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D ATA A N A LY S I S F R O M S C R AT C H W I T H P Y T H O N
Step By Step Guide
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Introduction
Why read on? First, you’ll learn how to use Python in data analysis (which is a
bit cooler and a bit more advanced than using Microsoft Excel). Second, you’ll
also learn how to gain the mindset of a real data analyst (computational
thinking).
More importantly, you’ll learn how Python and machine learning applies to real
world problems (business, science, market research, technology, manufacturing,
retail, financial). We’ll provide several examples on how modern methods of
data analysis fit in with approaching and solving modern problems.
This is important because the massive influx of data provides us with more
opportunities to gain insights and make an impact in almost any field. This
recent phenomenon also provides new challenges that require new technologies
and approaches. In addition, this also requires new skills and mindsets to
successfully navigate through the challenges and successfully tap the fullest
potential of the opportunities being presented to us.
For now, forget about getting the “sexiest job of the 21st century” (data scientist,
machine learning engineer, etc.). Forget about the fears about artificial
intelligence eradicating jobs and the entire human race. This is all about learning
(in the truest sense of the word) and solving real world problems.
We are here to create solutions and take advantage of new technologies to make
better decisions and hopefully make our lives easier. And this starts at building a
strong foundation so we can better face the challenges and master advanced
concepts.
2. Why Choose Python for Data Science & Machine Learning
Python is said to be a simple, clear and intuitive programming language. That’s
why many engineers and scientists choose Python for many scientific and
numeric applications. Perhaps they prefer getting into the core task quickly (e.g.
finding out the effect or correlation of a variable with an output) instead of
spending hundreds of hours learning the nuances of a “complex” programming
language.
This allows scientists, engineers, researchers and analysts to get into the project
more quickly, thereby gaining valuable insights in the least amount of time and
resources. It doesn’t mean though that Python is perfect and the ideal
programming language on where to do data analysis and machine learning.
Other languages such as R may have advantages and features Python has not.
But still, Python is a good starting point and you may get a better understanding
of data analysis if you use it for your study and future projects.
Python vs R
You might have already encountered this in Stack Overflow, Reddit, Quora, and
other forums and websites. You might have also searched for other programming
languages because after all, learning Python or R (or any other programming
language) requires several weeks and months. It’s a huge time investment and
you don’t want to make a mistake.
To get this out of the way, just start with Python because the general skills and
concepts are easily transferable to other languages. Well, in some cases you
might have to adopt an entirely new way of thinking. But in general, knowing
how to use Python in data analysis will bring you a long way towards solving
many interesting problems.
Many say that R is specifically designed for statisticians (especially when it
comes to easy and strong data visualization capabilities). It’s also relatively easy
to learn especially if you’ll be using it mainly for data analysis. On the other
hand, Python is somewhat flexible because it goes beyond data analysis. Many
data scientists and machine learning practitioners may have chosen Python
because the code they wrote can be integrated into a live and dynamic web
application.
Although it’s all debatable, Python is still a popular choice especially among
beginners or anyone who wants to get their feet wet fast with data analysis and
machine learning. It’s relatively easy to learn and you can dive into full time
programming later on if you decide this suits you more.
Widespread Use of Python in Data Analysis
There are now many packages and tools that make the use of Python in data
analysis and machine learning much easier. TensorFlow (from Google), Theano,
scikit-learn, numpy, and pandas are just some of the things that make data
science faster and easier.
Also, university graduates can quickly get into data science because many
universities now teach introductory computer science using Python as the main
programming language. The shift from computer programming and software
development can occur quickly because many people already have the right
foundations to start learning and applying programming to real world data
challenges.
Another reason for Python’s widespread use is there are countless resources that
will tell you how to do almost anything. If you have any question, it’s very likely
that someone else has already asked that and another that solved it for you
(Google and Stack Overflow are your friends). This makes Python even more
popular because of the availability of resources online.
Clarity
Due to the ease of learning and using Python (partly due to the clarity of its
syntax), professionals are able to focus on the more important aspects of their
projects and problems. For example, they could just use numpy, scikit-learn, and
TensorFlow to quickly gain insights instead of building everything from scratch.
This provides another level of clarity because professionals can focus more on
the nature of the problem and its implications. They could also come up with
more efficient ways of dealing with the problem instead of getting buried with
the ton of info a certain programming language presents.
The focus should always be on the problem and the opportunities it might
introduce. It only takes one breakthrough to change our entire way of thinking
about a certain challenge and Python might be able to help accomplish that
because of its clarity and ease.
3. Prerequisites & Reminders
Python & Programming Knowledge
By now you should understand the Python syntax including things about
variables, comparison operators, Boolean operators, functions, loops, and lists.
You don’t have to be an expert but it really helps to have the essential knowledge
so the rest becomes smoother.
You don’t have to make it complicated because programming is only about
telling the computer what needs to be done. The computer should then be able to
understand and successfully execute your instructions. You might just need to
write few lines of code (or modify existing ones a bit) to suit your application.
Also, many of the things that you’ll do in Python for data analysis are already
routine or pre-built for you. In many cases you might just have to copy and
execute the code (with a few modifications). But don’t get lazy because
understanding Python and programming is still essential. This way, you can spot
and troubleshoot problems in case an error message appears. This will also give
you confidence because you know how something works.
Installation & Setup
If you want to follow along with our code and execution, you should have
Anaconda downloaded and installed in your computer. It’s free and available for
Windows, macOS, and Linux. To download and install, go to
https://www.anaconda.com/download/ and follow the succeeding instructions
from there.
The tool we’ll be mostly using is Jupyter Notebook (already comes with
Anaconda installation). It’s literally a notebook wherein you can type and
execute your code as well as add text and notes (which is why many online
instructors use it).
If you’ve successfully installed Anaconda, you should be able to launch
Anaconda Prompt and type jupyter notebook on the blinking underscore. This
will then launch Jupyter Notebook using your default browser. You can then
create a new notebook (or edit it later) and run the code for outputs and
visualizations (graphs, histograms, etc.).
These are convenient tools you can use to make studying and analyzing easier
and faster. This also makes it easier to know which went wrong and how to fix
them (there are easy to understand error messages in case you mess up).
Is Mathematical Expertise Necessary?
Data analysis often means working with numbers and extracting valuable
insights from them. But do you really have to be expert on numbers and
mathematics?
Successful data analysis using Python often requires having decent skills and
knowledge in math, programming, and the domain you’re working on. This
means you don’t have to be an expert in any of them (unless you’re planning to
present a paper at international scientific conferences).
Don’t let many “experts” fool you because many of them are fakes or just plain
inexperienced. What you need to know is what’s the next thing to do so you can
successfully finish your projects. You won’t be an expert in anything after you
read all the chapters here. But this is enough to give you a better understanding
about Python and data analysis.
