Great Pirate Stories Part 4

Their _Admirall_ was called _Callfater_, having upon her maine top-saile, two top-gallant sailes, one above another. But whereas we thought them all five to be _Turkish_ ships of war, we afterwards understood, that two of them were their prizes, the one a smal ship of _London_, the other of the West-countrey, that came out of the _Quactath_ laden with figges, and other Merchandise, but now subiect to the fortune of the Sea, and the captivity of Pirats. But to our businesse. Three of these ships got much upon us, and so much that ere halfe the day was spent, the _Admirall_ who was the best sailer, fetcht up the _George Bonaventure_, and made booty of it. The _Vice-Admirall_ againe being neerest unto the lesser Barke, whereof _Iohn Rawlins_ was Master, shewed him the force of a stronger arme, and by his _Turkish_ name, called _Villa-Rise_, commanded him in like sort to strike his sailes, and submit to his mercy, which not to be gaine-saied nor prevented, was quickly done: and so _Rawlins_ with his Barke was quickly taken, although the _Reare-Admirall_ being the worst sayler of the three, called _Reggiprise_, came not in, till all was done.

The same day before night, the _Admirall_ either loth to pester himselfe with too much company, or ignorant of the commodity that was to be made by the sale of _English_ prisoners, or daring not to trust them in his company, for feare of mutinies, and exciting others to rebellion; set twelve persons who were in the _George Bonaventure_ on the land, and divers other _English_, whom he had taken before, to trie their fortunes in an unknowne Countrey. But _Villa-Rise_, the _Vice-Admirall_ that had taken _Iohn Rawlins_, would not so dispence with his men, but commanded him and five more of his company to be brought aboord his ship, leaving in his Barke three men and his boy, with thirteene _Turkes_ and _Moores_, who were questionlesse sufficient to over-master the other, and direct the Barke to Harbour. Thus they sailed directly for _Algier_; but the night following, followed them with great tempest and foule weather, which ended not without some effect of a storme: for they lost the sight of _Rawlins_ Barke, called the _Nicholas_, and in a manner lost themselves, though they seemed safe a shipboord, by fearefull coniecturing what should become of us: at last, by the two and twentieth of the same moneth, they, or we (chuse you whether) arrived at _Algier_, and came in safety within the Mould, but found not our other Barke there; nay, though we earnestly inquired after the same, yet heard we nothing to our satisfaction; but much matter was ministred to our discomfort and amazement. For although the Captaine and our over-seers, were loth we should have any conference with our Country-men; yet did we adventure to informe ourselves of the present affaires, both of the Towne, and the shipping: so that finding many _English_ at worke in other ships, they spared not to tell us the danger we were in, and the mischiefes we must needs incurre, as being sure if we were not used like slaves, to be sold as slaves; for there had beene five hundred brought into the market for the same purpose, and above a hundred hansome youths compelled to turne _Turkes_, or made subiect to more viler prost.i.tution, and all _English_: yet like good _Christians_, they bade us be of good cheere, and comfort ourselves in this, that G.o.ds trials were gentle purgations, and these crosses were but to cleanse the drosse from the gold, and bring us out of the fire againe more cleare and lovely. Yet I must needs confesse, that they afforded us reason for this cruelty, as if they determined to be revenged of our last attempt to fire their ships in the Mould, and therefore protested to spare none whom they could surprise and take alive; but either to sell them for money, or torment them to serve their owne turnes. Now their customes and usages in both these was in this manner.

First, concerning the first. The _Bashaw_ had the over-seeing of all prisoners, who were presented unto him at their first comming into the harbour, and to choose one out of every eight for a present or fee to himselfe: the rest were rated by the Captaines, and so sent to the Market to be sold; whereat if either there were repining, or any drawing backe, then certaine _Moores_ and Officers attended either to beate you forward, or thrust you into the sides with Goades; and this was the manner of the selling of Slaves.

