to pick Pockets,
That for thefe and the like Wicked Fafts he was com-
mitted once to the Gaol in White-Chapel, and fix
times to Newgate : that he had took feveral Trials,
been thrice whipt, and feni twice to BriJeivel', but
none of thofe Correftions working any Refer ir;.ition
in him, he ftill purfued his wicked Courfe of Life.
The aborefaid Ralph Emmery had likewife been
upon the Foot-pad, and with two others meeting
jurt upon the Clofe of the Evening with a Nonjuring
Parfon juft beyond the Halfway Houfe to HampfteaH,
one of them juftled the honeft Doftor,which the other
two perceiving, they feem'd to take the Doftor'j
Part, faying, go along with us. Sir, for that's fome
Rocue without doubt. So thefe two Rogues went
fcolding along with the fingle Rogue, getting the
Doftor betwixt 'em to proteft him from robbing, till
coming to a Diteh Emmery pufhes the Doftor into it.
Look you there now, faid tht other two, did we not
tell you before that he was a Rogue ; we hope you'll
be pleafcd to beftow fomething on as for conducing
you hither. The Doftor did not at all like his
Guardians, and indeed he had no Reafon, for taking
bis Peruke, Coat, and Sword, from him, they fearch'd
kit Breeches, in which finding about Eight Shillings,
they then left him to get out of the Ditch.
John Prior ^aihotmt Caifoo'm Bedford/hire ;
«f fnch poor Parents, that they could not beftow any
Education upon bim, infomuch that he could neither
write nor read ; for a Livelihood he follow'd Hus-
bandry in the Country, but leaving both Hulbandry
and Country, he came up to London about the Begin-
Bing of the Year 1716. and lifted himfelf in the fe-
cond Regiment of Foot- Guards, foon after which
{iving way to a lewd Life, he committed feveral
«ioft notorious Robberies on the Foot-pad, at many
Country Places about the Cities of London and We/i-
minfiir.
He wa* at laft condemn'd for the following Rob-
beries on the Highway, with Robert Vickers and Fran'
cis Parjuot : Firft, for affaulting and robbing William
Spinnage, Gent, and taking from him a Purfe wj;h
Fourteen Guineas, and a Half Guinea, a Watch,
value Eight Poands, and other Things, as he was
(iding in a Haskney Coach in Farringdon-Lant , near
Uorn/tj, on the eighteenth of jiugujt 17 18. Next
for a like Affauli and Robbery by them jointed com-
mitted on the Perfdn of George Flayer Eiq; on Horfe
back, near Tottenham-Court, in the Parifh of St. PaH
eras, from whom they took a Pair of Piltols. valuj
Forty Shilling, and a Gelding value Thirty Pounds^
on the eighteenth o( September following. And laftlyi
for fuch another Affault and Robbery, which the fait
Prior and I'iciers committed on Mr. William Squire:
who was by them roughly handled, and threaten'<ji
to be kilPd (befides their taking from him Five Qui
nfas, a Watch with a Chain and Seal, and Ten Sliil.
lings in Silver, near the Turnpike at Tottenham-
without any Reward to the faid Mr. Squire's Cha
rafler, being one of his Majefty's Meffengers. Af
ter his Condemnation he was very impudent in thi
Condemn'd Hold, and was in great Hopes of a Re
prieve, but he was neverthclefs hang'd at Tyium 01
Monday the Sixteenth ot February beforemention'd
aged 34 Years.
Robert Vickers, hang'J alfo at the fair'
Time, aged twenty three Ycirs. was born at N^thtt
cot in Wariuirh/hire, and when but verv young gc
ing from thence to Weft bury in Buckingham/hire, h
was there bound Apprentice to a Bakei . When k
Time was expired, he caire up to London, and Wi
Journeyman to a B.kcr in Co-w Crojs, and afterwarc
to anotlerin Golden Lane, in the Far fh of ft Giles
CrippLgc.t:. L^ut Jt grovving weary of his Emplo)
Blent, Jilted himfelf in the fecond Regiment of Foo:
Guajris, where he bad not been very long brfore \
began to be loofe, and follow ill Courfes, efpeciall
going on the Footpad.
The firft Perl'on whom he attack'd in this Manne
was a certain Irijh Barrifter of the King's Bench Wal,
in the Temple, wj-.o wai very well known for his nc
taking the Oaths to the tlien piefent Governmen
This Lawyer Vickers meeting ene Night walking froi
Mary le- bone, crofs the Fields towards ^oaZ/^-aw^/o,
Houfe, he did not only take what Money he had, bu
alfo ilript him to his Shirt, which dawbing all ove
with Dirt in a Pond, he put it on the Lawyer, fay
'1g> that noitj he looked fomething like a Limh of tk
Laiu, fince he ivas in black. Then tying him Nee
and Heels, he left him there to ponder till next Morn
ing, on Wisgate'i Statutes, Coke upon Littletot
Magna Charta, old Ploivden, Levinx.'i Report!
and other mufty Authors of the Law.
Francis Parquot, hang'd alfo with the above
mentioned Malefactors, aged thirty Years, was bori
in France, at a Seaport Town call'd Marines, nea
Rachel. When he was about fifteen Years old hi
csme into England, where he lived three Years witl
a French Je>veiler. Then leaving his Mailer he wenij
to the City oi Bath, and there kept a Sliop for foroti
time; but being in debt, was forced to leave than
Place, and come up to London, where he privatel)
foUow'd his Occupation, till falling into ill Company,
he betook himfelf to Houfe-breaking, which he fol-
low'd till his Acquaintance with Prior and Vickert^
brought him to fhare their Fate*.
77^
L
Pyratesy Highnoaymerjy Murderers, 5Cc.
i^S
The LIVES of John Trippujk th? GoMen-
Tinman, Robert Cane, 1 hum^d Charnock, and
Richard Shepherd.
TH E firft of thefe OfTenden had been an old
Sinner, and had acquir'd the nick Name of
the Golden Tinman, in the fame iManner as
a former Praftitioner in his wretched Calling, did
that of the Golden Farmer. Trippuck had robbed
alone and in Company for a confiderable Space, till
his Charadler was grown very notorious. Some
ftiort Time before his being taking up for his laft
Offence, he had by dint of Money and Intereft pro-
cured a Pardon. However, venturing on the Faft
which brought him to Death, the Perfon injured
foon feized him, and being inexorable in his Profe-
cution, Trippuck was call and received Sentence.
But having Itill feme Money, he did not lofe all
Hope of a Reprieve, but kept up his Spirits, by flat-
tering himfelfwith his Life being preferved, till with-
in a very few Days of Execution. If the Ordinary
fpoke to him of the Affairs of his Soul, Trippuck im-
mediately cut him Ihort with, D'ye bilifve 1 can
ahtain a Pardon ? 1 don't knoiii that indeed, fays
the Doftor, But you inoxu one Ctunfellor fuch a "
one, fays Trippuck, prithee make Ufe of your Interefl
'with him, and fee ivhether you can get him to fer'ee,
me, I'll not be ungrateful Dolior.
The Ordinary wa* alraoft at his Wits End with
this fort of crofs Purpofes ; however, he went on to
exhort him to think of the great Work he had to do,
and entreated him to confider the Nature of that Re-
pentance, which mud attone for all his nnmerous Of-
fences. Trippuck upon this, opened his Breaft, and
fhewed him a great Numbtr of Sears, amongft which
were two very large onw, out of whicij he faid two
Mufquet Bullets had been extmaed. Andivill not
thefe good Dollar, quoth he, and thi vaji Paint I
have endured in their Cure, in fame fort leffen the Hei-
noufnefi of the Fails I may hatje committed. No, faid
the Ordinary, luhat E-vils have fallen upon yiu in
fvch Expeditions you have draiun upon yourfelf, and
ere not to imagine that thefe •will in any Degree, make
amends Jor the multitude of your Offences. You had
much better clear your Confcience, by a full and inge-
nious Confeff.on of your Crimes, and prepare in ear-
neft for another IVorld, Jince I dare affure ytu, you
need ni Hopes of flaying in this.
Trippuck as foon as he feand the Ordinary wai in
the right, and that all Expectation of a Reprieve or
Pardon were totally in vain, began, as moft ofthofe
fort of People do, to lofe much of that ftubborn-
nefs, they miilake for Counge ; He now felt all
the Terroii- of an awakened Confcience, and there-
fore perfiHed no longer in denying the Crime for
whicii he died ; tho' at fiill he declared it altege-
ther a fallhood, and Canjlable his Companion hid
deiiy'd it even to Death.
It had betn reported, that this Trippuck was the
Man who killed Mr. Hull towards the end of the
Summer before on Black Heath ; but when this Story
reached his Ears, be declar'd it was an utter Falfi-
ty, repeating this Affertion to the Ordinary a few
Moment! before his being turned off; pointing to
the Rope about him, faid. As you fee this hjlrit-
ment of Death about me, 'what I fay it the real
Truth. He died at laft with all outward Signs of
Penitence.
ROBERT CANE was a young Man, of about
twenty two Years of Age, at the Time he fuffered.
Having a tollerable Genius when a Youth, hii
Friends put him Appreatice twice ; but to no Pur-
pofe ; for having got rambling Notions in his Head,
he would needs go to Sea; There too but for his
own unhappy T«mper he might have done well, for
the Ship of War in which he failed, was fo fortunate
as to take, after eight Hours fiiarp Engagement, a
Spanijh Veffel, of an immenfe Value, but the iargs
Share he got here did him little Service : Robert as
foon as he came home made a quick Hand ol it, and
when the ufual Train of fenfual Delights, which pai»
for Pleafures in low Life, had exhaui.ed him to the
laft Farthing, Neceffity, and the Dclue of Hill in-
dulging his Vice», made him fall into tne worft, and
moft unlawful Methods, to obtain the Means by
which he m;ght purfue them-
Sometime ;jfter this, the unhappy Man of whoa
we are fpeaking, fell in Love with a virtuoui young
Woman, who lived with her Mother, a poor well-
meaning Creature, utterly ignorant of C««/'j Bena.
viour, or that he had ever committed any Crimet
puniQiable by Law. The Girl, as faoh filly People
are wont, yielded quickly to Marrfage, which was
to be confummated privately, becaufe Cane\ Rela-
tions were not to be difobliged, who it feems did
not think him totally ruined, while he efcaped Ma-
trimony. But tho unhappy Youth not having IvJo.
ney enough to procure a Licenfe, and being aftiamed
to put the Expence on the Woman and her Mother,
in a Fit of amorous Diftraftion, he went out from
them one Evening, and meeting a Man fomewhat
fuddled in the Street, he threw him down, and took
away his Hat and Coat. The Fellow was not fb
drunk, but that he cried out, and People coming
to his Afliftance, Cane was immediately apprehend-
ed ; and fo this Faft, inftead of raifing him Money
enough to be marriad, brought him to Death ia the
moft ignominious Way.
While he lay in Newgate, the miferable young
Creature who was to have been tm Wife, came
•onftantly after him to cry with him, and deplore
their mutual Misfortunes, which were encre.ifed by
the Girl's Mother falling fick, and being confined to
h«r
3^4
her Bed through Grief for her defign'd Son-in-Law's
fad Fate. When the Day of liis fulFcring drew
on, this unhappy Man compofed hImfcU" to fubinit
to it with great Serenity : He profeifed abundance
of Contrition for the Wickednefs of his former Life,
and lamented with much Tendernefs thofe K\ils he
had brought upon the Girl and her Mother. The
foftnefs of his Temper, and the Heady AfFedion he
had for the Maid, contributed to make his Exit
much pity'd ; which happened at Tyburn in the 22d
Year of Ins Age. He left a Paper behind him, which
he alfo read at the Tree, containing a Confef-
fion of his Crime, a Vindication of his Sweetheart's
Character, and a Profelfion of his Faith, and uni-
verfal Charity.
RICHJRD SHEPHERD was born of very honcft
and reputable Parents in the City of Oxford, who
were careful in giving him a fuitable Education,
which he through the Wickednefs of his future Life
atterly forgot, infomuch, that he knew fcarce the
Creed and Lord'i Prayer, at the Time he had moll
need of them. When he grew a tollerabJe big Lad,
his Friends put him out Apprentice to a Butcher,
where having ferved a great Part of his Time, he
fell in Love with a young Country Lafs hard by,
and his Paflion growing outragious, he attacked her
with all the amorous Strains of Gallantry he was able.
The Hearts of young uneducated WencheK, like un-
fortify'd Towns, make little Refinance when once
befieged, and thereof Sbepierd had no great Difficul-
ty in making a Conqucll. However the Girl infift-
ed on honourable Terms, and unfortunately for the
poor Fellow they were married before his Time
was out. j4>t error in ConduSl, luhich in loiv Lift
is feldom retrieved.
It happened fo here ; Shepherd'% Mafter was not
long before he difcovered this Wedding; he there,
upon gave the poor Fellow fo much Trouble, that
he was at laft forced to give him forty Shillings down,
and a Bond for twenty eight Pounds more ; which ha-
ving totally ruined him, Dick fell unhappily into tha
Way of diihonell Company, who loon drew him in-
to their manner of gaining Money, and fupplying
kis Neceffities at the Hazard both of his Confcience,
and his Neck. He became an expert Proficient, yet
could never acquire any Thing confiderable thereby,
but was continually embroiled and in Debt ; his
Wife bringing in every Year a Child, contributing
not a little thereto.
When he firft began his Robberies, he went on
Houfe breaking, and committed feveral Fa£ts in the
City of OA:/or</itfelf; but thofe Things not being fo
•afiiy concealed there, as at London, report quickly
began to grow very loud about him, and Dick was
forced to make (hift with pilfering in other Places,
in which ke was fo unlucky, that the fecond or third
A General li i s x o r v of
%
Faft he committed in HertfordJInrs, he was detefled
and feized, and at the next Affizes capitally convidl-
ed ; yet his Friends out of Compaffion to his Youth
and in Hopes he might be fufficiently check'd by fo
narrow Efcape from the Gallows, procured him firft
a Reprieve and tlien a Pardon.
But this proximity to Death made little Impreflion
on his Heart, whicS is too often the Fault of Per-
fons, who receive Mercy, and have too little Grace
to make ul'e of it. Dick, partly driven by Neceflit»
(for few People cared after liis Releaie, to employ
him) partly through tlie inftigations of his own wick-
ed Heart, went again upon the old Trade, for which
he was fo lately like to have UiiFered ; but thieving
was ftill an unfortunate ProfelTion to him. He foon
after fell again into the Hands of Juftice, from whence
he efcaped by impeaching Allen ind Chamben two
of his Accomplice, aad lb evaded Tyburn a fecond
Time ; yet all this fignified nothing to him, for as
foon »s at home, lie was at work in his old Way
till apprehended and executed for his Wickednefs.
No unhappy Criminal had ever more Warning
thnn Sbepkerd, of his approaching miferable Fate if
he would have fuffered any Thing to have detered
him ; but alas ! what are Advices, what are Terrors
what even the Sight of Death itfelf, to Souls har-
dened in Sin, and Conlciences fo feared as his. He
was taken up, carried before Col. Ellis and coiii-
mitted to Nenxiprifon for a capital Offence. He
had not remained there long, before he wrote the
Colonel a Letter, in which (provided he were ad-
mitted an Evidence) he offered to make large Dif-
coveries. His Offers were accepted, and botn con-
vifted capitally at the Old-Bailey, by him, were ex-
ecuted at Tyburn ; whither Shepherd quickly follow-
ed them.
Shepherd had picked up while in Nenvgate, a
thoughtlefs Refolution as to dying, not uncommon
to old Malefadlors, wlio having been often con-
demned, grow at laft hardened to the Gallows.
When he was exhorted to think ferioufly of making
his Peace with God, he replied. It was done, and
he was fure of going to Heaven.
THOMAS CHARNOCK, executed with thefe,
was a young Man well and religioufly Educated,
He had by his Friends been placed in the Houfe of
a very eminent Trader, and being feduccd by ill
Company, yielded to a Defire of making a Shew in
the World ; and in order to it, robbed his Matter's
Accompting- Houfe ; which Fadt made him indeed
confpicBOus, but in a very indifferent Manner from
what he had flattered himfelf with. They died to-
lerably Submiifive and Penitent ; this iaft Malefac-
tor cipecially, who had rational Ideas of Religion.
The Day of their Execution was "January the 29th,
1719-20.
The
Pjratesy High'V)fi)'!?!ef7y MwcJcrcrSf ^-c.
sSs
The LIVES of JOHN HAWKINS and
GEORGE SYMPSON.
JOHN H J JFK I iV S at tlie Time of his
Death was about thirty Years old. His Fa-
ther was a Farmer at Stains in M'uUlefex, very
hoc il, bat poor; and therefore could not give his
Son but a flender Education. At fourteen yo^v; wait-
ed on a Gentleman, but foon left him to be a Tap-
llerVi Boy at the Rcd-Lpn in BrerJfoyd, Vv'he;e he
continued till he get into another Gentleman's Ser-
vice : But being of an unfstticd Temper, he feldom
tamed long in a Place. The \'Sx. Family he was in
\v;is Sir Dennis Diitry's,, where he v.t.s Butler, and
might have have i;ved happily ; for being a hand-
fonie creditable Servant, he waj approved of by his
Mailer and L:.dy. Bat the Opinion he had of his
own Perfon made him tcoaffaming; and he thought
it a fmall Fault to be out two or three Nights a
Week at the Gaming Tables. By his repeated Ne-
glect of his Waller's Bufinefs, the Family was in-
ceiu'd againft him, he was turned away, not with-
out ?. Sulpicion of having firft been a Confederate in
robbing t!ie Houfe of a Gonfider.-ible Value in Plate.
Having been i:aliucled in the N.-.ture of trading to
France and Flanders, in Wines, Brandies, &c He
join'd with his Brother, a Captain of a Veffel or
Sioop, in fetching thole Couimoditics from thofe
Places, and commonly paid the King's Cuftora for
them. This Way of Life was very rgreeable to
him; but having a ftrong and vioient Inclination to
arrive at great Kicncs and Splendour, on a fudylen,
he left the uncertain Way of dealing at Sea, to deal
in the So.v/iiSf<ar, and the Bubbles ; from which he
had recourfe to Babbling in another ^'"^y, as fome
others beiides have done, in which vicious Courfes
he had Succefs for a confiderable Time.
He was now twenty four. His firll E.-ipeditioii
was to HouaJJo-c'J-Hcath, where he fiopp'd a Coach,
and eas'd the Paffengers of about eleven Pounds.
With this Booty he returned kSe to London, and re-
pairing immediately to the King i-Head lit Timple-
Bar, lie threw it all oJv. Thus he wen: on a pretty
while by himfelf, lofing at Piay what he had got up-
on the Road : But finding fome DifSiculties m rob-
bing alone, he chofe for his Companions Rylcy,
Cotnmerford, Rse'ves, and Leonard, ar, Irijh Captain.
With the'.e he committed fcveral Robberies on
Hiunjioiu and Bag/hot Heaths. But tho' he fome-
times acq'iired co;iridcrab!e Prizes by fuch Means,
they did him but little Service ; for he liill had fuch
an [tclii.ng to Gaming, that he could never forbear
'till he h.;a ioft the luft Penny ; io that he was often
pat td the pitiful fr.ift cfbil.king an Ordinary for a
Dinner.
Having follow'd this Courfe about tv.o Years Leo-
■■ -fd was msde a State Prii'oner, for being concerned
. i\\tPrefio>i Rebellion ; and Hai-sl.ins ar.' one Wold-
iiA^e, for attempting to refcue him, were apprehf.i «i-
93
ed by the King's MefTeagers, but in a fliort Time
they were both difcharged. A few Days after this,
Commerford, Reems, and Ryley, were feized at Guil-
ford. Hwwkins had been with tiiem, but could not
get a Horfe. The two former were executed, and
Ryley tranfported, and the Government took Care
of Leonard.
Haiuiins now engaged with a new Gang, among
which was one Pocock, who being apprehended, im-
peach'd all the reft : This quickly difpers'd them,
and one Ral^hfon, to whom they had entrulled molt
of their Stock, went ott with it to Holland. By
which Means Haivti-a was left without Money or
Companions, for they had all foriaken the Town,
except his Brother Will and James Wright. Will
was taken on Pocock\ Information, and Wright was
in a Salivation. Hawkins himfelf Ikulk'd about
Town, not daring to appear but in fucii Houfes as
he could ccr.fide in, one of which Wiljln, who was
Evider.ce ag.'.inll him at his Trial, frequented. They
foon became as familiar as ever, and believing Wil-
fin would net betray him for the lake of the Re-
ward, Ha'j.kins told him every Thing that we have
related concerning iiim and his Companions, and o-
ther Paflages that are omitted : As that he was
prefent when Colonel Flayer fliot IVoldridge, and that
he himfelf fhot General E'vaKs\ Footman, which
he laid happened thus. He ftopp'd t.le General and
another Gentleman in a Coach ; the General and the
Gentleman both fired at him, upon which he (hot
dircdtly into the Coach, but milt them and killed
the Servant who was bshind it.
Ha'.vkins often lamented this Misfortune, and
when he fell into Company with a Clergyman,
would always be alking fome cafuiftical Queftions on
Cafes parallel to his own ; but tho' he fancied this
was no Murder becaufe he had no Del!<yi] ao-ainll
the Deceas'd, yet he was always told, that the De-
fign againft the Matter made the Perfon as Guilty,
as if It had been intended againft the Man who
was killed.
Wilfon toek fo much Fleafure in hearing Haivkir.s
relate his Pranks and Robberies, that he grew very
fond of his Company. Wright being now recover'd,
he and Haivkins fell to their old Sport, and when
they came home at Night, Wilfon ufed to drink
with them. Their firi'l Robbery after this Re-uni-
on was in Richmond Lane, upon the Earl of Bur-
lington and the Lord Bruce, from whom they took
twenty Pounds, two gold Watches, and a iaphirc
Ring, for which his Lordftiip offered 100/. to Jona-
than Wild. Haii.kins pretended iie fold it for fix
Pounds, and poor Wright thought that a good Price,
and gladly accepted of three Pounds for hisSnac;;,
tlio' Haiviins then had the Ring in his own Poffeffioi:,
and afterwards fold it in Holland tor forty Pounds.
:S6
A Gefiifral H i s t o r y of
James Wright was born of honell Parents, and
bred a Birber. He \v;i3 one ot the bell Temper, and
greatell Fidelity to his Comp:mions, that ever was
known ot a Higliwayman. How his Acqu.-iiutance
begun with Hawkins is uncertain, but they two tor
about a Month after lVright\ Salivation, went on
very prolperoully together, before U'ilfon eng-ged
with them.
About this Time a good natur'd Countryman lent
PPilfon ten Pounds_ who had been Itarving for lome
Weeks; notwithftanding which, he made all the
Halle he could to the Tables and loll it every Far-
thirg. From the Table he went to Haiukins and
Wright, and having drank freely, Hawkins began to
talk about robbing, but faid a third IVIan was necef-
fary, and aflc'd U'ilfon if hedurll take a Pillol. A/';7-
fon anfwered, 7'es, as ".veil as any Man, far the
"vant of Money has made me ready for any Thing
He, who was always gtad of new Companions, prof,
fered very kindly to get a Horfe againft ne.xt Night.
They agreed, and fo went to Bed.
Hawkins was as good as his Word, and in the
Evening they iat to drinking again. At a proper
Hour Hawkins told ut all was ready ; and fb they
mounted about Ten a Clock, and fcon after robbed
Sir David Dahymple near Winflanlefi Water-
Works: They put on upon flopping the Coach, to
try how capable he was of becoming a Man of Bufi-
nefs. And he perform'd lb well, that Hawkins ne-
ver after cared to part with him.
They took from Sir Z)ai;/V/ about three Pounds
in Money, a SnufFBox, and a Pocket Book, for
which lall, Sir Da'vid offer' d fixty Pounds to li'ild ;
but they return'd it by a Port«r, gratis; for they
had no dealings with Wild, nor did he know either
of them.
The rext Conch they robbed was Mr. Hide'i of
Hackney ; they took from him ten Pounds and a
Wateh ; but mifs'd three hundred Pounds in Bank
Notec. They fcldom fail'd ©f committing two or
three Robberies in a Week, for a Montli together.
They fcarce ever went above five Miles out of
Town, and when they returned to it agam, they
attack'd the Coaches in Chancery- Lane, another in
Lincolns-Inn Fields, and in going off Humbled upon
my Lord IVeftmoreland, who had three F'ootnien
behind his Coach. They had iome Difficulty in
■robbing his Lordfhip, for the Watch pour'd in up-
on them ; but at hearing a Pillol fir'd over their
Heads, they retired as fall, and gave them an Op-
portunity of efcaping.
Will Hawkins, the Brother oljohn, and Wright,
were foon afrer both Prifoners, Hawkins could not
impeach any Body, becaufe he was impeached him-
felf. Wright indeed might have taken that Advan-
tage to have faved his own Life ; but he told "Jack
Hawkins'^ Wife that he would hurt no Body, and
much lefs her Hufband, becaufe of his Cliildren.
How well this Generofity was returned will appear
hereafter. Hawkins and Wilfon, to conceal them-
felves, went to Oxford, and llaid there a Month ;
in which Time Hawkins defac'd fome Piflures in
the Gallery over the Bodleian Library, 'i lie Uni-
verfity offered a hundred Pounds to any that would
difcover the Perfon who did it ; and a poor Taylor,
who had diftinguifhed himfelf for a Whig, was ta-
J:en up and iniprifon'd on Sufpicion, and narrowly
cfcs.pcd a Whipping.
The Seifions at the Old-Bailey being ended, Haw-
kins was difcharged, and Wright referved for King-
flon AfTizes. The two Brothers then went to Hol-
land with all Wright''! Goods to .^the Value of fifty
Pounds, and left him llarving in Jail.
About the end of Oaober fhev -both returned to
London, where Wlfon j.nned v.'itl, i;.e,„, ana tliey
went oil together 'til! Chv,iU,as; s^\i<:ii U'ilfon be-
came of :-.ge, and wasm Poffuiionofa finail Kii,ic
his Father left him, which he fold for th:ce hur-
dled and fifty Pounds. But he loon I'oil it all at
play, except what he lent to yW^- and Will lo buy
Horles. •'
One Night Hawkins and M'Ufon took a Ride to(
HamifeaJ, and being elevated u ich Wine, reio.'ved.
as iiiey returned, to rob the firft Coach they met. it'
happened tliat about a hundred Yards on this fide ivV.
Lane, they met a Chariot with two Gentlemen in ft.
As loon as they pais'd them they mulHed up wiih
Cape and Hanukerchitf, and overtook 'em at tue End
o\ Fig Lane. Tlie Coachman Itopt at the firll Word
and down went the S.ilbes, Wilfon on one fide, and'
Hawkins on the other. The Gentlemen fired 'both
at once. One of themloJg'd three Sli,gs i,, Hawkins'i
Shoulder, but tiie other mill irH/an, had they lofFer-
ed them to come nearer they might have fliatteied
them to pieces. However our H'ghw.ivmen thougut
it bed to nioveofF, to prevent Murder 'on both fides.
This Aition was follow'd with iuch bad Weather'
that they could do nothings and when fair Wea-
ther came, tiieir Horles Heads were fb fuell'd that
they could not get 'em out of the Stable, and fo
they agreed to rob on Foot in Hide- Park. The firll
Coach they attempted there wasiVfr. Creea the Brew-
er's but the Coachman whipthis Horfes and left them.
However inifon fliot one of his Horles, and endea-
vouring to fire again fhot himlelf thro' the Hand,
which made his retreat very difficult having the Wall
to get over.
Being tnus difabled Wi/fon bad Leifure t« reflea
on his deplorable Condition, and was convinced that
Vengance would one Day overtake him, and fuch a
Courfe of Life be finifh'd with Scandal at Tyhurn !
Thele Reflcdions broiiglit him to a Relolutioii of
leaving the Town, purfuant to which he borrow'd
Money of a F"riend, took a Horfe out of the Stable
and fet forward for Torkfhire, Ftb. i. 1721.
Thus prepared for an hosell Lile arrived at Ifhit"
by, where m a itv/ Days he tell into his Mother's Bu-
iinefs, and followed it diiigencly 'till the fufceeding
Jugujl, when one day being lent for to a Publick-
Houle, to his great Surprize, lie found his old Friend
John Hawkins, and a new Companion George Simp,
fon. After the ufual Salutations, Hawkins told
Wiljon that as he had been like other Men, he
was now as liable to fuffer as any Body ; for^ his
Brother Will \\wA impeached him and all the refl
of his Companions, and he Diould be fetch'd away
in a feiv Days. This llartled Wilfon lb much, tnat
he agieed to go with them. So they ail bought
Horfes, and came to London. Then Wilfon found
thit Hawkins had deceived, me, for I was not im-
peach'd nor was hij Brother in Cullody.
George Siinpfon was about twenty eight Years of
Age when he died. He was born at Putney in
Surrey, and brought up at Coivre in Lincoln/hire.
He had no Education, and but poor natural Parts :
He was never capable of delignmg; but when any
thing was contrived lor him, no one was more
ipeedy or bold iu the F.xeciition ; for he was e-
qually briCi nnd llout. He had been Bailiff of a J
Hundred in Lincolnflnre ; but for fome Mi (demean-
or, flying the Coiuiiry, he came to London, and J
fcrved the Lord Cafllema'in and ether Gentlemen
in quality of a Footman. But difcontented with
that condition of Life, and becoming acqn.iinted
with Jack Hawkins iie commenced Colledor on
the Highw.ay.
Ho rt ever
Pyriit:Si HigJ.ivnyrfinjy Munkrcrs^ dCQ.
Jltyweve;- It was not long before Haw.'cins was in
eiiriici't taken by tlie Servants of Sir E^zvai:i Laiu-
yficf, wliom he and Buller Fox had robbed in the
H^:!fiiigtoi! Coach. Will impeached every Body
th:it .v.d been concerned with him, tiio' none but
fox and If^riaht were apprehended. Wri-j^ht was
acquitted at Kz-t^IIqii the Summer Aflizes before ;
and,h:;ving obtain'd his Liberty, fell into an hoiielt
Em"i!oviiient, which he foilou'd till H'i:uki»s mi-
ce chcd him. He w.cs conviiSed of a S ieei-R')b-
berv, done ab.)ut two Years bciore, ;.nd hanged.
And tlius was poor TJ'right's Genen-fity repaid. He
faveJ Ha'-vkiiis to be hang'd hiriifelf.
Butlfr Fox was a Porter in Milk-fircet. He hsd a
Wife and three Children His .Acqu lintanee with
Will Ha-j-'kins begin at Carter's Houfe by Lo>id:i'i-
ff'alf, a Nell for H'ghwaymen. Haixjkins impeicn'd
hiai of rcbb'P.g Colonel Hamilton, and at the Trial
fwore, that hinv.elf and fj.r committed that Robbery,
tho' neither of them was concerned in it ; lor it v.as
done bv 'Jifk Hawkins and George Simpfon, and no
other i'eilon ; and they, the ftme Nigiit, informed
W/V/ of all the Harticiil.irs. This I had from y^cf
Ilinifclf, who ovvn'd he had often exclaim'd againft
If at for Ave.iring Fox into this Robbery.
All this Time the reft of the G-ang play'd leaft in
Sight ; their iivift convenient Hojfe was by London-
V'all. The L iidlord isne.v all their Circum(hnce<:,
and fojnd his .Account i.i that Knowledge ; for they
felaom con^mitted a Robbtry, but he had his Snack
bv way of Reckoning. As he kept a L' very Stable,
tiiey iiai an Opportunity of riding out at ail Hours,
fo that thev harr.ifs'd mo.1 of tlie Morning Stage-
Coaches in England. One Morning they robb'd the
Worcelier, the Glocejier, the Cirenceftcr, the Brijhl,
and the Oxford Coaches all together. Next Morn-
ing the Chichefter and Ippwich, and the third Morn-
ing the Po'-lfmouth Coach. They wereconftant Cuf-
-fointrs to the Bury Coach ; and toucli'd it no lefs
than ten Times. And lor any of tlicfe they IclJom
rode f irthtr tnan the Stones End. When they met
with any P.ircrn tnteaus, they carried them to Carter,
and raniac-'J 'em
Their Evening Enterprlzes were commonly be-
t'.veen Richi/iona, Hackney, Hamfjlead, or Bon.'j, aud
Londiit; and often behind BttckiughamWall. They
committed innumerable Robberies with great Snccefs,
and niig'it perhaps, have continued much longer if
thev h.id not meddled with the Mails.
One Time as they ».'ere making up to the Portf-
' month Coach, a Gentle.tiHn upon it Hred at them,
before tliey Ipoke to the Coachman ; far their paf-
fmg the CoaCii and immediately returning, was a plain
Indication of what they aimed at. They were treat-
ed in the ii:<c Manner in attempting a mourning
Coach, but vvith vvorle Luck ; for WHfori'i Horle
received a Wound, of vvhich he died. One Thing
was reiv.aikabie eno- gh, and that was their meeting
Mr. Green and his Lady behind Buckingham Wall,
and robbing ti.em ; becaule when tney once before
attacked the faine Coach, and being on Foot the
Coachm.m drove away, upon which Wilfon told him
they fticuld have the Luck to meet him again, when
they were mounted.
'1 hus tiiey went on till the Beginning of v^jprjV.
I-Tis, when thsy began to talK of robbing the Mails.
This Defign was firlt concerted with their Landlord
Carter, iic propos'd to begin with the Harwich
Mail, but that being as uncertain as the Wind, they
could nor agree to wait for it. At lall, they pitch-
ed up.in the Briftol Mail, and prepared every Thing
lor that Purpo.'e.
Oa Sunday, Afril the 15 th, they fet out, and
next Morning they took the Miil ; and ag in on
If ednefdaf Morning. They robbed it tilt (econd
'I'ime, to get tlie H.ilves of fome Bmk Notes the
otiier Halves of which, they had taken tlie fiiii 'lime.
On Monday, Apri! the 23d, Wilfon went after
Dinner to fee his Horfe in Feiichiirchp.rect ; and
from thence to Carter i, where he found twe er three
Men, wliole Looks made him witlidr\i7 abrupilv to
Moregate Coiree Houfe. There he Jell into
a Sett (if Conip ny, among whom was one who ap-
peared to be a iihtaker.
tola him there was great
EiiGuiry made alter tl;e Robbers of the Brifiol yiM],
ai.d that fome were even then fexrching for them in
the Neig.iboarhood. This conhrniing Wilfon'^ Suf-
picion, he paid for his Gill, left tiie Coffee- Houfe,
and took a turn in Bedlam ; where he determined
in his Mind to take a Paffige tliat Night for AViu-
cafile.
With this Refolution \\e v/enl tow^ri^ Moregate
Coflve-Houfj ag.iin, and in his Way, met the Per-
ions he had feen at Carter'^. As foon as he pall 'em,
they turned about and followed him, tho' not fo
clofely but he got into the Coffee Houfe unperceived
by them ; for they went thro' Moregate Arch. He
tlien went out at the fore Door, where they flood
watching in the Street ; and as foon as they faw him,
they feizcd him. They carried him to the Pcfi-
Ofjlce, where he was examined by tlie Poft-Maller
General, who could make nothing of him th^t Night.
Ne.\t Morning he was carried before him again, four
or five Tiaies to as little Purpofe, tho' .VIr. Carteret
ufed the moll prevailing .Argumenrs to procure aDif-
covery. All the Pofl-Officers, in fhort, were very
prefCng to no Purpofe ; till one of them called Wil-
fon afide, and Ihewed him the folloviing Letter.