Back to mathematical expertise. It’s very likely you’re already familiar with
mean, standard deviation, and other common terms in statistics. While going
deeper into data analysis you might encounter calculus and linear algebra. If you
have the time and interest to study them, you can always do anytime or later.
This may or may not give you an edge on the particular data analysis project
you’re working on.
Again, it’s about solving problems. The focus should be on how to take a
challenge and successfully overcome it. This applies to all fields especially in
business and science. Don’t let the hype or myths to distract you. Focus on the
core concepts and you’ll do fine.
4. Python Quick Review
Here’s a quick Python review you can use as reference. If you’re stuck or need
help with something, you can always use Google or Stack Overflow.
To have Python (and other data analysis tools and packages) in your computer,
download and install Anaconda.
Python Data Types are strings (“You are awesome.”), integers (-3, 0, 1), and
floats (3.0, 12.5, 7.77).
You can do mathematical operations in Python such as: 3 + 3
print(3+3) 7 -1
5*2
20 / 5
9 % 2 #modulo operation, returns the remainder of the division 2 ** 3 #exponentiation, 2 to the 3rd
power Assigning values to variables: myName = “Thor”
x=5
y=6
print(x + y) #result is 11
print(x*3) #result is 15
hobby = “programming”
print('Hi, my name is ' + myname + ' and my age is ' + str(age) + '. Anyway, my hobby is ' + hobby +
'.') Result is Hi, my name is Thon and my age is 25. Anyway, my hobby is programming.
If, Elif, and Else Statements (for Flow Control) print(“What’s your email?”)
myEmail = input()
print(“Type in your password.”)
typedPassword = input()
if typedPassword == savedPassword:
print(“Congratulations! You’re now logged in.”)
else:
print(“Your password is incorrect. Please try again.”)
total = 0
for num in range(101):
total = total + num
print(total)
all_reviews = [5, 5, 4, 4, 5, 3, 2, 5, 3, 2, 5, 4, 3, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 5]
positive_reviews = []
for i in all_reviews:
if i > 3:
print('Pass')
positive_reviews.append(i)
else:
print('Fail')
print(positive_reviews)
print(len(positive_reviews))
ratio_positive = len(positive_reviews) / len(all_reviews)
print('Percentage of positive reviews: ')
print(ratio_positive * 100)
add_numbers(5,10)
add_numbers(35,55)
def even_check(num):
if num % 2 == 0:
print('Number is even.')
else:
print('Hmm, it is odd.')
even_check(50)
even_check(51)
Lists my_list = [‘eggs’, ‘ham’, ‘bacon’] #list with strings colours = [‘red’,
‘green’, ‘blue’]
cousin_ages = [33, 35, 42] #list with integers mixed_list = [3.14, ‘circle’, ‘eggs’, 500] #list with integers
and strings #Working with lists colours = [‘red’, ‘blue’, ‘green’]
colours[0] #indexing starts at 0, so it returns first item in the list which is ‘red’
print(len(my_list)) #returns 10
#taking random indices to split the dataset into train and test
test_ids = np.random.permutation(len(x))
x_train = x[test_ids[:-10]]
x_test = x[test_ids[-10:]]
y_train = y[test_ids[:-10]]
y_test = y[test_ids[-10:]]
Language: English
HI ST OR Y
OF THE
P YR A T ES,
FR OM
Their first R ISE and SETTL EMENT in the Island of
Providence, to the present Time.
With the remarkable Actions and Adventures of the two Female Pyrates
LONDON :
Printed for, and sold by T. Warner, at the Black-Boy in Pater-Noster-Row, 1724.
THE
PREFACE.
AVING taken more than ordinary Pains in collecting the
Materials which compose the following History, we could
not be satisfied with our selves, if any Thing were
wanting to it, which might render it entirely satisfactory
to the Publick: It is for this Reason we have subjoined to
the Work, a short Abstract of the Laws now in Force against Pyrates,
and made Choice of some particular Cases, (the most curious we
could meet with) which have been heretofore tried, by which it will
appear what Actions have, and what have not been adjudged
Pyracy.
It is possible this Book may fall into the Hands of some Masters of
Ships, and other honest Mariners, who frequently, by contrary Winds
or Tempests, or other Accidents incident to long Voyages, find
themselves reduced to great Distresses, either through Scarcity of
Provisions, or Want of Stores. I say, it may be a Direction to such as
those, what Lengths they may venture to go, without violating the
Law of Nations, in Case they should meet other Ships at Sea, or be
cast on some inhospitable Shore, which should refuse to trade with
them for such Things as are absolutely necessary for the
Preservation of their Lives, or the Safety of the Ship and Cargoe.
We have given a few Instances in the Course of this History of the
Inducements Men have to engage themselves headlong in a Life of
so much Peril to themselves, and so destructive to the Navigation of
the trading World; to remedy which Evil there seems to be but two
Ways, either to find Employment for the great Numbers of Seamen
turn’d adrift at the Conclusion of a War, and thereby prevent their
running into such Undertakings, or to guard sufficiently the Coast of
Africa, the West-Indies, and other Places whereto Pyrates resort.
I cannot but take Notice in this Place, that during this long Peace,
I have not so much as heard of a Dutch Pyrate: It is not that I take
them to be honester than their Neighbours; but when we account
for it, it will, perhaps, be a Reproach to our selves for our want of
Industry: The Reason I take to be, that after a War, when the Dutch
Ships are laid up, they have a Fishery, where their Seamen find
immediate Business, and as comfortable Bread as they had before.
Had ours the same Recourse in their Necessities, I’m certain we
should find the same Effect from it; for a Fishery is a Trade that
cannot be overstock’d; the Sea is wide enough for us all, we need
not quarrel for Elbow-room: Its Stores are infinite, and will ever
reward the Labourer. Besides, our own Coast, for the most Part,
supply the Dutch, who employ several hundred Sail constantly in the
Trade, and so sell to us our own Fish. I call it our own, for the
Sovereignty of the British Seas, are to this Day acknowledged us by
the Dutch, and all the neighbouring Nations; wherefore, if there was
a publick Spirit among us, it would be well worth our while to
establish a National Fishery, which would be the best Means in the
World to prevent Pyracy, employ a Number of the Poor, and ease the
Nation of a great Burthen, by lowering the Price of Provision in
general, as well as of several other Commodities.
I need not bring any Proofs of what I advance, viz. that there are
Multitudes of Seamen at this Day unemploy’d; it is but too evident
by their straggling, and begging all over the Kingdom. Nor is it so
much their Inclination to Idleness, as their own hard Fate, in being
cast off after their Work is done, to starve or steal. I have not known
a Man of War commission’d for several Years past, but three times
her Compliment of Men have offer’d themselves in 24 Hours; the
Merchants take their Advantage of this, lessen their Wages, and
those few who are in Business are poorly paid, and but poorly fed;
such Usage breeds Discontents amongst them, and makes them
eager for any Change.