Secondly, concerning their enforcing them, either to turne _Turke_, or to attend their filthines and impieties, although it would make a Christians heart bleed to heare of the same, yet must the truth not be hid, nor the terror left untold. They commonly lay them on their naked backs or bellies, beating them so long, till they bleed at the nose and mouth; and if yet they continue constant, then they strike the teeth out of their heads, pinch them by their tongues, and use many other sorts of tortures to convert them; nay, many times they lay them their whole length in the ground like a grave, and so cover them with boords, threatening to starve them, if they will not turne; and so many even for feare of torment and death, make their tongues betray their hearts to a most fearefull wickednesse, and so are circ.u.mcised with new names, and brought to confesse a new Religion. Others againe, I must confesse, who never knew any G.o.d, but their own sensuall l.u.s.ts and pleasures, thought that any religion would serve their turnes, and so for preferment or wealth very voluntarily renounced their faith, and became _Renegadoes_ in despight of any counsell which seemed to intercept them: and this was the first newes wee encountred with at our comming first to _Algier_.

The 26. of the same moneth, _Iohn Rawlins_ his Barke, with his other three men and a boy, came safe into the Mould, and so were put all together to be carried before the _Bashaw_, but that they tooke the Owners servant, and _Rawlins_ Boy, and by force and torment compelled them to turne _Turkes_: then were they in all seven _English_, besides _Iohn Rawlins_, of whom the _Bashaw_ tooke one, and sent the rest to their Captaines, who set a valuation upon them, and so the Souldiers hurried us like dogs into the Market, whereas men sell Hacknies in _England_. We were tossed up and downe to see who would give most for us; and although we had heavy hearts, and looked with sad countenances, yet many came to behold us, sometimes taking us by the hand, sometimes turning us round about, sometimes feeling our brawnes and naked armes, and so beholding our prices written on our b.r.e.a.s.t.s, they bargained for us accordingly, and at last we were all sold, and the Souldiers returned with the money to their Captaines.

_Iohn Rawlins_ was the last who was sold, by reason of his lame hand, and bought by the Captaine that tooke him, even that dog _Villa Rise_, who better informing himselfe of his skill fit to be a Pilot, and his experience to bee an over-seer, bought him and his Carpenter at very easie rates. For as we afterwards understood by divers _English Renegadoes_, he paid for _Rawlins_ but one hundred and fiftie Dooblets, which make of _English_ money seven pound ten shilling. Thus was he and his Carpenter with divers other slaves sent into his ship to worke, and imployed about such affaires, as belonged to the well rigging and preparing the same. But the villanous _Turkes_ perceiving his lame hand, and that he could not performe so much as other Slaves, quickly complained to their Patron, who as quickly apprehended the inconvenience; whereupon hee sent for him the next day, and told him he was unserviceable for his present purpose, and therefore unlesse he could procure fifteene pound of the _English_ there for his ransome, he would send him up into the Countrey, where he should never see _Christendome_ againe, and endure the extremity of a miserable banishment.

But see how G.o.d worketh all for the best for his servants, and confounded the presumption of Tyrants, frustrating their purposes, to make his wonders knowne to the sonnes of men, and releeves his people, when they least thinke of succour and releas.e.m.e.nt. Whilest _Iohn Rawlins_ was thus terrified with the dogged answere of _Villa Rise_, the _Exchange_ of _Bristow_,[5] a ship formerly surprised by the Pirats, lay all unrigged in the Harbour, till at last one _Iohn Goodale_, an _English Turke_, with his confederates, understanding shee was a good sailer, and might be made a proper Man of Warre, bought her from the _Turkes_ that tooke her, and prepared her for their owne purpose. Now the _Captaine_ that set them at worke, was also an _English Renegado_, by the name of _Rammetham Rise_, but by his Christian name _Henrie Chandler_, who resolved to make _Goodale_ Master over her; and because they were both _English Turkes_, having the command notwithstanding of many _Turkes_ and _Moores_, they concluded to have all _English_ slaves to goe in her, and for their Gunners, _English_ and _Dutch Renegadoes_, and so they agreed with the Patrons of nine _English_ and one _French_ Slave for their ransoms, who were presently imployed to rig and furnish the ship for a Man of Warre, and while they were thus busied, two of _Iohn Rawlins_ men, who were taken with him, were also taken up to serve in this Man of Warre, their names, _Iames Roe_, and _Iohn Davies_, the one dwelling in _Plimmoth_, and the other in _Foy_, where the Commander of this ship was also borne, by which occasion they came acquainted, so that both the Captaine, and the Master promised them good usage, upon the good service they should performe in the voyage, and withall demanded of them, if they knew of any _Englishman_ to be bought, that could serve as a Pilot, both to direct them out of Harbour, and conduct them in their voyage. For in truth neither was the Captaine a Mariner, nor any _Turke_ in her of sufficiency to dispose of her through the Straites in securitie, nor oppose any enemie, that should hold it out bravely against them. _Davies_ quickly replied, that as farre as he understood, _Villa Rise_ would sell _Iohn Rawlins_ his Master, and Commander of the Barke which was taken, a man every way sufficient for Sea affaires, being of great resolution and good experience; and for all he had a lame hand, yet had he a sound heart and n.o.ble courage for any attempt or adventure.