SIR,
A M one of ihofe Perfans 'who robbed the Mails,
I'chich I am firry for ; and to rr.ake amends, I ixill
jccure my tiuo Cjmpsnioas, as foon as max be. He
itshife Hand this/hall appear to be, ivill, I hope, be
entilLd to the Reu.-ard and his Pardon.
Wilfon knew this to be Simpfoni Letter, and fo
prelcntly made a Difcovery ; whereupon Haivkins
and ^impfn were appreJiended on tlie Tlurfdav fol-
lowing.
At their Trial Haiui.ns pray'd the Court that all
the King's WitnefTes might be examin'd a-part,
which tlie Court granted.
Thomas Green, the Pofiboy, depos'd thus. On
Monday the i6th of April, about one in the Morn-
ing, as I was riding by the Pyde-Hnfe at Slouth, and
hloviing my Horn, 1 was overtaken by Jamts
Ludbrook, whe was travelling the fame Way. We
rode in Company to Langley-Brocm, where a Man
on a Cliefnut Horis made up to us, and v/ent oft'a-
gain. We rode thro' CoLhrook, and then perceived
that two Men foUow'd us at a Djftance ; and on this
fide Longfcrd they came up to us, vvith Handker-
chiefs in their Mouths, and their Wigs and flats pul-
led forward over their Faces. The foiensoll of them
was on a Chefnut Horfe. He held a Pidol to my
Head, and faid, Ycu piufi go ahng •-.•.ith rr.e ; and
then taking hold of my Hoifc's Bridle he led me
down a narrow Lane, and tlie other Man brought
Ladhrook alter me in the lame manner. Then they
making us both difraount, he on th« Chefnut Horfe
(aid to me. Are you the Lad that fxore again If
Chi'd ? Na, I faid, 1 have beat Pojl-Bov but a 'very
little ivhile. Ha-je you enjer been rob'' d yet fa\s he,
ISo, fays \. Why then, fays he, you muft fay Beve-
rage no-iv, for God damn mj Blood and Our.s I'll Lg
reuen^td upon fimebedy for poor C\i\\'d.''% fake. Then
;S3
A Gerieral H i s t o r
Oj
c
!'.c cut Lr.dbrook'i Hcrfc's Bridle, and turned him a-
ilrii't, End that being done, lie went- otr with tiic
Eiick Gelding 1 rode upon. As foon i\% he was gone,
the other Man tied our Hands behind us, bound' us
B-ick to B.ick, and fo fuliened us to a Tree in a Ditch.
Then he ;-&ed Lad'orook what Money he had about
him. i(7(/(5>-««;4 toid him he had about 3 .f. 6rf'. He
fearched Ladbrook'i Pocket, and finding no wore, he
did not tal:e tiiat nor any Thing e'lie irom him, but
left ui bound, and went after his Companions. £crf'-
^,-o;-catid J, with a great deal ofiiruggling, got fiom
tiie Tree, but could not get from one anociicr: And
fo tv'd Buck to B;;ck, we went to an Inn in io«j-
forJ, from whence the Holcler c.nme with us, and
we weht down the Lane together, and' there we
found the Geklir.g loofe, and the Bjgs cut open. It
was pre:ty dark, fo that I cannot i'vvear to tiieir Per-
fons or thiir Horfes, only I could perceive that one
was a Chefnut Hori'e.
'James Ladbrook confirmed all the Poft-boy's Evi-
dence.
Ralph W'tlfon. I have known John Ha^Jikins thefe
two Years, but was not acquamted with Simpfon till
Jiiguft laft. We had often conl'uked together about
robbii'g fome Mail, but did not agree upon inhat
M.ul, all five Days before the Fa£t w.is committed,
and then we refolved it fliould be the Brijhl Mail,
purfuant to this Refolution, about li o'clock on
Sunday Morning, the 1 5th of Jpril, we all three
took Horie at ihe Blue- Boar- Inn in Soutbivari ;
Ha-uikiiis on a tall Bay, or Brown Gelding ; Simp-
fon on a Chefnut or Sorrel Mare ; and I on a dapple
Grey. VVe croiled the Water at Keuu Ferry, dined
:;t the Three Pid^eons in Brentford, ftaid there till
Six in the Evcmng, called at the Po:i-houfe at Houn-
fio'vi, and loitered on the Road till we cime to the
Poft-houfe at Q/^^-W, where we fupptd on Horle-
back ; we enquired of t.'ic Hoiilcr what 'J ime the
Brijhl Miil would come by, and he told us btt^'.een
one and two o'Cltck in the Morning. We went
thence and came to LangUy Broom about Midnight,
where we agreed to dilpatch Simpfon alone to meet
the Mail. He went, and we loitered about, wait-
ing for his Return .• And about one o'Clock we faw
the Poil-boy and a Traveller with him, and Simpfon
following them. Then we met Siir.pfon, and held a
frefh Confultation, in which at lalt it was agreed,
th'it he and I (houisJ follow the Mail, and that Haw-
kiiis (hould watch at a Diftancc, becaufe he being
pretty bulky, would be more remarkable. Then
H.tiviins and I changed Horfes, and I and Simpfon
followed the Boy and Traveller through Colebrook ;
and on this Side oi Longford we rode up to them, and
taking hold of their Horfes Bridles, led them down
Harmc'ifn.vorth-Lane,Vihex& we made them difmount.
I left Simpfon to bind them, .-.nd t0ok the Boy's Geld-
ing and M.iil to the End of the Lane, where I found
Haiviins waiting, and in a little Time Simpfon came
to us. W'e all rifled the Bigs and carriea feveral of
them to Houn/loiv-Heath, wnere we feleiSled thofe of
Bath and Brjfol, and left the reft. Thence we rode
thro' Kinofloii and V/andfworth, and going down a
bve Road^ we fearch.ed tlie Bags, took out what we
tliought fit,, moft of which we put in two riding Bags,
and tne rtll into our Pockets, and what we tfiought
would be of no Service to us, we put into the Brijlol
and Bath B.gs again, and fo ttirew them over a
Hedce. 'I'hea taking our Way thro' Camberiuell,
wc came along Greenwich Road, to the Hand-Inn in
Earnabyfireet, between Five and Six on Monday
Morning. There we put up our Horliis, and drank
a Pint of burnt Wine, and after fome Time took
Coach, and drove to the Minories ; where to avoid
Jjufpicion, we parted, and went by difterect Ways to
Frank Grccn\ at the Cod and G^or^e in the Minors
We went into a Room by ourfelves, and to take
all Miftruft, we called for a Cancie, Wax, Pap',:.,
Pen and Ink, and then locking the Door we cx;:;i, ■
red our Prize. We refenea only the Bank No.- ,
and burnt all the other Notes and the Letters wii.i
thp Candel which we fet in the Chimney ; we found
•three 20 1. Bank Notes, one of zjl.iiialf of a 50I.
rnd two halves of 25 L each, which wc equally ili-
vided. I was apprehended on the Monday foilt;'.v-
ing, and made this fame Confeifion before Mr, Car-
teret, the Poll Mailer-General, and by my Direc-
tions the Prifoneis were taken at Mrs. jSo-iacb's (.1
Midwife) in Green- Arbour-Caurt , in the LiitleOld-
Bailsy.
T'lie Hofllers at the feveral Inns where they had -
been, confirmed almoil all the Circumilanccs oiWil-
fon'i Depofition.
Richard Room, Conftable. I went with Richard
Mills and others, to apprehend the Prifoners at a
Midwife's Houfe in Green Arbour-Caurt, in the Lit-
tle Old-Bailey, between Eight and Nine at Night.
A Woman came to the l3oor, and afked what we
wanted ? We bid her not be frighted, but light a
Candle, for we were come to fearcJi for ftolen Goods.
The Prifoners, who were above, overheard u'!, cal-
led out and faid, ive are the Men you luant, but
G— ' d d n ye, the firf that comes up is a dead-
Man. We told them we were provided for them, '
let tl.em fire as foon as they would. Then Ha'-Mkins's
Brother came down fbremoll, and perfuaded them to
furrender quietly. I told them we were come upon
WiljcH'-i Inlormation. Are yon /o, (ays tie Prifoner
Haukins, ivhy then iwe are dead Men ; but nve had
rather lofe our Lives, than fa've them infuch a baft
ahd infamous a Manner as thai Villain V\ ilfjn has
faved his.
Richard Mills dcpofed the fame in Subflance. Tte
Prilbneis then brought feveral Evidences to vindicate
their Charatlers ; one of which gave the Court ibma
Trouble, on Account of a Receipt which he produ-
ced ; the wiiole Affair is too long to be rehtarfed.
In fine, at tlie fecond going out, tlie Jury brought
them in Guilty.
The Verdict being recorded, Hai.t:kins expreffed
himfelf to this Puipoie. I am altogether innocent of
this Robbery ; though I don^t blame my Countrymen
for their Verdiit ; for their Intentions -were honoura-
ble, hut they ivere o'ver- ruled by a partial Jud^e. I
haiie been ill dealt by : My Friend has been £ro-i.v-
beat, and hardly fuffered to fpeak. 1 expeSI to die,
hut yet I ivould not change Conditions ivith the Villain
that has fa'-jed his oiun Life, by fnxearing a^way mine:
For I prefer Death to a Life fanjed in fuch an infa-
mous Manner. My Blood lies upon his Head, and upon
fome others. / hope your Lord/nip is not concerned
in it.
When they were conveyed to E.xecution, not be-
ing allowed the Privilege oi a Coach, they appeared
in the Carts with uncommon Tokens of Repentance,
fcarce ever railing their Eyes from their Books to re-
gard the Crowds about them, nor tarrying to drink
Quantities of Liquor, as is ulually done.
Being come to the Place of Execution, Haixiin.',
in tome Confufion, was turned off, and died with
prodigous Difficulty and Struggling, contrary to his
Friend, who was more compoled before he died, and
moreeafily loil his Breath.
The fame Day their Bodies were carried to Houn-
floiu-Heath, and there hanged in Irons on a Gib-
bet ere6ed for that Purpole, not lar from that on
which Benjamin Child was hanged in the fame Man-
ner.
He was convided at AiUfhury Afiizes, on the Evi-
dence
Jjrjtfs, High-waymcf!, Mtirderers, &€.
dcncj of h;5 Man IfllUam U'n,h and the Port Boy)
for robbing riie Srijhl Mail. On /./oj/i/^ytlie Eighth
of March, 1-Z2, he was carried out on Horfe-
back Irom Ailabury Goal, to the Bear at Slough,
where he lay that Night,
D.'iy was carried in a Coach
tJUn.
and about Ten next
to tiie Pi.ice ci ExecU-
The LIVES of WILL OGDEN and
TOM REYNOLDS.
TH E firft of thefe Villains was born in Wall-
Nut-Tree-yllley, in Tooley-Jlreet, in South-
ivari, being a Waterman by his Calling ;
and the other was born in G-»/}-A'<'v-.,^//fr, in Sar-
nabi-Jlreet, being Apprentice to a Dung Barge-Man,
'living between Vaux Hall and the Kme Elms ; but
running away from his iVlalter before he had fervcd
his 'lime, and taking ill Coarles with Ofden, they
firll robbed feveral Ships, Hoys, and other Veffils
below Bridge, for above two Years ; when being
very like to have been once apprehended for this
fort of Theft, tiiey left it off, and took to Houfe-
brcaking.
Several Houfes they had broke open and robb'd
in and about the Borough of Southivark. But at
lift being apprehand:d for breaking open a Watch-
maker's Shop in the City of Latutan, and ilealing
thence twenty fix Watches, in Compmy ofanother
Rogue, who made himfelf an Evidence againll
them, they were committed to NiZi-gate, and con-
demned ; however, they both had the good Fortune
to be reprieved, and in AuguJ! 1713, pleaded her
Mnjerty'b moft gracious Pardon, after which they ob-
tained their Liberty.
Neverthelefs, thefe hardened Rogues not making
good Ufe of that Mercy which they had received, they
turned Foot-pads ; and one of them, namely Ogden,
meeting one Night, when the Moon was up, with a
Parfon who Jived at Pcckham, pretending to be 3
Seaman, out of all Bufinefs, and in great Diftrefs,
he humbfy bcgg'd an Alms of him ; whereupon the
Parfon taking Compnflion on the difmal Story which
he told him of his e.^tream Poverty, he gave him
Six-pence, and fo they parted. The Parfon had not
gone above the length of a Field before Ogdin met
him again, going over a Stile, and begging his Cha-
rity again, quoth the Gentleman, Tou are the mofl
impudent Beggar that ever I met luith. Ogden then
telling him that he was in very great Want, and that
I the Six pence which he gave linn would not relieve
. his preffing Neceifities, he gave him half a Crown i
whereupon Of^i's hy'mg. The fe are -very fad Times,
for there's horrid robbing abroad; therefore if you
\ have any Money about you, you may as nuell let me
\ have it as another, nvho perhaps may abuje you,
^ »nd binding you Hand and Foot, ?nake you lie in the
\ Cold all Night i but if you'' II give ?ne your Money,
' ril take Care of you, and conduct you very fafi
Home.
The Parfon then gave him all his Money, which
1 was about forty Shillings. Quoth Ogden, I fee you
\ have a Watch, Sir, you may as tvill let me have
''•"' too. The Parfon g'^ve him that alfo ; and as
93
they were trudging along, out came two or three
Fellows upon them, to whom Ogden crying. The
Moonjhinis bright, they let them pafs quietly ; and
fliortly after two or three other Fellows came fudden-
,lyonto whom O^^V;; crying again The Mton Jhines
bright, they alfo permitted them to pafs by. At laft
Ogdin brought the Parfon to his Door, where the
Paribn invited him to walk in, with a Promife that
he would not hurt a Hair ofhisHeadon an v Ac-
count ; but O^d.n refuijng the Parfon's Proffer, he
cjlled for a Bottle of Wine, and drinking to Ogden
to whom he gave the Bottle and Glafs to help him-
felf, he ran away with them, faying, he would carry
tile Wine to them that fhould certainly drink his
Health.
Not long after this Civility fliewed the Parfon.
Ogden and Reynolds one Evening meeting with Beau
Medlicote, walking near Marybone, they command-
ed him to Hand and deliver. He made fome Refu-
fal at firft, pretending as if he would de.fend himfelf
by his Sword : but prefenting their PiftoJs at him.
and knowing how a Gentleman h.-id once caned hini
for making "Love to his Wife, quoth they, ifyoudo
not prefenily deliver your Money wefhallferve you
worfe than Sir Robert Atkins did ; whereuDon
fearching his Pockets, and finding therein two half
Crowns, one of which was Brafs, they moft grievouf-
]y thralhed the Spark for carrying bad Money about
him.
Another Time Ogdtn and Reynolds in Company
with one John Bradjhaiu, who was Grandfon of that
infamous Villain, Serjeant Bradfiiavu, who pafled
Sentence on King Charles the Firil to be beheaded
watching for a Prey in a Wood near Shooter' s-Hill,
in Kent, one Cecilia Fowley, a Servant Wench, jufl
come out of Service, happening then to be pafling
by with a Box on her Head, Jack Bradjhavj went
up to her by himfelf, being, as he thought, fufficient
enough to deal with her, and taking her Box from
her, in which was her Cloaths and fifteen Shillinos
in Money, which ihe had received for a Quarter's
Wages, whllfthe was rifling of it, after he had broke
it open, a Hammer being therein, fhe takes it up,
and llriking him on the left Temple with it, the
Blow felled him to the Ground on his B.itk : Slie
then feeonded it vvith the Claw of the Hammer, by
ftriking it into his Windpipe, of which Wound the
Rogue inftantly died.
In a very fliort Time a Gentleman riding by, to
whom fhe told the Story, lie made up to the deceaf-
ed, in whole Pockets he found eighty Guineas, and
a Whittle, with which whiftling, Ogden and Rey-
nolds came prefently running out of the Wood ; but
5 ^ per.
593
A Qiutrai History
01
Ceiviiig it to be a wrong PcrfoH that wliillieJ,
they as nimbly ran into the VVooJ agiiu. Then thu
Gentlemcin ctiried the IVlind beloie a iVl.igilbate,
where he was bound for lier Appearance at tlie Affi-
les held at Rochefter, in March 1 7 14, when Ihe
came there to take her Trial, and was acquitted.
Once O^dcn and Reynolds, meeting aTallvmin
near Camber-ivcH, very well noted for his dealing
with molt of the poor People in the Panih of St.
Gi!cs\ in the Fields, efpeci.illy Hawker-, whom he
lay with firll, and fent next to the Marjbalfea,
they commanded him to Hand and deliver; he us'd
many Expoltulations with them, hoping they would
have Pity on a poor R'lan, who took a great deal of
Pains for his Bread. Quoth Ogdeu, thou Spaiun of
Hell! bwve Pity on thee? No Sirrah, I k-io'VJ thee
too ivell, and ivould almofi as foon be kind to a
Bailiff, or an informing Conjiable, A Tallyman
and a Rogue are Synonimous, or at leaf eonvertibli
Terms. Every Friday you fet up a Tenter in the
Marlhalfea- Court, n^on ivhich you rack and Jlretch
poor Prifoncrs like Englifh Broad-Cloth, beyond
the Staple of the IVool, till the Threads crack, and
that caufes them ivith the haft Wet to /brink, and
prefcntly tvear hear. Money is fo much thy Darling
that for this you tuouldfall down and nuor/bip the
Image of a Nero, ttay of a Devil, rather than
•want the fngle Penny that bears it, yet you pretend
to Honefty ; but again, 1 fay, that you, and all
your Calling, are nvorfe Rogues then ever luere
hanged at Tyburn. So taking fron> liim a filver
Watch, two gold Rings, and twenty eight Shillings,
they then Hripped him, and binding him Hand and
Foot, left him under a Hedge to fhift for himfclf.
Thefe Criminals were great Cronies of one Thomas
"Jones, a Viftualler's Son at Deptford, and John
Richardfon; the former of wl;om w?.3 BjtlfT, and
the other Footman, to an I'^fquire liring at Eltham.
Thele Fellows one Day robbing a Gentleman on
Black Heath, and leaving him there bound Hand
and Foot, their Matter, within fome few Hours after,
riding by the fame Place, Vihere he faw the Gentle-
man bound, he ordered him to be loos'd, and taking
him into his Coach, broeght him to his Houfe ;
where refrelliing him with a Glafs of Wine, the
Butler had no Inoner filled it out, whom he knew
again, but he charged him with tlie Robbery. This
lurprifing the Elquire, he could fcrirce believe it,
till he defcribed what Horfe he rode on, and the
other Horle and Perfon on him, wliich proved .to
be one of his Footmen ; and they not denying the
Faft, they were carried before a Magillrate, com-
mitted to Maid/hne Gaol, and hanged at Rochefter
on Friday i\\it zd. of Jpril, 1 714.
As for Ogden and Reynolds, pnrfaing thefe wick-
ed Courfei, without any Fc.ir of the Laws, either
of God or Man, they were at lall apprehended far
robbing one Simon Hafey, and one John Boyout,
coniriiuted to the Marjhalfea Priibn in Southivark
and liaiijji-d, the firft aged twenty five Years, the other
twenty two, at Kingjlon upon Tha?r.es, On Saturday
the 23d of April, 17 14.
Whllft they were under Sentence of Death, thef
attempted to break out of the Stock-Uoufe, in which
they were confini'd at Ki<:gfton ; and as they were
riding to the Place of Execution, Ogden flung a
Handful of Money out of the Cart to the People, lay-
ing. Gentlemen here is poor IVilTs Fareiicel : And
when he was turning oil', he gave two fuch extraor-
dinary Jirks with his Legs, as was much admired by
all the Spl'dators.
-1
■*>-W
•1
•4
Uc
Pyratesj High^jjnymdfj^ Murderers^ SCc.
iv
01
The LIFE o/ZACHARY CLARK
2r ACHJRr CLARE was a Biker's Son,
born at Hackney, ;ind by his Father bred up
A to his Trade ; but becoming acquainted with
Ned Bonnet, who learned him tiie Trade ot' robbir.g
on the Highway, tliey. pradi(cd it together witn
good Succels for three or four Years, in the Coun-
tiei of Hartfurd and Cambridge ; and became fuch
a Terror to the People of the Ifle of Ely, tiiat they
duril hardly Rir out far from home, unlefs Uicy
were Haifa Dozen, or half a Score in a Body to-
gether; but at length Clare being npffjhended as
robbing one Day by hinil'elf, to fave his own Neck.
he made himlelf an Evidence againft Ned Bonnet,
who being apprehended, was committed to ^,su>gate,
from whence was convey'd to Cambridge, and there
hanged as before related.
One would think that untimely End of his Compa-
nion, would have reclaimed him, but inllead of be-
ing reformed, he withdrew himlelf again from un-
<Jer his Father's Tuition, and tool; to his olj Courfes,
with a Refolution of never leaving tliem off till he
was hanged too. However, dreading a -Hahcr, he
was reloTved to rob by Stratagem ; and accordingly
one Afternoon riding over Bagfljot Hcnih, he fjlls
10 blowing of a Horn, juft as if he had been a Poll,
whereupon thiee or four Gentlemen then on the
Road gave liini the Way, as is ulual in iuch Cafes,
and being not rightly acquainted with the Place
where they were, they made what Halle they could
after him for a Guide, promifing to give him fume-
what for conducing them to fuch a Town. Clare
accepts of their Civility, and being come upon the
Middle of the aforefaid Heath, wheie was a lone
Houfe upon the Side of the Road, pretending to be
Thirfty, he cr.u-'d the Favour of the Gentlemen to
bellow a little Drink upon him, withal faying there
was a Cup of very good Liquor. They acquiefced
to his Requell, and rid up to the Houfe, where a
Couple of his Companions being planted, ready
mounted, they attacked the Gentlemen at Sword and
Piflol, with fuch Fury, that after a fhort Relillance,
they obliged them to pay their Follman about two
hundred and thirty Pounds for fafely condufting them
into their Clutches.
Shortly after this Adventure, being thro' his Ex-
travagance dcftitute of a Horfe, Piliols, and Accou-
trements, fitting for a CentlemaH-Thief, he puts
himlelf into the Difguife of a Porter, with an old
Frock on ii's Back, Leither Breeches, a broad Belt
about hib Middle, .; hiving Hat en his Head, a Knot
en his Sbou'.dei:, a fmall Cord (an Emblem of what
would be his Kite) at his Side, and a fnam Ticket
hanging at his Girdle ; fo going up and down the
Streets to lee how' Fortune might favour his De-
/igns. it w;js ids good Luck one Evening to go thro'
Lombard ftrest, v.'he.". a Gentleman wa^ fcahng up a
couple of hundred Pound Bags. He takw the Ad-
vantage to walk by juft as the aforefaid Gentleman
car.ie to the Door, where calling for a Porter, he
p ies him, and tlie Money was delivered to him. to
carry along with the Gentleman to one Elq; Mack-
lethu!ait\ living near Red-Lyon-Square. But Za-
chary Clare, being tired of his JJurden, turns up
St. Martin'i le Grand, and made the bell of his
Way to lighten himlelf as foon as he could of
his Load.
The G'entlcman turning about and miifing his
fuppos'd Porter, ran up and down like a dillrafted
Lunatick broke out of Bedlam, out of one Street
into another ; in thi« Lane, .-md that Alley ; this
Court and that Houfe; crying out. Did ycu fee t^r
Man that^s run aivay liit/j ?ny t-L'o hundred Pounds !
But all his Scrutiny was to no Purpofe, for Zachaiy
having a .'ight Pair of Heeli, made, no doubt, wli.,t
Halle he could to fuch (garters where he might have
a file Retreat from Jullice.
Clare being thus recruited, he foon metamorpho-
fed ids Porter's Habit into that of a Gentleman's ;
and fioin a iMan of Carriage, transform'd himfelf
into an abfolute Highwayman again. One of his
Conforts buys him a good Horfe in Weli-S:nitbjield,
whilll another buys Piflols, and other Materials,
requihte for a Perfon that lives by the Wortis Stand
and Deli'ver. Being thus equipped, he bids London
adieu for ever ; for it was the iall Time he tycr fiw
it. His Progreis now was towards the Well o\ Eng-
land; where he and his Afl'ociates rebbcd the Welch
Drovers, .and leveral Wagguns, befides Coaches ; in-
fomuch that they were a Dread and Terror to all
thoie Parts which border upon Wales.
But tlaying tliere till tiie Country was too hot for
them, they Iteered their Courle into fVariioickjhire ;
where they committed feveral Robberies, with very
good Succefs ; till one Day Zachary Clare, aiid on-
ly one more in Company uith "hirn, going to'*'?^^
their Horfes a Breathing upon Dunmarc- Heath, t'hey
attacked Sir Humphry "Jtnnifan and his Lady in their
Coach, who had then above one thoufand one hun-
dred Pounds in the Seat of it, and the Knight being
unwilling to lofe it, he came out to give them Bat-
tle. An Engagement began betwixt the Highway-
men and Sir Humphrey^ one of whofe two Foot-
men was wounded in the Arm, and the other had
his Horfe Ihot in the Buttock. But fldl Sir Hum-
fhrey\ Courage was not quell'd ; he maintained the
F'ight more vigoroufly with what Piliols iie liad ;
till the Coachman difcharging a Blunderbuf-., fhot
Zachary\ Horfe dead on the Spot, and himlelf in
the Foot. His Comrade feeing him dilniounted,
and wounded into the Bargain, he fled as fall as he
could. Glare was now taken, and Sir Humphrey
mounting his Footman's Horfe, that was net wound-
ed, purlued Ja/.tes La-Mrtnce, the Highwayman
that had left Clare in the Lurch, and took him.
The.i
39-
A General History of
Then tying them beliint! one another, with the Legs
of them under tiie Horfe's Belly, they were brougnt
into IVaravici, and being examined before a Magi-
ftrate he committed them to Gaol.
Now being in clofe Confinement, they msde fe-
veral Attempts to break open the Prifon ; and in
order thereto, they had Files, Chiflels, Rooes, and
Jqua Fortis, to facilitate their Efcape. But beinj
detefted by one of their Fellow Prifoners, they were
loaded with the heavieft Irons the Gaol afforded,
and were ftapled down to the Floor ; under which
ftrift Rellraint they continued for above four Months,
when the Affizes conning on, they were both brought
to a Trial, having a great Number of Indidtments
exhibited againft them, to the great Surprize of the
whole Court, who try'd them upon no le(s than
ten, of every one of which the Jury fcfund them
Guilty.
Being afk'd what they had to fay for themfelves,
before Sentence of Death was paft upon them accor-
ding to Law, James Lawrence faid. He had always
been an unfortunate Son of a Whore ; hoiuever, if
his Lordjhip luould be pleas'' d but to be hanged for
iim, for one half Hour or fa, it Jhould be the lajl
Favour that ever he Jhould ajk of him any more.
Being told he was a hardened impudent Rogue,
Zachary Clare was afe'd what he had to fay for
liimfelf, who anfwered, My Lord, I have hanged
cne Man already by fixiearing to fave myfelf ; and
t» fave it once mire, if your Lordjhif fleafes, I'll
/wear right or lurofig, againji the ivhole Jury, fg
hang the.'i too ; for I vo'W they hai;e done kc the\
great Difkir.dnefs that ever any Men did in my
Li/e.
Being condemned, they where remanded back to
Gaol again, and fecur'd m a dark Dungeon under
Ground; where inftead of preparing for their lat-
ter End, the)' did nothing but fing, j'wear, play at
Cards, and get drunk from Morning till Night.
So audacious were they, that a grave Miniller com-
ing to give them good Counfel, they, h:;d the Im-
pudence to throw a Pot of Drink in his Face, cry-
ing out at the fame Time, Begone you old formal
Son of Ifhore! Have nve nothing elfe to do do you
think, than [land to he fur fated ivith your damned
Cant ? They were no Jefs impudent when they
were conveyed to the Place of Execution ; and
when they were there, they would neither pray
nor make Confeffion. When the Sheriff aik'd them
if they had any Thing to fay before they were
turn'd off, Laiurence^ reply'd, / vjijh I nuas fafe
in Bed ivith your IVife novj I and Clare cry'd, /
nvijh I might have the getting of that young Wo-
man's Maidenhead there ! 1 he Ladder upon this
was immediately drawn from tinder them, and fo
they miferably ended their Lives, in Auguji, 1715,
the firft of them aged thirty two, and the other
twenty fix Years.
1%^
Fyrat^s^
n}gl<zv:?)7?;en, AhrdererSf &Cc.
593
An Account of S A R A H MALCOLM.
F the following P.iper it= needs only be
Tiid, ih:it i: vvks ivritttn by tliis un.'ortunate
Pcrlon wit!] her oun H md in tiic Pre/j I'lud
i Nmigats, onTuefday the 6l\i of March, 173^-3
Ithc liiy before her Suffering. She fpetit the great-
lEft Part of the Day in writing it j and when it was
iiiUied file read it over feveral Times ; being of
[tell ^dinoiiiflied to be careful to write nothing but
what was Truth. She then folded it up with her
lov\u H..nds before the Rev. .Dr. Middleto?i, Leftur-
cr of St. Bridis, and Roitjland Ingram, Efq; Keeper
lof his fvi.ijelty's Goal of Newgate, who both le.il-
led it with their own Sv-als ; in which manner (he de-
livered it to tiie Rev. Mr. Piddington, with a del;re
that it migHt be publithed.
After die Execution was over, the Paper w.is
opened before the worttiiplul tlic Sheriffs of Lor.din
t:(1 Mid-iUfex, Dr. Middklon, Mr. Peters, Mr.
Brauacier. and Mr. Ingram ; and being read, was
again feaicd up, and produced two Nights after, be-
fore tiie Honourable the Mailers of the Keiich of
the /z«CT- and Middle Temples, who read and returned
it CO the faid Reverend Perl'on in the manner wiiere-
jn it aftenviids appeared to the World, iigned vwth
hii NiOie-
March, the 6th, 1732 3.
SIR,
YO U cannot be, nor are not unfenfible th?.t
t.>ere is a jail God, before whom we mull
£!»■£ an e..;xSt AccTont of all our Aflions, at the
End of oar Lives.
So as my Life is at an End, and I mull appear
before d;e Aljiecing Judge of Heaven and Earth,
to gii^e an Accf>ar.t of mine, fo 1 take that great
Judge to uimefa, that what I here declare is true.
yarauz'-x the 28:!% which was Sunday, after my
Malter WaS gOBC to Co.mraons, Mary Tracy came to
me, and dnmk Te.i, .iiid then it was 1 did give my
ConfeDC i-O CQ::it un.-iappy hA of Robbing Mrs. Dun-
es>aB, but I do decLire before the Almigrity, before
whom I iiacdy ihJl appcii-, I did not know of the
Murder.
And en Saturday the 3d of February was the
Time appointed, aqd accordingly they came about
ten a CSack at P<f ight, and Mary Tracey came to
Mr. Ketrats Chambers, and I went to Mrs. Diin-
iciai's, and on tne Suirs I met the Maid, end llie
did aik me wr.ether I was going to the old Maid,
and I aiif *ered I was, and as loon as I thought fhe
liad got cowB Stairs, I would hive gone in my-
felf, but { thojxgh: that I Ciould give fome Supi-
<3on, aasi fo I aiked whick would go in, and James
Jlexaader replied he wouM, and the Door bsinw
99
left open for the Maid, againft her Return, or
otljeruays I was to have knocked at the Door, and
after to have let them in, but it being open hindred
it; and IgaveT^w-f Alexander Directions to lie
under the Maid's Bed, and defired Mary Tracy
and Thomas Alexander to go and Hay for me at
my Mailer's Door until my Return, and according
they did, and when I came, I defired they would
go and itay for meat Mrs. jO.v.-jfraii's Stairs,, until
my Return, and I went and lighted a Candle, aj-.d
IlirrcJ the Fire in my Mafter's Chamber, and went
again to Mary Tracey and Thomas Alexander, who
ucre on Mrs. Duiicoma'i Stairs, and t.'jere we waited
until after two a Clock on the SuKday which was
ttie /|th ot February, and then T would have gone
in, but when Thomas Ahxjndcr and Mary Tracey
interrupied mc, and faid if you' go in, and they
awake, they will know you, and if you llay on the
St.iiu, it may be that fome one will come up and
Itc you ; but I m.ide Anfiver, that no one lives
up fo high but Madam Duncomh.
And at length it was concluded that Mary Tracet
and the other .V/,a\3Wj/- ihouid go in, and flu t the
Door, and accordingly they did, and there I remain-
ed until between 4 ar,d 5 a Clock, and then thev
came out, and faid. Hip, and I came higher up, and
they did aflc, which way they Ihould Ihut the Door
and I told them to run the Bolt back, and it would
fpring into its Place, and accordingly they did, and
came dotvn, and having come down, they alked,
where they fbould divide what they had got ; [ aiked
how macii that was ; they laid, about three hundred
Pounds in Goods and Money, but faid they were
forced to gag them all.
I defired to know, where they had found it ; ttey
faid, that fifty Guineas of it was in the old Maid's
Pocket in a leathern Purfe, befides Silver, that they
faid was iooie ; and above an hundred and fifty
Pounds in a Drawer, befides the Money that they
had out of a Box, and the Tankard and one filver
Spoon, and a Ring wliiTh was looped with Thread,
and one fquare piece of Plate, one pair of Sheets, and
two Pillowbiers and five Shifts; and we did divide
all this, near Fig-Tree-Court, as alio atu Pump-Court ;
and they did fay unto me, befure that you bury the
Cole and Pkite under Ground, until the Robbery is
all over: For if you be fcen flufh v^ith Cole, you
will be fufpected ; and on Monday, befure, about 3
or 4 a Clock, you come to the Pewter-Platter oa
H'j'hom Bridge.
I being apprehended on the Sunday ?vight, on the
Monday Morning, when 1 was in the Compter, I
hippened to fee oae £;vV^CTOa/'fr ; he faid, he was
forry to fee me there, I alfo was forry to fee him a
lirotl'.er in .A.-'Hiclion ; he defired me to give him a
Dr.ini, for he was a great while in Priisn, and I
S H tlirew
A General History" of
594
threw him a Shilling and a Farthing : And I walk-
ing about the Room, I was iurpriled to hear me
called by my Name, and looking about, 1 oblerved
at the Head of the Bed fomething move, and I pul-
led back the Curtain, and there I law this BriJge-
•waler, and he alked, whether I had fent for any
Friends ; I told him I had, and not long after he
called me again, and faid, there was a Friend come
to me ; and I looked thorough the Hole in the Wall,
and afked, whether that was pyHl Gihbs, and he an-
fwered me yes ; and I a£ked him. how the Alexan-
dtrs were ; he faid, they were well ; he aflced me
how I came to be taken, and I told him, my Maf-
ter having found the Tankard, and fome Linnen, and
he having feen ninety Pounds and iixteen Shillmgs
on the Sunday the 4th of February, but it might
through Surprize be forgot, but 1 had it all. He
faid, if I would give him fome Money, he would
get People that would fwear that the Tankard was
my Mother's according as I would direft ; but faid
I, you muft get fome one to fwear, that I was at
their Houfe; he faid, it muft be a Woman, and he
iaid, Ihe would not go without four Guineas, and
the four Men muft have two Guineas a-piece. So
I gave him twelve Guineas, and he faid, he and his
Friend* woald be at the BulCi, Htad in Breadfireet,
but when I aflced for theai, I could not hear of
them, and when I came before the Worihipful Al-
derman Brocas, I was committed to 'Newgate.