I shall not repeat what I have said in the History concerning the
Privateers of the West-Indies, where I have taken Notice they live
upon Spoil; and as Custom is a second Nature, it is no Wonder that,
when an honest Livlyhood is not easily had, they run into one so like
their own; so that it may be said, that Privateers in Time of War are
a Nursery for Pyrates against a Peace.
Now we have accounted for their Rise and Beginning, it will be
natural to enquire why they are not taken and destroy’d, before they
come to any Head, seeing that they are seldom less than twelve Men
of War stationed in our American Plantations, even in Time of Peace;
a Force sufficient to contend with a powerful Enemy. This Enquiry,
perhaps, will not turn much to the Honour of those concern’d in that
Service; however, I hope I may be excus’d, if what I hint is with a
Design of serving the Publick.
I say, ’tis strange that a few Pyrates should ravage the Seas for
Years, without ever being light upon, by any of our Ships of War;
when in the mean Time, they (the Pyrates) shall take Fleets of
Ships; it looks as if one was much more diligent in their Affairs, than
the other. Roberts and his Crew, alone, took 400 Sail, before he was
destroy’d.
This Matter, I may probably set right another Time, and only
observe for the present, that the Pyrates at Sea, have the same
Sagacity with Robbers at Land; as the latter understand what Roads
are most frequented, and where it is most likely to meet with Booty,
so the former know what Latitude to lie in, in order to intercept
Ships; and as the Pyrates happen to be in want of Provisions, Stores,
or any particular Lading, they cruise accordingly for such Ships, and
are morally certain of meeting with them; and by the same Reason,
if the Men of War cruise in those Latitudes, they might be as sure of
finding the Pyrates, as the Pyrates are to find the Merchant Ships;
and if the Pyrates are not to be met with by the Men of War in such
a Latitude, then surely down the same Latitude may the Merchant
Ships arrive safely to their Port.
To make this a little plainer to my Country Readers, I must
observe that all our outward bound Ships, sometime after they leave
the Land, steer into the Latitude of the Place they are bound to; if to
the West-India Islands, or any Part of the Main of America, as New-
York, New-England, Virginia, &c. because the Latitude is the only
Certainty in those Voyages to be found, and then they sail due West,
till they come to their Port, without altering their Course. In this
West Way lie the Pyrates, whether it be to Virginia, &c. or Nevis, St.
Christophers, Montserat, Jamaica, &c. so that if the Merchant Ships
bound thither, do not fall a Prey to them one Day, they must
another: Therefore I say, if the Men of War take the same Track, the
Pyrates must unavoidably fall into their Mouths, or be frighted away,
for where the Game is, there will the Vermin be; if the latter should
be the Case, the trading Ships, as I said before, will pass unmolested
and safe, and the Pyrates be reduced to take Refuge in some of their
lurking Holes about the uninhabited Islands, where their Fate would
be like that of the Fox in his Den, if they should venture out, they
would be hunted and taken, and if they stay within they must
starve.
I must observe another Thing, that the Pyrates generally shift
their Rovings, according to the Season of the Year; in the Summer
they cruise mostly along the Coast of the Continent of America, but
the Winters there, being a little too cold for them, they follow the
Sun, and go towards the Islands, at the approach of cold Weather.
Every Man who has used the West-India Trade, knows this to be
true; therefore, since we are so well acquainted with all their
Motions, I cannot see why our Men of War under a proper
Regulation, may not go to the Southward, instead of lying up all the
Winter useless: But I shall proceed too far in this Enquiry, I shall
therefore quit it, and say something of the following Sheets, which
the Author may venture to assure the Reader that they have one
Thing to recommend them, which is Truth; those Facts which he
himself was not an Eye-Witness of, he had from the authentick
Relations of the Persons concern’d in taking the Pyrates, as well as
from the Mouths of the Pyrates themselves, after they were taken,
and he conceives no Man can produce better Testimonies to support
the Credit of any History.
It will be observed, that the Account of the Actions of Roberts
runs into a greater Length, than that of any other Pyrate, for which
we can assign two Reasons, first, because he ravaged the Seas
longer than the rest, and of Consequence there must be a greater
Scene of Business in his Life: Secondly, being resolved not to weary
the Reader, with tiresome Repetitions: When we found the
Circumstances in Roberts’s Live, and other Pyrates, either as to
pyratical Articles, or any Thing else, to be the same, we thought it
best to give them but once, and chose Roberts’s Life for that
Purpose, he having made more Noise in the World, than some
others.
As to the Lives of our two female Pyrates, we must confess they
may appear a little Extravagant, yet they are never the less true for
seeming so, but as they were publickly try’d for their Pyracies, there
are living Witnesses enough to justify what we have laid down
concerning them; it is certain, we have produced some Particulars
which were not so publickly known, the Reason is, we were more
inquisitive into the Circumstances of their past Lives, than other
People, who had no other Design, than that of gratifying their own
private Curiosity: If there are some Incidents and Turns in their
Stories, which may give them a little the Air of a Novel, they are not
invented or contrived for that Purpose, it is a Kind of Reading this
Author is but little acquainted with, but as he himself was
exceedingly diverted with them, when they were related to him, he
thought they might have the same Effect upon the Reader.
I presume we need make no Apology for giving the Name of a
History to the following Sheets, though they contain nothing but the
Actions of a Parcel of Robbers. It is Bravery and Stratagem in War
which make Actions worthy of Record; in which Sense the
Adventures, here related will be thought deserving that Name.
Plutarch is very circumstantial in relating the Actions of Spartacus,
the Slave, and makes the Conquest of him, one of the greatest
Glories of Marcus Crassus; and it is probable, if this Slave had liv’d a
little longer, Plutarch would have given us his Life at large. Rome,
the Misstress of the World, was no more at first than a Refuge for
Thieves and Outlaws; and if the Progress of our Pyrates had been
equal to their Beginning; had they all united, and settled in some of
those Islands, they might, by this Time, have been honoured with
the Name of a Commonwealth, and no Power in those Parts of the
World could have been able to dispute it with them.
If we have seem’d to glance, with some Freedom, at the
Behaviour of some Governors of Provinces abroad, it has been with
Caution; and, perhaps, we have, not declar’d as much as we knew:
However, we hope those Gentlemen in the same Station, who have
never given Occasion for the like Censure, will take no Offence, tho’
the Word Governor is sometimes made use of.