When the Captaine understood thus much, he imployed _Davies_ to search for Rawlins, who at last lighting upon him, asked him if the _Turke_ would sell him: _Rawlins_ suddenly answered, that by reason of his lame hand he was willing to part with him; but because he had disbursed money for him, he would gaine something by him, and so prized him at three hundred Dooblets, which amounteth to fifteene pound _English_; which he must procure, or incurre sorer indurances. When _Davies_ had certified this much, the _Turkes_ a ship-boord conferred about the matter, and the Master whose Christen name was _Iohn Goodale_ joyned with two _Turkes_, who were consorted with him, and disbursed one hundred Dooblets a piece, and so bought him of _Villa Rise_, sending him into the said ship, called the _Exchange_ of _Bristow_, as well to supervise what had been done, as to order what was left undone, but especially to fit the sailes, and to accommodate the ship, all which _Rawlins_ was very carefull and dilligent in, not yet thinking of any peculiar plot of deliverance, more than a generall desire to be freed from this _Turkish_ slaverie, and inhumane abuses.

By the seventh of Januarie, the ship was prepared with twelve good cast Pieces, and all manner of munition and provision, which belonged to such a purpose, and the same day haled out of the Mould of _Algier_, with this company, and in this manner.

There were in her sixtie three _Turkes_ and _Moores_, nine _English_ slaves, and one _French_, foure _Hollanders_ that were free men, to whom the _Turkes_ promised one prise or other, and so to returne to Holland; or if they were disposed to goe backe againe for _Algier_, they should have great reward and no enforcement offered, but continue as they would, both their religion and their customes: and for their Gunners they had two of our Souldiers, one _English_ and one _Dutch_ Renegado; and thus much for the companie. For the manner of setting out, it was as usuall as in other ships, but that the _Turkes_ delighted in the ostentous braverie of their Streamers, Banners, and Top-sayles; the ship being a handsome ship, and well built for any purpose. The Slaves and _English_ were imployed under Hatches about the Ordnance, and other workes of order, and accommodating themselves: all which _Iohn Rawlins_ marked, as supposing it an intolerable slaverie to take such paines, and be subiect to such dangers, and still to enrich other men and maintaine their voluptuous filthinesse and lives, returning _themselves_ as Slaves, and living worse than their Dogs amongst them. Whereupon hee burst out into these, or the like abrupt speeches: "Oh h.e.l.lish slaverie to be thus subiect to Dogs! Oh, G.o.d strengthen my heart and hand, that something shall be done to ease us of these mischiefs, and deliver us from these cruell _Mahumetan_ Dogs." The other Slaves pittying his distraction (as they thought) bad him speake softly, lest they should all fare the worse for his distemperature. "The worse (quoth _Rawlins_) what can be worse? I will either attempt my deliverance at one time, or another, or perish in the enterprise: but if you would be contented to hearken after a release, and joyne with me in the action, I would not doubt of facilitating the same, and shew you a way to make your credits thrive by some worke of amazement, and augment your glorie in purchasing your libertie." "I prethee be quiet (said they againe) and think not of impossibilities: yet if you can but open such a doore of reason and probabilitie, that we be not condemned for desperate and distracted persons, in pulling the Sunne as it were out of the Firmament, wee can but sacrifice our lives, and you may be sure of secrecie and faithfulnesse."

The fifteenth of Januarie, the morning water brought us neere _Cape de Gatt_, hard by the sh.o.a.re, we having in our companie a smal _Turkish_ ship of Warre, that followed us out of _Algier_ the next day, and now ioyning with us, gave us notice of seven small vessels, sixe of them being _Sallees_, and one _Pollack_, who very quickly appeared in sight, and so we made toward them: but having more advantage of the _Pollack_, then the rest, and loth to lose all, we both fetcht her up, and brought her past hope of recoverie, which when she perceived, rather then she would voluntarily come into the slaverie of these _Mahumetans_, she ran her selfe a sh.o.a.re, and so all the men forsooke her. We still followed as neere as we durst, and for feare of splitting, let fall our anchors, sending out both our boates, wherein were many Musketeers, and some _English_ and _Dutch_ Renegadoes, who came aboord home at their _Conge_, and found three pieces of Ordnance, and foure Murtherers: but they straightway threw them all over-boord to lighten the ship, and so they got her off, being laden with Hides, and Logwood for dying, and presently sent her to _Algier_, taking nine _Turkes_, and one _English_ Slave, out of one ship, and six out of the lesse, which we thought sufficient to man her.