And when I was brought up to the Common Side,
1 was bid to pull off my Riding-hood, and one Pe-
ter BhU » Prifoner obferved a Bulls in my Hair to
kang down behind, and told one Roger Johnfev^ that
I certainly had Mone/ ia my Hair ; and Mr. 'John-
/»n brought nc dawa ih » Cellar, and told nie that
Peter Buck faid, I had Money m my Hair, andbidii
me take it out, and fo [ did, and he «ounted jfii
Moidores and eighteen Guineas, and 6 broid Pieces,)
and two of them were 25 Shillings, and four were
23 Sniiling Pieces, and half a 23 Shilling?, and fire
Crowns, and two half Crowns, ard one Shilling,'
and he faid in the Condemned Hole, he would be <
cleared and get out ot Gaol on that Account. 1
In the feal'd Cover, wherein the
foregoing Paper was enclos'd,
were thele Words written al-
fo with her own Hand.
TH E enelos'd contains fix Sides of Paper, which
I take Almighty God and ray own Confci-
ence to witnefs, is nothing but the very Truth, as
witnels my Hand,
Sarah Malcolm.
When this unhappy Malefaftor was brought inta
Fleet-rtreet, over-againll Fetter-Lane End, the Pl.icc
of her Execution, on Wednefd^y tlie 7th of Mjrch,
ftie declared flic died in Peace with all the World,
and earnellly defired to fee her M lier Kerrol ; but
as ftie could not, piotelied that all Accubtions and
Afperfions concerning liini, were entirely falfe, an4
that all Confeflions except thole delivered as a-
bove, were entirely groundlcls, and likewile fo-
lemniy decbred that die Contents of the foregoing
Paper wae tiue.
%
Tki
Pyrat^iSf
Htgh^^iiymdrji
Murderers. &c.
395
The LIFE o/TOM DORBEL.
TH E Pcrfon of whom we are now going to
fpeak, w:is born of very good ParetUs at
ShaftjLwy in Darfetjhire, and put out by
them an Apprentice to a Glover at BlaHiferd, in
the ianie County ; but being very early of a vicioui
Inclination, he ran away from his Mafler before he
had ferv'd half his Time, and coming up ts London^
he foon became acquainted with ill Company, and
as foon learnt their Vices. To fupport himfelf in an
(extravagant way of Living, he ventur'd to go on the
Highway when he was but feventeen Years of Age ;
tat in his firll Attempt of that Nature, he had like
to have been cropt in the Bud. The Story was as
follows :
Meeting a fturdy Cambra-Britoti on the Road, and
demanding his Money, otherwife he would Ihoot
him, quoth the Wiljhman, Hur has no Monty of hur
tTVM, but has Thrtefctrc Pounds of hur Mafltr's, but
Cats plood hur muji not givt aiuay hur Majler's Mo-
ney ; vjh-:t 'would hur Mafltr then fay for hur doing
fo? Tom Dorbel reply'd, Tou ntuft not put mt off
thus tuitb your Cant, far Money l-juant, and Monty
I nui/l ha-ve, Jet it he luhofe it vtill, or expelt to be
fi>ot prefently thra" the Head. Hereupon the IVetjh-
man gave Tom his Money, withal faying, H'hat hur
gi-ves you is none of her onun ; and that hur Majler
may not think hur has fpint hur Money, hur dcfires you
to be Jo kind as to Jhoot fome Holes thro' bur Coat Lap-
pets, that hur Mafler may fee hur vjai robb'd. So
the VVelJhman pulling off his Coat, and hanging it
on a Tret, Tom was fo civil as to fire his Piftol thro'
jt, which made Taffy fay. Cots fplutter-a-nails, this
ts a pretty Pounce, pray give hur another Pounce for
hur Money. Tom fires another Piftol thro' Tafy'i
Coat, which made him cry out by St. Dui'y, This
II a better Pounce than t'other, fray gi've her out
Pounce more. Quoth Tom, I have never another
Pounce left. Why then, reply'd Taffy, Hur has one
Pound left for hur, and if bur tvill not give bur hur
—I Money again, hur 'will pounce thro' hur Poiy. Tom
ending liimfelf thus outwitted, he quietly letLirn'd
the Welfaman his Money, who rid away without
troubling himiclf about taking our young Highway-
man.
But after this ill_Succefs, Tsot was pretty fuccefi-
ful in his Villainy for about five Yean. During this
Time a certain Gentleman's Son being in H'inckejler
-Goal for robbing on the Highway, and fearing he
fliOEld be hang'd, becaufe he had receiv'd Mercy
oace before lor the like Crime, Tom undertook for
Five Hundred Pounds to bring him off. The Gen-
[leman'5 Father paid 250 Pounds in Hand, and the
other half he was to have when he had perform'd his
B.irgain. At lail the Aflizes was held at iyinchefter,
when llie young Gentleman coming on his Trial, the
Wiineffes proved the Matter of Faft fo plainly againft
him, that the Jury brought the Prifoner in guilty of
lobbing on the Highway. Then the Judge going to
^i Siatence on him, quoth Tarn, Ob ! \ubat a fad
Thing it is to fised innocent Blood! Ob ! -what a fad
Thing it is to Jhed innocent Blood ! And repeating it
over and over, with an audible Voice, inlbmuch
that the Court took Notice thereof, he wai took
into Cuftody, and the Judge aflcing him what he
meant by his erying out. IVhat a fad Thing it is tt
fhed innocent Blood! quoth Tom, May it pleafe your
Lord/hip, it IS a 'very hard Thing for a Man to die
turongfully ; hut one may fee hoiM hard-mouth' d fome
People tire, by the Ifitneffes fiuearing that this Gen -
tleman here at the Bar novj robbed tuem on the High-
ivay at fuch a Time, <when indeed, my Lord, t ■was
the Man that committed that Robbery.
Hereupon the Gentleman was acquitted, and Tom
took into Cullody, and fent to IVincheJier Gaol,
where he remained till the Allizes following ; when
being brought to his Trial, and a&'d, whether he
was Guilty or not Guilty, he pleaded not Guilty.
' Not Guilty f replied the Judge, Why did not you
' lall AlFizes, when I was here, own yourfelf Guilt/
' of fach a Robbery ? quoth Tom, I don't know how
' lar I v,ai Guilty then, but upon my Word lam not
' Guilty now ; therefore, if any Perfon can accufe
' me of committing fuch a Robbery, I defire they
' may appear to prove the fame. But no W itneffes
appearing againll him, becaule they mu!l h.ive proved
tiiemfelves perjured in fwearing againft him, when
they had fwoiii fo pcfitively before agaiii;l another
Perfon, he was acquitted.
Torn having lived at an extravagant Rate the fix
Months that he was in U'inchejler Gaol, he had not
much of his five hundred Pounds left vviien he was
at Liberty again ; whereupon, endeavourincr to
recruit his Pockets, by follow.ing hii old Trade, he
attacked the Duke of Kjif.ik'i Coach, as paffisg
over Salisbury Plain : But his Grace reluling to gra-
tify his Defiie, an Eng.ioenient loon became betwixt
•them, in which Tom having his Horfe fliot ttnder
him, his Grace's Servants foou fecured him ; and
carrying him, with hi: Arms pinion'd clofe down,
into the City ofSaluburj, he wis tlierc committed
to Gaol ; and when the Affizes came to be held
there, he was condemned for his Life.
Whilll he was under Condemnation, finding a
Lawyer in that Place who engaged to procure him
a Pardoa for fifty Guinea?, he gave him a Bond to
pay him fo much Mof.ey aj foon as he had obtained
it. .Accordingly the Lawyer rid to London, and by
aa Intcreft that lie had with fome Nobleman at Court,
procured what he had promifed ; then making what
Hafte he could back again, lie came with the Reprieve
juft as Dorbel was going to be caft off the Gallows.
The Lawyer had rid fo fail, that he had no fooner
delivered the Reprieve to the Sheriff, but his Horfe
dropp'd down dead ) ncvertheiefi, when Tom Wi; .•!
Liberty, he wan fo ungrateful aj not to pay the Law-
yer a Farthing, who had thus Lved h'. L;fe j v/here-
upon thev w-ent to Law ; but Dorbel caft him, by
reifon IV- ''■'.u,."- ibx.d; gocd i.". our Laws of £7;^.
land.
39^
A General H j s t o r v of
ivcn by a T^an under Sentence of
/,;«</, wliicli IS
Death.
1\ ow Z)^»-i^f/ was fo much afFrighted by tliis nar-
row Elcape of hanging, that he was relolved to live
honell ; and accordingly lived in (everal Places in
the Quality of a Footman ; but lall of all he ferved
(or fix 'or icven Years a Gentlewoman in Onnoiui-
Strect, near Lamhs-Conduit-T'ieUs •, who prevailing
upon her Brother Ncvit Thompfon, a l.innen-Drapcr
in the City of Briflol, to fend his only Daughter,
who was entring the i6th"Ycarof her Age, to Lon-
don, to be bettered in her Education, he took a Place
for her in the Coach, on Monday the 22d of f\ii iraiy,
1 7 14, and alfo for the Mefii;nger Tom Dorbc/, to
whofe Care, as being fent purpoiely to fetch her up,
(he was committed ; for great Confidence was repoled
in him, becaufe he had been an old Servant of his
Siller's, who had fent him very frequently upon im-
portant Mefloges to this her Brother at Brijlol.
Now the Villain being very fenfible of the great
Charge which this young Gentlewoman had about
her, as a gold Watch, diamond Ring, and Jewels,
to the Value of one hundred and ten Pouuds, Lis
wicked Inclination was to rob her ; and in order
thereto, being alone with her in the Coach, he very
impudently pretended Courtftiip to her. This
piece of Freedom the young Gentlewoman moft
fharply reprimanded ; but little valuing her Anger,
he took out a Penknife, and fwore, that if (he did
not confent to lie with him, he would immediately
cut her Throat. Thefe mighty Threats frightning
the young Gentlewoman into a Swoon, the Rogue
took the Advantage thereof, by tying her Hands to
each Knee, and in that Manner moft inhumanly de-
bauched her, and ftole away all (he had, excepting
one Crown and her Cloaths. Then this barbarous
Villain cutting his Way thro' the back of the Coach,
he dipt out unknown to the Coachman.
Still the young Gentlewoman continued in her
Swoon, from four of the Clock till fix in the Even-
ing, being the Time the Coach put up in its Inn.
The Coachman opening the Coach Door, and find-
ing the Gentlewoman in the aforcfaid Foilure, with
the \'iil.iln's Neckcloth alfo tied round licr Mo.ith--
and her }'"ace ail bruifed and bloody with thejoe"ii ■,•
ot the Co.ich, he was frightncd, and cried out to ti,c
People o( the Hoiifc for Afiillance ; who fending in:-
mcdiately for an able Surgeon, upon his coming :o
her, (lie feemed to be JdII expiring ; but by the Skill
he u fed, he brought her fo much to herielf by nine
of the Clock, that (he was able to fpeak, and declare
the Abufe which had been done her.
Her lurpnzing Relation altirai'd the wlicle Town
with the Horror of the VilLiiu's inhuman Faift, and
fcveral good People purfuirg the Vill'iin iever.l
Vv'ays on Horfebacic, they took him on the H'tdnef-
day following at Hammerfmith, near wliich Place lie
had but' jull robbed a Gentleman of three Pounds
five Shillings. Being carried befoje a M.igiiirate, l;e
w«s cominuted to A'livgale in London, fioiii whence
he v.'ai removed within a U'tek after, by Virtue of
a Writ of Habeas Corhiis, to Ns'wgiite in BiifloL
In the mean Time, the young Genllewomtn, fenr-
ing the ReflciSions which the World might c;ift upon
her, and thinking her Reputation was utterly loll,
altho' the Loft of her A'iiginity was forced, (he laid
itfo deeply to Heart, that at the Arriv:il of her Mo-
ther to her Bed -fide the next Day, flic only ckanged
a few Words with her, and then (he died, to the
great Grief of the old Gentlewoman, who rnn dif-
trafted, and herforrowful Father foon loll his Senfct
too.
At length, the ^'illain being brought to Trial, he
received Sentence of Death for the perpetrating this
moll inbuman Crime. All the while he was under
Condemnation, he fhewed not the kaft' Remurfe ;
and when he was hanged on Saturday the 23d of
Murch, 1714, in the 45th Year of his Age, he died
with a great deal of Impenitciicy, and was very ob-
llinate in not hearkening to any wholionie Advice
which was given him, in order to prepare hinilelf as
he ought, before he launched out into the unfatho-
mable Gulph of Eternity. After he was executed on
St. Micbael\-Hi!l, he was cut down, and hanged uj»
in Chains in the Road without Laffard'i Gate.
The
Pj'rates,
HigJjfwa) ??:€??,
MurdererSy &c.
3P7
The LIVES of Jack Collings, Kit Moor,
and Daniel Hughes.
JACK COLLINGS, alias Join Collinjon, was
born of mean Parents at iv?a//o»^, near Hull in
Yorhpire, and being brought up to no Trade,
lie had been a Footman to feveral Gentlemen, botli
in the Country, and here in London ; where he was
fome time a Coachman to one Colonel Kendal. This
Gentlemen fending Jack to fell a Pair of Coach-
Horfes, becaiife they were not well match'd, Jack
obey'd his Mailer's Orders, and ran away with ths
Money. Afterwards his Mailer taking him, he com-
mitted him to the MarJI}al\ in the Sa-voy., from
wJ.ence he fent him for a Soldier into Flaytders, but
quickly deferting his Colours, he came into England
Egam, where being much addifted to keep Company
With lewd Women, he got fadly pox'd.
Getting himfelf cur'd, when the Apothecary
brought in his Bill, which came to Forty eight ftiil-
lings and four-pence, Jack fwore it was a very un-
confcionable Bill, and if he would not be contented
with a Groat, he would never pay him a Farthing.
The Apothecary fwore and curs'd like a Madman,
faying, he would never take that, and away he
flounc'd out of the Room in a great Paffion : But
on the Stairs paufing to himfelf, and confidering it
was better to take that Groat than to lofe all, he
went up again, faying. Come, Sir, fence you II fay me
no more, lef s fee that Groat. So having given Jack
a Receipt in full of all Accounts, when lie was go-
ing out of the Room again, quoth he. Let me he
d n d. Sir, ij I ha've got any more th.Hn one poor
Ttua-fence halfpenny by you. Jack thinking the Pro-
fit large, and it being towards Evening, he follow'd
the Apothecary towards the Halfway Houfe betwixt
London and Hanipjlead, where a good Opportunity
favouring his Defign, he commanded Galen to Hand
and deliver, or elfe he would (hoot him thro' the
Head. Jack\ Orders being obey'd, he did not on-
ly take his Groat from him again, but alfo robb'd
him of a good iilver Wstch, and Twenty four
fliillings.
In this Exploit he had like to have been taken,
and made his Efcape fo narrowly, that being afraid
to go on the Foot pad again, he follow'd Houfe-
breaking altogether, in which he was fuccefsful for
many Years j but betwixt while he was a Soldier for
fix Years, and attain'd to the Office of a Serjeant in
Colonel Wing\ Regiment. However, being not
fatished with his Station, he ftiil purfued unlawful
Courfes then too, even to the Time that he was dif-
banded ; and then keeping Company with an ill Wo-
man, he car'd not whom he wrong'd to fupport her ;
and yet that fame Strumpet, whom he maintain'd
by hazarding his Neck, was a Witnefs againil him
for his Life, as it appears in his Trial, which is
partly thus :
He was indidled for breaking the Houfe of John
Halloivay, and ftealing from thence two Excheq-uer
Notes, value a Hundred Pounds each. One hun-
dred thirty leven Pounds ten Shillings in Money, and
One hundred ninety fonr Pounds in Gold It ap-
pear'd by the Evidence, that Mr. Hallo^vay beino-
at London, the Prifoner was at his Houfe mChelfia
to intreat his Favour for a Ticket of Re-entrance
into the Royal Hofpital there, and Mrs. Halloivay
permitted him to go .;p Stairs ; and the Money and
Hills being in a Clofet in the Room, he found an Op-
portunity to break it open, and carry them off.
The Woman he kept Company with fwore That
going to look for him, (he met in a Coach, and up-
braiding him for riding fo, while (he wanted he
gave her Money to pay ofF her Lodging, and bid
her do it and come to him again ; which (he did •
and (he faw a great Bag of Money in the Coach'
which he told her was worth Six hundred pounds'
and that he had it, out of the Profecutor's Clofet'
They then went to a Lodging at Wap^inT, and he
bought her Clothes, and himfelf a Coat "and WiV
to difguife him,
Mrs. Griff.n, their Landlady at Wapping, depos'd
That the Prifoner and the Witnefs having taken a
Lodging at her Houfe, (he fufpefled th^m to be
loofe People ; and that the Prifoner having fent her
Man to borrow the Gazette, he look'd upon it, and
laid it down, (aying, T:here ivas nothing in it, and
fo went up Stairs ; and that caufing her Man to' look
over the Gazette, (he found the Prifoner defcrib'd
and fo got a Conftable and fecur'd him. '
He had Seventy pounds feventeen (hillings found
upon him when taken, and Twenty two Guineas
and a half, and a Broad-piece. He own'd to the
Condable who took him, he had robb'd Mr. Hal-
lonuay, but did not fay of fo much as was mention'd
in the Indiftment. The Faft being plainly prov'd
upon him, he was found guilty.
He was alfo a fecond Time indited for robbing
Mr. James Boyce on the Queen's Highway, of .-i
filver Watch, value Three pounds, and Ten (hillings
in Money.
Mr. Boyce depos'd, That coming out of Bed-
Jhire in a Coach, the Prifoner fet upon him on this
fide Kentifi-tonun, about three of the Clock in the
Afternoon ; and after he had got his Watch and
Money, alk'd him for his green Purfe ; and he tel-
ling him had none, he made him turn his Pockets
out, and pull olFhis Gloves, to (hew he had no
Rings.
The Prifoner csll'd fome WitnefTes to prove he
was at another Place when that was done, but nor.;
appearing, he was found guilty too of that Indift-
ment. and hang'd at Tyburn, on IJ'tdnefJay the loth
of March 1714, aged 4.2 Years.
5 I On
598
A Gefieral H i s r o r 7 of
On the fame Day were Jalfo executed two other nefs of doing it ; faying, Tf.-at tho' he KriJd aV i-^,
Houfe-breakerSj namely, Jiit Moor, and Daniel yd he ivould make no fuch Dijcaveij, if he ikus^
Hufkes. y«/f lo be d «V for it.
Chriftopher Moor, the firft of thefe, aged 20 Years,
born ia the Parifli of St. Giies'i in the Fields, for the
moll part of his Life had been a Tapller in fome
Viftualling Houfes in and about London ; he con-
fefsM that a little before that, he one Night robb'd
a Houfe in Grey-Friers, near Chrifs-Hoffital, by
lifting up a Salh Window, and entring the Parlour ;
that he took from thence fix Silver Tea-Spoons, and
a Strainer, with a Silk Handkerchief Ell-wide, which
he fold for Three Shillings ; and as for the Plate,
that he fold it with a larger Parcel, (amounting to
a hundred Ounces) for four Shillings an Ounce, f ar-
thermore he faid, that he had wrong'd ons Mr.
John/on, a working Silverfmith, by fwesring falfly
heretofore that he had bought of him, and one Ro-
derick Audery, another moft notorious Rogue, fome
Plate that he had ftolen out of the Lady Edwins
Houfe. But the Faft for which he was condemn'd
to die, was for a Burglary committed in breaking
open the Houfe of one Mr. Thomas Upright, in the
Night, and taking thence a Pair of Silver Branches,
and eight Tea-fpoons, two Tea-pots, a Lamp, and
a large Quantity other Plate. He would not dif-
cover where it might be found, that the right Own-
er might have it again ; for when he was piefs'd
bv the Ordinary of Newgate to make a Difcovery
thereof if he could, he did not fo much alledge
his Incapacity, as he plainly ftiew'd his Unwilling-
Ditniel Hughes, the other Pcrfon, T.gci but Six-
teen Years, burn at Qravcjcnd in tfic Coiir.ty of Ktnt^
was brought up to the Sea, and condcuin'd lor ttic
fiinie Fad with Kit Moor i and fuch w.ib tl.eir Im-
pudence to the very kll, that when tiicy went iiitrj
the Cart, whxh was to carry them to the Place of
Execution, they were no laonet ty'd to the Copies,
but they pull'd ofF their Shoe., and fhngiiig them
among the Speftators, repeated tliis coir.uion Speech
of inch Wretches : Our Parents often faid ive
Jhould die en a Fijh Day, and nvitb our Shoes on ;
but tho^ the f 01 liter part of their PredUlion is true ^
yet nve nvill make them sil Liars ia the latter pait'
of it.
It is to be obferv'd, that tho' the Ages of thefe
two unfortunate Lads together made but 56 Ye.iri,
yet they were as vicious as more noted Rogues,
taking pride in al! manner of Lalcivioulneis, S..b-
bath-breaking, Drunkennefs, Swearing, Cuifir;g,
Gaming, and .ill lorts of Vices whatever. '1 lity
had committed between them above fifty LliiTglancs
in London, Wejiminper, and Siuthuai k. In fine,
the Obltinacy of the two young f/i.ilefjttors ia
their Iniquitv, and their in-.puiieiit Behaviour to-
wards all wiio came to fee ti.cai, wai Icaixc ever
purallel'd ; fo ih^t it was very requiiite JuHice
Ihould lay hold oi them, and prevent their doing
further Mifchief.
ne LI F E «/ J O H N PRICE.
IT would be but little Benefit and Satisfaftion to
tke Reader to have an Account of this Crimi-
nal's Extradlion, becaufe it is fo extraordinary
mean ; 'tis enough to fay, th.it he firft drew his
Breath in the Fagend of the Suburbs oi London ; and,
iike Mercury, became a Thief as foon as ever he
peeped out of the Shell.
Fortune having reduced his miferable Parents to
fuch Extremity, that they coulti not beftow on this
their Son, ai^ Education, it was his Misfortune to
improve himfelf in all jnanner of Wickednefs, be-
fore he was turn'd of Seven. So prone was he to
Vice, that as foon as he could fpeak, he would curfe
and fwear with as great a Paflion and Vilcnefs, as is
frequently heard round any Gaming-Table. More-
over, to this unprofitable Talent of Prophanenefs,
he added that of Lying, at which he v,as fo dex-
trous, that it was once a Means of bis faving his
Life.
For when John Price was about eighteen Years
of Age, living with a Gentleman in the Country,
he turned him out of his Service, purely upon the
Account of his exceffive Lying; when going to-
wards London, and robbing a Market- Woman ofa-
bout eighteen Shillings nedn- Bruitivood in Ef ex, he
wsu taken by fome Iravellcrs coming fudnenly on
him in the Faft, and committed by a Magiftrati
to Chelmsford Gaol ; where at the Affizes pleadinj
Guilty, he received Sentence of Death ; but hi
late Mafter being then H:gh -Sheriff of the Coun
ty oi EJJex, and taking Corr.paCion on his Servant'
Misfortunes did not permit l.is Sentence to be pu
in Force agamlt him ; of which the Judges ben;
informed the next ACizes, they feverely blamed fc
his Megleft, efpecialiy fjnce tiie Criminal had plead
ed guilty to the Crinse laid to his Charge. 1 lie She
riff laid. He acknoivledgcd that fuch a Man had bie
condemned the lap j4JJi$ces j hut then he kneiv the Fe,
lo'vo to he fuch an unaccountable Lyar, that there •u.a
no belie'ving one li ord he faid ; fo his pleading guit
ty to ifihat luas laid to his Charge, tKas, in his Opi
fiion, an eminent Sign he ought to be believed innoctt.
of the Fall, and he <would not be guilty cf hangin
an innocent Man for the World. 'Fiiis facetiot
Story of Mr. Sheriff making the Judges ftnile, the
reprieved the Criminal, but with a leverc repr
mand, and ftrift Charge of never coming beto)
them any more.
Soon after this Efcape, John Price makes fl
belt of his Way for London : where he sflociati
himfelf with a 7 ribe of Pick-potkcis, andGjpfic
with whom Le ran up and down the Country, it
qucntii
Pyratcs, Highicajwefj^ Murder erS) dec
i99
J :cn:ing a:; Fairs 2nd Concoarfes of People, till lie
\.as citc/i'J diving in a Poci^ec tiiat was none ofiiis
i/.vii, and comniilted to Newgate in Biijiol. Being
[acre ieverely whip: ior his h'ault, lie went on board
a M=rciiant Siiip, and afterwards I'erved in two Men
<:( War, but not forbearing to piKcr from the Sea-
jnen, alter having been viiiipt at a Gun, picl-led with
Brmc, and Keel-riawl'd, he was discharged. Coni-
. ing alhore at Portfmouth, he got to beloved LTndiv.
a^iin, where he would never hearken to any whol-
itinie Coiinici, but was relolved to break taro' ail
vircuojb Sentiments, and wholly to betake himfelf
to ail raunner of VVickedntfs. Entring himlelt in-
to a Gang of Foot-pads, they one Night divided
themfelvea into three B-inds, snd an Attorney then
falling into their Hands near Hampftead, his Money
they demanded, with a 'I'houfand Oaths and C'jries.
According to their Demand he gave them what Mo-
nev he liad about him, which was eight Guineas,
rejoicing howloever that he had now pal;, as he
thougnt, all Danger. When lo, fuddenly as he came
up to tne Halfway Houlc, betwixt that Place and
London, he was again furrounded with a i'econd Cuid
of the.e Rogues, who viewing him ne.irly, demand-
ed whence tie came, and where he wus going. He
rcl-.tej nis piteous Adventure, and into wnat cruel
Hands he bad fallen, C-.vf// anfwcred one of tne
liang ; Ho-'.\j durji you ufe thefe Teimi? And ivhi
made ^ou Jo bold as to talk to us nuith your Hat on?
Pray, Sir, be pUafed, henceforiMords to learn more
Manners. Wnich faying, thev Inatched his Hat
and Wig off his Head, and took a diamond Ring
off his i"inger, in all to the value of fifteen Pounds.
What could our poor Lawyer now do ? To return
back again, was to leap out of the Frying-Pan into
the Flic ; wherefore he faintly puts on. Wlien
fcarce he had got palt Kentijh Toivn, but the third
Bind, who lay as Centinels in this Place, made up
to liim, bringing along with them a Man who had
not a r:!g of Cloatlis on his Bad:, no not fo much as
a Snirt, a dreadful Tning, conhdenng the Time of
the Year, it bemg then m the DeptJi of Winter :
Sir, (fud Price, wlio was in this P.irty,) You II ao
/I charitable Deed, to Jet this poor Wretch, tuhom ive
ha've juji now fiript, ha've your upper Coat, or rather
both upper and undsr for you fee he is almoji dead
tcith Cold. Fhe Lawyer would willingly luive plead-
ed that Chanty begins at home, and tiiat every Man
15 bound by tne Laws of Nature to conferve his
own Being rather than anothers : But Alas! his
judges were Other kind of Men than to be moved
bv tne Laws of tiie Lund or Nature eitner ; where-
tore t'ley took from him both his Coats and his
\\'alicc<;ar, telling him it was a F,i\our that they
took r.o: !r^;in imn his Lite aUb, (eeing that lie
made fo much bad Ufe of it.
Not long after this. Price and one of his wicked
Alibciatei privately conveying themfelves one Even-
ing into a Houie in Fleet-/!! e-f, crept np into a
-Garret filPJ v;itli iiothing but Lumber, with an [n-
tent to rob the People ; but in the Night bulUinga-
boa: ill the Dark, as Price was going to a Table
for a Pillol he had Lid tliere, he no foo.nrr laid his
Hand on it, but icprefeiuly dilVhnrges, and awaken-
fu them of the Houfe, v. ho immediately began to
life to fccure the Thieves; Price's ComraJe flies
prelent'v to the Window, where they had (a.iened a
Kobe ready for their Efcape, and offers to Hide down,
when (c-iicely bad he got abov* a Story and half
but riie Rope broke, and lie fell down ; However,
;;s naught i: never in Danger, he received no fo much
' Hurt, bat that he madealhift to icrambie away.
in the mfan I'mie Pii^e be- o^^ '«•': behind, and
feeing himfelf alone three or four Stories high, witii-
out any Pofiibility ot following fiis Companion, he
refolved to venture Neck or nothing ; fo quickly
removes the remaining Part of the Rope to another
Window, whereby he might let himfelf down into
the Balcony, whithei he was no fooner got to, but
all the People of the Houfe were in an Alarm j
upon wiiich lie jumps out full into a great Basket of
Efags. which a Man coming from Newgate Mp.iket
had on his Head. The Eggs running all about his
Ears, nay, all his whole Body, as he lay upon the
Ground, there was then as great an Outcry of Mur-
der, as there was of Fhieves; but all to no Purpofe,
for Price having broke his fall by his Jump into
that brittle Commodity, he made his Elcape like-
wile, to reign longer in his ViUany
Jaci Price having go clear this Time, and begin-
ning to be very much noted about Town, he takes
a journey into the Country, llripping all the Hedges
he met with that had any Linnen on them, till he
had Ttichei Cumberland ; where putting into a little
Inn, the People whereof being none of the honefteft
and finding by his Difcourfe that he was a Servant
fit for their turn, he was entertained a'; their Tapfter
and let into the Secret of their murderin" Travellers
that fometimes lay there, but long he had not been
in this Employment, before a Gentleman happened "
to put into this Inn for Lodging ; who h^w" in his
Chamber, was fec;etly informed by a Maid of the
Danger he was in. Amonglt otncr Things ihe told
him, 'twas the Inn-keeper's Cuilom to ring a Bell
at the Sound of which feveral li.igues came runnnio- ^
when prtfently one of them feigning to be Servant to
the Inn, comes to the Chamber where the Guellsare
and making as he would fnufF the Candle, puts it
out, upon which the other Villians enter, and mofl
cruelly murder them. This Gentleman coniideruic
witn himfelf what to do, caufed the Maid to bring
him a Lanthorn, puts a Candle lighted into it and
hiding it under a Stool, layvreauy his Arms, and
Hands upon his Guard. When fcarcely had he fat
himfelt down, but a great boorilli Fellow enters,
who very officiouily fo Inuft tne Candle, that he fnuffi
it out. But the Gentleman prefently bid his Man
bring out the Lanthorn, repelled the Villains, kill-
ed two of them, and put the others to flight. Then
he feizcd on the Inn-keeper and his Wife, delivered
them into the Hands of Jullice, and at the Affizes be-
ing proved by the Maid they had murdered at feve-
ral rimes fourteen of their Guells, whole Bodies
were found in an arched Vault in the Garden, to
which they had a fecret PafTage out of a Cellar, they
were both condemned and executed, the Inn-keeper
hiir.lelf being afterwards hanged in Chains.
Being at lalf committed to Newgate for Petit
Larceny, he was only whipt at the Cart's Arfe, and
upon paying his Fees, obtained his Liberty again.
Attei wards endeavouring to mend his Fortune by
Marri.^ge, he entered into the Stale of Matrimony
with a young Woman called Betty, whofe Employ-
ment was dally to attend the Gaol df Neivgats, and
to run on Priloner's Errands. Bv thi: Means and his
own good Behaviour, he quickly r .ifcd himfv:lf to
Preleimenr, for he was made Hang;T.an for the
County of Mtildlefex. But the firll Day he ofiicia-
ted at the Seffions in the Old Bailey, goinp to the
Blue-Boar Alehoule, fituated rot far from jultice-
Hali, it was iiis Misfortune to have iiis burnin<r
Irons picked out of his Pocket, for which he was
forced to pawn his Wafkcjut to have them back a-
gain. However, he foon retrxved- this Lo.s, for
what with fiightly putting a T, which was all the
Letters he knew of tiie Vt-hole Alp!;abet, on a Thief';
Hand
A
400
H:\nd, ard coneiJ'ting others with a gentle La'fh, lic
redeemed his VVallecoat, "Und bought a Shirt into the
Bargain. Moreover, at the firll Calt of" his Office
lie performed at Tyhmn, lie made as mucli of tlie
executed Perfons Oloaths among the l>rol:ers in
Moimouth-Styect and Chick-Lane, as procured him
feveral drunken Bouts, 'i'nough lie was bad enough
in many Tilings, yet he had one good Principle 111
1dm while he was hangman, for let him have oued
Money to ani- Body, it he could not pay them, he
was very willing te vvorlt it out whenever they pleaf-
cd ; a Principle mdeed which every Rogue is not
endued with.
Whilll he was in this Port, he tool: upon him a
oreat deal ot State, making every Geneva Shop his
Ofiice, and every Bawdy-houfe his Seraglio. In-
itead of one Wife he liad two; and on every Exe-
cution-Day he had a great Levee as fome Perfons
of Quality ; being atteaded on by Broom-Men for
old Hats, Perriwig-Makers for old Wigs, Brokers
for old Coats, Suits and Cloaks, and Coblers for
old Shoes. Indeed, he was a Man every Way qua-
lified for this Station, for he had Impudence in A-
bnndance. Cruelty at his Fingers-end, Drunkennefs
to Perfedion, and could fwear as well without Book
as within. However, thefe natural Parts could not
proteft him, for feveral envying his Felicity, they
endeavoured to lower his Top-iail, and at lall blew
him out of the Haven of his reputable Bufmels by
his manifold Failings.
Some were glad he was to catch no body any
more at Hyde-Park- -Corner ; and Others as forry,
efpecially thofe whom he often obliged with an old
Shirt or an Handkerchief; and indeed, that whicli
moft troubled him for the Lofs of his Place, was
only that he could not any more fend Men oat of
the World, without being called to an Account for
it. Now he was left to fhift for himfelf again ; and
indeed, fo long as he had any Fingers he could make
as good a ftiift as any Body, for there was nothing,
excepting it lay out of his Reach, but what he made
his ovsm.
What brought him to his End, was his going one
Night over Bunhill-Fields, in his drunken Airs,
when he met an old Woman, named Elizabeth
miu,i, WaKliman'5 Wife, who /old Paftry-Waie
General History of
about the Streets. This poor Creature he wa'^icf
have ravifird, and, becaule Ihe refilled the Heat (jf
his Luil, he violently afliu'ted her in a barharous
Manner, ahnofl knocking one of her Eyes out of her ,
Head, giving her icveral Bruifes about her Body, ;
breaking one of lier Legs, and wounding her in the
Belly. Whilll he was acting this Inhumanity, two
Men coming along at the fame Time, and licaring
dreadful (iioans, (uppofed fomcbody was in Dilirei.s,.
and having the Courage to purfue the Sound as well
as they could, at lall came up to the dillrtfled Wo-
man, which made Pi ice damn them for their Impu-
dence. However, they fecured him, and brought
him to the Watchoufe in Old-preet, from whence a
Couple of Watchmen were lent to fetch the old
Woman out of Buhill-Fields, who within a Day or
two dy'd under the Surgeons Hands.
Price was fent to Newgate, where he feemed to
be under a great Surprize and Concern for the Death
of tke Woman, till being tiy'd and condemned for
her, lie was no Iboner conlin'd in the Condemned Hole,
but laying afide all Thoughts of preparing himfelf
for his latter End, he appeared quite void of all
Grace ; and inilead of repenting for his manifold Sins
and Tranfgreflions, he would daily go up to Chrpel
intoxicated with curfed Geneva, comforting himfelf
even to the very lafl that he fhould fare as well in
a future State, as thofe who had gone the fame Way
before him. Thus his Confcience was eas'd with
the Pleafure of thinking he (hould have Company
under the State of Damnation. At length the fa-
tal Day came, wherein he was to bid Adieu to the
World, which was on Saturday the 3illofM<j>' 1718.