P. S. It will be necessary to add a Word or two to this Preface, in
order to inform the Reader, that there are several material Additions
made to this second Impression, which swelling the Book in Bulk,
must of Consequence add a small Matter to its Price.
The first Impression having been received with so much Success
by the Publick, occasioned a very earnest Demand for a second: In
the mean Time, several Persons who had been taken by the Pyrates,
as well as others who had been concerned in taking of them, have
been so kind to communicate several Facts and Circumstances to us,
which had escaped us in the first Impression. This occasioned some
Delay, therefore if we have not brought it out, as soon as wish’d, it
was to render it the more compleat.
We shall not enter into a Detail of all the new Matter inserted
here, but the Description of the Islands St. Thome, &c. and that of
Brasil are not to be passed by, without a little Notice. It must be
observed, that our speculative Mathematicians and Geographers,
who are, no doubt, Men of the greatest Learning, seldom travel
farther than their Closets for their Knowledge, &c. are therefore
unqualified to give us a good Description of Countries: It is for this
Reason that all our Maps and Atlasses are so monstrously faulty, for
these Gentlemen are obliged to take their Accounts from the Reports
of illiterate Men.
It must be noted also, that when the Masters of Ships make
Discoveries this Way, they are not fond of communicating them; a
Man’s knowing this or that Coast, better than others, recommends
him in his Business, and makes him more useful, and he’ll no more
discover it than a Tradesman will the Mystery of his Trade.
The Gentleman who has taken the Pains to make these
Observations, is Mr. Atkins, a Surgeon, an ingenious Man in his own
Profession, and one who is not ty’d down by any narrow
Considerations from doing a Service to the Publick, and has been
pleased generously to communicate them for the good of others. I
don’t doubt, but his Observations will be found curious and very
serviceable to such as Trade to those Parts, besides a Method of
Trade is here laid down with the Portuguese, which may prove of
great Profit to some of our Countrymen, if followed according to his
Plan.
It is hoped these Things will satisfy the Publick, that the Author of
the following Sheets considered nothing so much as making the
Book useful;—tho’ he has been informed, that some Gentlemen have
rais’d an Objection against the Truth of its Contents, viz. that it
seems calculated to entertain and divert.—If the Facts are related
with some Agreeableness and Life, we hope it will not be imputed as
a Fault; but as to its Credit, we can assure them that the Sea-faring
Men, that is all that know the Nature of these Things, have not been
able to make the least Objection to its Credit:—And he will be bold
to affirm, that there is not a Fact or Circumstance in the whole Book,
but he is able to prove by credible Witnesses.
There have been some other Pyrates, besides those whose History
are here related, such as are hereafter named, and their Adventures
are as extravagant and full of Mischief, as those who are the Subject
of this Book.—The Author has already begun to digest them into
Method, and as soon, as he receives some Materials to make them
compleat, (which he shortly expects from the West-Indies). If the
Publick gives him Encouragement he intends to venture upon a
second Volume.
THE CONTENTS.
INTRODUCTION.
HE Danger of Commonwealths from an Increase of Pyrates, 17.
Pyrates in the Times of Marius and Sylla, 18. Takes Julius Cæsar, 19.
The Barbarity of those Pyrates, ib. They spare Cæsar, and why, ib.
His Behaviour amongst them, ib. Cæsar obtains his Liberty for a
Ransom, ib. Attacks and takes the Pyrates, 20. Hangs them at Troy,
ib. They increase again to a prodigious Strength, ib. Plunder at the
Gates of Rome, 21. The mock Homage they paid the Romans, ib. Pompey the
Great, appointed General against them, 22. A prodigious Fleet and Army assign’d
him, ib. His Conduct and good Fortune, ib, The Gallantry of those Pyracies, 23.
Receive an Overthrow, ib. Barbarouse, a Pyrate, his Beginning, ib. His great
Strength, 24. Selim Eutemi, King of Algiers, courts his Friendship, ib. Makes
himself King, and how, ib. The King of Tunis overthrown by him, ib. Leaves the
Inheritance to his Brother, ib. The West-Indies commodious for Pyrates, and why,
24, 25. The Explanation of the Word Keys, 25. The Pyrates conceal their Booty on
them, ib. The Pyrates Security in those Parts, 26. The Rise of Pyrates since the
Peace of Utrecht accounted for, 26, 27. An Expedition from Jamaica, to plunder
the Spaniards, 28. The Spaniards sue for Justice to the Government of Jamaica, ib.
The Plunderers turn Pyrates, 29. The Spaniards make Reprisals, ib. The Names of
Ships taken by them, ib. The plunder’d Seamen join the Pyrates, ib. Providence
fixed on as a Place of Retreat by them, 30. That Island described, ib. The Lords
Address to her late Majesty for securing Providence, ib. An Order of Council in this
Reign to the same Purpose, 31. A List of Men of War employ’d for the Defence of
the Plantations, 32. Captain Woods Rogers made Governor of Providence, ib. The
King’s Proclamation for suppressing Pyrates, 33, 34. How the Pyrates used the
Proclamation, 34. Great Divisions amongst them, 35. How made quiet, ib. Several
of the Pyrates surrender to the Governor of Bermudas, ib. The Fate of the rest, ib.
Woods Rogers his Arrival at Providence, ib. Vane’s Behaviour, 36. Woods Rogers
employs the pardon’d Pyrates, ib. Their Conduct, ib. Some of them hang’d for new
Pyracies, 37. Their strange Behaviour at the Place of Execution, ib. Some
Proceedings betwixt the English and Spaniards, 38. The Spaniards surprize the
Greyhound Man of War, and how, ib. Quit her, 39. The Crew of a Spanish Guarda
del Costa hang’d at Jamaica, and why, ib. Sir Nicholas Laws his Letter to the
Alcaldes of Trinidado, 39, 40. Mr. Joseph Laws, Lieutenant of the Happy Snow his
Letter to the Alcaldes of Trinidado, 41. The Alcaldes Answer to the Lieutenant’s
Letter, 41, 42. The Lieutenant’s Reply to the Alcaldes Answer, 42, 43. The Alcaldes
Answer again, 43. Some Account of Richard Holland, ib. Prizes taken by him, 44.
CHAP. I.
Of Captain AVERY, and his CREW.
R
Omantick Reports of his Greatness, 45, 46. His Birth, 46. Is Mate of a Bristol
Man, 47, For what Voyage design’d, ib. Tampers with the Seamen, ib. Forms
a Plot for carrying off the Ship, 47, 48. Executes it, and how, ib. The Pyrates
take a rich Ship belonging to the Great Mogul, 50. The Great Mogul threaten the
English Settlements, 51. The Pyrates steer their Course back for Madagascar, 52.