In the rifling of this _Catelaynia_, our _Turkes_ fell at variance one with another, and in such a manner, that we divided our selves, the lesser ship returned to _Algier_, and our _Exchange_ tooke the opportunitie of the wind, and plyed out of the Streights, which reioyced _Iohn Rawlins_ very much, as resolving on some Stratageme, when opportunities should serve. In the meane-while, the _Turkes_ began to murmurre, and would not willingly goe into the _Marr Granada_, as the phrase is amongst them: notwithstanding the _Moores_ being very _superst.i.tious_, were contented to be directed by their _Hoshea_, who with us, signifieth a Witch, and is of great account and reputation amongst them, as not going in any great Vessell to Sea without one, and observing whatsoever he concludeth out of his Divination. The Ceremonies they use are many, and when they come into the Ocean, every second or third night they make their Conjuration; it beginneth and endeth with Prayer, using many Characters, and calling upon G.o.d by divers names: yet at this time, all that they did consisted in these particulars.

Upon the sight of two great ships, and as wee were afraid of their chasing us, they beeing supposed to bee _Spanish_ men of Warre, a great silence is commanded in the ship, and when all is done, the company giveth as great a skreech; the Captaine comming to _John Rawlins_, and sometimes making him take in all his sayles, and sometimes causing him to hoyst them all out, as the Witch findeth by his Booke, and presages; then have they two Arrowes, and a Curtleaxe, lying upon a Pillow naked; the Arrowes are one for the Turkes, and the other for the Christians; then the Witch readeth, and the Captaine or some other taketh the Arrowes in their hand by the heads, and if the Arrow for the Christians commeth over the head of the Arrow for the _Turkes_, then doe they advance their sayles, and will not endure the fight, whatsoever they see: but if the Arrow of the _Turkes_ is found in the opening of the hand upon the Arrow of the Christians, then will they stay and encounter with any shippe whatsoever. The Curtleaxe is taken up by some Childe, that is innocent, or rather ignorant of the Ceremonie, and so layd downe againe; then doe they observe, whether the same side is uppermost, which lay before, and so proceed accordingly.

They also observe Lunatickes and Changelings, and the Coniurer writeth downe their Sayings in a Booke, groveling on the ground, as if he whispered to the Devil to tell him the truth, and so expoundeth the Letter, as it were by inspiration. Many other foolish Rites they have, whereupon they doe dote as foolishly.

Whilest he was busied, and made demonstration that all was finished, the people in the ship gave a great shout, and cryed out, "a sayle, a sayle," which at last was discovered to bee another man of Warre of _Turkes_. For he made toward us, and sent his Boat aboord us, to whom our Captain complained, that being becalmed by the Southerne Cape, and having made no Voyage, the _Turkes_ denyed to goe any further Northward: but the Captaine resolved not to returne to _Algier_, except he could obtayne some Prize worthy his endurances, but rather to goe to _Salle_, and tell his Christians to victuall his ship; which the other Captaine apprehended for his honour, and so perswaded the _Turkes_ to be obedient unto him; whereupon followed a pacification amongst us, and so that _Turke_ tooke his course for the Streights, and wee put up Northward, expecting the good houre of some beneficiall bootie.