As he was riding in the Cart, he feveral Times
pulled a Bottle of Geneva out of his Pocket, to
drink before he came to the Place of Execution, which
was in Bunhill-Fields, where he committed the Mur-
der. Being arrived at the fatal Tree, he was upon
Mr. Ordinary^ Examination, found fo ignorant in
the Grounds of Religion, that he troubled himfelf
not much about it ; but valuing himfelf upon his
former ProfefTton of being Hangman, ftil'd himfelf
Finijher of the Lanu, and fo was turn'd oiF the Gib-
bet aged upwards of forty Years ; and the fame Day
was hanged at Stonf -Bridge at K-i^gfland in Chains.
Th
'<}(
Pyrata, Highzcuymetiy Murderers, 5Cc. 401
The LIVES of Tom Garret, Kit Bani-
ster, and John Wheeler,
WE are induced to put thele Lives together,
for the fame Realon as the toregoing ; for
thu' thefe three Malefaaors were not exe-
cuted at the lame Place, nor precifel/ the fame Time,
yet all their Exits happened within the Compals of a
'Month.
THOMAS GJRRET cashomat Ipf-wn!!, m Su/-
folk his Parents living in good Credit and Reputa-
■i.on, and having no other Sou but this, they put him
Apprentice to an Inionmonger, in the City ot Aor-
'}ich, and when he had ferved his Time out, he was
out up with a Thoufand Pound Stock, and Ihortly
after iLrricd a Wife with whom he had a Portion ot
c'-'ht liundred Pounds. , .
""But ill Company enticing him to Gaming, maUing
nothin<- to loie forty or fifty Pounds, and lometimes
more, la a ^•.sht, he foon wafted his Stock .^and in
'cfs thai, two Years breaking, to avoid the Profecu-
;,on of his Creditors, who phgu'd him with conti-
nual Dun5. he fent hio Wile, and one Child he had
bv her to her own Friends, and came up to London
where 'he ibon became acquainted with the ieveral
Vices of the Town, addicling himlelf to all manner
of Lewdnefs and Whoredom to fuppart himfclt, in
which he took to the Highway.
He had committed ieveral Robberies, which came
to his Father's Ears, who thereupon came up to Lon-
don and finding him oat, would have took h,m
Ho'iie; which Kindnefs he refuled, alledg.ng he was
io t'-.r crackt in the Country, that he was relolv d not
o fee it for one While. His Father then, upon the
Son's Promife of Amendment of Life, bought a Free-
dom for him in the City of London -^ 'et horn up
with a Thoufand Pounds more in Z.farf'. «*«///'•«' .
but being corrupted with a vicious L.clmation. he
would ftill (Inke his Elbo^v, and now and then go out
privately on the Ro d, with a certain Mercer m
Cheaffide, and take a Purfe. t . c.
Garret and his Companion being at an Inn at St.
ilba>n in Kcrtfo:dJhire, a cenain Gentleman put up
There too fora NigUt, and gave his Portmanteau to
the Inn keeper to by late up for h.m till Morning.
The Inn-l^e'ep^'- 'o='-'"S it "P. came to G«r«/ and his
Fiiend for ne knew their Employment, and to.d
th-m VAflf he had a Portmanteau noiv zn keeping,
,'hathe bei.e^ed -.vOuld be -.^orth their U hile to take
for it n.as -.cry heavy : FUgo, bvs he, andjerfuade
\he Gentleman to come in to you ; audhfting him 'whtch
IFav he "oes fo morrow, you know hoi'.- to order Mat-
,crs I need not inflrucl you. Accordingly going to
the Gentleman, he laid to him. Sir I lee yo:, arc a I
ahne, there are a Coufh of honeft Le.tUma„, ,„jhr
I kno'jJ'veryi.mll, '-Mould be glad oj
ur, vjhom
^our Comfar.,, if you fhafe to accept tt ; follo^ me
iv, anil n ,n}r.Ueyo.. Upon rhele \-/ords and
the Recommend -.tion of the Gentlemen by the Land-
101
lord, he was willing to participate of their Converfi-
tion'till Bed- time. He was brought into the Parlour,
where they refpeftfully faluted him, and had a great
deal of Difcourfe without fo much as an Oath, or any
prophane Word in it. Supper was brought to the
Table, after which they (Jrank; their Bottle of Wmea-
piece/and the Reckoning coming to be paid, they
would not let the Itrange Gentleman pay one Farthing
towards it ; which extraordinary Piece of Civihty
made the Gentleman return them many Thanks, ad-
ding, That if they --Juent his ll^ay next Day, iL-hico
luaj towards London, he Jhould be glad of thtir good
Company, and endewjour to retatiats their Kiizd-
They then went to their refpeiSlive Beds : In the
Morning took a hearty Breakfaft, towards which
Garret and his Comrade would not then let the Gen-
tleman pay any thing ; and then tiiey proceeded on
their Journey. When they eame to Coney-Hatch, or
there..U>ut.s feeing the Coall clear, they let upon die
Gentleman, opened the Portmanteau, out of whicii
they took one hundred Pounds, and lode ofl".
The Gentleman finding he had paid too dear for
his Supper and Breakfall, alights off his Horfe, and
fills the' Vacancy they had made in his Portmanteau
with Stones, and then with a Penknife pricking the
Horfe fo under the Hoof, as to make Inm go lame,
he rid back again to the fame Inn, and telling the
Landlord he had a Mifchance befell his Horfe, or-
dered a Farrier to be prefently fent for, and gave him
his Portmanteau to lay up for him. The Landlord
feeling it to be as heavy as before, fuppos'd Garret
and his Comrade had not took the I'rize,^ out of
which he was to have a fnack for his Intelligence,
and curs'd them heartily to hirafclf. Whilft the Far-
rier was drelfing the Gentleman's Horfe, lie defir'd
the Landlords Company to drink with him, t illmg
in very brilkly for one Bottle after another. All his
Difcourfe was on the two Gentlemen's great Favour
Ihew'd him over Night and that Morning, drinking
their Healths over and over, and faying alio that if
he knew their Names, and where they lived, he v.ould
make them amends for their Generolity j nay, he
would bring them down fhortly thither and give them
a Treat of i'en Guineas with iiis Landlord and Land-
lady Thefe Words confirming the Inn keeper's Suf-
picion that they had not robbed hiffi. and being a.
little elevated with Liquor, and having Hopes too ot
the ten Guineas to be Ipcnt at his Houie,. made him
then tell their Names and Places of Abode, for winch
the Gentleman lecmcd to be cxtream glad, for he
faid He was refolved to fee them as Jcon as he ecu! J.
His Horfe being dreU'd by the Farrier who told nun
he mifht ride him fafe enough to London, he mean;:
witii "his Portmanteau, and arrived in 1 Q.vn by
ibout Five the next Mornmg, he w:rt to Cantt s
c K lioule
lOZ
A Ceucral History 0/
JioufefiilJ, f.t.J knocks at tl.e Door, v\hicii being
openeu by a Servant, lic- toU him. He muji Jpiah--u:ith
kis MujU-r. 'I'lieServiint tulii limi, He -u-as not Jiir-
rin7, ar.d htlie-veci <u;ouU not till leu or EU'ven of the
Cliiik, us hiing much weary and fatigued in cumiiig ojf
a jlutiicy hue lajl Night. C^uiii the Gciuleiii.iii,
It ' u upon fuch extraordinary Biijinefi I --want to fee
him, that J viuj} and 'V.ill fpcak u.sth him juft no^M.
Upon iiiis Ujgency the Servant went up to lii* M-i-
Ittr anJ told liim, There was a Cext/eman ieloiv
klaiis, w-ojays, he mujl and 'luill fpeak with you pie-
fciiily. Garret being conTcious ot iomewhat ill' ap-
proaching him, flips on his Night-Goun, ard coniCS
liovvn, and iteirg 'twas the Gentleman lie had robbed
the Day biilote, tak^es him into a back Room, where
the Gmlkman told him. That he had lately ion owed
a huijdud Pounds of him, which if he did not then
pay, he muft expeB to feel the utmoji Senjerity of Juf
lice. Gairtt pays him the Money upon Sight ; and
then he vvent to his C'ommue's iioule in Chcapftdc,
ran up St.jrs for a Dagger then lyirg in hit; Bi-J
Ciiambcr, and conniig down again, nioji b..:h r<),.fty.,|
murdered the atoitlaid OfTicci , vviiole Bio;hcr iotuci
fhort Time afterwards was one of tiie 'I urnkeys
the Mailer Side of Newgate, and next a T'lp-lLiiF
one of tne Courts ot PP'ifmfnfler-Hall. Tnis Mcr-
der was tommit-.ed on the Eigiith of faimaiy, 1712-
13, and he jcceucd Sentence of Dcat.i for it tiie
Scllions next eniuing in' the fame Montd ; but tliro*
the Exi ence of .1 great deal ot Money, which he then
had by him, he obtained her late M;:jeiiv's i'ardon
for it, and pieaded it there on Wednefdet^ tl.e i 2th of
lie was no fooner ci cli.irged, but he returned t0
the wicked Courfe of Lile lie hsd been btfoie addic-
ted to; infomueh, that in Procefs of Time, by hisi
Progrefs in Iniquity, he brought himleif under the
Lafli of the Law again, as being burn: in the liand
on Saturday thc4'.ii oi June 1715, for a Felony. He
was a little after iry'd at Maidjtone in Kent., lor rob-
wheie making the lame Uproar as he did at the lame bing on the Highway ; .nnd iho' guilty of the Ciime,
Place irom whence he came lall, he got there another was yet acquitted lor Want of fLiScient Fvidcnce.
liunditd Pounds, by whicii he was lo much gainer. But at lall Juflice pufiuing this notorious Fcilow, he
Tho' tiie Geniltman told the Story among all his was comiijuicd to Newgait, and at riie Sciuons held
Atquamtance, yet he v.ould not Gilcover the I'erluns at the Old BuiLy in Febiuary l^iS-ig, took his
N„meswl.o robbed hini : Nevti thelels, the Mailer Trial ior robbing oa the Flignw.-y ; whicli take as
b. ii o nois'd about io much , that \l came to the Ears follows.
cA (jariet and his Comrade, and they having a _ Chrijiopher Banijler, of St. Botoiph Aldgate, was
GniUy Conlcience and Diead tiiat it would at lait be indicled tor afll.ultmg Dorothy Thon.pfa on the Fligli-
diicloa'd, they went oif by Night, and purlu'd their way, putting her in bodily Fear, and taking lioin
oid CVurles more openiy, thi o'arr« begin to be io her a Mnflm Hood, value four Shillings and tcu
pubhckly noted over moll Countries in England, that Pence, the zill of Jai.uaiy lall, about 10 o'clock
he left off robbing on the iiighway, and turn'd at Night. The Proi'ecutor dcpo^'d, that as (he was
Ilouie-breaker, as luppofing he fhould thus longer coming out of iV/V/or/Vj, the Prilbner catch'd her by
Icieen himielf trom Jultice ; but long he had not prac- the I'hroat and laid he'd Throiile her ; but fliC cry-
tii'd the Art of Felony aad Burglary, before he was ing out, a young Man came to her Affiliance, wheie-
acprehcnded for breaking open the Houfe of one upon tiie Priloner fnatched her Hood o IF her Head,
2/.t./;.'ii King, in the County of Kent, and taking ane rEn away with it. She was politive the Prilbner
thence Money, Rings and Plate, to the Value of was the Perfon ; and had on a laced Hat and white
thiee hundred Pounds and upwards; for which he Cloak; that fhe faw him plainly by the Light of two
was condemned at the Affizts held at Rochcfier, on Lamp;, [one on each Side tiie Door) and knew hiai ;
Mondav the gth of March, 1718-iq, before the
Rioht Honourable the Lord Chief Juftice Pratt, and
receiving Sentence of Death, was hang'd on the Sa-
turday Seven- Night following, aged twenty nine
Yeats.
CHRISTOPHER BANISTER was bom at Co-
he having lived fome Time in the lame Street.
The Prifoner deny'd the Fai>, and pleaded in his
Defence, that about fourteen Month ago he lent the
Profecutor one Pound one Shilling and Six pence,
for whicli he had a Note under her Hand, and pro-
duced a Note in a Court, and that he .-.rrelled her a
Month ago for the Money, which w.is the Occafion
ii,w/i/o«in iJuxw/'"^, and put Apprentise to a Gun- of this Profecution. He called one Mrs. Boon tO'
Smith and coming up to London, wrought for the prove it, who fwore, that the Profecutor told her
Mailer of the Ordinanee. He had lived near forty the Prifoner had arrelled her, but there was a Hoop-
Years in Eafi Smithfield, and other Places contiguous Petticoat Hole, and flie would fvvear it againll him.
to the Metropolis of this Nation, in which Time he She farther dcpos'd, that the Profecutpr was a Wo-
had alio followed the Employment of a Bailiff, and of man of the Town, and that the Houfe Ihe lived in had
iate Years that of lending Money upon Pawns. been reputed a Bawdy-Houfe above half a Year.
He had been a moft notorious Villain in all his Oc- He likewife c.illed one Mr. Dawnes to difcredit the-
cupation?, for when he belonged to the Tower, he Profecutor, wfio did not ; but gave him a very ill
was turn'd out by the Mailer of the Ordinance, for Charafter, and faid that they had fome Trouble to-
pilfering the royal Stores ; when he turned Bailiff, he rout him out of the Neighbourhood, being afraid of
would let poor People together by the Ears, and en- being robbed by him every Night,
courage them to arreil one another for the Value of The Profecutor deny'd the Note, or that fhe ever
a Groat ; take Bribes of them he were to arreil, to gave him one, or ever had any Dealings with him,
cheat their Plaintiff; and when he transformed him- She alio called one Mrs. il/^a/ to her Reputation,,
felf into that moll dcteilable and damnable ProfelTion who faid (he was a very civil induilrioiis Woman, and
of a Pawn-broker, he would make the poor pay fifty made I'erriwig Cauls for her Livelihood, which (he
*(■)■ Cent for what they borrowed, and very often cheat fold to the Baibers and Perriwig makers, and that Ihc'
them of their Pledges if any Thing valuable, efpeci- lived in a private Houfe of good Repute. The Con-
ftable likewife depos'd, that he enquired after her iii
the Neighbourhood, and found a good Charafler of"
her ; and that the Prifoner would have agreed it up
both before and after they went belore the JulHce.
The Jury found him Guilty.
Whilil he wa.i under Sentence of Death, he was
nO'
ally filver Plate, Watches, or gold Rings.
Among the many Sins he was addided to. Whore-
dom was very predominate in him, keeping a com-
mon Jilt under his Wife's Nofe, even in his own
Houfe; againft whom, ore Powel Retil having a
Writ and ferving it on her in Eauijhr'i Houlc, he
Pyraffjy Ilfgh^ajmerij Murderers^ 5C<:. 403
no Change'lr:?, f^r Ke wouij T^.ear, corfc, d'i;in and Whores fleeping and fnoriiig in their Beds, hep?.ck'd
link in tne Ca^'demned Hold, as if iie Ii.kI not been to up all their iV]aiite:ius, Petticoats, Linnen, and everv
h;:ve died at ill ; and beic g convey'd in a Co.xh to Thing that was worth taking, as filk Stockings and
Tyburn, on Monday the 23 i of March, I7l8-ig, Me laced b.ioe-, which throwing oat to ids Comrade; he
molt hiafpheniouny faid. He luas as innocent us our jump'u -fter, aiid went off. Bat in the Morning
Saviour: And afterwards was turned oif tne Cart, when the Strumpets c;ui;e to rife, and found all their
Cloatbs gone, wiiat a Kolobo-loo was tliere ! worfe
than wliat the wild Irijb make at the Funeral of a
Booirotter. There was fivearing and curfing, by
Wjiolefale, till quite weary with venting Imprecations,
they were obliged to he in Bed till they could agree
Uiiua 1 ^i.y-;.i..ii to new 1 ig ii,em.
Aiiotiier Time l.e broke into the Houfe of one
2ge<i iiitv Years.
JOHN WHEELER was born in the P..ri(h of St.
Bridget in Li':don, and at about li.vteen Years of Age
•.-?5 p'lt Apprentice to a Joyner in Bartholomew-
Cl'il'e, wnicn is tiie P.trith of St. Bartholometu the
Great, and having Ic-rved out his Apprciuiceiiiip, iie
became an Inmate 111 St. Sejiulc.'.ve^i Panlli tor the i..ll
nine Years of ids Life, in ad wnicn VViiiic he wrought
Mrs. Llaik, an eniment Midwiie, living in Exster-
[■)uincy-work at iiii Trade, whereby he maiiiiained jheel, out of whicli he llole a large filver Cup, a do-
hiinlelf and his Family pretty well, for being a very zcii of liu'cr Spoons, a dozen of liiver Forks, a do-
zen of filvcriialted Knives, bcfides , Money and rich
Appa:el. He alfo robbed o.^e Saead \).'?ay\Qr, in
tut iitraud, ol two rich Suits of Clo^tlis, wliich were
m.:L^a for a Perlon of Quality, worth above eighty
Pounds. Likcwiie lie robbed one Mr. C/si an Qp-
hoUterer near the Star Inn in the Strand, ofafetof
rich Tapellry Hangings, worth two hundred and
fifty Pounds. And l.e robbed one Mr. AlkinCon a
•rood Workman lie was commonly in Bafiucls, bat
otiiy this W.1S his Misfortune, tiiat he never worked
in any Houle, but what he would be lure to rob, as
foon as Opportunity fcrved.
He w:.s induced to fohow a vicious Courfe of Life
by the Perluafion of a near Relation of nis, who was
an .Accomplice with him in molt of tlie Robberies
which he committed. He wai alto^etiier tor Houie-
breakiflg, excepting once when he Itole a Horfe cue Taylor in Fountain-Court in the Strand, of forty
of a Field at Huckney, from a Gentleman who fet,
fuch a Value upon his Beat}, which coll him forty
Pounds, that he w.-is d.ily curling the Thief, whom
lie could not difcover, for above a Twelvemonth.
But when tiie abovefaid John iVheeler was wont to
Pounds in Money, and a (ilver Tankard and Punch-
Bowl.
Whim he followed Thieving, with his Relation
aforementioned, he broke open above a hundred
Houles in the Night-time, and robbed them ; but at
g.o upon any Burglary, or breaking open a Houle in lalt being apprehended, and committed to Ne-jjgate
tne Night-Tiine, iie commonly carried a young kit- for his molt notorious Villanies, he was try'd, con-
tan in his Co.tt-Pocket, lo that if he ihould liappen viifled, and condemn'd, at the Seffions-Houfe in the
to make any Noife that fhould occafion the People to Old Bailey, upon two Indidlments ; tirft, for break-
go :jnd hearken at the Cnambcr-Door in which he ing open the Houfe of one Samuel Mead, and Iteal-
was, he would feverely pinch the Kitten'o Tail, which ing thence ten pewter Dithes, thirty fix Plates, a brafs
making it to Mew very loud, the Liftners would re- Porridge Pot, two Stew Pans, and other Goods, on
turn from he irkening, faying, Is it you Mrs. Pu/j ; the 20th oi January, 1718-ig; and fecondly, for
e'en Mevj and be pox!, 'what a clutter you make! the another Burglary committed in the Houfe of one
De'vil is in you for catter-wauling. So by this Means Jojhua Wine/more, out of which he took three tilver
the Tiiief proceeded in his Robbery, without any Spoons, a fdver Cup, and a filver quartern Pot, Mar^;^
farther Interruption. the 4th, 1718 ig. Whilft he was under Sentence,
he gave Satisf.-.dion to fome whom he had injur'd.
One Time Wheeler breaking into the Houfe of one particularly to a Gentlewoman whom he had robb'd
Hoddcr a Saoemiker, keeping a Bawdy-Houfe in of her wearing Apparel. He was executed alone at
Denmark Cjurt in t\ie Strand, and there being at Tyburn, on Monday May the 25th, 1719, aged 32
that Time a Covey of no lets than half a dozen Years.
Tk^
404
A Qimrai tl 1 s t o r y
»/
The LIFE of CATHERINE HAYES.
CAthcih'.e Hall, afterwards Catherine Ha^ei,
was burn in die Year 1690, at a Village on
tjje Borders of Warnxjickjhire, within four
Miles of Birmingham. Her Parents were fo poor
as to receive tlie Affiftance of the Parirti, and lo
carelefs of the Daughter, that they never give her
the leall Education. While a Girl fhe difcovered
Marks of lb violent and turbulent a Temper, that
{he totally threw ofF all Refpeft and Obedience to
her Patents, giving a loofe to her PalTions, and grati-
fying herfelf in all her vicious Inclinations.
A^out the Year 1705, fome Officers coming into
the Neighbourhood to recruit, Kate was fo much
taken with the Fellows in Red, that (he llroled away
with them, till they came to a Village called Great
0:,iberfiey in U'arTxickJhire, where they very unge-
ncrouilyleft her behind them. This Elopement of
her Sparks drove her almoll mad, lo that (he went
like a diftrafled Creature about the Country, till
coming to Mr. //^jc/s Door, his Wife in Compaf-
fion took her in out of Charity. The eldelt Child
in the Family was John liases the Deceafed, who
bein? then about' 21 Years of Age, found fo many
Chamis in this Catherine Hall, that he quickly made
Propofals to her of Marriage. There is no Doubt of
their bein^ readily enough received, and as they both
were fenfible how difagreeable a Thing it would be
to his Parents, agreed to keep it fecret. They quickly
adjulled the Meafures that were to be taken, in order
to their being married at Worcefter. Mr. John Hayes
pretended that he wanted fome Tools in the Way of
his Trade, iiiz. that of a Carpenter, for which it
was neceffary he (hould go to Worcefter ; and under
this Colour he procured alio as much Money as was
fufficient to defray the Expence of the intended Wed-
Cath:rl,;£ h:.v;ng privately (quitted the Houfe, and
meeting at the appointed Place, they accompanied
each other to Worcefter, where the Wedding was foon
celebrated. The fame Day Mrs. Catherine Hayes
had the Fortune to meet with fome of her Acquaint-
ance, who had dropped her at Omberjley ; who uiider-
Dand'inCT where the Nuptials were to be folemnized,
confulted among themfelves how to make a Penny of
the Bridegroom. Accordingly, at Evening, jull as
Mr. Ha^es was got into Bed to his Wife, they coming
to the Houfe where he lodged, forcibly entered the
Poora, and dragged the Bridfgroom away, pretend-
ing to imprels h.m for her Majelly's Service. ^1 his
Proceeding broke the Meafures Mr. John Hayes had
conccrted^'with hi» Wife, to keep their Wedding Ic-
cret ; for finding no Redemption without a larger
Sum'of Monty than he \v.i3 Mailer of, he was necel-
fifated to let his Father know of his Misfcrt-.ne. Mr.
tl,<,ei hearing o! his Son's Adventure, his Refent-
ment did not e.\tinguil]i his Affeaion for him as a
Father, but he refolved to deliver him from his
Troubles; and accordingly taking a Gcntltman in
-le Neighbourhood along with hiri), he went for
Worcefter. At their Arrival there, they found Mr.
John Hayes in the Hands of the Officers, who inlif-
ted upon the detaining him (or her Majeily's Service;
but his Father, and the Gentleman he brought with
him, foon made them fenfible of their Error, and
they were gl.id to difcharge him immediately. Bu:
Mrs. Catherine, who better approved of a travelling
than a (ettlcd Life, purfuadcd her Hufband to enter
himfelf a Voluntier, in a Regiment then at Worcefter
which he did, and went abroad with them, wheie he
continued for fome Time.
Mr. John Hayes being in Garrifon in the Ifte of
Wight, and not content with fuch a lazy, iutiolent
Li(e, follicited his Father to procure his Difcharge,
which at length he was prevailed upon to confent to;
but the feveral Journeys he was neceffitated to lake,
and the Expences of procuring fuch Dilchargc,
amounted to about fi.vty Pounds. The Father then,
the better to induce him to fettle himieif in the
Country, put him into an Ellate of ten Pounds per
annum, hat. Mr. yo.6« //a>'fj reprcfeniing to his Fa-
ther, that it was not pollible for him and his Wife to
live on that, perfuaded his Father to let him have
alfo a Leafchold of fi.xteen Founds /<T annum; upon
which he lived during the Continuance of the
Leafe.
The Charaflers of Mr. Jj-6a /faj« and his Wife
werevaftly diiFerent : He had the Repute of a fober
honed peaceable Man, and .1 very good Husband ;
the only Objeflion againll him was, that he was of
too frugal a Temper, and rather too indulgent of his
Wife. She was ou all Hands allowed to be a very
turbulent Perfon, never free from Quarrels in the
Neighbourhood, and fomenting Dil'putes to the
Dirturbance of all her Friends. They lived in the
Country for the Space of about fix Years, until the
Leafe of the lall mentioned Farm e.\pired ; about
which Time, Mrs. //aj^j perfuaded her Husband to
leave the Country, and come to London.
In the Year 1719, upon their Arrival in Town,
they took a Houfe, Part of which they let out in.
Lodgings, and fold Sea Coal, Chandlery Ware isfc,
whereby they lived in a handfome creditable
Manner. In this Bui'inefs they picked up Monev,
and Mr. Hayes received ths yearly Rent of the firft
mentioned Ellate, tho' in Town, and by lending out
Money in Imall Sums amorgli his Country People
improved the fame conliderably. She woald (rcquent-
]y, in (peaking of Mr. Hayes, give him the bc(i of
Chat.iftcrs ; tho' to ("ome of her particular Cronies,
who knew not Mr. //aj^j's Temper, (he would ex-
claim agatcft hii-n, and fay, that it was no Sin to kill
him, and that one Time or other (he might give
him a Poit. Afterwards they removed into 'Titien-
ham Court-Road, where they lived fur fome 'Time,
foUowiB'j the i.m'.e D.i'intfsas formerly j from whence
about two Years afterwards they removed in to 'Ty-
burn Road,^kv/ lioors above where (he .Marcher
was t.oiTimittc.1. '1 heie tl.ty lived :.boiit twelve
Mo.iths,
Pyratesy
Hid
waynicny Murderers^ SCc.
Months, Mr. Hayes lli!l lupporting hiinfelf in lend-
ing out Money upon Pledges, and (oiiifdmes work-
ing at his ProfeffiJn, and in Husbandry, till it was
computed he hnd picked up a pretty hindfome S'im
of iVlor.ey. AboLi: ten Months before the Murder,
thev removed to the Houl'e of Mr. If'hinyard, where
the Murtiier iv.is committed, taking Lodgingi up two
Pjir of St.iirs. 'J^iie.'-e it was, that Thomas Billings
3, I aylor, who wrought JournevworL about Mon-
tmi^hjirte, under Pretence of being Mrs. Hnyes'n
Countryman, came to fee them. They invited him
to lodge with them ; he died fo, and continued in the
Houle till about fix Weeks before the Death of Mr.
Hayts. .About the fame Time 'Thomas Wood, who
-w.is a Neighbours Son in the Country, and an intimate
Acquaintance both of Mr. Hayes and his Wife, caine
to Town, and preliing being at that Time very hot,
he was obliged to quit his Lodgings, whereupon Mr.
Hayes very kindly invited him to accept of the Con-
veniences of theirs. Il'ood accepted the Offer, ?.nd
lay with BilUngs. In tnree or four Days lime Mrs.
H-iyes hiving taken an Opportunity, opened to him
a Dcfire of being rid of her Husband, at which WW
as he very well might, was exceedingly iurprized,
and demoF.firated the Balcnefs as well as Cruelty
there Would be in fuch an Aftion, if committed by
him, who bclides the general Ties of Humanity,
Rood particularly oblig'd to him as hi; Neighbour
and his Friend. Mrs. Hayes in order to hufli thelc
Scruples, perfuaded him tliat her Husband was void
of al! Religion and Goodncfs, an Enemy to God, and
therefore unworthy of hi,' ProtCiTtion ; that he had
killed a Man in the Country, and deilroyed two of
his and her Children, one of which was buried un-
der an .Apple-Tree, the other under a Pear-Txte,
in the Country. To thefe ficlitious 'I'alsj, (lie ad-
ded another, which perh:ips had the greatcft Weight,
'viz That if he were dead fhe fhould be Millerfs
of fifteen hundred Pounds, And thin, fays ihe, you
may he Maj^er thereof ij ycu hkHI help to git him
out of the Hay, Billings has agreed to it if yeull
make a Third, and fa all maj be fxijoed 'without
Dil "gcr,
\ few Days after this, Wood's Occafions called bim
oat of Town : On his Return, which was on the
fii i\ Day of March, he found Mr. Hayes and his
Wife, and BilliKgs, very merry together. .Amongft
otiier Things which p.^U'ed in Converfation, Mr. Hayes
happened to fay. That he and another Perfon once
dtank as much IVint heteen them, as came to a
Guinea, 'without either of them being fuddled Bil-
lings upon this propofed a Wager on thefe Terms,
That half a dozen Bottles of the bell Mountain ftould
be fetched, which if Mr. f/«y^/ could drink without
being difordcrcd, then Billings (hould pay for it,
but if not, then it ftiould be at th« Coll of Mr. Hayes;
who accepting of this Propofal, Mrs. Hayes and the
two Men went to the Braivns Head in Ne-iv Bond-
[ireet to fetch the Wine. As they were going thither,
file put them in Mind of the Prepofition fhe made
them to Murder Mr. Hayes, and laid they could not
have a better Opportunity then when he fliould be
intoxicated with Liquors; whereupon Wood made An-
fwer, that it would be a moll inhuman hOi to
Murder a M.m in cool Blood, and that to» when he
was in Liquor. Mrs Hayei had recourfe to her old
Arguments, and Billingj joining with her. Wood
fuffer'd himfelf to be over-power'd. When they
came to the Tavern they called for a Pint of the bell
Mountain, and after they had drank it order'd a Gal-
lon and a H.ilf to be lent home to their Lodgings ;
which was done accordingly, and Mrs. Hayes paid
Ten Shillings and fix Peace for it, which wen what
isz
it came to. Then tbey came all bick and fat down
togeiher to fee Mr. Hayes drin.k tiie Wager, and
while he fwallowcd the Wine, they called for tv.o
three full Poti ot Ueer, in order to eaterain thera-
felves.
Mr. Hatts when he had almoft finifhed his Wina,
began to grow very msrry. Singing and Dancing a-
bout the Room, with all the Gaity which is natur.;!.
But Mrs. Ha%e> fearful of his not having his Dole,
fent away privately for another Bottle, of wJiich ha-
ving driiik fome alio, it quite finilhed tiie Work, by
depriving him totally of his Underllanding ; howe-
ver, reeling into the other Room, he there threw
himfelf a-crofs the Bed, and fell f.ill afleep. No
fooner did his Wife perceive it, than Ihe came to the
two Men to go in and do the \^'ork ; then Billings
taking a Coal-Hatchet in his Hand going into the o-
ther Room, firuck Mr. Hayes therewitii on the Back
of his Head, which Blow fraciur'd his Skull, and
made him, thro* the Agony of the Pain, ftamp vio-
lently upon the Ground ; infomach that it alarmed
the People who lay in the Garret; and //eoa' fearing
the Confequence, went in and repeated the Blows,
tho' that w.:s needlef;, fince the f.rft was mortal of
itfelf, and he already lay quiet, hy this Time M:s.
Sfringate, whole Huflj.md lodged over Mr. Hayes's
Head, on hearing the JS'oife, cainedown to enquire
'the Reafon of it, complaining at the fame Time,
that it lo dilturbed her Family, tliat they could not
rell : Mrs. Hayes thereupon told her, That her Hus-
band had liad jome Company 'Uiith him, 'who 9ron.i'ir:r
merry ivith their Liquor luere a httle noify , but that
they IV ere going imr.ediately, and dejired jhe ivoufd be
eafy. Upon this Ihe went up again for the piefent,
and the three Murderers began immediately 10 con-
fult how to get rid of the Body.
The Men were in fo much Terrour and Confufion
that they knesv not what to do ; but the Wife of the
Deceafed quickly thought of an Ex-pedient in which
they all agreed, flie faid, That if the Head luat
cut off, there ivould not be near fo much Difficulty in
carrying off the Body, luhic-h could not be kncimin.
In order to put this Defign in Execution, they
got a Pail, and fhe herfelf carrying the Candle
they all entered the Room where the deceafed lav
Then the Woman holding the Pail, Billin'^s drew
the Body by the Head over the Bed fide, that the
Blood might run the more freely into it ; and Wood
with his Pocket Penknife cat it oif. AfToon as it was
fevered from the Body, and the Blecdin'j- was over
they poured the Blood down a Wooden Sink at the
Window, and after it feveral Pails of Water in order
to walh it quit away, that it might not be perceiv'd
in the Morning ; however, their Precautions were
not altogether effedlual, for Springeite the next
Morning found feveral Clods of Blood, but not fuf-
peding any thing of the Matter, threw them away ;
neither had they efeaped letting fome Tokens of
their Cruelty fall upon tiie Floor, llained the Wall
oi the Room, and even the Ceiling, which it may
be fuppofed happened at the giving the firlt Blow.
When they iad finifhed this Decollation, they a<»ain
confulted what was next to be done. Mrs. Hayes
was for boiling it in a Pot, till nothi.og but the Skull
remained, which v/ouJd e.*Fe6lually prevent any bo-
dy's knowing to whom it belonged ; but the two
Men thinking this too dilatory a Aiethod, thev re-
folved to put It in a Pail, and go together and throw
it in the Thames. Springaie hearing a bultling in
Mr. Hp-yes\ Room for Ion; 3 Time, and theufo-iie-
body going down Stairs, called again to know who
it was, and what was the Occafion of it, (it being
then abo»E Eleven a Clock) to whicii .Mrs. Hayes
S ^ aufvyered
4o6
A Ge?ieral History of
anfwered, // -was her Iluslat;d,it.ko iKas going a drew a prodigious Number of People to fee it, but
"Journei into the Count ly.
Biilinoi and Wcod being thus gone to diTpofe of
the Head, went towards Whitehall intending to
have thrown it into the River there ; but the Gates
being fhut up, thty were obliged to go forward as
far as Mr. Macretb's Wharf, near tlie Horfe-Ferry
at IVeJlminfler where Billings fetting do'u:?: the
Pail from under his Great Coat ; ^oo./ took up the
fame with the Head therein, and threw it into the
without attaining any Diicovery of the Murderir?