Call a Council. Put all the Treasure on Board of Avery’s Ship, ib. Avery and his
Crew treacherously leaves his Confederates; go to the Isle of Providence in the
West-Indies, 53. Sell the Ship, go to North-America in a Sloop, 54. They disperse,
Avery goes to New-England, ib. From thence to Ireland, ib. Avery afraid to expose
his Diamonds to sale. Goes over to England, ib. Puts his Wealth into Merchants
Hands, of Bristol, 55. Changes his Name. Lives at Biddiford, ib. The Merchants
send him no Supplies, ib. Importunes them. Goes privately to Bristol, they
threaten to discover him, ib. Goes over to Ireland, sollicites them from thence, 56.
Is very poor, works his Passage over to Plymouth, walks to Biddiford. Dies a
Beggar, ib. An Account of Avery’s Confederates, ib. Their Settlement at
Madagascar, 57. They meet other Pyrates; an Account of them, ib. The Pyrates
arrive to great Power. The Inhabitants described, 58. Their Policy, Government, &c.
Places describ’d, 59. The Arrival of Captain Woods Rogers at that Part of the
Island, 61. Their Design of surprizing his Ship, 62. One of these Princes formerly a
Waterman on the Thames, 63. Their Secretaries, Men of no Learning. Could
neither write nor read, ib.
CHAP. II.
Of Captain MARTEL, and his CREW.
W
AY to suppress Pyrates, 64. The Increase of Pyrates accounted for, 65.
Where Martel learned his Trade, ib. The Names of several Prizes taken, by
him, 65, 66, 67. His Strength at Sancta Cruz, 67. His Manner of fortifying
himself there, ib. Is attack’d by the Scarborough Man of War, 68. His defence by
Land and Sea, ib. His desperate Escape, 69. His miserable End, ib.
CHAP. III.
Of Captain TEACH, alias BLACK-BEARD.
H
IS Beginning, 70. His Confederacy with Hornygold, ib. The Confederacy
broke, 71. Takes a large Guiney Man, ib. Engages the Scarborough Man of
War, ib. His Alliance with Major Stede Bonnet, ib. Deposes his new Ally, ib.
His Advice to the Major, ib. His Progress and Success, 72. Takes Prizes in Sight of
Charles-Town, 73. Sends Ambassadors to the Governor of Carolina, upon an
impudent Demand, ib. Runs his Ship aground designedly, 74. His Cruelty to some
of his own Companions. Surrenders to the King’s Proclamation, 75. The Governor
of North-Carolina’s exceeding Generosity to him, ib. He marries, ib. The Number of
his Wives then living, ib. His conjugal Virtues, 75, 76. Makes a second Excursion in
the Way of pyrating, 76. Some State Legerdemain betwixt him and the Governor,
ib. His modest Behaviour in the River, 77. His Frolicks on Shore, ib. The Merchants
apply for a Force against him, and where, 78. A Proclamation with a Reward for
taking or killing of Pyrates, 79, 80. Lieutenant Maynard sent in pursuit of him, 80.
Black-beard’s good Intelligence, 81. The Lieutenant engages Black-beard, ib. A
most execrable Health drank by Black-beard 82. The Fight bloody; the Particulars
of it, 82, 83, 84. Black-beard kill’d, 84. His Sloop taken, ib. The Lieutenant’s
Conduct, 84, 85. A Reflection on the Humours of Seamen, 85. Black-beard’s
Correspondents discover’d by his Papers, ib. Black-beard’s desperate Resolution
before the Fight, ib. The Lieutenant and Governor no very good Friends, 86. The
Prisoners hang’d, ib. Samuel Odel saved, and why, ib. The good Luck of Israel
Hands, 87. Black-beard’s mischievous Frolicks, ib. His Beard described, ib. Several
Instances if his Wickedness, 88, 89. Some Memorandums taken from his Journal,
89. The Names of the Pyrates kill’d in the Engagement, 90. Of those executed, ib.
The Value of the Prize, ib.
CHAP. IV.
Of Major STEDE BONNET, and his CREW.
B
RED a Gentleman, 91. Supposed to be disorder’d in his Senses, ib. His
Beginning as a Pyrate, ib. Takes Prizes, 92. Divisions in his Crew, ib. Meets
Black-beard, ib. Is deposed from his Command, 93. His melancholy Reflections, ib.
Surrenders to the King’s Proclamation, ib. His new Project, ib. Saves some Pyrates
marroon’d, 94. Begins the old Trade again, 95. An Account of Prizes taken by him,
95, 96. Colonel Rhet goes in Quest of Pyrates, 97. Yates the Pyrate surrenders, 98.
An Engagement betwixt Colonel Rhet and Major Bonnet, 100. An Account of the
kill’d and wounded, ib. The Prisoners carried to Charles-Town, ib. The Major and
the Master Escape, ib. Taken again by Colonel Rhet, 101. A Court of Vice-Admiralty
held, ib. The Names of those arraign’d, 102, 103. The Form of their Indictment,
104. Their Defence, 105. The Names of those who received Sentence, 106. An
excellent Speech made by the Lord Chief Justice on pronouncing Sentence on the
Major, 107 to 112.
CHAP. V.
Of Capt. EDW. ENGLAND, and his CREW.
H
IS Beginning and Character, 113, 114. A most barbarous Action of his Crew,
114, 115. The Names of Prizes taken by him, 115, 116. The Misfortunes of
his Confederates, 116, 117. England’s Progress half round the Globe, 117,
118. A short Description of the Coast of Malabar, ib. What they did at Madagascar,
118. Takes an East-India Man, ib. The Particulars of the Action in Captain Mackra’s
Letter, 119 to 122. Captain Mackra ventures on Board the Pyrate, 122. Is in
Danger of being murder’d; 123. Preserv’d by a pleasant Incident, ib. The Pyrates
Generosity to him, ib. Captain England deposed, and why, 124. Maroon’d on the
Island Mauritius, ib. Some Account of that Island, ib. The Adventures of the
Company continued, 124 to 126. Angria, an Indian Pyrate, 127. his Strength by
Land and Sea, ib. The East-India Company’s Wars with him, 127, 128. The Pyrates
go to the Island of Melinda, 129. Their barbarous Behaviour there, ib. Hear of
Captain Mackra’s Designs against them, ib. Their Reflections thereupon, 130. Sail
for Cochin, a Dutch Settlement, ib. The Pyrates and the Dutch very good Friends,
131. Mutual Presents made betwixt the Pyrates and the Governor, ib. The Pyrates
in a Fright, 133. Almost starv’d, ib. Take a Prize of an immense Value, 134. Take
an Ostend East-India Man, ib. A short Description of Madagascar, 135, 136. A
prodigious Dividend made by the Pyrates, 136. A Fellow’s Way of increasing his
Diamonds, ib. Some of the Pyrates quit, and join the Remains of Avery, ib. The
Proceedings of the Men of War in those Parts, 137, 138. Some Dutch Men petition
to be among the Pyrates, 138. The Pyrates divided in their Measures, 139. Break
up, ib. What became of them, 139, 140.