All this while our slavery continued, and the _Turkes_ with insulting tyrannie set us still on worke in all base and servile actions, adding stripes and inhumane revilings, even in our greatest labour, whereupon _Iohn Rawlins_ resolved to obtane his libertie, and surprize the ship; providing Ropes with broad spikes of Iron, and all the Iron Crowes, with which hee knew a way, upon consent of the rest, to ramme up or tye fast their Scuttels, Gratings, and Cabbins, yea, to shut up the Captaine himselfe with all his consorts, and so to handle the matter, that upon the watch-word given, the _English_ being Masters of the Gunner roome, Ordnance, and Powder, they would eyther blow them into the Ayre, or kill them as they adventured to come downe one by one, if they should by any chance open their Cabbins. But because hee would proceed the better in his enterprise, as he had somewhat abruptly discovered himselfe to the nine _English_ slaves, so he kept the same distance with the foure _Hollanders_, that were free men, till finding them comming somewhat toward them, he acquainted them with the whole Conspiracie, and they affecting the Plot, offered the adventure of their lives in the businesse. Then very warily he undermined the _English_ Renegado, which was the Gunner, and three more his a.s.sociats, who at first seemed to retract. Last of all were brought in the _Dutch_ Renegadoes, who were also in the Gunner roome, for alwayes there lay twelve there, five Christians, and seven _English_, and _Dutch Turkes_: so that when another motion had settled their resolutions, and _Iohn Rawlins_ his constancie had put new life as it were in the matter, the foure _Hollanders_ very honestly, according to their promise, sounded the _Dutch_ Renegadoes, who with easie perswasion gave their consent to so brave an Enterprize; whereupon _Iohn Rawlins_, not caring whether the _English_ Gunners would yeeld or no, resolved in the Captaines morning watch, to make the attempt. But you must understand that where the _English_ slaves lay, there hung up alwayes foure or five Crowes of Iron, being still under the carriages of the Peeces, and when the time approached being very darke, because _Iohn Rawlins_ would have his Crow of Iron ready as other things were, and other men prepared in their severall places, in taking it out of the carriage, by chance, it hit on the side of the Peece, making such a noyse, that the Souldiers hearing it awaked the _Turkes_, and bade them come downe: whereupon the Botesane of the _Turkes_ descended with a Candle, and presently searched all the slaves places, making much adoe of the matter, but finding neyther Hatchet nor Hammer, nor any thing else to move suspicion of the Enterprize, more then the Crow of Iron, which lay slipped downe under the carriages of the Peeces, they went quietly up againe, and certified the Captaine what had chanced, who satisfied himselfe, that it was a common thing to have a Crow of Iron slip from its place. But by this occasion wee made stay of our attempt, yet were resolved to take another or a better oportunitie.

For we sayled still more North-ward, and _Rawlins_ had more time to tamper with his Gunners, and the rest of the _English_ Renegadoes, who very willingly, when they considered the matter, and perpended the reasons, gave way unto the Proiect, and with a kind of joy seemed to entertayne the motives: only they made a stop at the first on-set, who should begin the enterprize, which was no way fit for them to doe, because they were no slaves, but Renegadoes, and so had always beneficiall entertaynment amongst them. But when it is once put in practice, they would be sure not to faile them, but venture their lives for G.o.d and their Countrey. But once againe he is disappointed, and a suspitious accident brought him to recollect his spirits anew, and studie on the danger of the enterprize, and thus it was. After the Renegado Gunner, had protested secrecie by all that might induce a man to bestow some beliefe upon him, he presently went up the Scottle, but stayed not aloft a quarter of an houre; nay he came sooner down, & in the Gunner roome sate by _Rawlins_, who tarryed for him where he left him: he was no sooner placed, and entred into some conference, but there entred into the place a furious _Turke_, with his Knife drawne, and presented it to _Rawlins_ his body, who verily supposed, he intended to kill him, as suspitious that the Gunner had discovered something, whereat _Rawlins_ was much moved, and hastily asked what the matter meant, and whether he would kill him, observing his companion's countenance to change colour, whereby his suspitious heart, condemned him for a Traytor: but at more leisure he sware the contrary, and afterward proved faithfull and industrious in the enterprize. For the present, he answered _Rawlins_ in this manner, "no Master, be not afraid, I thinke hee doth but _iest_." With that _John Rawlins_ gave backe a little and drew out his Knife, stepping also to the Gunners sheath and taking out his, whereby he had two Knives to one, which when the _Turke_ perceived, he threw downe his Knife, saying, hee did but iest with him. But when the Gunner perceived, _Rawlins_ tooke it so ill, hee whispered something in his eare, that at last satisfied him, calling Heaven to witnesse, that he never spake word of the Enterprize, nor ever would, either to the preiudice of the businesse, or danger of his person. Notwithstanding, _Rawlins_ kept the Knives in his sleeve all night, and was somewhat troubled, for that hee had made so many acquainted with an action of such importance; but the next day, when hee perceived the Coast cleere, and that there was no cause of further feare, hee somewhat comforted himselfe.