On the Secoi'd of March in the Evening, Carhe-
riiie Hayes, Thomas M ood, and Thomas Billitifs tooic
the Body and disjointed i\fenibers out of the Box, and
wrapped them up in tv\ o Blankets, tiz. the Body in
one, and the Limbs in the other ; Tlien Billin-s and
Wood^x'A. took up (he Body, and about Nine a Clock
in the Evening earned it by Turns in:o Mary-le bune
Fields, and threw the fmie into a Pond, (nhich M'ooil
Dock before the Wharf. It was expeflcd the fame in the Day time had bet.n liunting for) and returning
would have been carried away by the Tide, but the back agam about Eleven, took up the Limbs in te
Water being then ebbing, it was left behind. There other old Blanket, and carried tl.em by Turns to
were alfe fome Lighters lying over-agninll the Dock the fame Place, throwing them in alio. About
and one of the Lightermen walking then on board. Twelve o'Clock the fame Night, they returned b.-,ck
faw them throw the Pail into the Dock, but by the sgtin, and knocking at the Door, were let in by
Obfcurity of the Night, the Diftance, and having Mary Springate. They went up to Bed in Mrs.
no Sufpicion, did not apprehend any thing of the Yiaycs'i Fore-room, and Mrs. Uaycs rtaid with tlurn
Matter. H,;ving ^thus done, they returned home all Night, fometimes fitting up, and fometimes lay-
atram to Mrs, Uayts'i, where they arrived about
Twelve a-Clock, and being let in, found the Wife
of the Deceafcd had been very bufily employed in
wafting the Floor, and fcraping the Blood off from
it, and from the Wall, is'e. After which they all
ingdown upon the Bed by them. 'J'he fam.e Day
one Bennet, the King's Organ-maker's Apprentice,
going to Wiftminfter to fee the Head, believed it
to be Mr. Wayes"^, he being intimately acquainted
with him, and thereupon went and informed Mrs.
three went into the Fore-Room ; Billings and H'ovd Hayes, that the Head e.vpofed to View in St. Mar-
went to Bed there, and Mrs. Hayes fat by them till garet^s Church- Yard, was fo very like Mr. Hayes
Morning.
In tiic Morning of the Second of il/a;-c/% about
the dawning of tiie Day, one Robinfon a Watchman
faw a Man's Head lying in the Dock, and a Pail near
if. His Surprize occafioned his calling fome Perfons
to affill in taking up the Head, and finding the Pail
that he believed it to be his ; upon which Mrs. Hnyes
afferted him that Mr. Hayes was \ery hell, and re-
proved iiim very (harply for forming fuch an Opinion,
Celling him he muil be very caucious how he rais'd
fuch talfe and fsanJaloas Reports, for that he mi<'hc
thereby bring hinileif into a great deij df Trouble.
bloody, they conjedlured the Head had been brought 'I'his Reprimand put a S;op to tl^e Youth's (J'.ying
thither in it. Their Sufpicions were fully confiimed any thing more about it. The f-me Day alfo Mr.
therein by the Lighterman, who faw Billings and Samuel Patrick having been at iV.Ji Kir ft cr ta Ite
Voodi\\xo\\ the fame into the Dock, as bcforcmen- the Head, went from thencelo Mr. f^,anger\ at the
tioned. It was now Time for Mrs. H/t)'/-/, Billings Dog and Dyal'wi Momiouth fti eci, where Mr. H«>7'i
and ^^ooi/, to confider how they fhould difpofe of the and his Wife were intimately acquainted, and told
Body : Mrs. Hayes and Wood propofed to put it in a that the Head in his Opinion w .s the moll like to
Box, where it might lay concealed till a convenient their Countryman Ha)r.f of any he ever faw.
Opportunity offered for removing it ; this being rp- £/7//«^j beirg there then at Work, fome of the
proved of, Mrs. H«)fi brought a Box, but upon their Servants replied it could not be his, becaufe then
tnde.ivouring to put it in, the Box was not big e- being one of Mrs. Hayes\ Lodgers there they (hould
r.ough to hold it. They had before wrapped it up have heard of it by him if Mr. Hayes hnd been mlf-
in a Blanket, out of which they took it. Mrs. Hayes ling, or any Accident had happeu'd to hira j to wtiich
prcpofed to cut oft' the Arms and Legs, and they a- Billings made Aniwer that Mr. Hayes was alive and
•raiii attempted to put it in, but the Box would not vveil, and that he left him in Bed u hen he came to
hold it ; then they cut off the Thighs, and laying work in the Morning. The third D^y of March,
them Piece-meal in the Box, concealed them till Mrs. Hayes gave Wood a white Co:;t and a pair of
Night. In the mean Time Mr. Hfl>'i.f's Head, which Leathern Bre iches of Mr. Ha)w's which he ca-riej
had been found as betbre, had fufficieiitly alarmed the \w]\h\m to Grcen/oid, near H«/-;o7v oa the l\iU.
Town, and Information was given to the neighbour- Mrs. Springate obl'ervmg /-/•'isij' carrying thefe Things
in-^ JuUices of the Peace. The Pariili Officers did all down Stairs bundled up in a white Cloath told Mrs.
that was poffible tov/ards the Difcovery of the Per- Hayes, who replied it was a Suit ofCloaths he had
fons guilty of fo horrid an Adion ; they caufed the borrowed of a Neighbour, and was goin^ to carry
Head to be cleaned, the Face to be wafhed from the them home again. On the Fourth o{ March, one Mrs.
Dirt and Blood, and the Hair to b» combed, and Longmore coming to Vilit Mrs. Hayes, enquired
then the Head to be fet upon a Polf in publick View how Mr. Hayes did and where lie was : Mr<. Hayes
in St. Margarets Church- Yard, VVefiminjler, that anfwered, that he was gone to take a walk, and then
every Body might have free .\ccefs to fee the lame, enquired whit News there was about Town. Her
with fome of the Parifh Ofiicers to attend, hoping Viiiter told her that moll Peoples Difcourfe run upon
by that Means a Difcovery of the fame might beat- the Man's Head that had bci n found at Wejl-
tained. The High-Conftable of //',f/?7«/'«y?f/- Liberty, minjler. Mis HiijTJ feemed to wonder very much
alfo iffued private Orders to all the petty ConllabUs, at the wichednefs of the Age, and e.vcl ,imei vehe-
Watchmen, and other Officers of that Dillriia, to mently ag..iii(t fuch barbarous Muic'erer.% adding,
keep a Hriil Eye on all Coaches, Carts. i^V. p. fling here is a DifcTurfe too in our Neighbourhood, of a
in the Night through their Liberty, imaginning that Wom-.n whtj has been found in the fields mangied
the Perpetrators of fuch a horrid Fail would endea- and cut to pieces. It may be fo reply'd, Mr., Lo'ig-
vour to free themfelves of the Body, in the fame M:in- more, but I have heard nothing of it. On the S x-!l
ner a." they had done of the Head. Thefe Oiders of March, tfe Pari/i Oficris confidcring that k'
were executed for fome Time, with all tie Secrefy might putnfy if it coiitinuetl longer n the Air, agreed
imaginable, under various Pretences, but infuccef- with one Mr. U'tfihrocik, a Surgeon, to have it pre-
fully ; the Head alfo continued to be cvpofnd for fcrvci in Spirits. He having accordin_g'y provided,
lome Days in the Manner before dcfcribcd, uhich * a pro-
Pj/cJti'Sf IIighzi.YJymer/f Murderers, 5C'C.
407
- proper Gi .fs put it therein, ani (hened it to all
lOni who were defirous of ft-eirg ; jtttf.eMur-
^r remair.cd liill uiidilcover'd ; and r.otwitiiih.nd-
^ trie Mu!:itude which iiid leen it, yet tione prc-
ur.ded to be diredtly pofuive to the face, tho'
I. . ny sgKed in t'neir having feen it before.
In the u:eari i ime Mrs. Hayts qi;i[ted her Lod-
i-s, and removed from where the Murihcr was
.n.iiittej to iMr. Jones's a Diitiller in the Neigh-
a.hood, with B:liings, Wood, and Spiingaif, i^t
tn ilie paid one Q^i.irters Rent at her old Lod-
-j^s. She now enip^oved herfeif in getting ;.3
,l1 of her H.::'b;n;ls EiFccls as poffib'e ihe could ;
1 ar.-i0ng!l other t'.ipers and Securities, finding a
: id due to Mr. Hayes from John Da-vL', »hO
held niAiried Mr. IJajet's Siller, Ihe confulted how
to -rei i:i that Money : To which purpofe iTie fent
iur one Mr. Lecntad Mjiing-^ Em her, and told h;in,
thit ihe i^noi^ii g him to be her Hunjand's particular
Friend, and he then beii.g under fome M;sfortune-,
thro' which fl.e fe.aied he would not p;efent!y re-
turn, Ihe knew not how to recover feveral Sums of
Money tn_t were due to him, unleis by fending fic-
titious Letters in his Name, to tiie feveral Pcilor.s
from whom the ian.e was due, Mr. Myring confider-
ing ti;e Confcquences of fuch a Proceeding, declining
it. But (Vie prevailed upon fome other Perfon to
write Lft:cr^ in Mr. Hayn's Nan.e, particularly
or.e to nis Moti.C, on the 14th of March, to dc-
,ni.md 1 tn i'ound.s of the abovementioned Mr. Da-
lii, i!iie-i.n;rg if he refufed, to fue him ftr it.
'1 his Letter Mr. Hayei\ Mother received, imd ac-
<},um»iig her Son in -Law Dn-vis with the Contents
tiicreuf, he cfieied to pay the Money on fending
down the Bond, of whicii Ihe by a Letter acquaint
ed Mrs. H/!ja on the I'wenty-fecond of the Lr.;e
Month.
During thefe Tranficlions, feveral Pcrfors came
daily to Mr. U e/ihrook'i to fee the Head. A poor
Wuin -.n at KingJIand, whofe Hu/l)and had been mif-
hiig the Day before it was found, was or.e amorgll
tnttn. She at firrt Sight fi,nced it bore fome Re-
leaiblance to that of /itr Huiband, but was not po-
fitiie enough to fwear it; yet her Sufpicion as firft
w.is fufficient to ground a Report, which flew about
tile i own in the Evening, and fome Enquiries were
made -fter the Bjdy of tiiC Perfon to wliom it was
fuppcs'd to be'ong, but to no Purpofe, Mrs. Hc.yes
in tl-.e iv.ean W'.iile took all the Pains imaginable to
propagate a Story of Mr. /fay^j's withdraw ing on
.-\ctou!.t ot an unlucky Biow he had given a Perfon
in a Quarrel, and which made him appicenfive of a
Prolecution, thobgh he was then in Tieaty with
tlie Widow in order to make it up. This Story
'file at firif toid « ith many Injanftions of Secrefy,
to Perfons who fhe hdd good Reafons to believe,
would tell it again. It happened in the Interim,
th.tt one J'jfcph Jjl'b:, who had been an intimate
Acqjaintjnce of iVJr. fLives'?, came to fee her : She
Witii a grcit deal of pretended Concern, communi-
cated the Tale ihe had t'ramed to him. Mr. J/>fy
aiked whether the Peifon he had killed was him
to whom the Head belonged. She faid. No ; the
2I.TI ivl.o died by Mr. Hayes's Blo-M, ivas buried
entire, and Mr. Haits Lad gi'ven, or v: as about to
giiie, a Sccur;;v to pay the I'Vidoii; fifteen Pounds
per annum, to lujh it up. Mr. Jj'kby enquired next,
H'here Mr.lhyes-ziasgone. She laid, /o Portugil,
<uil/> three or four foreign Gcnthmen; and he theie-
upon t)o:< his Leave. But going from thence to
M:-. H^nry Lsngmore'i, Coufin to Mr. Hayes, he le-
.lited to nim the Story Mn. Ha\es had told him,
and e\frd]l-d a great deal of DifTttiifailion thereat.
dcfiring Mr. Lofomore to go to her and make the
fame Enquiiy as he had done, but without taking
iSotice tiiey had feen one anotiier. Mr. Longmare
went thereupon diiedly to Mrs. Hayi's's and en-
quired in a peiemptory Tone tor her Hi.fband. She
in .Anfwer fa;d. She /uppos'd Mr. Alhby had ac-
quainted him iiith the Misfortune ^xhich ked befal-
len him. Mr. Longmore replied. He had not fin
Mr. Afhhy for a corf.ierable Time, and k':eiv h'q-
thing of his C^uf-Ts Mi fortune. Pie then ailced if
he was in Prifon for Deb; ? She anfwejsd him, A»,
^ivas ivofe than that. Mr. Longmore again im-
portuning her to know what he had done, to occ.i"-
fion his abfconding fo, faying, I fappofe he has ritt
murdered any Body? fhe replied. He had, and bec-
koning him to come on the Stair,-, related to hii:i
the Story as beforementioned . Mr. Lcngtr.ore being
inquifitive which Way he was gone, fhe to!d him
in;o Herefordjhire, and that he had taken four Pif-
tols with him for his Security, one under each Arm,
and two in his Pockets. Mr. Longmore anfwcred,
'twoald be dangerous for him to travel in that Man-
ner, becauie any Perfon feeing him fo armed, might
caufe him to be apprehended on Sufpicion of being
an Highwayman. She afT-.red him, that once he
was apprehended on Sufpicion of being an Hrgiiway-
man, but that a Gcnt'cinan who knew him, acci-
dtnt.dlv carEC in, and leeing him in Cullody, paiTcJ
his Word for his Appearance, by which he was
ddcharged. Mr. Longmote made Anfuer, that i:
w.as vtry improbable lie was ever (lopped on Sufpi-
cion of being an H'giiwayinsr, a^id difchargcd up-
on a Mm's only palfing his Word for his Appear-
ance. He then demanded which Way he was fup-
plied with Money for his Journey ? She told hi:ii,
(he i'.ad fewed twenty-fix Guineas into his Cloath.',
and tliat he had aboat feventeen Shillings in ne.v
Silver. Slie added, that i";>r/»^a/^ who lodged there
was privy to the whole Tranfadion, fur whica
Reafon Ihe paid a Quarters Rent for her at her old
Lodgings and the better to maintain what (he h.ij
averred, called Springate to juilify the Truth of it.
In concluding the Diltro'urfe, (lis reflcdled on the
ankind Ufage of Mr. Hayes towards her, whicli
fiirprized Mr. Longmore, more than any Tning eife
(he had faid, becau:e he had often been a Witaefs to
her wiving Mr. Hayes the Character of a moil in-
dul<'ent tender Hufb.ind.
Mr. Longmore then took his Leave of her, and re-
turned back to his Friend Mr. Ajl.by ; i\hen .if;er
comparing their feveral Notes togetl.er, they judg-
ed that Mr. Hayes mull have had very ill Play
(hewn him: upon which they agreed to go to Mr.
Eaton a Lifeguardman, who was alfo an Acquain-
tance of Mr. Hayes's, which accordingly they did,
intending him to have gone to Mrs. Hayes alio,
to have heard wh.'.t ReLtion fhe would give him
concerning her Hufband. They went and enquired
at feveral Places for him, but he w.as not then tJ
be found ; upon which ,they went down to If'ejl-
tninjler to fee the Head at Mr. H'tfibioik'i. Mr.
Jljloby iirll went up Stairs to look on it, and coming
do.vn, told Mr. Longmore her really thought it to be
Mr. Hayes^i Head ; upon which Mr. Longrr.ore went
up to fee it, and after e.'tamining it move particu-
larly, confirmed their Safpicion. Then they retain-'
ed to feck oat Mr. Ealon, and finding him a:
Home, informed him of their Proc£eding% with the
Reafons on which their Sui'picions were grounded;^
and ccmpelied him to go with them to enquire into
the Affair. Mr. Eaton preilid them to llay Dinner
with him, which atliili: they agreed to, but after al-
tering their Mind?, went all dowrrto Mr. Lonzmon'^i
-■ ■ - - --•■'-- 44oV<?;
A Qemral History of
Houfe, and there renewed their Sufpicions, not on-
ly of Mr. Haye:^s being murdered, but alfo that his
Wife was privy to the iame ; but in order to be
more fully fatisfied, they agreed that Mr. Eaton
fiiould in a Day or two's Time go and enquire for
Mr. Hayes, taking no Notice of his having feen
them. In the mean Time Longmort'i Brother inter-
fered, faying, Tiat it Jitmed apparent to l.im, that
i'ij Coufin Uayei had been murderer, and that Mrs,
Hayes appeared Guilty, ivith Wood and Billings,
•who, Jhe told him, had drank ivith him the Kigbt
he/ore his Journey. He added, moreover, that he
thought Time nvas not to he delayed, hecauje they
might remonie from their Lodgings upon the leafi Jp-
prihenjlons of a Difco'very.
His Opmion prevailed as the moll reafonable, and
Mr. Lotigmore (aid, they ivould go about it immediate-
ly. >\ccordingly to Mr. JulUce Lambert lie immedi-
ately applied, and acquainted him witli the Grounds
of their Sufpicions, and their Defire of his granting
a Warrant for the Appreliending of the Parties. The
Jullice, on hearing tlie Story, not only readily com-
plied with their Demand, but faid alfo, he would
get proper Officers to execute it in the Evening, a-
bout Nine o'Clocl< ; putting Mrs. Wayes, Thomas
IP'ood, Thomas Billings, and Mary Springate, into- a
Ipccial Warrant for that Purpofe. At tlie Hour ap-
pointed they met, and Mr. Eaton bringing two Ot-
ficers of the Guards along with him, they went al-
together to the Houfe where Mrs. Hayes lodged.
They went direftly in, and up Stairs, at which Mr.
Jones who kept the Houle, immediately demanded
who and what they were .' He was anlwered, that
they were fufHciently authorized in all that they did,
defiring at the fame Time to bring Candles, and he
fhould fee on what Occafion they came. Light be-
ing brought, they went all up Stairs together. Juf-
tice Lambert wrapped at Mrs. Wajes\ Door with
his Cane. She demanded who was there, for fhc
was in Bed, on which flie was bid to get up and
open the Door, or they would break it open. After
fome little Time taken to put on her Cloaths, (he
came and opened it, and as foon they were in the
Room, they faw Billings, who was fitting upon her
Bed-fide, without cither Shoes or Stockings on.
The Juilice afk'd whether he had been in Bed svith
her ? She faid no, but that he fat there to mend his
Stockings. Why then, replied Mr. Lambert, he had
very good Eyes to fee to do it without Fire or
Caiidlc. Hereupon they feized him too, and leav-
ing Perfons below to guard theai, went up and ap-
prehended Springate ; and after an Examination, in
which they would confefs nothing, committed Bil
lings to New-Prifon, Springate to the Gate-houfe,
and Mrs. ]^ayes to Tothill Fields Bridewell.
Mrs. Hayes was very AfTiduous in contriving fuch
a Method of Behaviour as might carry the greatefl
Appearance of Innocence. She entreated IVIr. Long-
more that (lie might be admitted to fee the Head,
and Mr Lambert ordered her to have a Sight of it
as (he came from Tothill Fields Brideii;ell to her
Examination. Accordingly Mr. Longmore attending
the Officers ordered the Coach to (top at Mr. ll'eft-
hrook'i Door, and as foon as we was admitted into
the Room (he threw her felf down upon her Knees,
crying out in great Agonies, Oh it is my dear Hus-
band's Head I it is my dear Hufbands Head ! and
embmcing the Glafs .in her Aims, killed the out-
fide of itfeveral Times. Mr. Wejlbrook coming in,
told her, that if it was his Head liie fhould have a
plainer View of it, fo taking it out of the Glalo by
tiie Hair he brought it to her : Siie taking it in Iilt
Arras, kiflcd it, and fcemed in grer.t Confution, with-
all begging to have a Lock of rris Huir; but Mr.
Weftbrook replied, that he was afraid llie had had toe
much of his Blood r.lready ; .■\t which (he fainted
away, and after recovering, was carried to Mr.
Lambert, to be examined before him and fome ether
Julticcs of the Pe.KC. While the;e Things were in
Agitation, one Mr. Wud.-ile and his Servant w:.lk-
ing in Mary-le-bone Fields in the Evening, cfpiij
fomething lying in oue of the Ponds, wl;ich nf'ter
they had ex.-.mined, found to be the Legs, Thighs,
TiW^AiKis of a IVian. They being very "much Vur-
prized at this, determined to lerirch farther j and
the next ^ Morning getting Afliltat:ce drained tlie
Pond, where to their further .'illonifhment they
pulled out the Body of a Man wrapped up in a
BLniict, with the News of which, wiiife Mrs. Wait,
was under Examination, Mr. Crrfby a Conifable cau-.e
down to the Jullice.s, not doubting but this was the
Body of Mr. Waycs. Yet tho' ihe was fcmewhat
confounded at the new Diftovery niadc hereb'. , (he
could not be prev.iiled on to make any .'Icknoivled"-
ment of htr knowing any thing of the Fad ; where-
upon the Jullices who examined her, committed
her that Afternoon to Nevgate, the Mob attend.
ing her thither- with as loud .-\cclamations of Joy
at her Commitment, as if they were alrs-idy con-
vinc'd of her Guilt.
Sunday Morning following, Thomas Wood came to
Town from Grcenford ni::\t Harrow, having heard
nothing of the taking up of Mr.^. Hayes, Billings,
or Springate. 'i'he hrft Place he vyent to, was Mrs.
Hayes's old Lodging, where he was anfwi-r'd thit
(he was removed to Mr. Jones's a Diflillcr, a little
farther in the Street ; thitlier he w«nt, wnere the
People, knowing him to be fufpeifted of the Mur-
ihcr, fiiid Mrs. tiayes was gone to the Green-Dra-
gon in King's /ireet, which is Mr. Longmore's Houfe,
and a Man who was there told him moreover tiiat
he was going thither and would (hew him the way.
fFood, being on Horfeback followed him, and he
led him the way to Mr. Longmore's Houfe ; when
Mr. Longmore's Brother coming to the Door, and
feeing l^ood, immediately feized him, and unhorf.
ing him dragged him in .Doors, (ent for Officers
and charged them with him on fufpicion of the
Murder. From thence he was carried before Mr.
Jujlice Lambert, who afked him many Qucllions in
Kclation to the IVJurdcr, but he would confds no-
thing, whereupon he was committed tu Tothill- Fields
Brideivell. \Vhile he was there lie heard the ^vari-
ous Reports of Perfons concerning tjie Murder, and
Judging it impoflible to prevent aJDileovery or evade
the Proofs that were againll Jiim, iie reiblvcd to
make an ample Confelhon of the whole AfF.iir ; of
which Mr. Lambert being acquainted, he, with Joha
Mohun and Thomas Si}lt, Eiqrs. two oilier [uliices of
the Peace, went to To/hill-Fields Bridewcell, to take
his Examination, in which he feem'd very ingenious
and ample, declaring all the particulars before men-
tioned, with this Audition, that lie had been dr.iwn
into the Commiffion thereof partly thro' Poverty,
and partly thro' her crafty Infiiiuaiions, who by
feeding him with Liquors, had fpiritcd him up ty
the CoramifTion of inch a Piece of Burb:irity. He
farther acknowledged, that ever (ince the Comniil-
fion of the Faft, he iiad had no Peace, but that every
Day, before ke came from Greeifcrd, i>.e was fully
perluaded within himfelf, that he fliould be feized for
the Murther when lie came to (own, notwithiland-
ing wfiich, he could not refrain coniiiig, tho' un-
der a kind of Certainty of being tiikc'ii, and dying
for the F,.a.
Having thus made a full and ample Cqnfeilion,
and fgned the lame, on the 27th of March, his
Mittimus vu'.s made by Jullice A/jwic;-;, ."uid iie w;.s
com-
PyrdtSf., Uighvciiymer:, Murderers^ &c.
cornmitred rn Neiugate, whedier he was «:irriea un-
der a goard of a Serjea^it jnJ eig ;t Soljiers, with
Mufqucto and Biyonet?, to keep off the Mob, who
were lb exjiperateu ag.iiiill the Adors of luch a piece
of B.irb.irity, that witiiout that Caution it would h:ive
been very diriicuk to have carried him tliither
alive. AfA/ (fi f /2^
On Monday the zSth of Afarcfo.j^SifieT Mrs. Hayes
was commiiied to Kewgnte, bnng the Ddy after
Wa»J's Apprehenfiop, Jojeph Mercer going to fee
Mrs. Hayes, fhe told him as he was Thomas Bil-
lhgs\ trie. J J as well as he.s, Ihe defirsd he would
go to him and tell him, 'twas in vam to deny any
longer the Murder of her Husband, for they were
equally guilty, and both mull die for it. BiiUngs
hearing tnis, and that Wsod was apprehended, ai'd
had fully ccnfeG'd the wkole Affair, thought it
needlefs to perlilf any longer in a Denial, and there-
fore the next \i.\y, being the 2gth of March, he
made a full and plain Dilcovery of the whole Faft,
agreeing with ll'ood in all the Paiticub.rs ; which
Confcliion was made and figned in the Prefence of
Guieon Harvey ^1)6 O/i'ver Lcimbert, Eftjrs; two of
His Majefty's Jufttces of the Pcjce, whereupon he
was removed to Nei.ugate the fame Day that fi-'aod
was. //io.i' and &///«»j acquitting Springate of the
aforelaid Murder, fhe wis (bon difcharged from
her Confinement ; but this Difcovery making a great
Nolle in the Town, divers of Mrs. ^ayes'i Acquain-
tance, went to vifit her in Nexvgate, and e.xamin'd
into the Reafons that induced her to commit the fa'd
Faft, Her Acknowledgment in general was that
Mr. Hayes had proved but an indifferent Husband
to her J that one Night he cams home drunk and
HrucK her ; that upon complaining to Billings and
If'oad, they, or one of them, faid, fuch a fellow
ought not to live, and that they would murder liira
for a Halfpeny. She took tliat Opportunity to^pro-
pnfe her bloody. Intentions to them, and her Willing -
nefs that they IlioulJ do fo ; that :>.e was acquainted
with their Defign, heard the Blow given to Mr.
Hayes by Billings, and then went v.'n\\ IVotdto thenf-
into the Room ; that llie held the Candle while his
Head was cut off, and in Excufe for this bloody Fai5f,
faid, tne Devil was got into them all that made them
do it. Wken Ihe ua« m'-de fenfible that her Crime
in Law was not only Murder but petty Treafon,
(he began to fhew great Concern indeed, making
Enquirie? into the Nature of the Proof which was
neceffary to convid, having poflefi'ed herfelf with a
Notion, that unlelj it appeared fhe murthered him
vith her own Hands, it would not touch her Life;
and therefore fhe was very angry that cither
Billings or JVaod fhouid acknowledge her guilty of
tiic Murther, and fubjeft her to that Punifliment
which of all others (he m oft feared ; often repeat-
ing it, that it was hard they would not fufier her
to he hanged with them.
There are a Set of People about NeiMgate, who
get their Living by impofing on unhappy Criminals,
and perfuading them tliat Guilt may be covered,
and Jutlicc avaded, by certain artful Contrivances in
which they profefs thcmfelve.i Maflers. Some of
theie hvd got accefs to this unhappy Woman, and
h:id iniiilled into her a Notion, that tlie Confefljon
of H'ood and Billings could no Ways affeft her
Life. This made l\er raiiily im.Tgine, that there was
no pofiiive Proot iigaiiilt her, and that Circumftanti-
als only, would not convii\ her. For this Reafon
Ihe rcfi>lved to put herfelf upon a Trial contrary to
her fint Intentions. Accordingly bcir.g arraigned,
fte pleaded «ot Guilty, ajid put hciltif upon her
i®3
Trial. IVooJ and Billings, both ple.-dcd Guilty to
tiie fame Indiit-nent ; nt the fame Time ackno>?-
iedging their Guilt, and defuing tom.ike Attore-
ment for tiie fnine by tlie Lofs of their Blood; on!/
pr.iying tl.i; Court would be gr.iciouflv p'.eafcd to
lavour them fo much as to difptiile witii their bei-'i;*;
hanged in Chains,
Mrs. Hayes having thus put herfelf upon her Trial,
the Kmi^'s Council opened the lndi;t:iicnt, f-;;it'g
forth tr.e Heiniouihefs of tlie F.icl, the prenuv'.ivttci
Intentions and iuiiuman Method of.id;ng it. 'i hen
Richard Bromagi, Robert Wilkins, Leonard My-
ring, Jofe^h Mercir, John Blaktihy, Mary
Springaie and Richard Bo-Ms were called ii.io Court;
the Subftance of whofe Evidence wa^, that t.'.e Pri-
foner being interrogated .ibout the M irther, wlien
in Newgate, faid. The De-jil put it i ito her Head;
but hoive'vtr, John Hayes inas none of the beji of
Husbands, for jhe had been htlf liar^ved e'-jer fir.ce
Jhe luas married to him ; th. t/he d J not in the leaft
repent of any Thing Jhe had done , t-ut onlydraiuing
tkofe t'wo poor Men into this Misfurtuue ; that /he
nvas fx IVeeks importuning them to dj it, that they
denied it txi.o or three Times, but at laft agrcrd ; .
that Jhe luat in the Fore Room on the j'ame Fl.ior
IV hen he ifjas killed \ that
en he nuas quit dead.
Jbe went in and held the Candle luhilp. Wood cut his
Head off; that it ivoulj Jignify nofhinar to tn^ke a
long Preamble, Jhe could hold up her Hand, and J'a-f
jhe -Mas guilty, for nothing could fa-ve her, nt body
(ould forgive her ; that the f,jl O.cafion ej this De-
fign to tnurtber him inas, he:aufe he came home one
Night and beat her ; upon wocit Billrngs una, this
Felhiv defer'ves to be tilled, and IVood, faiU he'd
be his Butcher for a Penny. M iOy otuer CirCuai-
ftances equally with thefe appeared, .-.nd a Cioud of
Witnefies, many of whom, the Thing appearin<' f*
plain, were fent away unexamined. S..e nerieif
conteiTed at the Bar, her previous Knowledge of their
Intent, yetfoolifyjy iniiUed on her Innocence, be-
caaife the faft was not c-ommitted by iier own
Htntk. The Jury without llaying long to confider
on it, found her Guilty, and ihe wa, taken fro,n tne
Bar in a very weak and faint Condition. On her
Return to Newgate, fhe was vifited by feveral Per-
fons ofher Acquaintance, who where fo far from
doing her any Good, chiit they rather interrupted her
in thofe Preparations which became her. One old Gent-
tleman indeed, who feemed to have no otuer Motive
in coming to fee l:er, took an Opportunity of d.itour-
fing to her in a fuit.aWe and very rational Manner.
Tins Difcourfe was taken down, but is too \on<i to
infer t-> "
When they were brought up to receive Sentence,
Wood and Billings renewed their former Requett to
the Court, that they might not be hung in Chains.
Mrs. Hayes alfo made Uie ofher former A.Tcrtino,
that fhe was not guilty ofaflually committing the
Faft, and therefore begged of tne Court, that (he
might at leaft have <o muTh Mercy (liewn her, as
not to be burnt alive. The Jaoges then fentenced
the two men, with the other Maltfiitor? to be hand-
ed, and Mrs. Hayes, as in all Cafes of Petit-Trea-
fon, to die by Fire at a Stake ; at which fhe fcream-
ed, and being carried b.>ck to Ne-aigats, fell into vi-
olent Agonies. Perhaps no Body ever kept their
Thoughts fo long and fo ciofely united in the' World,
»s appeared by the frequent »McfI,ges fne fent to
Wood i^nd Billings ; and that Tendernefs which (hs
expreffedtor both of them, kmcnting in the ibfteli
Terms, her having involv.ui -tbofc two poor Men
to the CommiSon of a Faft, for which thev were
5 "^f novif
41®
now to lofa their Lives : Fn which indeed, they
deferved Pity, fince they were Perfons of unblemiih-
ed, CharaiSers until mifled by her.
As to the Senfe (he had of her own Circuniftances,
there has been fcarce any in her State known to
behave v;ith fo much indifference. She faid often,
that Death was neither grievous nor terrible to her
in itfelf, bat was in feme Degrees fhocking from the
Manner in which (he was to die. Her fondnefs for
Billings hurried her into Indecencies of a very ex-
traordinary Nature, fuch as fitting with her Hand in
his at Cliapel, leaning upon his Shoulder, and refu-
fing upon being reprimanded, to make any Amend-
ment in Refped of thofe ftiocking Paflages, be-
tween her and the Murderers of her Husband. One
of her laft Expreffions was to •nquire of the Exe-
ailioier, whether he had hang'd her dear Child ;
and this, xs ihe was going from the Sledge to the
Stake, fo ilrong and lafting were the Paffiona of this
Woman.
The Friday Night before her Execution, being
affured Ihc fliould die on the Monday following) (he
had procured a Bottle of ftrong Poifon,defigning to
have taken the fame ; but a Woman who was in the
Place with her touching it with her Lipes found it
burnt them to an extraordinary Degree, and fpilling
a little on her Handkerchif, perceived it burnt that
alfo ; upon which fufpefting her Intention, (he broke
the Viol. On the Day of her Execution fhe was at
Trayerj, and received the Sacrament in the Chapel,
where (he ftill (hewed her Tendernefs for Billings.
About Twelve th< Prifoners were fevcrally carried tc
Execution j Billings with eight others for various
Crimes were put into three Carts; and Cathsrine
Hayes was drawn upon a Sledge. Billings with
eight others, after having had feme Time for their
i/X/J A^ ^^^ //
A General History of
private Devotions, were turned off!, After which
Catherine Hayes being brought to the Stake, «as
chained thereto with an iron Cliain, running round
her Waift, and under her Arms, and a Rope about
her Neck, which was drawn thro' a Hole in the Pofi;
then the F.iggots, intermixed with light Brufh
Wood, and Straw, being piled all round her, the
Executioner put Fire tliereto in fcveral Places, which
immediately blazing out, as foon as it reached her,
with her Arms fhe pulhed down thofe that were be-
fore her, when (be appeared in the Middle of the
Flames as low as her Waift.
The Executioner got hold of the End of the Cord
which was round her Neck, and pulled it tight, in
order to ftrangle her, but the Fire foon reach his
Hand and burnt it, fo that he was obliged to let go
again. More Faggots were immediately thrown up-
on her, and in about three or four Hours (he was re-
duced to Afhes : In the mean time Billings^i Irons
were put upon him as he was hanging on the Gal-
lows ; after which being cut down, he was carried
to the Gibbet, about one hundred Yards Diftance,
and there hung up in Chains.
Mrs. Hayes fome time before her Execution, con-
fidently averred, that Billings was the Son both of
Mr. Hayes and herfelf ; that his Father not liking
him, he was put out to Relations of hers, and took
the Name o{ Billings from his God father : But Mr.
Hayes'i Relations confidently deny'd all this, and he
himfelf faid he knew nothirg more, than that he
called a Shoemaker, Father, m the Country, him-
felf being put Apprentice to a Taylor, with whom
he ferved his Time, and then came up to Lotidm te
Work Journey-work.
^'/i^nf^^
'^^ ^d^y^ ^
The
Pyratesy Hlgh^waymeN, Murderers^ 5Cc.
■411
r/j^LIFE o/Afr. ROBERT FOULKES.
THIS 'unhappy Gentleman was a Divine ef
the Church ot England, and had been very
much elleem'd for his Learning, and Abili-
ties : Few Men were more capable of Ihining in a
Church, or had a greater Share of that facred Elo-
quence, fo requifite ui a Pre^cner. He was Minifter
cf Stanton-Lacy m the County of Salop, where he
was exceedingly follow'd and adnnir'd till his Crimes
came to be known ; and where he might have beea
belov'd till Death in a natural Way had taken him
hence, and then univcrially lamented, if his Heart
had been as well furnidi'd with Grace, as his Head
was with Knowledge, and his Tongue with Ex-
prelFions.
A young Gentlewoman of a confiderable Fortune,
who had been left an Infant by her Parents, was
committed to his Care by her Executors, as to a
Man' who they trufted, would not only deal juftly
hy her, but alio mftrudl her betimes in the Princi-
ples of Religion, and her feveral Duties as a Chrif-
tian. But, alas ! how weak is human Nature, and
how foon arc we tempted afide from the Ways of
Piety ! Mr. Toulkes, inllead of anfwering the Purpofe
of the young Woman's Friends, was foon fmitten
with her Charms, and took an Opportunity of dif-
covering a criminal Paflion for her, tho' he had at
that Time a virtuous Wife and two Children living.