CHAP. VI.
Of Capt. CHARLES VANE, and his CREW.
V
ANE’s Behaviour at Providence, 141. The Names of Prizes taken by him, 141,
142. Is deserted by his Consort Yates, 143. Yates surrenders at Charles-
Town, ib. A Stratagem of Vane’s, 144. Black-beard and Vane meet, 145. They
salute after the Pyrates Manner, ib. Vane deposed from his Command, and why,
146. 15 Hands degraded, and turned out with him, ib. A Sloop given them, 147.
They sail in Quest of Adventures, and take Prizes, ib. Vane cast away upon an
uninhabited Island, ib. Meets with an old Acquaintance, 148. Vane seiz’d with a
Qualm of Honour, ib. Ships himself on Board a Vessel, passing for another Man, ib.
Is discover’d, with the Manner how, 149. Carried to Jamaica, and hang’d, ib.
CHAP. VII.
Of Capt. RACKAM, and his CREW.
R
ACKAM’s beginning as a Pyrate, 150, 151. An Account of Prizes taken by
him, 151. Is attack’d by a Spanish Guard Ship, ib. His Stratagem to escape,
152. More Prizes taken by him, 153. Is taken, and how, 154. Tried,
condemned, and executed at Jamaica, ib. The Names of his Crew condemn’d with
him, 154. An extraordinary Case of nine taken with him, ib. Some Account of the
Proceedings against them, 154, 155.
M
ARY Read’s Birth, 157. Reasons for dressing her in Breeches, 158. Waits
upon a Lady; goes into the Army, 159. Her Behaviour in several
Engagements, ib. She falls in Love with her Comrade, ib. Her Sex
discovered; the two Troopers married, 160. Settles at Breda, ib. Her Husband dies,
she reassumes the Breeches, ib. Goes to Holland. To the West-Indies, 161. Turns
Pyrate. Anne Bonny, another Pyrate, falls in Love with her, 162. Her Adventures to
165.
A
NNE Bonny born a Bastard, 166. Her Mother’s Intrigues strangely discover’d,
167. Her Father lies with his own Wife, by mistake, 169. She proves with
Child; the Husband jealous, 170. He separates from his Wife; lives with Anne
Bonny’s Mother, 171. Anne Bonny put into Breeches for a Disguise, how
discovered, ib. The Father becomes poor. Goes to Carolina, 172. Improves his
Fortune. Anne Bonny marries against his Consent. Her fierce Temper, ib. Goes to
Providence with her Husband, ib. Enticed to Sea in Men’s Cloaths, by Rackam the
Pyrate, 173. Reproaches Rackam with Cowardice at his Execution, ib.
CHAP. VIII.
Of Capt. HOWEL DAVIS, and his Crew.
T
HE Original of Davis, 174. Is taken by the Pyrate England, ib. England’s
Generosity to him, 175. Is cast into Prison at Barbadoes, and why, ib. Goes
to Providence, ib. Employ’d in a trading Vessel, seizes the Ship, 176. An
Instance of his great Courage and good Conduct, 177, 178. Goes to Cape de Verd
Islands, ib. Take several Prizes, ib. Take the Fort of St. Jago by Storm, 180. A
Council call’d, ib. Sail for Gambia, 181. Takes Gambia Castle by Stratagem, 181 to
184. Meets La Bouche, a French Pyrate, 184. His Adventures with Cocklyn the
Pyrate, at Sierraleone, 185. The Fort attack’d and taken, by three Confederate
Pyrates, 186. The Pyrates quarrel and part, ib. The laconick Speech of Davis to
them, ib. His fierce Engagement with a large Dutch Ship, 187. An Account of
several Prizes taken by him, ib. A Description of the Island of St. Thome, Del
Principe, and Annobono, from 188 to 204. The Dutch Governor of Acra taken by
Davis, 205. Davis well received by the Governor of Princes, ib. His Stratagem to
come at the Wealth of the Island, 206. Is counterplotted and kill’d, by an
Ambuscade, 207.
CHAP. IX.
Of Capt. BAR. ROBERTS, and his CREW.
H
IS Beginning, 208. Elected Captain in the Room of Davis, 209. The Speech
of Lord Dennis at the Election, ib. Lord Sympson objects against a Papist, ib.
The Death of Davis reveng’d, 210. Roberts sails Southward, in Quest of
Adventures, 211. The Names of the Prizes taken by them, ib. Brasil describ’d, from
211 to 221. Roberts falls into a Fleet of Portuguese, 221. Boards and takes the
richest Ship amongst them, 222. Make the Devil’s Islands, 223. An unfortunate
Adventure of Roberts, 224. Kennedy’s Treachery, 225. Irishmen excluded by
Roberts and his Crew, 230. Articles sworn to by them, ib. A Copy of them from,
230 to 233. Some Account of the Laws and Customs of the Pyrates, 233, 234. An
Instance of Roberts his Cunning, 234. He proceeds again upon Business, and
takes Prizes, 235. Narrowly escapes being taken, 236. Sails for the Island
Dominico, ib. Another Escape, 237. Sails for Newfoundland, ib. Plunders, sinks and
burns 22 Sail in the Harbour of Trepassi, ib. Plunders ten Sail of French Men, 238.
The mad Behaviour of the Crew, 238, 239. A Correspondence hinted at, 240. The
Pyrates caress’d at the Island of St. Bartholomew, ib. In extream Distress, 241,
242. Sail for Martinico, 243. A Stratagem of Roberts, ib. The insolent Device in his
Colours, 244. And odd Compliment paid to Roberts, ib. Three Men desert the
Pyrates, and are taken by them, 245. Their Tryal, 245, 246. Two executed, and
one saved, 247. The Brigantine deserts them, 248. Great Divisions in the
Company, 248, 249. A Description of Sierraleone River, 250. The Names of English
settled there, and Way of Life, 251, 252, 253. The Onslow, belonging to the
African Company taken, 254. The Pyrates Contempt of Soldiers, ib. They are for
entertaining a Chaplain, ib. Their Skirmish with the Calabar Negroes, 256. The
King Solomon, belonging to the African Company, taken, 258. The Frolicks of the
Pyrates, ib. Take eleven Sail in Whydah Road, 259. A comical Receipt given by the
Pyrates, 260. A cruel Action of Roberts, 261. Sails for Anna Bona, 262. The
Progress of the Swallow Man of War, in Pursuit of Roberts, from 262 to 267.