All this while, _Rawlins_ drew the Captaine to lye for the Northerne Cape, a.s.suring him, that thereby he should not misse a prize, which accordingly fell out, as a wish would have it: but his drift was in truth to draw him from any supply, or help of _Turkes_, if G.o.d should give way to their Enterprize, or successe to the victorie: yet for the present the sixth of February, being twelve leagues from the Cape, wee descryed a sayle, and presently took the advantage of the wind in chasing her, and at last fetched her up, making her strike all her sayles, whereby wee knew her to be a Barke belonging to _Tor Bay_, neere _Dartmouth_, that came from _Auerure_ laden with Salt. Ere we had fully dispatched, it chanced to be foule weather, so that we could not, or at least _would not_ make out our Boat, but caused the Master of the Barke to let downe his, and come aboord with his Company, being in the Barke but nine men, and one Boy; and so the Master leaving his Mate with two men in the ship, came himselfe with five men, and the boy unto us, whereupon our _Turkish_ Captain sent ten _Turkes_ to man her, amongst whom were two _Dutch_, and one English Renegado, who were of our confederacie, and acquainted with the businesse.

But when _Rawlins_ saw this part.i.tion of his friends; before they could hoyst out their Boat for the Barke, he made meanes to speake with them, and told them plainly, that he would prosecute the matter eyther that night, or the next and therefore whatsoever came of it they should acquaint the _English_ with his resolution, and make toward _England_, bearing up the helme, whiles the _Turkes_ slept, and suspected no such matter: for by G.o.ds grace in his first watch about mid-night, he would shew them a light, by which they might understand, that the Enterprize was begunne, or at least in a good forwardnesse for the execution: and so the Boat was let downe, and they came to the Barke of _Tor Bay_, where the Masters Mate beeing left (as before you have heard) apprehended quickly the matter, and heard the Discourse with amazement.

But time was precious, and not to be spent in disputing, or casting of doubts, whether the _Turkes_ that were with them were able to master them, or no, beeing seven to sixe, considering they had the helme of the ship, and the _Turkes_ being Souldiers, and ignorant of Sea Affaires, could not discover, whether they went to _Algier_ or no; or if they did, they resolved by _Rawlins_ example to cut their throats, or cast them over-boord: and so I leave them to make use of the Renegadoes instructions, and returne to _Rawlins_ againe.

The Master of the Barke of _Tor Bay_, and his Company were quickly searched, and as quickly pillaged, and dismissed to the libertie of the shippe, whereby _Rawlins_ had leisure to entertayne him with the lamentable newes of their extremities, and in a word, of every particular which was befitting to the purpose: yea, he told him, that that night he should lose the sight of them, for they would make the helme for _England_ and hee would that night and evermore pray for their good successe, and safe deliverance.

When the Master of the Barke of _Tor Bay_ had heard him out, and that his company were partakers of his Storie, they became all silent, not eyther diffident of his Discourse, or afraid of the attempt, but resolved to a.s.sist him. Yet to shew himselfe an understanding man, hee demanded of _Rawlins_, what weapons he had, and in what manner he would execute the businesse: to which he answered, that he had Ropes, and Iron Hookes to make fast the Scottels, Gratings, and Cabbines, he had also in the Gunner roome two Curtleaxes, and the slaves had five Crowes of Iron before them: Besides, in the scuffling they made no question of some of the Souldiers weapons. Then for the manner, hee told them, they were sure of the Ordnance, the Gunner roome, and the Powder, and so blocking them up, would eyther kill them as they came downe, or turne the Ordnance against their Cabbins, or blow them into the Ayre by one Strategeme or other; and thus were they contented on all sides, and resolved to the Enterprize.