The young Lady too eafily confented to gratify his
Lull, and they continued their Converfation together
till fhe bec.ims pregnant.
All the Means he could think of to procure Abor-
tion were now try'd, and they all prov'd ineffedual ,
fo that they muft be both expos'd to Scandal, un-
lefs fhe could be remov'd to fome convenieat Place,
remote from the Eyes of the World, and from the
Jealoufies of Mrs. Fiulkss, where ihe might be de-
liver'd of her Burden, which was not yet perceiv'd.
A plaufible Excufe for his going up to Londin was
foon forri'd, and for his taking Mifs along with him,
who at that Time was under twenty Years of Age.
When they were arriv'd in Town, they took a
Lodging in 7'ork-BuiUings in the Strand, where fhe
lay in, and where ((hocking to think of! ) the Child
was privately murder'd, to prevent the Infamy that
might follow.
But divine Vengeance would not fufFer this hor-
rible Deed to remain long conceal'd ; for before
Mr. Foulkei went out of Town, the Girl was exa-
min'd upon the Sufpicion of fome Women, when
ihe confcfs'd the whole, and charged Mr. Foulkes
with the Murder ; who was thereupon apprehended
and committed to Nei-vgate; in a Ihort Time after
which he was condemn'd at the Sefuons-Houfe in the
Old-Bailey, upon the Evidence of the young Wo-
man. On the thirty fiiil of January, 167S-79, he
was executed at Tyliurn, when he made the follow
iiig Speech to the Spectators.
Gsod Chrijiian People,
I Intend not to make any long Difcourfe at
this Time, and I hope no Body will expeft
it of me! What I have to fay more particular-
ly is exprefs'd in a Paper which I have fent to the
Reverend Dr. Lloyd, Dean o( Bangor, and which
I have defir'd him to publiih. As I (hall by and
by anfwer to the God of Truth, there is no-
thing but the Truth therein contain'd, and my
Cafe is fet in a better Light than I could pofSbly
have fhewn it in here.
' In a few Words therefore,
' You may fee in rne what Sin is, and what it
• will end in : You may fee in me the lamenta-
. ' ble and irreparable Mifchiefs of Uncleanneis and
' Hypocrify; and in particular, what it is for one
' who was a Member of Chriil, to make himfelf
' the Member of an Harlot. It is a Sin that fel-
' dom goes fingly and alone : It is the Mother-
' Sin to a great many more, and they more ugly
' and deformed than itfelf: I liave found fo by fa-
' tal Experience. It led me to Lying, Oaths, and
' Execrations, to conceal and defend it : Nay, I
' went further, to advife, contrive, and aflirt'in
' what might procure Abortion ; which certainly
' in the Sight of God, was Murder in Intention!
' Nor llopp'd I there, but went forward to Murder
' in A&. and Execution ; for which cryino- Sin I zm
' come hither to fatisfy the Laws of the King-
' dom, and I acknowledge the Julfice of my Sen-
' tence. And Oh ! that you may fear and tremble
' at God's holy and righteous Judgments, which
' have now overtaken me ; and that, from my Ex-
' ample, you may be warned to avoid the Snares
' of a whorilh Woman, and keep the Marriaee-
' Bed undefil'd.
' Beware of hypocrital Pretences to Religion, and
' of coming to the holy Sacrament while you live
' in any filtny Praftices. Do not grieve nor quench
' the good Spirit of God, nor flifle the Convic-
' tions of your, own Coniciences ; left God fhould
' leave you, as he did me, to work all Uncleannefs
' with Greedinefs ; and lell at lalt ye be brought.
' to this moft miferable Condition into v/hich he iias
' fuffer'd me to fall. His Judgment is righteous,
' and I humbly fubmit to it ! I forgive all the World
* as I defire to find Mercy at the Hands of God
' through Jefus Chrift. Be intreated to take Warn-
' ing by me not to continue in Sin; for (let me
' repeat it) Julfice will find you out.
' With reipeft to my Cri.Ties, I liave but two
' Things to fay, with which I fhall conclude.
' Firlt, I'hat I have Caufe to iament exceeding-
' ly for the great Ssandal I have thereby brought
' upon Religion, 2nd the facred Fundjon of Uie
' Minillry. This I look upon to be the moft heinous
' and aggravating Circumftance of my wicked and
' licentious Life ; which by this laft Sin will be all
' hid open to the World. Let me beg of ) ou thcre-
• for?.
• fore, not to entertain 'any Prejudices againil the
• Ambafliidors of the Goi'pel upon my Account ;
• they are generally holy and go«d Men, and they
' grant no Licence at all to fuch ungodly Praflices
' as I have been guilty of. This 1 am obliged to
• fay in Juftice to their Order.
' In the fecond Place I mud exprefs my Joy that
' I hope my Sins, however great and numerous, are
' all pardon'd by God, and atton'd for by the Me-
' fits of Jefus Chrill. 'Tis true, the Crime I die
• for has expos'd the whole Nation to Judgment ;
' for thro' Blood thi Land i s defil' d : But as I fuf-
' fer the Sentence of God and iVIan, the Judgment
' falls upon my own Head ; and I hope, through
' dirine IVIercy, it will proceed no farther than my
' Body. All I have to add, is. Be admonilh'd by
' me, to ceafe to do Ei'il, and learn to do ivell.
Noiu the Lord haue hUrcy upon my poor depart-
ing Soul ! In this PetititH I defirt you to join nvith
me, and fray for me to the laft Moment of my
Life.
A genuine Cof^ of the Paper fint by Mr. Foulkes
to the Reverend Dr. Lloyd, and mentioned Ity him
in the foregoing Speech.
SIR,
I Send the following Account to you, as to my
once very good Friend ; though now, alas ! no
good Man can be fond of that Appellation from
me. I defire yoa would publilh it, that thofe who
are SpeAators of my End might not be difappointed
in what they expedted to hear from me, and that
my Example may be tranfmitted to Polterity, as a
Terror to the Workers of Iniquity.
Such have my Irregularities always been, that I
have long ago deferv'd to Imart under the Severi-
ty of God's Reproof; but ihefe Things were hi-
therto conceal'd. Now the Hand of Juftice has
found me out, and I am to become a publick Spec-
tacle of Shame and Reproach. I have no Interell
therefore any longer in hiding my Iniquities from
the World : No, I will contefs them to Mankind,
that they may be warn'd and inftrufted, and that
God may be vindicated in my Punilhment.
My Birth and Education was not amongft them
that are Aliens from the Commonwealth of I/rael,
and Strangers to the Covenant of Promife ; but with-
in the Pale of the Church of England; a Church
not fupported by Error and SuperlUtion ; a Church
fo reSn'd and reform'd, that it is become the pu-
reft upon Earth. Nor was this all neither ; for
God, by the outward Miniftration of his Word, and
the inward Operation of his holy Spirit, fo wrought
upon my Heart, that for fome Time his Fear was
before my Eyet : I ferv'd him in fecret, and ftudy'd
to glori^ him in my whole Life and Converfati-
•n.
In this Path I walk'd when I was dedicated more
immediately to the Service of my Creator, by the
Impofition of Epifcopal Hands : God had alfo blef-
fed with competent Abilities for the Difcharge of
that Office ; (o that had I profecuted my Studies
with the fame Diligence and Induftry as 1 did my
F*llies, I might not oaly have been a learned and
judicieui Man myfelf, but an ufeful Inltrumrnt in
tae Hand of God for enlightening the Underftand-
ingi of others. Providence alfo fupply'd nae with
the Favour of a noble and honourtble Patron, thro'
whofe Means I was fettled very comfortably m to
the Concerns of human Life. My Portion was fo
far from being fcanty, that I had enough and to
fpare: I was belov'd by my PariQM^ncr!, ui«t re-
jt4 General History of
fpeaed by ;ny Neighbours. Tlie fhme bountiful
Providence bleis'd me with as woni.y Reiatioiis ■
a very faithful and affcdionate Wife, tender of my
Perfon, careful and indulliious about my AiF;.ir} •
One, in Ihoi t, that had as good a Rigi.t as any Wo-
man to Solomons Char.ictcr in the lait Chapter of
Proverks ; one that blelled me wuii four fweet Chil-
dren, and was to me as a fruitful Fine.
In a Woid, to God's Glor> ^nd my own Shame
I conlels, that ttie Hand of Heaven had bee:i exceed-
ing hber.il to me upon all Accounts; and that I
had no Rea;on to murmur, as if jmy Heritage had
been fparing, either in ipintual or temporal 1 nms.
And now 1 come to tl;e laft and wont l^art of my
melancholly Story. That 'lenderncfi that was oil
my Conlcicnce was not long liv'd : My Corruptions
with tne Devil's Tcmpt.:tions, foon overcniiie it!
Then I forfeited my Bapiifmal Vow>, and my ©r^
dination Engngements j tnen I renounc'd the Faith
of Wedlock, ■M'l had my Ejei full of Adultery that
could not ceafe from ^in. Tne Devil had prepar'd
for me a fatal Companion and Partner in my De-
baucheries ; one who was eafily tempted by me, and
was afterwards a conffant Temptation tome, till fhe
prov'd the great Occalion of thit difmal Co'nc!ufion
of my wretcned Courfe of Life. Open your Eyes,
therefore, O Adulitrers and Adultcrcffes ! contem-
plate tills wolui and tragick Jnltance ; be not en-
inared with a Whore's Charms; trult not to iier
Kindnefj, tho' conlirm'd with O.itlis, Execrations,
and Tears : Tliey lead on to all mauHer of
Sin, they will walte your Eltate, divide vour Fami-
ly, ruin your Healtn, deltroy your Soul, and, if
ever you need her Friendfh'p, (he will molt perfidi-
oully betray you.
I thou-nt my Sin well fecured under the Protec-
tion of teeming Religion, and v;iinly Uncy'd it was
done in fecret, and tnat it Ihould nevei be brought
to Light : but 1 was deceiv'd : a Sufpicion of my
Guilt was whilper'd about, and came to the Ears of
my Right Reverend Diocefan, tne Lord Bilhop of
Hereford, wlio reprov'd and adinoniih'd me lor it.
This made me more coniUnt and politive in my De-
nials, which 1 conhrmed in tne molt folemn Man-
ner I could, ufiiig fucn Expf cffions ■ for my Purga-
tion as 1 tiembled to think of, wnen 1 conndei liuw
jullly 1 was accus'd. Aa for my Ntiglibours, J
threateii'd luch of tnem wit.l Prolecutions as thould
defame my Character, and was niigmy e.\ad with
them upon Points of Law, whica f thougi.t would
have borne me out. But all this wliile 1 was a very
Slave to my Lull, thoug.i' i brilkly receiv'd the Af-
faults of all my .^cculeri, and proaiis'd my felf as
compleata Vidory over them as I had obtain 'd over
my own Conlcience, whole Warnings I nad almoll
perfeftly flifled.
I was now arriv'd at the very Height of Impiety,
to which I had alcended by a long Courle of A-
dulteries, FaKhoods, and Hypocrily. When there
was no other Way ofmding my Siiame, from my
mjur'd dear Wife, and from all tne World, 1 found
my Conlcience io fear'd, and fo pall fueling, that
I was n»t afraid to comiint the horrid Murder for
which the Law has io -joaiy adjuJg'd me to die :
A Crime that not only bids Defi.incc to God and all
Religion, but to tne very Dictates and Principles of
Nature and Humanity! j i o dellroy an innocent
Babe had Cruelty enough in the AS itfelf, but to
offer Violence to the Fruit of one's own liody was a.
great Aggravation «f the Crime, and makes It, in
T'ruth, a inonllroiis Piece of Baib.4, icy. God g'rant
my R>;pcncai,ce may be^ir lome Proportion to my
Sin, wA b€ acccptibfe to nijn who.Ti i i,avc o.Fcnd-
<"* • Now
Pyr,ii:;i^ hfi'^^h'Viuiymtn, .^furJ^rcrj , ^Cc.
Now I inve m-'Je this fall Con/eiii.m, hr pleis'J,
Sir, to hs: r ir.y iivjrt ApdIa-j;/ agjiml ti.d levcr.;!
C.iloni'Mf, »vhit.1 my P.;rti:er m Gui!r, tiiougii n»c
in Condeii'.n^tioi). hi! been plc^^'J to loicl me wlt;i.
Firli. if wst aliccg'.i, mat ihe was comuiitied to
jnv Cii:iigt and Govcnnient by htr Fitiier, in her
Minonly, »vliich h^s been inouglit a great heighten-
ing of my Sin : To thij I declare, tiiat lier P;it;ier
wiS a Gentlenun I never faw, or had tlie left iii-
lercourfe with ; (lie being put into my Hands on)/
ai a Boarder by her Guardians.
Secondly, It was f.iid, that I attempted to vitiate
her at nine Years of Age, and bad for that Pur-
poie corrupted her Jadgment, by informing her
that P.i'y(?amy was I iwfjl : Tins [ alfo declare to
be a Fii'ftiood, and pro:eit that f never proftitut-
ed the iicred Word of God to ferve the Turn of
any Liift, nor ever had iuch a Thought in inv Soul.
Agiin. ihe has faid, (he knew nothing of the Faft
for which we were jointly quelHon'd, and I con
demn'd : la .Anlwer to thii I cill God to vvitnefs,
thpt i>e both law, and acied in. all that was done.
f hiTi now done witli the VVorld, and have no
more P"tc to a<^ therein ; I pray God therefore, who
' I *
— f A ■»
h.is fijffjr'd me to be takv^n oat of it iii tliis igno-
Bimioja V\'tiy, that if he iioS iiot alresdy open'a m/
Eyes by tins Idt-ere Coarie of ProviJeiiCe, and alurni-
ed me (uificieiit'y to repent, he would now be Dicaf-
ed to do It, c'le all wiil be too late! I thank
God for gim.g nie Time coiiSdeiable, and greac
Afliltances, to turn to hii.i wixhal .' I might have
been furpriz'd vvitu lome fuddeii Death, and infaj-
libiy fent iiuo Hell headiorg ; floin which i have
now (ome Hope to be pielciv'd, thro' the Men./
of God, and the Merits of my Sleffed Saviour and
RcdceiiiSr, to whom b.; Glory lor ever.
The preceding Spetc'i and Paper, though fomt-jiihiit
long, luere thought p> oper to be iijei ted, as they give
more Light into the Cafe than any other Help 'U.e
could olitain 'lis iijjtcult to account for til fi-vete
Refiiilions he has tit ov^n on the you>/g Ladf, inhj
could hardh be moyf than Sicoiid in tie Came ufvuoijl ;
and douhtlrfi the I-fluence offuch a Man 'ixrougkt
much on her in all tkcir criminal Jcjuaintauce. IVe
can fay no more at this Diflance of li:ne, than that
•we hope he obtaia'd the Meicj ht fai.i'd fa conji-
dtnt of.
r/j^LIFE o/G/«/ JAMES TURNER.
THIS Gentleman was born in the City of
(f'o'-cejier , in the Year 16:9, of very weal-
thy P-rciit-, who plac'd Jiirj with a Gold-
fmitu of Rrput".tioii ill London, as foon as of Years
far a Tride. With tins iMaii he feiv'd his Appren-
ticeftip very faithfully, and Bad the Charaflcr of be-
ing a young Man well qualifv'd for Bulinefs. Wlien
his Fatiier thoLJglit proper to put him into Trade
for hir.ifelf, he g ive liim a Siock of no lefs than
Three Thouland Poundf, to which he foon added
Two Thouland Pounds more by Marriage. Ke had
great Saccels in Bufinels for lome Years, and was
tltee.r.'d ti,e wealtliieil Man in his Neighbourhood,
io tjtai his Word would have pafs'd for almoll any
£ara.
Mr. Tumr had always a confiderable fnclination
for Pieafure and Comp.iny, taking peculiar Delight
in aiTociating himlelf with the Gentlemen who were
Officers of the City Militia. Among theie he was
complimented wit.i a Captain's Commiffion, tiien a
M.joiV, then a Lieutenant Colonel's, and at laft
with the Command of one of the Regiments, in
which he oontiriu'd till the unhappy Action that
brought him to his End was dil'cover'd, to the Sur-
prize of all the World.
7'he Colonel's Temper was very generous and
noble, which, 'tis thought, in fome mealare, brought
on him that Decay of his Fortune w.lich he afttr-
Ward5 l.:bour'd under. In his Poll, particularly,
whenever he uiarch'd out with his Regiment, he
was very liberal in his Enrertninments, and com-
monly ran bitnlelf to four times the Expence that
was neceltiry. 'Twas the fame on every other
Occaiio:' i no Man w,"s more free with his Money,
or more axbitious of living hi Splendor and Rep i-
lation, than Colonel Turner.
tos
This Difpofition had with him the fame EJtcl as
it commoi.iy has with others who ruin themielves
by their Generofity : He had no .N'otion of retrench-
ing his Exper.ces when he perceiv'd his .Subltance
Wane; bat was rcfolv'd to lupport himfelf rtitn the
fame Poinp as ufual, however he came by the Mo-
ney. 'Twas caly for fuch a Man to comuut a great
many little ftcrtt Aflionj, that were in thcmleUes
di(l;oiiourable, before he loll his Charadler, on Ac-
count of hii great Bufincis.- Several of thefe Things
difcover'd thtmfelves after he was convicted, which
even the Peilbn» that were wrong'd did not iul'pcft
before. One Inllance in particular will be well worth
relating; and was at follows.
He apply 'd himfelf one Day to a Merchant, and
bought of him as much Train-Oil and Rice, as
came to Three hundied and fixty Pound?, which
he promis'd to pay for as foon as the Goods were
deliver'd. Accordingly the Day after he went to
the Merchant's Houfe, and g;ive him the full Sum
in Money and Notes ; for which the Merchant
wrote a Receipt, while it all lay on the Deft.
Two of Turner''^ Accomplices (.or he made ule of
Affillanc^) came juit at this Time, and pretended
fome urgent Bulinefs with the Merchant, and, in
fnoit, play 'd their Part (o well, that one of them
got clF with the greateft Part of Turner'^ Pfy-
nitnt, while the other kept the i.-ir.ocent Mun in Dif-
courfe. Neither of tlem took any more Notce
of the Colonel than if they had not known him,
nor did the ?/Ierchant imagine he had any Con-
cern in the Matter till he was found guilty of an-
other Crime, of v.'hich take this lliort Account.
There was one Mr. Trends Tryoa, a great Mer-
chant, who liv'd in Lime fireet, whom Colore!
Tu-.yiir knew to be very rich. I.t order to rob
5 N th;s
414
this Man, one of the aboTemention'd Fellows con-
tey'd himfelf into his Cellar in the Duflc of the
Evening, and as foon as Mr. Tryon was abed, and as
he thought afleep, he let the Colonel in at the Door.
They went up together to his Bed-Chamber, bound
him, gagg'd him, and us'd him in a very barbarous
manner ; and then going into his Warehoufe, they
took from thence, a large Quantity of Diamonds,
Saphires, Rubies, i^c. which Turner knew where
to find : Then they took all the Money in the Houfe,
which amounted to a vail large Sum ; fo that the
whole Booty was reputed to be the Value of Five
Thoufand nine hundred and forty fix Pounds, four
Shillings, and three Pence. They made off with all
this quietly. Mr. Iryon had a Man and a Maid-
Servant, but they both lay abroad this Night by
Permiffion, of which the Colonel had before receiv'd
Information.
Strid Enquiry v^as made after the Thieves, and
all fuch Jewels as were remarkable were particular-
ly defcrib'd, while Turner thought himfelf fecure
in his Character, which had fo long fcreen'd him.
But fome of the Things defcrib'd were feen in his
Houfe, and the Difcoverers were refolv'd to examine
further : Whereupon the Colonel, his Wife, and his
three Sons, John, William, and Ely, were appre-
hended, and upon Search almoft all the Jewels were
found. There was now no Room for EvaCon ;
the whole Family was carry'd before Sir Thomas Al-
len, Knight and Alderman, and all committed to
Veuogate.
At the next Seffions they were all indided for
rhe faid Robbery ; but after a full Examination of
A General History of
what Evidence they had, and confidering what the
Colonel hiinlclf faid in his De/eiice, 'twas thongl.t
proper by the Court to acquit the Wife and Soiib,
and to bring the Colonel in g-uilty ; v/hereupon the
ufual Sentence of Dtalh was pafs'd on him, and
executed on the Twenty firll of January, 1662-63 '•
when he was drawn in a Cart (rixa Nev.>gate to the
End of Lime-flreet in Leadenhalljlreet, and theie
hang'd on a Gibbet erefted for that I'uipofe ; be-
ing 53 Years old.
The Colonel left a Paper behind him full ofEx-
preifions of Piety and Contrition, too long to be
inferted here : Wc would only obferve, that tho*
all who knew him, wonder 'd at the Fadt, yet e-
Tery one believ'd him guilty, becaufe the Proois
were fo clear.
There was a Robbery in his Life-time, whicl^
no Body could then find out ; but afier his Death
'twas generally thought he was the Manager. A
Letter was fent to a wealthy Dealer at Chicbejter,
fign'd with the Name of a Merchant his Acquain-
tance in London, informing him of a profitable Pur-
chafe in his VVay, and inviting him to Town.
The Chicbefier Man had before receiv'd Advices
of this. Kind from the fame Friend, and found them
of Service, therefore fcru pled not, but fet out the
next Day with what Money and Notes he had in
the Houfe ; but before he got half Way to Lon-
don, he was robb'd of all by two Men in Difguife.
He foon found his Correfpondent had not lent to
him, and was aftonifli'd. However, Colonel Tur.
tier's Death clear'd all, he knowing both their Cir-
cumftascei.
MMM
Th
PyrateSy High<waj'Ken, Murderers, SC-c.
415
ry^^LIFE o/HARMAN STRODTMAN.
TH E follo^virifr Account luas tahsn in Writing
from the Cnmi/ia/'j oivn Mouth, the Day be-
fore he nxias executed at 1 yburn, -which 11101 on Wed-
Tie(Azy the iZlb Day o/" June, 1 701. The Relation
feemi to he made -witb Jo much Sincerity, that lot
thought it hefl to uje his aivn Words, in zuhich he has
txprefs'd his Cafe, and given us a Sietch of his Life,
as hriefy, and yet as fully as can be expeiled.
Ill tlie Ye.-r 16S3, or a little before, I was born at
Revel In Liejland, and had the Hiippinefs to come ofa
good Fumily ; my Parents being Feribns of fome Ac-
count in the World, and alfo godly and religious
People, who took great Care of my Education.
About the Year 1694, my f-'ather fent me to
School to Luted, wh«rei continued till Michaelmas,
169S) From thence I v/ent to Hamburgh, and llay'd
there till I let out for England. 1 arriv'd at Loudon
the iSth Day of March follow ing, together with one
Pe/er Holler, who came with nie Irom my n.aive
Place. We were both bound Apprentice to Mr.
Stein and Mr. Dorien, Merchants and Partners in Lon-
don.
Peter IFolter and myfelf having been Fellow-Tra-
vellers, and being now fellow-Prentices, we liv'd
for fome time very friendly and lovingly together,
till about Auguft laft, when his Sifter was married to
Mr. Dorien, one of our Mailers. Then he began to
be fo proud, and fo very domineering over me, and
abufive to me, that I could not bear it. We had fe-
veral Fallings-out, and he did twice beat me ; once
before the Maids of the Houfe in tre Kitchen, and
at another Time in the Comptirg-Houfe ; and did,
befides that, often complain and rail Talks of me to
my Mailers ; thereby railing their Dilpleaiure againll
mc, and creating me their lll-will ; lo that they kept
me clofe at home, and would not give me the fame
Liberty which my Fellow-Apprentice, and myfelf
before, had, of going abroad fometimes for Recrea-
tion. Upon this Account I conceived an implacable
Hatred ag.iinft him, and the Devil put it into my
Heart to be reveng'd on him at any rate.
Fini I delign'd to do it by Poifoa, having to that
purpofe mixt fome Mercury with a certain white
Powder, which he had always in a Glafs in the Cham-
ber, and of which he us'd to take a Dofe very often,
for the Scurvy. But it being tken Winter-time (I
think the latter End o( December, or Beginning of
January) I found he had left off taking his Powder j
and to I might wait long enough before I could fee
the Effects of my Poilbn, if f ftay'd till the Time he
was to take that Powder again. 7'herefore I thought
of another W^ay to difpatch him, and that was by
flabbing bim
On Goad-Friday Morning, my Mafters fending me
on an F.trand, I took from thence Opportutiity to
go to Grcenxvich, from whence not returning till the
Thurfday following, ray Mailers were fo very angry
with mc, that they bid nie be gone. Upon this I
went away, and took Lodgings in Moor-fclds, Awd
two D.iys afttr I took other Lodgings at the Sign of
the Sun, an Ale-houie in ^een-Jlrett, in London.
Now I had a Key of the Fore Door of my Ma-
fler's Houfe, which I got made for me a long time
before Chrijlmas, by that which was my Mailers ;
and this was tor my private Ufe, that I might, un-
known to my Mailers, go in and out at any time
when I had a Mind to it; but at latl the Devil taught
me another Ufe of this Key ; for by the Help of it I
came to my Mailers Houfe on Saturday, about half an
Hour pall eight at Night ; and beirg got in, I wenr
up two Pair of Stairs, and having got into an empty
Room, adjoining to Peter IFolter'i Cnamber, I (hut
mylelf in there, and fome time after fell aflcep.
About twelve o'Clock being awake, after I had
been fome time hearkening, perceiving all was very
quiet in the Houfe, I went down to a Room one
Pair of Stairs, where a Tinder Box by, and having
lighted a Candle, enter'd the Compting-Houfe, and
therfe took out (everal Notes and Bills, and fome Mo-
ney too. Then I went up again two Pair of Stairs,
carrying with me a certain Piece of Wood, where-
with they us'd to beat Tobacco, which I found in
my Chamber. When I was got up Stairs, I fprang
into Peter Walter's Room, and coming to his Bed-
fidc, open'd the Curtains, and with my Tobacco
beater knock'd him on the Head, giving him four
or five Blows on the left Side of it, and another on the
right. Thus it was that I moll barbaroufly murder'd
this poor Creature, whom 1 intended, had this fail'd,
to have (hot to Death ; having brought with me two
Pillols, ready ch.irgeJ, for that wicked Purpofe.
When I perceiv'd Peter Walter was quite dead, I
proceeded to fearch his Breeches, and Caell of Draw-
ers, and took a Note of Twenty Pounds, with lome
Money, out of his Pocket ; which Money, with
that I had taken in the Compting-Houfe, amounted
to eight or nine Pounds. Then I pack'd up fome of
his Linnen and Woollen Cloaths, and having made a
Bundle of them, went down with it one Pair of
Stairs, and out of a Window there threw it into the
ne.\t Houfe, where no body dwelt. Then I went i;p
Stairs again, and having cut my Candle in two, botii
Pieces being lighted, I fet one in the Ciieil of Draw-
ers, and the other on a Chair, clofe by the Bed- Cur-
tains, intending to have bL-rnt the Houfe, in order
to conceal by this heinous Fail, the othpr two of
Theft and Murder, which, thro' the Inliigation of
the Devil, I had nov,- moft barbaroufly committed.
Then I went thro' .1 Window, out of the Houfe,
into that where I had flung the Bundle ; and llayirg
there till about five in the Morning, went away wiih
the Bundle, and what elfe 1 had taken, to my Lodg-
ings in Slueen-Jlreei, where I put on clean Clothe?
and then went to the S^vediS Church in Trinitf.
Lane.
The next Day, being tlie fecond Mondax after
Eafter, I went to a Goldfmith, one that I knew, in
Lintbard-prat, v.'hevc I fcuud my Mailer Steif:, with
acothfi-
4i 6
niiotlier Gentltia:.n. My M-ifu-r afk'd rne, whether
I vvoulJ i;J wii;ii'i;'y to tns lioule, or be earned
thitlier by two PorlLii : I faid I would go. So, after
fume OutUioiis ,:bout the liorrid Fadli I had com-
snittcd i.t his Houfc, and my der,y)ng of thtai, I
v^.:s feaich'd, and the B>ll of twenty founds, which
v.as in the Ecceakd's Pocket, was found upon
Then my Mifter asking me where I hy, I told
him in Moor FulM; fowe went thither, and came
to my former Lodg.ng, but the People of the tlouce
toid hiin, 1 did not l:e tnisre now. By this my Mailer
findrng that I was unwilling to let him know where
] had lain, or how I had difpos'd of the Things
\vhichl iiad lloll'n out of his Houfe, he proinis'J
me, th^t if I would confcfs, no harm flioulJ come
to 'me i for he would take caie to fend me prcftntiy
beyond Seas. Upon this I frec'y told him the Pruthj
wijcre 1 lay, and vvheie tliore Goods of his were,
as we uere walking together. So he prtfently took
Co.xh, and c.rued nje ft. ll to my Lodgings in ^ctn-
f«f/, wheie he received the bills, Clocnes, Money
and all that I had thus ftoHen, and tjxa he carried
n:e 10 S\r Hutrphr-j EdvjU;-^'/\\Q ii'^oii his EAamina-
iion of n-.c, ...ad my oa-i ConftJion of ail djel'e
A Cojcrai H ! s T o R V of
F.'ft', did moil: jullly commit me to Ntnj.'^ale ;
wiicic 1 aiull leave it to others ta rchuehuiv I
behai/ed myfelf during my Confiuement.
I have freely given this true and impartial Ac-
Count of mylflf, HHd jny finful Aftions, to the
World, that all Men, both young and old, might
take warning by me, wno once little thougi.t I
Ihoald ever be cnpatle of commitdrg lucn ioul
and enormous Crimes. And now I ani going to
leave this World for ever, before J have lived
long enough in it (as being but about eighteen
Years of Age) to know eiilier it or myfelt : But
I thank the divine Grace, that has open'd my
Eyes, and fet me in a clearer Lignt, by whicn
I am come within Sigkt and Apprehenfioa of
better Tilings. Let me theielore, for once and
ever, adviie all Men to be warn'd by my fall,
and take great care to their Ways, that they
do not Humble upon the Snares of Satan, as i
have done ; tor perhaps all may not have the
fanie divme Mercy Jand Help given them for their
Recovery, iS I have liad ; for which I love aod
praile my great Maker and Redeemer, and vviil
adore hira to all Eternity.
The LIFE o/ JACK COLLET,
alias COLE
TH I G unfoi lunate Perfon was the Son of a
Grocer in the Borougli of Southivaik, where
he was born, and from whence at fifteen Yeais
of Age he was put out Apprentice to an Upholflerer
in Gheapjide. He did not ferve above four Years of
his Time before he ran away from his Mailer, and
took to the Highway. We have not an Account of
abundance of his Robberies, tho' 'tis faid he com-
united a g'Cic mariv ; but therein this remarkable
Particular lecorded of him, Thj.t he frequently
robb'd in the Habit of a Biihop, with fore or five of
his Companions at his Heels in the Quality of Ser-
vants, who were ready to afTift him on Occafion.
Some, who love to make themfelves merry with the
Revel end and the Right Reverend the Clergy, would
be apt to infinuate, that 'tis no very uncommon
Thing to fee a Thief in the Habit of a Qlergyman.
For our Pi^rt?, we are fo far from making any fuch
prcphar.e Obfervation, tliat we think the h:cred Or-
der give daily Proofs, that England his but very few
Wolves in S.-ieep's Cloathing. Give us Leave to add
'however, conceming our Adventuttr, thnt he gene-
rally got much larger Booties on the Road th.;n moil
of our Lny H'ghw.iymfn.
CfUet h«d once the ill Fortune to lofe his Canor.i-
c-.il Habit at Dice, fo that he was forced to take a
Turn or two on the Road to fupc'y his prefei.t Ne-
ceiTuit-S in unf:n6lify'd Garmcirs : But it was not
jor" bcfnic he met with a good Opportunity of tak-
ii^j.^'Oriiers ag:>iii, and becoming .ns holy as ever.
Ridir<; ficm London dow.;
.-y, a liitlc on this
Side Farnham, he met with Dr. Meiv, Bifhop of
Winchefter, and commanded hi? Coachman to ,1op.
The Bilhop was not at all luipriz'd at being alk'd for
his Mon^y, becaule v^'hen he faw his Co.ich liopp'd
hf expetled that would follow .• But when CotUl toJd
him he muft have his Robes too, his Lordihip thought
him a Madman. There was no refilling iiowever j
the old Do4lor was obliged to ftrip into his Waili.
coat, befides giving him about fifty Guii.easj whicft
ColUt told him he nad now a Right to demand, by
having the Saccrdotsl Habit in his Poifeifion :' /"sr
that, you kiio-M, Doctor, quoth he, is a Proof of my
indelible Charailsr, and the Properly 1 hwve in the Re-
i-enues of the Church j and as ^ood a Proof, 1 bcUen/t
as many Others can Jheit:, luho hai/e jujl as much
hearing avd Honijiy as I hwve, and yet are acknoiv-
lidg^dto he good Clergymen, andfomeoflheRecei'v-
ers General if Hecfvem
Collet fellow'd this Trade till he w.is about thirty
two Years of Age, and, as if he h.td been dctermin'd
to live by the Ctiuicli, he v/as at h[\ appreiiended for
S..crilegc .-.nd BargUry, in bre.iking open the Vclhy
of Gisat St, Bariholomeitj^:, in London, in Comp.niy
whh oT,e Chiijhpher J/hley, alias Broii.^, and lle4,.
i: g from tl.ence the Pulpit Cloth, and all the Corn-
munion-llite. For ihis Fad he receiv'd Sentence of
Death, and wis executed at Tyburn, on Friday the
fifth of Jft/)', in the Ycarit'91. This Bro-wn R^d
Collet had before robb'd St. Saii^ur's Churc.i in
South-.vatk in Caijanvlion,
n,
PjratiSy H'tgh'waymen) Murderers^ &c.
417
rz^LIFE ^/JOCELIN HARWOODo
EVER Y Day's Experience may ferve to confirm
Ciic otJ EngUjh P.overb, that a good Father
may have a bad Son. Virtue is not cjnvey'J
in t..c C''ir'-ls of Naiure, and two Men may be of
thtf b.iTM BlooJ, yet very clifFeient in rel'peCt of their
Actions. It mult be allow'd indeed, tliat the Son
of a- vir.uoiis Father if lie falls into ExcclTes, com-
mits a m'jcu greater Crime then one who n.is never
li.iJ liiC AJVuitJge of good Lillrtiftion, and, what is
Ib'l more poAerlul, good Example. But this is only
a moral Rt3i;aion, and doe? not at all invalidate
what we nave laid, the Truth of which is proved
by contin'jal Obietvation.
y clin Huriuood was a degenerated Plant from 3
good I'lee. H s Father was honelt moderately ncli
and of undojbted Reputation : And the giejtelt
Misfortniie of his Life was the having a Cluid lo
unworthy of hun. yocelin was born in the Year
166;, at U'ahinhury \n Knit, where he was edu-
C'.teJ witii all the Caurion neceffiry in fuch Ca es :
Nor did he at firlt teem to negle(S the Care that was
taken of him, but rendered himfelf delerving of it
by his Improvements, promifing a much better
Manhood then he afterwards afforded. Cut no Body
can account for tnefe Cnanges.