Roberts his Consort taken, 267. The Bravery of Skyrme, a Welch Pyrate, 268. The
surly Humour of some of the Prisoners, 268, 269. The Swallow comes up with
Roberts, 270. Roberts his Dress described, 271. Is kill’d, 272. His Character, ib. His
Ship taken, 273. The Behaviour of the Pyrates, when Prisoners, 275. A Conspiracy
of theirs discovered, 276, 277. Reflections on the Manner of trying them, 278, 279,
280. The Form of the Commission for trying the Pyrates, 281. The Oath taken by
the Commissioners, 282. The Names of those arraign’d taken in the Ship Ranger,
282, 283, 284. The Form of the Indictment, 284, 285. The Sum of the Evidence
against them, 285, 286. Their Defence, 287, 288. The Names of the Prisoners of
the Royal Fortune, 288, 289, 290. Proceedings against them, 291 to 304. Harry
Glasby acquitted, 304. The particular Tryal of Captain James Skyrme, 304, 305. Of
John Walden, 305 to 308. Of Peter Scudamore, 308 to 311. Of Robert Johnson,
311, 312. Of George Wilson, 312 to 317. Of Benjamin Jeffries, 317, 318. Of John
Mansfield, 318, 319. Of William Davis, 319 to 321. The Names of those executed
at Cape Corso, 321, 322. The Petition of some condemn’d, 323. The Courts
Resolution, ibid. The Form of an Indenture of a pardon’d Pyrate, 324. The Names
of those pardon’d upon Indenture to serve seven Years, 325. The Pyrates how
disposed of, 326. The dying Behaviour of those executed, 326 to 329.
CHAP. X.
Of Capt. ANSTIS, and his CREW.
H
IS Beginning as a Pyrate, 330. A most brutish Action supposed to be
committed by his Crew, 331. Civil Discords amongst them, 332. The Pyrates
Term of Round Robin explain’d, ib. They land on an uninhabited Island, ib. A
Petition for Pardon agreed on, ib. The Form of that Petition, 333. Their Diversions,
and Manner of living on the Island, 334, 335. Their mock Tryal of one another,
336 to 338. They put to Sea again, 338. Their Petition not answer’d, ib. The
Morning Star Wreck’d, ib. Anstis narrowly escapes being taken, 339. A Plot
discover’d, ib. The Crew gathers Strength again, 340. Surprised by the Winchelsea
Man of War at Tobago, ib. Fire one of their Ships, ib. Anstis escapes, ib. Is killed by
a Conspiracy of his own Men, 341. The Ship surrender’d at Curaco, ib. Several
hang’d there, ib. Fen hanged at Antegoa, ib. The good Luck of those who fled to
the Woods, ib.
CHAP. XI.
Of Capt. WORLEY, and his CREW.
H
IS mad Beginning, 342. His Success, 343, 344. Bind themselves by Oath to
take no Quarters, 344. A false Alarm at James-Town, 345. Worley catches a
Tartar, ib. The desperate Resolution of the Pyrates, 346. Worley hanged, ib.
CHAP. XII.
Of Capt. GEO. LOWTHER, and his CREW.
H
IS Beginning, 347. Plots with Massey, 349. Massey’s Conduct, 350, 351.
Lowther’s Proposal, 351. A Copy of Articles drawn up, and sworn to, 352.
The Pyrates going by the Ears, 354. How Rogues are made Friends, ib.
Lowther and Massey part, 355. A Digression concerning Massey’s mad Conduct,
355 to 357. Lowther and Low meet, 358. An Alliance betwixt them, ib. A List of
Prizes taken by them, 359. An unlucky Adventure at Cape Mayo, 359, 360.
Lowther and Low break the Alliance, and part, 361. The Bravery of Captain
Gwatkins, ib. The Pyrates much reduced, 362. Winter in North-Carolina, ib. Put to
Sea again, ib. Make for the Island of Blanco, 363. The Island described, ib. Are
surprised and taken, 364. Lowther escapes, ib. The Names of the Prisoners, and
Fate, ib. Lowther’s Death, 365.
CHAP. XIII.
Of Capt. LOW and his CREW.
L
OW’s Original, 366, 367. The Virtues of his Family, ib. His bold Beginnings,
368. Declares War against the whole World, ib. His Success, 369, 370. Like to
perish by a Storm, 371, 372. Sail for the Western Island, 373. Treats with the
Governor of St. Michael for Water, ib. Several Instances of their wanton Cruelty,
374. Low’s Consort taken, and how, 376. A horrid Massacre committed by Low.
376, 377. Takes a Multitude of Prizes, 377. Another barbarous Massacre, 379. More
Cruelties, 379, 380. Low and his Consort attack’d by the Greyhound Man of War,
380, 381. Low deserts his Consort, 381. The Consort taken, ib. Carried to Rhode
Island, 382. The Names, Age, and Places of Birth, of the Prisoners, 382, 383. A
Compliment paid to Captain Solgard, by the Corporation of New-York, 384. The
Resolution of the Mayor and Common-Council, ib. The Preamble of the Captain’s
Freedom, 385. More Instances of Low’s Cruelty, 388, 389. His Adventures
continued to 390.
CHAP. XIV.
Of Capt. JOHN EVANS and his CREW.
B
EGINS with House-breaking, 391. Seizes a Sloop, 392. Robs a House the
same Night, ib. Put to Sea, and take valuable Prizes, 393. Evans shot dead
by his Boatswain, 394, His Death reveng’d, ib. The Company breaks up, 395.
CHAP. XV.
Of Capt. JOHN PHILLIPS, and his CREW.
P
HILLIPS his Original, 396. How he became a Pyrate, ib. His Return to England
accounted for, ib. Ships again for Newfoundland, ib. Deserts his Ship in Peter
Harbour, 397. He and four others seize a Vessel, ib. Sail out a pyrating, ib.
Articles sworn to upon a Hatchet, ib. A Copy of the Articles, 397, 398. Ill Blood
amongst them, and why, 399. Are almost starved, ib, Take Prizes, ib. Phillips
proposes to clean at Tobago, and why, ib. Meets an old Acquaintance, 400.
Frighten’d from the Island, ib. A Conspiracy to run away with the Prize, ib. A
Skirmish, ib. The Carpenter’s Dexterity in cutting off Legs, ib. Fern kill’d by Phillips,
and why, 401. The Danger of attempting an Escape among the Pyrates, ib.
Captain Mortimer’s Bravery, and hard Fate, 401, 402. Captain Mortimer’s Brother
escapes, and how, 402. Cheeseman’s Steps for overthrowing the Pyrates
Government, 403. A Digression concerning Newfoundland, and its Trade, 403, 404.
The Pyrates recruited with Men from thence, 405. Phillips his Conscience pricks
him, ib. Dependence Ellery, a Saint, oblig’d to dance by the Pyrates, 406. A brave
Action perform’d by Cheesemen, 407. Carries the Pyrate Ship into Boston, 408.
The dying Declarations of John Rose Archer, and William White, 408, 409.
CHAP. XVI.
Of Captain SPRIGGS, and his CREW.
S
PRIGGS his Beginning, 411. How he set up for himself, ib. Sweats his
Prisoners for Diversion, 412. The Pyrates mistake in drinking Healths, 413.
Take Hawkins a second time, 414. Burn his Ship, and why, ib. An odd
Entertainment given him by the Pyrates, ib. Captain Hawkins how disposed of,
414, 415. Spriggs barbarous Usage of his Prisoners, 415, 416. Takes a Ship loaden
with Horses, 416. An odd Frolick of the Pyrates, ib. Two particular Relations of
Pyracy, from 417 to 424.
THE
HISTORY
OF THE
PYRATES.
INTRODUCTION.
S the Pyrates in the West-Indies have been so formidable
and numerous, that they have interrupted the Trade of
Europe into those Parts; and our English Merchants, in
particular, have suffered more by their Depredations,
than by the united Force of France and Spain, in the late
War: We do not doubt but the World will be curious to know the
Original and Progress of these Desperadoes, who were the Terror of
the trading Part of the World.
But before we enter upon their particular History, it will not be
amiss, by way of Introduction, to shew, by some Examples drawn
from History, the great Mischief and Danger which threaten
Kingdoms and Commonwealths, from the Increase of these sort of
Robbers; when either by the Troubles of particular Times, or the
Neglect of Governments, they are not crush’d before they gather
Strength.
It has been the Case heretofore, that when a single Pyrate has
been suffered to range the Seas, as not being worth the Notice of a
Government, he has by Degrees grown so powerful, as to put them
to the Expence of a great deal of Blood and Treasure, before he was
suppress’d. We shall not examine how it came to pass, that our
Pyrates in the West-Indies have continually increased till of late; this
is an Enquiry which belongs to the Legislature, or Representatives of
the People in Parliament, and to them we shall leave it.
Our Business shall be briefly to shew, what from Beginnings, as
inconsiderable as these, other Nations have suffered.
In the Times of Marius and Sylla, Rome was in her greatest
Strength, yet she was so torn in Pieces by the Factions of those two
great Men, that every Thing which concerned the publick Good was
altogether neglected, when certain Pyrates broke out from Cicilia, a
Country of Asia Minor, situate on the Coast of the Mediterranean,
betwixt Syria on the East, from whence it is divided by Mount Tauris,
and Armenia Minor on the West. This Beginning was mean and
inconsiderable, having but two or three Ships, and a few Men, with
which they cruised about the Greek Islands, taking such Ships as
were very ill arm’d or weakly defended; however, by the taking of
many Prizes, they soon increased in Wealth and Power: The first
Action of their’s which made a Noise, was the taking of Julius Cæsar,
who was as yet a Youth, and who being obliged to fly from the
Cruelties of Sylla, who sought his Life, went into Bithinia, and
sojourned a while with Nicomedes, King of that Country; in his
Return back by Sea, he was met with, and taken, by some of these
Pyrates, near the Island of Pharmacusa: These Pyrates had a
barbarous Custom of tying their Prisoners Back to Back and throwing
them into the Sea; but, supposing Cæsar to be some Person of a
high Rank, because of his purple Robes, and the Number of his
Attendants, they thought it would be more for their Profit to
preserve him, in hopes of receiving a great Sum for his Ransom;
therefore they told him he should have his Liberty, provided he
would pay them twenty Talents, which they judg’d to be a very high
Demand, in our Money, about three thousand six hundred Pounds
Sterling; he smiled, and of his own Accord promised them fifty
Talents; they were both pleased, and surpriz’d at his Answer, and
consented that several of his Attendants should go by his Direction
and raise the Money; and he was left among these Ruffians with no
more than 3 Attendants. He pass’d eight and thirty Days, and
seemed so little concerned or afraid, that often when he went to
sleep, he used to charge them not to make a Noise, threatening, if
they disturbed him, to hang them all; he also play’d at Dice with
them, and sometimes wrote Verses and Dialogues, which he used to
repeat, and also cause them to repeat, and if they did not praise and
admire them, he would call them Beasts and Barbarians, telling them
he would crucify them. They took all these as the Sallies of a
juvenile Humour, and were rather diverted, than displeased at them.
At length his Attendants return’d with his Ransom, which he paid,
and was discharged; he sail’d for the Port of Miletum, where, as
soon as he was arriv’d, he used all his Art and Industry in fitting out
a Squadron of Ships, which he equipp’d and arm’d at his own
Charges; and sailing in Quest of the Pyrates, he surpriz’d them as
they lay at Anchor among the Islands, and took those who had
taken him before, with some others; the Money he found upon them
he made Prize of, to reimburse his Charges, and he carry’d the Men
to Pergamus or Troy, and there secured them in Prison: In the mean
Time, he apply’d himself to Junius, then Governor of Asia, to whom
it belonged to judge and determine of the Punishment of these Men;
but Junius finding there was no Money to be had, answered Cæsar,
that he would think at his Leisure, what was to be done with those
Prisoners; Cæsar took his Leave of him, returned back to Pergamus,
and commanded that the Prisoners should be brought out and
executed, according to Law in that Case provided; which is taken
Notice of, in a Chapter at the End of this Book, concerning the Laws
in Cases of Pyracy: And thus he gave them that Punishment in
Earnest, which he had often threatned them with in Jest.
Cæsar went strait to Rome, where, being engaged in the Designs
of his own private Ambition, as were almost all the leading Men in
Rome, the Pyrates who were left, had Time to increase to a
prodigious Strength; for while the civil Wars lasted, the Seas were
left unguarded, so that Plutarch tells us, that they erected diverse
Arsenals full of all manner of warlike Stores, made commodious
Harbours, set up Watch-Towers and Beacons all along the Coasts of
Cilicia; that they had a mighty Fleet, well equipp’d and furnish’d,
with Galliots of Oars, mann’d, not only with Men of desperate
Courage, but also with expert Pilots and Mariners; they had their
Ships of Force, and light Pinnaces for cruising and making
Discoveries, in all no less than a thousand Sail; so gloriously set out,
that they were as much to be envied for their gallant Shew, as fear’d
for their Force; having the Stern and Quarters all gilded with Gold
and their Oars plated with Silver, as well as purple Sails; as if their
greatest Delight had been to glory in their Iniquity. Nor were they
content with committing Pyracies and Insolencies by Sea, they
committed as great Depredations by Land, or rather made
Conquests; for they took and sack’d no less than four hundred
Cities, laid several others under Contributions, plundered the
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