Wlien he grew towards feventeen Years of Age,
heraniivay Irom his Father, c.rrying oft' with hiai
about fixty Pounds. Children often b<-gin the Prac-
tice of 1 hievmg upon their Parents ; becaas the
Crime there lecm kis to them ; or at leall, becule
they hope, if they are detedted, to meet with more
HJ.TCv th .ti from other Hands. But thi'^ ia only an
AtiScc oftiie great Deceiver of Mankind, whe knows
the 'f'e.'nper of our Souh too well, and in what
Manner to lead us on frorn Step to Step till we arrive
at t.ie very Height of Iniquity.
Thus Hur-jjood, when he iiad wal!ej what he took
from his Fathsr in Luxury and Wantonnels, made
no Scruple of g'-'tting more in the lame dlihonelt
Way. Be.'-ng now in^ London alio, he had every
Ddauraiit.ige that a young Man can have, who has
given Way a iutle to the .Allurements of Vice. His
Money brought him into bid Company, and then
th..c bad Co:npany perlivadcd him to leek for more
M)ney. He lubmitted at firll only to pilfering and
pici;ing oi PocVets, which he followed for about
three Years, and then he refolved to move in a nigner
Sphere, make a greater Bl: ze in the World lor a
Time, and receive nis Fate, when it came, with more
Honour.
The iil Succefs of his firft Adventure on the Higli-
vviy Whs enough to have rcform'd him and deterr'd
hiin from ever attemptiij.g the like agiin. He had
tt>!'ena llorfe, Brible, S.,iJcilr, Flolllers, and Piiiol.s,
w:;.i whiLM he let ojt on Black Heath, and was fo
hirdyasto order two Men ;.t o.ice to llmd and
dt!iver. The Gentlemen ei'g:ged him, Ihot his new
Horl'e, and I. a.) cert.-:in!y taken him, if li.e Wounds
Jhey rceciv'd in c.i: Encoaucer had not dil'abkd them
3:3
from exerting themfelves. Hariuood was terriWy
frightened at ih- Bravery of his Antai;onii;s, and was
glad he could get off without a Horle.
1 he ntxt ^ ight ..e broke open a Stable at Hartford
in ^e«/, and lemounted himfelf, though but indifFe-
rentiy. He had not been many Hours upon the
Ro id before he overtook one Mr. Payne, a Lifeguard
man, with whom he fell into Dilcourfe upon the
Goodnefs of iheir two Horfes. Mr. Payne laugh'd
at Harivaod for mentioning fuch a delpicable Beafl
as the other. Pray, i.iys Hartvood, ivhat may he t£e
extraordinary ^talities of your Horfe, that you boaji
of him fo? I CO. f if he has a better Jppearance then
Mine, hut I n.mtl undertake to leap nvith you for tjjkat
you d-ire, or travel a Day^s fourney.
'I lie Lifegu.ird-man could not help admiring what
Harwood I,. id ; though he did not believe but 'twas
all Lies : He would not however tell him fo, but
thougi.t to coi.vmce him genteely of his Mi.lake
the hnt Opportunity that olfer'd. They came at
laft tea G.tc, tnatled into a By-Road, but was
ahvays fall exc^-pt on particular Occafions. Harwood
knew whitner 'twould carry him, though the other
d:d not. W„cn Mr. Payne hv^thn Gale, he im-
medi.tely gave his Horfe a Kick, and over he went,
coming baciv again with the fame Eafe. You furfrife
7ne, 67/- laid Hatnvood, I could never have helievd
fuch a Thing if I had not feen it But pray -would
your H^rfe do the fame vuith another Perfon on his
B irk? Certainly, fays the Soldier ; you Jhall try
him if you pleafe. Harvjood feem'd afraid of being
thryan off, however fie accepted the Offer for
the S Ke of faj ing i,e had rid fuch a Horfe.
in a Word, Harivood got upon the Lifeguard-
man's Horfe, and le.ip'd the Gate, with the l.,me
Eafe as It n id been done jult before. Jnd noxu pray
Sir, fays he, at iK-hat do you value this fine Beaft ?
At forty Guineas, faid Payne Well, I confefs you are
very reafonable, faid Jocelin, hut I have not fa
much about me : Hovjcver the firft time I lee you
after your Horfe has earned fo much; you Jhall
have the Money. And fo away he rode, the Soiuier
being able to purfue him only with his Eyes and
hi; O.itns.
y«ff/y« continued to rob on the Highway for about
two or three Years, during which 1 ime he lived in
ail manner of Excefs, p ifling from County to Coui.ty
as it tinted eitlier with his Pleafure or his Safety. If
he had been any thing frugal, he might in this Time
have am fled a prodigious Sum of Money ; but lie
was too m ch of a Gentleman not to fpend all as fail
as he could after he n .d got a Booty.
Ti-,e ialt and w(;rit Action of hi? Life v.as commit-
ted at ti.e Houfe of Sir Nihemiah Bo, roughs in Shrop-
p}ire ; where he was informed of an in;menle Trea-
fure, in Plate and Money. In Company with two
more, he went one Night, and broke open this
Houlej g ggirg and b.nding all the Servants as faft
as they could get i.nto their Ch?.nibcis. When the
5 O rcit
4
i8
A GensrdJ H i s x o r v of
reft of tlie F,'iniil)''wn5 fecure, lie went to the Knight,
and bound him and liis Lady ; and tiien going into
his bauglitirs Room, one of' the young Lidics laid
to Hai'-Moud, Pray Sir, ufe us ci-villy ; 'which if you
do, ij.e will itje you in the fame Manner, in Cafe you
and your Companions Jhauld be taken j for I am fur e
ive jhall knovj you again. Shall youfo? faid the in-
hiiiiian Wretcii, Til take Care then to prevent your
doing any Mifchitf. Upon this he cut them botli in
P;ece.i with hib Hanger, an.i then running into tlie
old People's Room -g-iiti. What, fays he, and do you
kno-M me too? They told iiim A'o. D n you. Iiid
he, you ■■•.re only a little more artful than the E s
your Daughters, but I /han't trufi ycu 1 hen he run
them botU thorough, aivj left ihs.-ai wallowing in tlieir
Blood, Teeming ,. .. :'» 'd as if he liad done a
meritorious Deed.
Hii Co;iip:.HU)ii wcie to slionifhed at the B .rba-
ilty of ih,.- fV'low, that they iiood like Stoclst, un-
able either to [ievc;u iiHii ill liis bloody Atteaipi:., or
to aprre.iCnd liiiii lor them on tlie Place, vv.,itli lat-
ter tiiCy h d moll Mind to. But tlie Horror conti-
nued I'o ftrong on their Mmds, that, t!.o' thev were
both old Offenders themitivcs, they could not help
expofing liim to Jullice ai foon as they liad lett the
Houif of thij urih.'ppy F;:mily. Being on the Road,
one of tliem by Agreement fliot liis Horfe, and then
thcv joined to bind him Hand and Foot, and leave
hiui on the Ground, with a Piece of the Knight's
PL.te by his Side ; telling him 'twas but a jull Requi
tal for his Inhumanity.
The next Day, an Enquiry being made all over
the Country, he was found in the Condition he had
been left by his Companions. The E.xcule he made
to thole who diicover'd Jiim, was, that he had been
robb'd hlmfelf by fome Rogues, who dropp'd that
Piece of Plate by him in their Hurry. But this
Pretence did him little Service ; for upon fearchir.g
his Pockets they found a great dejl of Money there ;
befides Cords, a dark L mthorn, W.itche., and a Tin-
der-Box, all which made his Cafe very fufpicious.
When he came into the Prefence of the Servants of
the p'amily, they all fwore he was one of the Men
wiio had bound and g-'gg'd them. What made ti;e
Proofs yet ftronger was a Letter, whxh \\\s Com-
panions fent with an exaft State of the Affair, and the
Manner of their leaving him.
Upon all this Evidei.ce he was fent under a ftrong
Guard to Shreivflury Jail, wheie he benived very
aad. cioufly. At his Trial he was even fo impudent
as to Ipit in the i'Vices of the Judge and Jury, and talk
to them without any Regard to Decency. The Mat-
ter of Fadl being pl.iinl. proved .igainlt him, he w:;s
condenin'd to be firil hang'd on tne Gallows till he
was dead, and t.ien to have his Body hajjg'd in
Chains on a Gibbet, for a pubhck Speflable. This
Sentence made no ImpielTion on him ; lo that he con-
tinued the fame horrid Couric of Oiths, Pi of nenefs,
and Blafpheniies, till hi^ Dcith. By thefe Methods,
and his getting drunk the very Morning he was to
die, he lo exaiperated every [iody :,g inlt him, that
the common People of ti.e Place uould h. ve executed
Jullice on hini, it the Law had not, tne firil 7'ime
they could have laid Hold ot him. Vi hen he
was at the Gallows, withalleddy Counten.i ce, he
faid. That he Jtjculd a^ the feime Mui der again, in
the fame Cafe 1 his was all he vvould lay to any
Body. '■] IS (liocking to think that fucha Wretch
ftioiild be but tuenty three Years of Age at the 1 ime
of his Death, which wasin the Year K92,
The
FyrateSy HtghiJOirymi^n, Murderers, 5^c,
419
The LIFE of RICHARD WALTON,
commonly caiFd the Conjuror.
HIS Criminn! was feveral Years confined to very much agiinll the Confent of my aged Parents
B his BeJ, notwithlianding which, he was
JL. drawu from the fame by a Rope, and exe-
Cutca at If'arn.cici, Oil Friday the totii of Augu/f,
1733. For promoting and encouniging Humphry
ISloufall, Morris Walker, and ifillian: Coley, to com-
mit i'evcral Robberies, i^c. Ot which he gives the
for wliich I am heartily forry, and beg tli;!t my
heavenly Father will gracioiidy forgive me the Sin of
Uiidutifuhiefs, which I was too much giiiltv of.
' Fis about twenty Years fince my Countrv was
fome I'nidl fuiiirer by my imitating the Kinw's
Stamp, and tho' it was not ailedg'd againll me
Piacc ot Execution.
fo!(oiving AccouriL of himreif when under Sentence yet wiio knows but this may be one Tnino- that
of Doath, and deliveied to inz Sab-SheriiF at the miybea Means of bringing me to this (hametul
" Diith ; from whence we may fee tliat capital Cri.nes
feldom go unpiiaiflied.
In 1733, I was indited as a Promoter and Ea-
COtmoct- ot H;t>»/>hry Mou/ali and Morris Walker, to
Ileal tivo blic-; Mires the Property of William
Gue/l in Worcejlerjhirs. T.'ie VVirnefs to prove me
I WAS bcrn in the City oi Litchfield '\n the County
ol SlaJjrJ, the i;th of November, igi, wnen
tne >uri was in the Meridian, /. e. Noon. I had
-trie ilappineli to be born of honell and reputable Pa-
rents, by whofe Cire I was early inllructed in the a PromJteror Encourager w;s Morris Walker, who
Principles of the Epi copal Religion. My Learning f.iid he afeed me to looic in the Almanack, to fee
W15 Mean, but I fuSciently inllruded ia all moral whether he fhou'd come to any Dsinige, by o-o-
DiitieN, and ia the flower of my Youth was fliew'd ing with H:impbry Moafall thxX. Nignt. Tnis ])e-
tiie unavoidib'e PuniCi.-nent that would certainly be ponent farther laid, th\t he heard mi tell Moufall
iiiHicted upon c'iofe that praftifed Iniquity, and the that he need not want Money.
bleiied Reward fjr fuch that did well. The next Evidence was a Piece of Parchment pro-
Wnen I came torvlin's E.lace I w:is Servant three duced by Moufall, w.ao laid that I g4ve him tii ;t to
Years to one of thofc Peopie call'd Quakers; and proreOit him in Harie-llealing, and that would keep
abiut one Year of that Time, I ufually freq^ient- him from all Hirni. By the aforefaid Evidence of
e i their Meetings, being hugely betaken with a B.)ok
c. rj Barclay's Apuloiy, but w jcn my Service dropt,
ni.- app*firi.ig at their Ivleeringi dr jpt al;"j. Yet!
c.nnotfiy, thit I ive.it amongil them to pleafe my
H
iter, Oi from any hope of F.ivjjr from iiim, for
>.i5 rouch .ifFrcleJ with fome of t.,eir Writings,
iculirly tne Bjok absve liientioned, which witn-
d jubt IS an excellent Performance, and does eer-
ily point the very Root and Subilance of tne Go-
OrJinanCes, ^nd only diffu^des from empty Siia-
Walker, and the producing of the Parciiment. I was
by the Jury found Guilty, and by the Jud-»e fen-
teric'd to Die.
Now as near as I en remsmoT the iVI ire-; of
William Gue/i were rode away by Moufall and Wal-
ksr on tne 12th of Januari lail, and oi tile I3tli
of tne fame Month were brought back bv the ianie
iVlun, and turn'd up near thedame Place thi'v were
taken from, and on the third Day the Owner h.d his
Mares again : Nor w,is it ever known who rode thein
', wiiicii in tlieiiifelves have no Life, being but away till about tnree Months after; wiien Moujall
: (nay none at ail) better tnan the Prodigil's being in cuitody on Saipician of other Matters, of
ks. Bat aid? I notwithilanding thefe Tilings his own accord acicnowledged th.it ne and Walker
with their t.alk oi' liii-i.Tiination, to tiieir very ' great rode away with the Mires.
fliimc be it fpokcn ; I have fcen as aiacii Covetouf- And as to tlie Parcnment that w.as produc'd awainft
noi's. Self endedncfs, Deceit, delLoufnefs of Vain- me, there was wrote in it, tne linl fix Veries of
glory amongil them as' any People vehatfoever: And tne firll Ciiapter of St. Johtti Gofpel, and feveral
even in the place where I lal't coiiabited, many of other Sentences oat of tne Scriptures. All w;iic'.i,
them full well know how they Julk'd .-.fter Ciiaiiiber- if the unthinking Gentlemen of the Jury woulj have
ing and Wantonnoefs, dsliring to ilieltcr themi'elves fcrioiilly confider'd, would not in the leall h.ivc fup-
(in committing their Naftincfi) under my Roof j tiio' po.'ed that to have any Appearance in it of a Pro-
tiianks be to God, none of them all h ;d their wick-
ed Ends. Ifay no more of them, only wi(h with
all my Spirit, notwithilanding tiie I'iu.iiination they
b;)aii themfelves of, that they co,;!d fee a little f ir-
ther into their o.vn Hearts, and not pretend to fo
much Outwardneis in tiieir being Followers of
Chrill and his ."Vpoiiles, even pretending to the very
Subliince thereof wnilil fecretly they prailite the
reverie.
Ill tiic igth Year of my Age I married a vVife,
teiiicnfor Horfe flealin^ ; efpecially if they had con-
fider'd the VVords that it was concluded vvit.i, viz.
Tl>at the Angel of GoJ vjould prefeyve from Witch-
craft or evil Tongues, all that did belony to Ha 111.
phry Moufall. And as I am a dying i\Ln, rWill
declare the true intent for Wiiicli tais Parc.iment
was given, which is as follows.
Towards the ktter end ot liie Year 173,1, Hum-
phry Moufall came to my Houfe, and told me that
he had a HeifFer that was ill, being handled or af-
fJifled
4^o
A General History of
flicled after a ftrange and furprizing Minner, and
that hfi and his Neig.ibours vvhtCii law iiei, diJ im.i-
ginc that file had Uamage done her by VVitchcr.itt,
or the unlawful Tricks of a neigobounng VVoaiaii,
whereupon I gave liim tnat P.ircliment, written, as
beloiementioii'd, bidding him bury it in tne Corner
of tiie G irden, towards Sun riling, about a Foot
deep in the Ground, laying a green Turf upo i it,
and then fill up the Hole again. This is the waoie
Truth and notuing but tne Truth, as 1 nope for
Mercy in and euro' the M;nts of Jelus Cnnlt my
Redeemer.
This D.iy feventh Day is my lafl and folemn Fare-
well to tins World, therefore I will leave benind
me a frank Acknowledgment of wfiat 1 was really
privy to, and in relation to what 1 did certainly
know touc.ung the Fads which ue e coramuted
by Humphry Moufall and Morris Walker.
About No'Vitnber 1733, Humphry Moujall came
to my Houle, and told nie tne great nectlCcy he
Wi5 in for fome Money to dit'cnirgea Debt of about
J 2 Poiind.^, defiring me if pollibly to coniider of fome
pioper f'erfon that was likely to fupply liis prei'ent
0.;cafi>n, till he could raiie loine Money out of
his oivn Stock of Cattle : No^v 1 had made fruitleis
Appl:c-.cion to Mr. F r and Mr. C — /, Attor-
nies At Law on the like occafion for him not long
before, therei'ore I tried federal otner People, bat
the like Succeis, at iall a Writ cime outagainit uiin,
and tnrough a roilUke of tne B.»ilifFa Ins Bi other An-
drew Moufall was arreiled in his llead, wtiicu give
Ihmt'hy IS otice to avoid tne Danger, wnica accord-
in^'y did, by fliekenug himftlf at my Ilou.e, (it be-
in<J in anot.ier County) two or three D..v-s a Week-,
for the (pace of two Montiis, lometimts Curhng and
Sweating, other times he would Weep and leem lor-
rowful on the account of his Children, and tnen
aoain eurfir.g nis Relations lor not makliigh is Mat-
ters up, olten proieltii.g Revenge on them, faying,
he would ride away witii a Hurle of hij Coulins,
and fell him, tho' by me often periuaded to the con-
tr ry ;at lalt ne and Moris IValker takes a turn in tne
C oies adjoining to my Houle, and in the Evening
returning bick. Walker foftly afked me if he migut
iaiely go with Moufall that nignt ? tne Almanack
lying before me, 1 carelefsly calt my Eye t.iereon
(not n ving relped to tne Quefhon he afked me) and
anfwer'd Yes. So away ciiey both went from me,
it beinn- on Thurfduy Night tiie nth oi January,
inxtx. And about 7 oXiock on Saturday Nigi.t
following, Mgufall came agaui to my Houle, and
finding me eng ged in Company, he took an Op-
portunity of wnilpering to m*;, that IValker and
he rode away witu two Mares down to Stafford,
but there being no Fair that Day, cney biougni t..etn
back and turn'd tnem up again, and lb Moufall
went home to his own Houfc, I being Glad in va^
Heart that tiiey had been 10 dilappointed.
On the next Day cime a Stranger to me (which
proved to be Mr. Guefl,) who own'd the two Mares,
and aflccd me if I could give any Intelligence whicti
way he (hou'd leek his Mires, wnereupon J gjve
him Diredions, and he accordingly tod them again.
Tne Day following being Monday, ne came and gave
me two Guinea-, wnich Reward he had promiled
i:i a printed AdvertUcment, publifhed before he
came to me. This is the 1 ruth, and altho' 1 knew
no more of it than whit is nere e.Kpreis'd, yet I
v^as moll notcrioully to blame for taking tne Mo-
FiCy of him.
Aout a Month after thi.', Moufall brings one
William Coliy to my Houle, and wi;en my Servant
was gone to Bed, as we wtrt dniihrng lliaie of a
Mug or two of Ale, they told me their Intentions,
liz tnat they defigned to ileal Mr. HiU\ M.re that
Night, wnicii was in a Stable adjo.ning to my Houlej
I laid but little againft u 1 own, verdy ilunkii g to
put it bv another way : And betwi.xt ten and eleven
of the Clock they both went out together to put
Matter^ in oracr tor tlieir Dclign, leaving me a
C.^ndie before me, whica imnitQi..tcIy I put out
thrulUng the Canoleltick and other things waich weie
before me, on my board, upon tlie Ground ; where-
upon I eameltly told taeni tnat Sarah (widen was
my Servant's Name) had been down Stairs, and
finding them not with mc, laid fhe was fure they
were gone to do fome Mi cief, . nd tn.it Ihe would
cert.iinly be the firll tiiat ftiould dilcover it, flrid-
ly cnarging tnat they Ihouid f.) ba.r ti.eir attempts
afluring tlitm that Ihe would u el/ tell, wnereup-
on Coley look'd asp e .s De..;h, and fat himlelf
down, laying, hf would not n ecdle, but alafs ! it
had not t'le l^me ElFeci on Moujall, ne was leioluie-
bent, notwitnltanding Co.'.ji'-, unwilli g e o and all
that I could fay ; lo awa> taey went, ^nd when the
Morning came found to my v..d uneafinels the Mare
was gone.
Some few Days after this, Moufall came awain,
and told me he h.id lold the M..re tor fix pound.-, and
give me Ten Smllings, to wnich i replied, Humphry,
Do not think 1 will nave any (hare of tj.e Money
you (old tiie Mare lor, lur 1 will be under no Obli-
gations, nor will I iiave any (h ire of Itoi'n Good.";,
lurtlicr adding, Humphry, Mv N .tivity look- a little
Dangeroh.'-, thai I Ihould luffcr by ti.c Sentence tf
a Judge, was I ever to come bclore one, tao' t'.r
ever lo fm .11 a Matter, 1 Ihouid cert .iiiiy die : And
as lure as the Sun is in the Fiimament at Noon-
Day, I utter'd ihele Words to aim more ih.in ten
1 imes. 'I o which i.e replied. He did not delire me
to take it on that Account, i.e freely gave it me
m part of tae Monty he ou'd me. Tais is tne
real 1 rutli as i am now Aluc, and jet lo 1 mult
Die !
An Elegy on the Death of Richard Walton.
D'^ATH is the common Lot i.iipos'd on al!,
1 he Erave and Virtuous with tae Vulgar f^.]] ;
iijiaiiate Power f the fcientihc Head,
Stript of its Honou s (inks among the \ie,\A,
D^ Efeartes ■itid Neiv/on whom tne Woild regret.
And Walton late has paid tiie mighty Debt,
S ges who Ihew'd us Nature as Ihe was.
And from efFcCiS could latent cauies trace.
See in the Womb of fate a future Birth,
And paint the lime waen it Ihou'd iflue forth.
Much fulFerii.g U alton ! much lamented Name !
Immortal as thy Kuouie 'ge be thy Fame,
For Arts and Anns, eiernal Honours grow.
And wreaths unfdaig Gr..ce t.ie le:,rned Biow.
Elfe mignt thy Preic.ence with thy Caicafe die.
And tiiy Arts bailed in Oblivion lie.
Oh ! if t! c learn'd AlToci.'.te, as below.
And kindred ihades releas'd, eacti other know ;
Methiiiks 1 lee tuee in AlTciably n.et,
Wita Gudb'iy, Pattrid^e, and witii Lilly fet j
Dtipifiiig Death, ihiorming every Sage,
Thy Genius, Condudl, Morals and thy Aic,
How when )0u Iall lurvev'd in cioL'a:tls 5r.jcs,
(On agonizing Sight !) prouu Leo n.e.
His '1 ail the trued einblem of a k.'ps.
Hung gaping li:<e a hempen Nooe ;iiope,
'IWaslate: .uid who contemns that gicac Decree.-
It fummon"d you, and late has fummon'U n<c.
To
Pyratesy H'lgh'iraymen, Murderers^ &.
To fome new Cloud, if thou haft Power, repair,
(Variecy may pleale above, as here)
See everv Moth is bufv with thy Name,
^nd Songfters publickly rehearfe thy Fame.
'^alton i! Dead ! In vain the Virgin Dreams,
In vain, with Joys her pregnant Fancy Teems ;
In vain, at morn diviner fljmbers fpread,
A train of Vifion^ round Corrinnai Head,
Walton is Dead ! and who fhall dare t'explam.
The crude Conceptions of her fleeping Bram,
Who, but a cunning Wizard cou'd forefee
That' Peace and Plenty were decreed for thee ?
In th' Field the Soldier leaves his fleeting Breath,
And finks, and bravelv Triumphs over Death ;
The Vulgar die in Beds : to thee 'twas given.
To fwing in open Air the neareft Heaven.
£ P I T A
. T H.
421
HERE on his Bad olJ Wall
If'ho yet to's Pctaer looks to
If'eep not for him, tM he coud telt.
Your fortunes njahen on Earth fo
I dare engage if s Grave you'll fee<.
(Who'd kno'iv your Fortune) once a
This Earth ivhich bears his Body's fn
You'll find has fa much Vertue in't ;
That it nvill all your Doubts remove
Concerning ftolen Goods or Lovt,
As ivell as he could ivhen tibonje.
on /;>/,
'^rds the Siits,
lAidl,
' mei.
rk LIFE ofTOHN STEVENS, alias
HENRY COOK.
TH E following Account this Crimnal gave
of himie'f, .^nd of the fever^l Robberies he
had committed, which irie deliver'd to his
Friend, and delired it might be publilh'd, after his
Execution, which was at Tyburn on Wednejday the
1 6th of Septanher 1 741.
I HENRY COOK, aged 27 Years, was born
in Houndfditch, of honeit, reputable Parents, wno
Hill live there j my Father having a great Number
of Children, at leaft 19 or 20, now but Eight liv-
ing all which he has handfomely brought up.
When I was of proper Age, I was put to School
CO a Gentleman in Sandy Court, near Hounclfditcb
with whom I eontinued, and was inftructed, trill
could write toller.ble well, and had learnt Anth-
metick, as far ae the Rule of Three and Pr.aaice.
My Father being in the Leather-Cutting Bulinels,
iie inftruaed me in that Art, fo far that 1 thought
I was fufficiently quilified to aft for myfelf. 1 here
being a Shocn:aktr'% Snop to be Let at Stratford in
EITet my Father hearing thereof, at my Requeit
immediatelv took it for me, llock'd it with Leather
and other Neceffiiries, for me to begin Frade ; and
at the fame 1 ime furnilhed me two Rooms with
Goods. 1 n /• r
Here I lived very well, and had good Buhnels
for about t.vo Years; then I got acquainted with
the eldeft Daughter of ene Jifeph Alexander, Beadle
of Stratford, to whom I have been married about
five Years winch, with the additional Expence of
tnreeChildrt::, by that Time, had reduced me to
to fo low an Ebb, and involv'd me fo much in Debt,
tlut I could no longer ft.ind my Ground, tor fear
-of being Arrertcd. Where to go for Refuge I
could not tell, my Father's in Houndfditch being
^n improper Place, on Account 1 had taken up
Goods in his Name, of as many of his Dealers in
Zondon, as I could get to Credit me ; at which my
Father was very much dilplealed, as I did it Without
liis Coni'ent and Knowlcu^e.
107
By this Time I had contraaed an Intimacy with
moftofthe loofeand diforderly Sparks m and u-
bout Stratford, but particularly with one 2 ■^,
an Apothecary, who then kept a Shop in Stratford,
(now in London, near Monmuth-flreet.) With him.
(Sfc of Nights, (after I had been fecreted all Day
for Fear of a Knap.) I ufed to go robing of
Ge.tlemens Filh Ponds, ftealing Fowls, i^c. till
Mr. Monk, a Gentleman in the Neighbourhood, ad-
vertifed two Guineas Reward for tome Ducks he
had loft, as alfo a Farrier in the Town half a Guinea,
for fome he had loft, l^c. Being fufpeaed by every
Body to be guihy, and knowing mylelf lo, I mad*
up what Money I could, and retired to a Relation
of mine, who keeps the Sign of the Rofe and
Crown, at Grays, down the River, where I was
concealed about two Months. I diverted myfelf
a-days in (hooting of Rabits, l^c, which was a good
Pretence for mv carrying a Gun, to iecure myfeif
from the BulifFs, if tney had fcented where I was ;
not that I had any particular Malice againft them,
more than one who lives at the Foot oiBovj- Bridge,
he having Aftions againft me, protefting he would
catch me, if I was above Ground, of wnich I was in-
formed ; whereupon I lent him Word to take Care
of himfelf, for that I was provided with Piftols, ^'c.
and that if he did not defift his Refolution in ta-
king me, I would certainly make it my Bufinefs
to lay wait for him, and blow his Brains out ; of
him I heard no more.
Two Months being gone,^ and my Money nil
fpent, I was at a Lofs what Courfe to lleer ; how-'
ever 'l refolved to venture Home to my Wife a-
gain, which I did about Eleven o'Glock at Night,
when to my expreffible Surprize and Grief I found
a certain Perlon in the Houfe, which at that
Time gave me great Uneafinefs, tho' I have fiiice
rclleacd I had no gre.it Occafion to be fo, how-
ever the World muft imagine it did not a little
furprize and confound me ; but as oiy Circumftance^
5 P were
412
were thert fo bad, I vv:is obliged to be filent, but
determined never to live wit.i ner more, tor a Con-
Ihiicy.
Tnc next Morning about five, I went into the
Shop, ftript it of what I could conveniently c:irry
off, and came diredly to London, where 1 pawn'a
them for two Pound ten Shillings.
Not darmg to go to my Fathers, t went to one
JJ — 5_ •, a Gardener in Shoreditch, who
married one of wy Sillers : He very kindly received
mc, telling me he had heard before of my bad Cir-
cuinll.incto, and would do all in his Power to ferve
me, with whom I llaid about fix Weeks, in which
Time I had pretty well made even with ray two
Pounds ten Shillings ; how, or which Way to get
more, I was in a Conllernation to know, relblvmg
not to go to my Wife again.
As I was walking over Moorfields one Day, I
efpicd a Brace of lecond-hand Piltols at a Broker's
Snop, which I cheapen'd, and bought for fcven
Snillings and fix Pence. After I had provided my-
felf wuh Powder, Balls and Flints, I return'd to my
Siller's, where I dined, and foon after took my
Leave, and went towards Newington ; and a little
on this Side the Town, I flopped a Man in the
Dusk of the Evening, in the Foot Path, frem whom
1 took fifteen Snillings, this being the firll Rob-
bery of that Kind I ever committed, the World
niuii needs think it a little llartled mc.
From thence I turned off for Finchley- Common, in-
tending there to flop the firll Man I met, rob
and t^ke hii Horfe from him ; which, luckily for
ine, fell out juil as I would have it. I had not been
on the Common ten Minutes, before I met a Man
well mounted, who was agoing towards Coney-Hatch,
it being dark, I fat down on the Road Side till he
came up with me j I then rulhed up, and feized
Lis Horfe's Bridle, demanded him to difmount and
deliver 1ms Money : He at lirft fpur'd his Horfe and
v.auld have forced him over me; but upon my
threatning to blow his Brains out, he furrendered
both Horfe and Money, defiring I would fend his
Horfe to an Inn at St. Alban\, where three Guineas
ihould be left for the Perfon who brought it. I pro-
mifed him I would, but after I had rode hiin a little
Way, I thought him of more Worth to keep for
-my Bufmefs, than return to the O.vner.
1 accordingly went forvvard that Night with my
Hone and Booty, which was about two Pounds fif-
teen Shiilings to my Brother-in-l,aw, S 's Mo-
ther, who kept nn Alehoule the Side of Enfield Chafe.
Here I was kindly receiv'd, telling them I was o-
bli^ed to fly for Debt, and mull keep clofe that no-
body mull fee me.
Here I tarried two Days, and as they kept a Pub-
lick Houfe, I lived after a very extravagant Man-
ner. From hence I went down the Chace to Torty-
hill from thence towards 'Tottenham, between which
Place, I flopped a Gentleman, from whom I took
about fix Pounds, went on to London, fet up my
Horfe at an Inn in Bijhopfgate-ftreet, and went and
Jlaid all Night at my Brother 5 's, who was fur-
prized to fee me have fo much Money, and ftriflly
e.':amiiicd me how I came by it. I defired him to
he fiknt, which he was. The next Morning I took
niv Leave, and went and bought a Pair of Boots,
.Jc. After which I fet out for St. Aiban'i, and jult
on this Side the Turnpike, I llopp'd the St. Albans
Stare Co.ich, from whence I took about eight
pounds.
At Night! returned to 5 's Mother at En-
jitld Cl-.uie, uhcre I got the News-Papers, upon Pe-
'iijfa! <-''" which, I found my Horie was advei tiled
A General History of
with a full Decfcription, and three Guineas Re,
ward, to have it paid by the Mailer oi the IVbit''.
Hart Inn at St. ^Iban's.
A few Day5 after I turned out again with an in-
tent to take the firfl fightly Horle I could meet
on the Road, which happened that Night u^on Had.
lyConmion, where I overtook a Gentleman, as I
then thought him to be, whom I robbed of about
four Pound, and then 'exchanged Horfes with him.
He told me what he was and where he liv'd, which
was at a Piiblick Houl'e near Moorgate, as well as
I can remember.
A iliort Time after this, crofCng the Country from
Mims to St. Atba7i'%. and being at the Bull at Mr.
French^, one of the P.iflengers, an elderly Woman,
who I had robbed in the Stage-Coach, was in the
Kitchen, where I at my alighting went. I recol-
Icfted her Face the Minute I faw her, as I per-
ceived flic did mine, whereupon I direflly ran to the
Stable, and having faddled my Horfe I fet out for
£artiet.
On the Road I ftruck in with fome Company
who were coming the fame Way, with whom /
joined myfelf We had not rode together a Mile,
before one challenged by Horfe to be advertifcd,
and that it was taken at fuch a Time and Place by
a Highwayman , and he knowing the Horfe and
Owner very well, demanded of me to give an Ac-
count of myfelf, and how / came by the Horfe,
which / foon would have done, bat there beino-
in Company feven or eight, all well mounted, and
who, if /li.id cither fhot him or his Horfe, would
inevitably liave taken me ; / therefore told him I
lived in London, but had bought the i^orfe a few
Days before, of a Man at the Bell- Inn at Edmonton,
where, if he would go with me, he might be fatis-
fied of the Truth of what / faid, I thinking therebv
to get him to go over Enfield Chafe, by whicij
Means, as it was out of the ilrait Road to London,
I thought the rcll of his Company would have kept
on, which if they had, / intended to have given
him his Friend's Horfe to carry Home, and have
taken his in the flead, with what Cafh he had about
him : But in this / was difappointed, by all the
Company going vviih us.
When we came near the Bell, I was in aHutter
to guefs which was the beft Method to difengage
myfelf from my new Companions ; when jull as we
all came to the Gateway of the faid /ini, /clap:
Spurs to my Horfe, and turned down a Lane the
Corner of the /nn, which came from Finchley
Common. Their Horfes being frelher than mine,
very clofely purfued : / took to the Fields, and
made for a Wood, when / wanted to have got
therein, but could not get my Horfe to leap ; ui
which Time four Men came within twenty Yards
of me; whereupon /turned about, and fired a Pif-
tol at tham, (which did no Damage) and demand-
ed them to keep off; at which iliey llopped. /
called out and told them, there was their Friend's
Horfe ; lb /quitted him, and ran into the Wood ;
by which Means, with the Darkneli of the Even-
ing, /then efc.Tped.
After this miraculous Deliverf.ncc I went home
as I then MlJed it, to my Brothei-in-iaw S— '^— 's,
in Shoreditch, who judged fomethiiig to be the mat-
ter with me, by the Confufion I i-ppeared to bt: in
He taxed rre hard with going on the Highway, bur
to no Purpofe ; I dtfired liis Silence, or otheiwif«
I mufl feek a new Lodging ; after which 'J'ime^
go or come when I v.'ould, he faid nothing.
Here I continued a Vi cek, or 9 Days, without
doing i'.ny one Thing tc gtc a iiiilling, in whiclj
Til!;^
P^rakf, H'rffpjvjayffic/f.) Murderers, dxc.
^S
rime mv M0H3' was near c\>;irte(], the m.jor part
of Wiiicn, I Ipcnt in Bawd) -lioulcb, in a. id about
Shorsiiitc/j, whea I determui'd upon Finchiey C->m-
jnon, being tlie Place of Action ; wlieii 1 came
there, I laiinter'd iome Time upon tiie Common
without doing any Bufincfi, being a little t'e:irful
from the narrow Elcape I had the lall Time I
was our, I iuiR-rM ftveral to pals by unmolt'iled,
'till it was almoft dark, when 1 elpied an old tVLin
poorly mounted with a Basket on his Arm commg
to.vards nie ; he I thought might h nx- been at
Linfjti at Market, and itile to lejlenilh my empty
P irle 1 therfore prepared for an Attack, when
he c me up with me ..fctr the Word of Command,
10 Hop and deliver, I diimouiiei him, he por-
tclliiig for fome time to have tlo more Money
than 5 5. wheropon I fearcii'd him, and found
:sbove four Guineas, I took both his Horfe and
Money tho' a poor one, mounted and was going
to my old Lodging near the Chace, intending to
do no more that Nignt, but before I got off the
cooimon, juil at the End of the Road which leads
to Finchiey Toivn, I met a iVl.^n going but eafily
along, I ftop'd and rob'd him of Iome Silver, and
his Sliver Buckles, exchanged Horfe?, as his feemed
much better tiien mine, and fo I loon found and
left him mine to carry him home, lie had not got
lialf way over ths Common, before he met the
old Market-Men, I had jull before rob'd oi' both
Horfe and Money, the old Man thinking it was
me, laid Iwilh youagood Night, and good Saccefs
the other anfwer'd, 1 hope better tnen I have jull
noiv met with, the old M m perceiving it not to
be me tho' iiis Horfe, defired the Man to difmount
telling him, that was his Horfe, and if he did not
immediately deliver it, he ihould charge him with
the Robbery, tne otner began to D m and fivear
there was nothing but Tnieves and Highwaymen
upon the Road ; however, he gave the old Man
his Horfe and walked home on Foot, to the Axe
Jnn, in Aldermanbury, he being Chamberlain, his
Name was TlMniafon, who in a fhort Time after
had mv Life in iiis Posver, as I (hall loon relate ;
I direflly proceeded from hence to my Lodging on
the Chace, where I (pent that Night and the next
rwo Days in Boozing and Caroufing v^ith my
■Acquaintance, a pretty many by that Time I had
there, ttie third Oiy m the Morning. I fent for the
Xews-Papers, wherein I found my Mare advertifed
^.vith a full Defcription of ber I pat the News-
Papers in my Pocket, faddled my Mare and came
lor Finchiey Common, in order to rob, and exchange
my Nagg with the firil Man I Met, and Ihould
like his ; wlien 1 came within 500 Yards as near
as I can guei's of the Place I took the M.ire and
rob'd the M'.n, I to my Altonilhment ! was feiz'd
by him and tnrce more befoie I law them ; the
iirll Saluttion 1 met with was a Knock on the
Head, which brought me to the Ground, when
bein" furrounded by a Mob before I could recover,
I was forced to fubmit ; they immediately upon
fearching me, found a Brace of loaded Piftoh, Poivdcr
and Bullets, a Silver Watch and Iome Money, I
VvT^s dirSly carried before a Magiflratc, who com-
mitted me to N.:ivga!e, but upon my requeuing him,
to return me my Money, he reaciily did, having my
Watch (which was never own'd) and Pilluls in the
Cullody of tlie ConlJable, a Pcrfon who liv'd
about Finchh, and in Oclober Seffions, 1740. I w.".5
Tryed at the old Btuliy ^ox\\is\M6. Offence, when
by the I'avournbienefs, of my tnen Proiecutor, in
rot Shearing I was the Man who rob'd hiin, altho'
f was taken upon the Mare he loll, and I am well
."."mcd he could, had he been inclinafcle to it ; i hj.d
nothing to {^y !u my own Defence, but that 1 found
the Mare turn'd up in the Road, and leeing the hi-
vertifement winch I then had about me, was bringing
her Home, and as that was the iiill Time of ray be-
ing call'd before a Court of Juliicc, my father and
Neighbours at Stratford, appeared in mv Bch.ilf, tho'
I had my Landlady and four more from Enfield-
Chace, to have fwote if tliere had been a Neceflity
that 1 was at /.cr Houfc the Time the Robbery was
committed, but as I was not pofitively A)'ore to be
the Man, 1 was difchargud uithout their Afiif-
tance.
Bemg thus happily deliver'd, to the great joy of
my Fatijer, and leemingly of all my Acquaintance
and Neighbours at Stratford, I was by them prevailed
upon to return Home to ray Wife and Ivmiily at
Stratford, which I thought was the leall Return of
Gratitude I could make thcni, after Ihewine their
Friendlhip in ferving me.
The very D,iy I vvas difcharged I accompanied my
Neigiibours to Stratford, where for uut Night we
were very merry, they ail hoping my narrow Eftipe
would be a Warning to me for the future. I on i;iy
Part, promiicd to return to nsy Wife, and by txiy
more than ordinary Diligence for the Time to co.-r.e,
to repair not only my Reputation, but my Circum-'
fiances; when we parted they went to their fcparate
Homes, I to mine to my Wife, who was that T>^y
Churched. The next Day I c,\amin'd how Matters
Hood in the Shop and Book, which I found if pofi-
b!e, ill a worle Condition than tvhen I left tr.ein,
by her lying in, and IVilUam Taylor the Man Wao
managed Buiinefs, ncgleiSing it in coming after me
to Ne'Mgatc, this I tliouglit a poor ProTpect, to per-
form my Promifes in retrieving my Reputation and
Circumllances. I examm'd the faid Taylor, if there
were were any good Debts, which might be imme.
dLueiy coliedied, he reply'd not one as he knew of;
how to aft in this Cafe / knew not, whether to Hand
my Ground, or turn out again on ti.e Road, when /
refolved with mylelf to come to Londcr., and pur-
chafe a Brace of fecond Ha.-d Pillols, which when /
had done, /thought /could have gone an Evening
and r.obb'd betwixt my Koufe and the Forelt, and
return Home unfufpeiited, which / did for about a
Fortnight, in which 7 line I had got and laved about
30/. this / had a Thought of laying out m a Stock
of Leather, igc. when confulting with the faid
William Taylor what was moll wanting, and telling
him what Sum / had to lay out, he freely told me
how /came by it, and infteadof advifeing me for the
bell as an honefl: Man, he reply'd, what lignifies that
Sum, lets go with yon and make it ten Timci as
much, and tiien think of buying Leather.
This was no fooner by him propofed, than by me
accepted, I well knowing from his former Scene of
Life in Smuggl ng, that I could have no properer
Perlon for a Comp.inion ; he and I Came direiflly to
Lai'Jon, where we equipt ourfelves with what was
wanting and necclTary for Gentlemen ot our Frofef-
fion, as we tiien (tiled ourfelves ; that Nignt we re-
turti'd Home to Stratford without doing any Thing;
the next Day I and my Man, as he inhllcd I Ihould
call him, not oi.ly from being the Manager of my
Bjfinefs in the Siioemaking Way, but from mv Ex-
perience and Seniority jn nur new ProfelTion. Going
as far as Rtimford, t^c, with an intent, as it was my
fixed Ma.Min, to Hop ti:C firll Man we met on Horle-
back, rob and dilniount hun, till v.e were botlx
mounted, then (lup and rob both Coaches and H^orfe-
meii, till we came near Flome, and then turn up our
Horles.
The Sweets and Benefits arifino from this newPro-
fcfl^cr), rj-.y Man //'/// foon -ouric', for he ivou'd of-
4-4
A Caicml History of
ten fay when he had taken any Thing of a Booty, is
not tliis better than Shoemaking Mailer ? In thi^ auda-
cious Manner did we continue both Night and Morn-
ing, to Hop molt or all the Stage-Coaches, 'ijc. on
that Road, of which one Capt. Mavjley, who had
been before robb'd was appnz'd, he coming that
Road in the CoUheJler Stage-Coach, had provided
himfelf with Fire Arms, and conceal'd himfelf in the
Bifket behind the faid Coach, in Expediation of our
meeting 'em as ufual. My Man l-Fi IJ und I had been
out about two Hours before the Colchefier Coach
c-me by, in which Time we had flop'd and robb'd
leveral that p;ifl"ed and repafled, of whom ue could
get no Horfes, :;nd knowing the faid Coach was a
coming, we agreed to take two Horfes which were
at Grai's in a rield joining to the Road, having two
Bridle.% and one Saddle concealed in a Hedge near the
Fie'.d, but before we could catch the faid Horfes, or
either of them, we heard the Coach comitig, when we
left the Horles and ran to meet it, and juft at Gal-
lo'vjs Great we ftopp'd it, / giving the Word of Com-
mand to Hop, IT ill on the other Side demanding their
Money, which he had no fooner done, than Capt.
Maivley in the Baflcet behind fliot him thro' the Head,
upon which he dropp'd, which /feeing ran direftly
towards the Captain in the Baiket, who faluted me
with a Brace of Balls from a Pillol, which took me
diredly upon the right Shoulder, in which Hand my
?illol was, I being at fome Dillance, the Balls did
not penetrate die Skin, only knocked me backwards,
and numm'd it for the prefent; notwithflanding which
1 took up my Pillol in my left Hand, lan to the
Captain, and would have (hot him, but my Pillol
miffed Fire, by the Dirt getting in the Pan by tiic
Fall ; however /robb'd him of about 19 r all in Sil-
ver, though / undcrlland he denies loofing any Thing;
however /declare it to be true, and as loon as /had
done, / bid the Coachman driye on, which he did as
faft as pcffible.
/looked at my Man fi'ill, and faw he was juft ex-
piring, he had then abeut 7 /. in hi? Pocket, wliich
we had taken that Mornirg and the over Night, and
which / wanted to have tjken from him, but the
Mob coming, / jump'd over a G;.te, andcroffid the
Fields towards Upton ; but before /got there, it came
in my Head to return Home, and as it was very early
in the Morning, to go to Bed to pievent a Sufpi
ciori of my being concern'd with my Man Will Tay-
lor.
I h^d not crofTed two Fields before / heard a Thou-
fand Fecpie v.cic alaimed with //V/Z's being (hot, and
that /muft csrtainly be tlie Man who was with him,
and was efcaped ; iiowever / ventured fo near the
Place as the other Side of the Hedge, where the Mob
■was gather'd, and carrying ^/V// out of the Road. /
had it ftill in my Head to go Home and to Bed, but
fome of the Mob called out, let's go and fearch Ceok'i
Lodging?, at which faying, / thought it the moft
prudent Way to make of, which /did to the Sign oi
the L and C— at A^ G .
Here / fecreted myfelf about three Days, in which
Time / lived in fo extravagant a manner, as to fpend
5 /. by which / was well efteem'd there, and might
have been fecj-eted to this Day had / Money fuffici-
ent to hav* maintain'd me in the fame Manner. Here
/f«nt for my Brother-in-law S , and defired
be would go to Strat/ord, and enquire how Mat-
ters Hood there ; he readily comply'd, and at his
Return told me, the Jullice had been fo good as to
let my Man Willhe buried, in as decent a manner as
the Money he had in his Pocket when fliot would ad-
mit ofF 5 and that there was Warrants sgainll me,
and /ihauld certainly be tal.en If / w.'ent near S;rai-
ford.
/promifed him /would not, but on the coiurarj
go to Sea, at which he was letaiingly will plcjlc-ii,
and laid, he would go to Dodior ?' in LohJon,
and try to get nie fome Monty as he a.v'J me, about
25 I. which /hiJ lent him when living .it SiiaifmJ.,
my Brother uled his Endeavours b«t to 1.0 i'ui -
pole.
Whilll / was here it c-.me in my Hc;.J to go in
Purfuit of the Cnniiublc who h.-:u got my Watcu and
Pirtols. iince ihc Time of my beinjj t.ikcn, wiio /had
fuch a Spite and H:.trcd ag.iinlt, that / wa'. dL-icnni-
ned if ever / met him to have his Life ; bur Provi-
denCK diredled to the contrary, for / never could hear
what was become of him.
Going to Sea / thought a H.irdlhip, efpecial'y for
a Gentleman as / then thought / was entituled to by
my Profeffion, and therefore relolved to continue as-
fuch, and revenue the Death of my poor Man i-yHl,
for whom / had a very great Regard i.nd Elleeui, not
only from his Valour and Courage in the Prcifeflicin of
a Gentleman Colledor, but for his civil Beiiaviour
and good Nature, and had he not depended fo much
upon his Strength, his Reign might have been
longer.
When upon the Road, he inilcad of chipping a Pif-
tol to a M.iii's B:eall, would often take a Man by
the Collar, and once as he Itopt .- Gentleman's Ser-
vant near Eumtwood upon his Rcfilbncj feeing no Pif-
tol, they both tumbled from their Korles into a great
Ditcli, /Uood looking on foinc Time, till the Gen-
tleman's Servant u. is [00 many for W ///, /cam:; up
and prefented a P.Ilol, which foon en Jed ih? Dilpute,
from whom ue took a B-.H^et, wherein w„s a Pound
or thercibouts of rlyfon Tea, Sugar and Plumbs, i^c.
and feveral Pounds of Starch, tlus w.ts a Prel'ent for a
Lady, as fever.il other Things had been before,, that
/ had robb'd People of, all which fhe was thankful
for, and willing to take, had there been a thoufiiid
Times as mach, notwithftanding Ihc well knew how
/came by them.
Thu. to revenge the Death of my poor Man Will,
/provided myfcif with a good Na^, l^c. went dowrj
to Ruin/ord, in hopes of heirii'g there who was the
Perfon that was in the Baiket ana (hot //';//, but could
he T no further, than it was one Cape. il/axe/:r>' of
Calcheftcr. 1 was at the Inn all Night when the
whole Talk was about me, nothi.ig but Cook was their
Subjeft throughout the whole Houfe.
The next Morning feveral fetting out from that Inn
for London, who had lain there, and at private Houfes
in the Town, among whom was a Gentleman /had
a great Sufpicion was my bitter Enemy, Mwwley. /
let the Coach go on about half an Hour, /then Cill'd
for my Horfc, after paying my Reckoning, i:hc Land-
lord bidding me a good Morning, and a iaie arrival
in Town, hoping / fhould efcape the noted Cook and
his Gang, / thanked him and let out after my prey,
the Stage-Coach, wherein was gone the very .Anti-
dote of my Soul ; /purlhed with a Refolution, not
only to Ihoot the Man /fiifpeiTtcd, but for a certainty
all in the Coach, when /came up with tiiem, my
Soul was fo full of Envy, H.itred and Malice sgainii '
him, that / fcarce could bid the Coachman hop with-
out blowing his Brains out ; vyf.en / came to the Door
of the Coach, / demanded which w.is Cipt. Maw-
ley, who had Ihot my Companion, and endeavoiu'd
the fame to me, /told them, they who urre not He,
had better difcover which he was, oti.erwile / vvoukl
dellroy them all ; when a be.iutil'ul young Lady who
was in the Cor.ch, ftll upon her Kl'.ct^, implorinij
niv
Pyratfs, rJigh-joaymen, Murderers^ &c.
mv Mercy, and protelling he wr.r, not tl^ere, as did
all tiie rtil tlx f.nDe ; thi^ inli.^nily o.clttd my Com-
p (Tion, and moved me to Pity. As 1 always had,
and ptofcii'-d a great Veneration for tiie Fair-Sex, I
put up my I'ilto!. defiring the Gentlemen to be4"peedy
in giving me t leir Money, i^c. which tliey did to the
amount ot above 30/. all 1 demanded of the Fair-
one, was a kind Salute, which (Vie re.;dily complied
witn, with wnicli 1 took my Lcve, telling the Gen-
tlemen if Capt. Mavjlcy wa\ amongll them, for him
never to venture out without Arms, f^r that I was
leioived the' at the Lofs of my own Life, to have
hi-, and fir that end, as well as to be revenged
on fo me others, 1 went to London, fent for two old
Companicni in Vice, and Iniquity from Stratford,
who hid before wanted me to admit them into my
Comp;'.ny ; they no fooner receiv'd my iVIeflage,
lf.;.n tiiey complied therewith, they having eacn an
Acquaintance in London, who ueie hearty, Itout Fel-
low.-., and would be glad to be admitted of the So-
ciety, wnich 1 reudily confented to ; they being fhort
of Aloney, propofed going a Street robbing, till they
had raifed a Bmk lufScient to equip tiiern for the
Road ; this I rejefted, as being Generalifiimo, and
having the Command over theni, by Seniority, and
Eleftion, after a fliort Debate, it was my Ref-lution
to take the Road, which we all did, I having no
Horfe no more than taey, Epfing Forrejl being the
PI :ce appointed, as I knew little or r.oiniiig of any
other Ro.;d, except Tinchlcy, about London, t.nd beg
that all the ii.jarcd Part of the World who h^ve been
robb'd on any other round London, will believe the
fame; when I declare upon the Words of a dying
Man, it's Truth.
From hence I went to ^i'oohurn in Bid/aidjhire,
between which Place and Bedford Town 111 the Road
I was overtaken by a Countryman well mounted, the
Bridie of whofe Korfe I laid liold of, prefer.ted a Pif-
tol to him, dem mded him to difmount and deliver
his Money ; he with a great Stick ne had in hii Hrmd
llruck at me, which Ij:ow 1 received with my .Arm,
at which 1 gave the Briale a S..arch, wiiich brought
my Countryman down, not»v'ith. landing winch he
refilled and had once like to have fnatch'd my Piilol
out of my Hand, but finding I was refolute and i'wear-
ing I wou'd llioot him, he furrender'd both Money
and Horfe, wlucli was to the amount of about 50/.
but beg'd hard to have his Horfe ag-.in, which was
the principal Tiling I wanted, fo I mounted and
road off telling the Countryman to fue tlie County,
which I heard and faw in the News-Papers ne
did.
From hence, I went to Birmingham, where I put
up at the tJaucs Inn, having about 40/. and liking
the Tov/n I w.isdetermin'd toilay there fnme Time;
in a few Days I fold my Horfe for 10 Guineas tho'
he was worth more, and never iTiould have defired a
better for my Baiir.efs.
Here I took a Lodging, at a Publick Houfe, hav-
ing a Liking to my Landlord, who was a merry Com-
panion, he and I talking about Trade and Eunnefs,
thereby underftanding 1 was a Shoemaker, he faid,
Mr. Stevens, (I then going by that Name) there is a
Shop to be let over the Way, which will do (or your
Purpofe ; the next Day I took it and laid out moll of
my Money in Stocking it, and my Room, which
when I had done, I was at a Lofs for a Houfe -keeper,
but that Piece of Furniture as well as any other I was
foon provided with, whofe Name was foon changed
by all that knew ner, from that of Molly Barrett, to
that of Mrs. Ste-vens. Here I had a fair Profpeft of
doing well, and w?.s encouraged and eilcemed by all
who knew nie in the Town, iut i asd my new Wife
10?
4^5
as I then called her, minded the G'.iety and PleMfures
of Life, in going from Place to Place to fee Horfe-
racmg and other Diverfons, more than Bufiiiefs, 'till
I had run and raced away not onl) m) ready Monev,
but my Stock in Trade, which put me in Mind of the
old Saying, Uhat is got o-ver the Dcvifs Back, is
(pent under his Belly ; and now to deceive the World
in repairing my Circumliances to prevent any Sufpi-
cion of my being a Highw.ayman ? 1 tolj niv Spoufe
Mrs. Barrett, and the rell of niy Acquaintaiice, that
1 had an old rich Aunt who \\\'^\n Eertfordjhi, e,
and allow'd me fometimes a Hundred Pounds a Year,
and fometimes more, which J received QLarterlv this
every Body bcliev'd, f told of it. I thereupon pre-
pared for my Journey, as they thought, to Here-
fordjhire, to my pretended Aunt, leaving Mrs. Mully
my Houfe-keeper m Care of the Shop, telling her, I
fhouW return in a Fort-night or 3 Weeks ; from hence
to Northampton, I went in the Stage Coach, intend-
mg to vifit my Lucky County of i?^<jyo,-^.;gr)in, I
ftay'd here 2 Days in Hopes of meeting with an Op-
portunity to replenifh my empty Pocketf, when I w.;s
informed moit of the Londrn Dealers went the other
Way, that is through Dun Church, with that, I fet
out for the f.inie FLce, where both Roads come mro
the main Cheftir Road ; here J Hop'd a M^'.n, robb'd
him of 16/. and took his Horfe, which was 3 very
good one, with which Booty I thought to return to
Birmingham, but being overtaken that Night, by a
Manchcf:er Dealer, at the Hortcjhoe-Ir.n, at Dainlry,
who was going in the Country to buy Goods, we go-
ing both to the fame Inn, fupp'd together of a boii'd
Rabbit fmother'd with Onions and a roailed Fowl, af.
ter Supper, we crank two or three Bowls of, I'uncli,
a Bottle of Wine and imoak'd feveral Pines of To-
bacco, I knowing who mult imoke for It the next
Day, I ufed all tlie Ar.s and Means 1 polfibly could
to lound the Depth of his Pockets, which iie was
too ciofe to let me that Night ; the next Morning we
breaKfafted together, (as J had told him the over
Night I would ac-ompany him to Liverpool in Lan-
cajtnre) fet forward for Coventry, where at the Pl'hile
Bear we din'd, it being the I'oli-Houfe, as that was
a fi.\ed Rule with nie to do, fur the Benefit of the
News-Papers. Here after Dinner we refrelTied our-
felvcs wit.i a Bottle ot Wine, and fmoaked a Pipe 'til
it was near 3 o'CIock in the afternoon, whilit we was
a drinking our Bottle alter Dinner, I told my Fellow
Traveller, it was a dangerous Road we had to p.fs
tliat Evening,- and therefore thought it very advilea-
ble to conceal our Money in out Boots orfoine other
fecure Place ; he at firft refuled, but upon feeing me
put my Purfe down my Boot, he drew out his B.g,
which revived my droopmg Spirits, my wilh wa.s
granted to a few Miles riaing for Opportunity. Ke
aniwer'd and I will pu: mine down my Side-pod- cr,
which he did; about 3 as I faid before, we let for-
ward intending to go that N.ght to Litchfidd, we
rode very lovingly 'till we can/e to a Pli.ce c.illed
Cookkoius-Corner, which parts the Roads; here I
told my Companion I was at my Journey's End, tel-
ling him he muft draw to Jiis Side pocket diredtly tor
there was no Time to difpute, his Anfwer was I le.illy
thought as much, and fulpeCted it from the lirll Hour
I came into your Company, I took his B: g wheiein
was contain'd (behdes fome Silver in his Pocket, wnich
I left him. to carry hirn to his Journey's End,) the
Sum of 35 Guineas, belides his Watch, which 1 100k,
dilmounted him and tnrn'd up his Horie ; I Ihou d
have taken him but thought my -own better, liom
hence I had not above 7 Miles to Birmingham, wh>:\e
I went that Niglit ; my Houle keeper was furpriztd
to fee me returned fo foon, as was msil of n\y Ac-
5 Q_ quAin;aiic«
A General History of
quamtancCi believing every Thing I had related a-
bout my Aunt was true ; with this Cafh, I rellock'd
my Shop, which by that Time look'd naked, and
paid what Debts I had contracled in the Town,
which put me in the good Efteem of all who knew
me there, foon after I fold my Horfe for 6 /. after
this, I contrflfted a Friendfllip with one Mr. Infal,
who was very Friendly, and told me when ever I
wanted a Horfe to ride out, he had one at my Ser-
vice ; accordingly, I made bold svith a Mare of his
the next Time I wanted to make a Vifit to my pre-
tended Aunt, leaving mine to ride when Occafion
ofFet'd, for which I mull now pay no lefs a Ranlome
than my Life.
This my fo fpeedy leaving of Birmingham the fe-
cond rime, was in fome Meafure owing to a London
Dealer, who was there, enquiring who 1 was, and
how long I had been there, whicD I did not greatly
like. From whence I croiTed the Country for Lo?t-
don, juftas Fancy led me, picking up what I could
towards defraying travelling Charges, till I met Mr.
'Zachary, as he related on my 7'rial, (for the Parti-
culars whereof I refer to the fame) whoie Teftimony,
as I am a dying Man, 1 declare to be true and jull in
every Particular.
Being thus near Stratford, and finding myfelf well
mounted, I was determined to ride through tlie Town,
which 1 did, feeing feveral that J knew, and who
knew me, to many of whom I fpoke, as they did to
me. At Night I returned to my Lodging, the C —
and L — , where I lent for my Brother S — , who
was not then at Home.
'J lie next Morning I went to his his Houfe, but
not ioon enough to catch him at Home. I law my
Siller, liis Wife, with whom I talked, and dciired her
to fend her Hulband to me at the C and L — ,
when he came in : She thereupon gave me to under-
lland, that fomebody had given Information of my
reforting to that Houfe when about Londotiy and ad-
vifed mc to leave it, which 1 accordingly did, and
by her Directions went to one 5 , a Relation of
lier Hufband's, who keeps the Sign of the Badger at
Mims Waft, where I was kindly received, upon let-
ting them know who I was, and making ufe of their
Names. Here 1 continued from Thur/day to Sunday
for my Brother-in-law S 's coming, which he
then did ; after fome Talk, I told him that I had
five Watches, which I begged he r/ould take and fe-
cure tor me. He then refufeJ th«m, but told me if
I would come on Tuej'day, and fend for him in the
Neighbourhood, he would take them. When he
was lor going Home, I ordered my Horfe to be got
ready to accompany him, which I did as far as Finch'
■levCammon, where we parted, and whilft we were a
talking, a fmgle Horfe Chaife pafTed us for London,
with two Men in it, whicli as foon as we had parted
I purfu'd, and about the Red Lyon on Uighgate Hill
I overtook them, which being near the Houfes, I
defifted from Hopping them there, but followed them
thro' the Town and Turnpike, till they came within
a Hundred Yards of M''hittington\-S\.one.
I rode by them, and gave them the Meeting and
Word of Command, which they were fo far from
complying with, that they whipt my Horfe, and
would have forced me into the Ditch ; they kept
whipping their own Horfe, and went at a great Rate,
notwithstanding which 1 got up with tliem a fecond
Time, wh.en 1 told them 1 certainly would blow
the Brains of both of ttiem out, if they made any
further Refittance, which they not regarding, J fired
and (hot one through the Arm with a Brace of Balls,
;ind would have ferved the other llie fame, had they
not drove i;p to an Alchouie iu the Road, the Sign
of Old Mother Red Cap and alarmed the People cf
the Houle by making a great Noife.
Thus difappointed of my Booty, (which I was in.
form'd after was about 50 1 ) I relurn'd to my Lodg-
ings at Mims, and Ihid there till ten a Clock on
Monday, then went for St. yJIbani and came to
London that Night by the Carravan, leavirg my
Piftols as well as my Horfe at Mims Wadi, which
was never before done by me to leave my Fiiloh.
On Monday Night the 17th of July, 1 lay at the
Bell Inn in ff'eJl-Smithfeld, and on iuejduy Morning
the 28th, according to my Promife, i went to meet
my Brother-in-Law 5 , about my five Watches ;
and the Reafon of my going down Cheapfide from
Smithfield to Norton- Foigate, was, that I repented
leaving my Piltols at Mims, and thought to hive
bought a Brace behind the Royal Exchange, which f
fhould have done, had the People of the Siiop been
up.
When I came to Mr. Taylor^s, the Sign of the
Wife Man of Gotham, I called for a Pint of Ale, and
wrote a Letter to my Brother-in-Law S , that
I was there according to Appoitunient, and called
a Porter and lent it to him, vvhen Martha Underwood
who formerly knew me at Stratford, faw mc pafs
by BoiM Church in Cheaffde, who dodg'd and h.^c-
ed me at theabovefaid Mr. layior's, fhe immediate-
ly acquainted Haines the Conltable therewith, who
with Alfillance came and feiz'd me, and upon fearch-
ing me took my five Watches and 9 I. odd Money
from me, and carried me before Jultice Chandler,
\\ ho upon my being proved to be Cooi the Strat-
ford Slioemaker, by lome out of that Town, and
Ml'. Zachary fwearing to his Watch, I was com-
mitted to Neugatc, which had been my old Lodg-
ing, about eleven Months ago, for five Weeks.
'I his I declare upon the Words of a dying Man,
to be the Truth and Subibnce of my Life, as near
as I can, through my Infirmity of JBoJy, fince my
Convidion, recolledf.
Ihe foUoiuing Letter nvat fent by Mary Barret, at
Birmingham, to Cook, -viz.
TH I S is to let you know that I receiv'd your
Letter with loii;e Satisfaction, and am glad to
hear that you are in good Health, and had Pleafure
in your Journey, for that is more than I have had
at Heme ever fince you went, till now as I receiv'd
your Letter, for I thought that Pens, Ink and Paper
was very hard to find, and your Hands and your
Thought was very much confin'd, that you could
not write before, tiio' I did excufe the firft Polf
day with a great deal of Uneafinefs, for I was very
forry to think that 1 was forc'd to write to you,
firft upon fuch an Account as I did, the very Day
after you fet out ; I wrote to you to let you know
the Report and Scandal that was raifcd on you
when you was gone, for fome faid you [had floii
a Horfe, and rode away with him, and got a Han-
ger, and a Brace of Piiloh, and was turn'd High-
wayman, and durft not come no more to Dirming'
ham; it was bell known to yourfelf, how that
was, but I think you have got a very fine Charat ■
ter, by your goirg in fuch a filly Manner ; by your
Writing, you have not receiv'd the Letter, and if
jou have not, I defire you will go to Mr. Wilfov,
at Mr. IFard'a, in Salijbury-Court, at the Black-
Lyon, where you was to take that Letter for my
Mother, and they will give it you, I could cell no
other Way to write to you then, and not hearing
from you fb long after promib'd, I was afraid ti-.at
you was under Confinement, for you waspromifed
• verv-
PyrdtcS) High<iiO{V}>meny Murderers , Sk,
' very f.iir for ii by Mr. Infal : I am very glad to
' hf.ir that your tour leg'd Horfe carried you eafy to
' your [oiirnfy's End ; you bid me be a good Girl
' and mind Siiop, till you come Home ; I told you
' wlien you went, that I would as well as 1 could,
' and what I promife if I can, I will perform til! you
; return, which I hope will not be long before you
' do, for you mull think it is very lonefome, for to
■ have the Siiop open from Morning till Night, aid
' nobody in it but myfelf, accept my Motiier, and
that you may think is but little concerning you,
and vou fiid yourThoughts w.is always on me, but
I believe I have thought as much on you as you
could on me, for my Uneafinefs has been fo g''eat
that 1 could not avoid it, but I hope you vvill think
of me and thefe Letters, and return as foon as pof-
fible you can, for I am fure that it will bs more to
your Profit and my Satisfaftion, to have you here,
and I hope that your next Letter will let me know
flow long it will be before you return. I have ne-
' ver been at Mrs. Cotlon^^ but twice finceyou wejit,
' for who could think of its being nothing clfe but a
' parcel ot falfe Reports from the firil beginning of
' it. My Father and Mother both join in Love to
' you, and long to have you at Home, tint you
' m ly convince the World. All Frienus dcfirc to be
' remembred to you ; let me know if you will have
' the Room i;cpt till you conie agiin, for Ngvie wont
' let it to nobody wliile you are away, umeo ilie hears
' irom you or me.
So na more at prefent frsTn your loving and
fincere Fiiend till Death,
Mary Barrat.
Pray let me henr from you the next Poll after you
receive this, and I will make myfelfas eafy ss I can
till I fee you again j pray e.vcufe my Writing, for I
never wrote fo much to any one before.
July 18. 1741.
H. B. 1 hope this will be a Companion for the
Hanakerchief.
( The E N D. )
A Complete
N D E X
O F
Malefador^s Names.
ADAMS Richard
Addifon Jack
Avery Capt. [Pirate]
Avery [Highwayman]
AulUn fhomas
B
B'tfon James
Baynes Andiew
Beane Sawney
Eew Wi'iiam
Bird Jack
El.ike Jofeph
Bonnet M-jar Stede
Bonnet Ejward
Bonny Anne
Bracey Edward and Jo3B
Buckley Timothy
Bunce S:cphen
Burnworth Edward
C
C.idy V^'i'iiam
Chaa-.bers Arthur
Churchill Deborah
a66 Clare Zachary
376 Colet (alras Cole) John
143 Collings Jack
26; Cottington Joha
315 Cojc Thomas
Cunningham Sawney
<32 Cut-purfe MolJ, fee Fritk
J77 D
J I Davis Capt. Howel
Jli Denville Sir Gofltlin
141 Dickfon C'hriftojsher
272 Dorbel Thomai
4j Douglai Sawney
325 Dudley Capt. Richard
169 Dun Thotrus
316 Du Vail Claude
294 S
247 Elby William
332 England Capt. Edward
Evans Capt. Evan
21 J F
57 FalllafF Sir Joto '
209
39«
416
337
3«2
306
79
=96
171
64,
330
39S
310
33
77
126
100
>S5
24s
50
filevvood
N D K X.
Filewood Jrimes
Flemming Patrick
Fletcher Simon
Foulkes Rev. Mr. Robert
G
Garret Tom
German Priiicefs
Gettings William
Goldeu Farmer
Goodwin' ]ack
Gow Capt. John
H
Hall Jack
Harris Nan
Harwood Jocelin
Hawkins John
Hayes Catherine
Hereford Nan
Hind Capr. James
Hinton Edward
Holl.and Anne
Holloway Will
HooJ Robin
Houflart Lewis
Hi'ghes Dick
Hiitchins Harvey
I
Jack alias Jacques Colonel
Jaen Capt. Jol.n
Jones Tom
[ones Moll
■' K
•Kce!e Richard fi:
Kelfey Thomas
,/
K/*-//^
V^f^^
Low '.'El^Kvard
Low Dick
Lovvther George
M
M.)!colm Sarah
Marfli Tl.omas
Mant! Captain
Maw William
Morgan Capt. Henry
Morris Dick
■ N
Kevifon Willi«m
O
Obrian Patrick
Ogden Wni
379 Old Mob
19
308 Ovet Jack
211
307 P
411 Price John
R
401 Raby Moll
39*
«77
237 Rackam Capt. John
16;
279 Read Mary
167
29 Roberts Capt. Bartholomew
l>io
99 Roche Capt. Philip
356
358 Rumbold Thomas
S
152 Savage Thomas
II I
2l3
3 1 8 Seager George
3-J
417 Sharp Thomas
320
385 Shepherd John
274
404 Shrimpton Jack
328
.372 Spriggs Captain
3?4
121 Stafford Capt. Philip
20
345 Stevens alias Cook, John
421
95 Strodtraan Harman
4'5
263 Sympfon Jonathan
299
69 Sympfon Nell
3«S
283 T
2 1;4 Talbot Rev. John, his Murder
235
256 Taylor Thomas
302
Teach Capt. Edward
. «So
120 Tracey Walter
86
3j8 Trippuck John
383
252 Turner Col. John
• 4«3
3-'i V
Vane Capt. Charles
163
339 Upton John ' "^ /
337 Uratz Capt. Chriflopher fmir,'^^/
W ' /
36J Walton Richard
<7 361
BWh* a8i
419
2^j Waltham-Blacks
268
349 M^ird William
381
Waters Tom
243
393 Weaver Brigttock
359
34 Wells Nicholas
261
148 Whitney
251
s63 Wicks Ned
37a
I Wild Jonathan
28s
96 Withers Jack
258
Witherington Thomas
102
138 Witf.eringion Jack
303
Worley Captain
34?
34» Wynne Thomas
216
389
W I N I &
e/iro
SL,
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