The next morning, being the seventh of February, the Prize of _Tor Bay_ was not to bee seene or found, whereat the Captaine began to storme and sweare, commanding _Rawlins_ to search the Seas up and downe for her, who bestowed all that day in the businesse, but to little purpose: whereupon when the humour was spent, the Captaine pacified himselfe, as conceiting he should sure find her at _Algier_: but by the permission of the Ruler of all actions, that _Algier_ was England, and all his wickednesse frustrated: for _Rawlins_ beeing now startled, lest hee should returne in this humour for the Streights, on the eight of February went downe into the hold, and finding a great deale of water below, told the Captaine of the same, adding, that it did not come to the Pumpe, which he said very politickly, that he might remove the Ordnance. For when the Captaine askt him the reason, he told him the ship was too farre after the head: then hee commanded to use the best meanes he could to bring her in order: "sure then," quoth _Rawlins_, "wee must quit our Cables, and bring foure Peeces of Ordnance after, and that would bring the water to the Pumpe;" which was presently put in practice, so the Peeces beeing usually made fast thwart the ship, we brought two of them with their mouthes right before the Binnacle, and because the Renegadoe _Flemmings_ would not begin, it was thus concluded: that the ship having three Deckes, wee that did belong to the Gunner roome should bee all there, and breake up the lower Decke. The _English_ slaves, who always lay in the middle Decks, should doe the like, and watch the Scuttels: _Rawlins_ himselfe prevayled with the Gunner, for so much Powder, as should prime the Peeces, and so told them all there was no better watch-word, nor meanes to begin, then upon the report of the Peece to make a cry and shout, for G.o.d, and King _Iames_, and Saint _George_ for _England_!

When all things were prepared, and every man resolved, as knowing what hee had to doe, and the houre when it should happen, to be two in the afternoone, _Rawlins_ advised the Master Gunner to speake to the Captaine, that the Souldiers might attend on the p.o.o.pe, which would bring the ship after: to which the Captaine was very willing, and upon the Gunners information, the Souldiers gat themselves to the p.o.o.pe, to the number of twentie, and five or sixe went into the Captaines Cabbin, where always lay divers Curtleaxes, and some Targets, and so wee fell to worke to pumpe the water, and carryed the matter fairely till the next day, which was spent as the former, being the ninth of February, and as G.o.d must have the prayse, the triumph of our victorie.

For by that time all things were prepared, and the Souldiers got upon the p.o.o.pe as the day before: to avoid suspition, all that did belong to the Gunner-roome went downe, and the slaves in the middle decke attended their business, so that we could cast up our account in this manner.

First, nine _English_ slaves, besides _Iohn Rawlins_: five of the _Tor Bay_ men, and one boy, foure _English_ Renegadoes, and two _French_, foure _Hollanders_: in all four and twenty and a boy: so that lifting up our hearts and hands to G.o.d for the successe of the businesse, we were wonderfully incouraged; and setled our selves, till the report of the peece gave us warning of the enterprise. Now, you must consider, that in this company were two of _Rawlins_ men, _Iames Roe_, and _Iohn Davies_, whom he brought out of _England_, and whom the fortune of the Sea brought into the same predicament with their Master. These were imployed about noone (being as I said, the ninth of February) to prepare their matches, while all the _Turkes_ or at least most of them stood on the p.o.o.pe, to weigh down the ship as it were, to bring the water forward to the Pumpe: the one brought his match lighted betweene two spoons, the other brought his in a little peece of a Can: and so in the name of G.o.d, the _Turkes_ and _Moores_ being placed as you have heard, and five and forty in number, and _Rawlins_ having proined the Tuch-holes, _Iames Roe_ gave fire to one of the peeces, about two of the clocke in the afternoone, and the confederates upon the warning, shouted most cheerefully: the report of the peece did teare and breake down all the Binnacle, and compa.s.ses, and the noise of the slaves made all the Souldiers amased at the matter, till seeing the quarter of the ship rent, and feeling the whole body to shake under them: understanding the ship was surprised, and the attempt tended to their utter destruction, never Beare robbed of her whelpes was so fell and mad: For they not onely cald us dogs, and cried out, _Usance de Lamair_, which is as much to say, the Fortune of the wars: but attempted to teare up the planckes, setting a worke hammers, hatchets, knives, the oares of the Boate, the Boat-hooke, their curtleaxes, and what else came to hand, besides stones and brickes in the Cooke-roome, all which they threw amongst us, attempting still and still to breake and rip up the hatches, and boords of the steering, not desisting from their former execrations, and horrible blasphemies and revilings.

When _Iohn Rawlins_ perceived them so violent, and understood how the slaves had cleared the deckes of all the _Turkes_ and _Moores_ beneath, he set a guard upon the Powder, and charged their owne Muskets against them, killing them from divers scout-holes, both before and behind, and so lessened their number, to the ioy of all our hearts, whereupon they cried out, and called for the Pilot, and so _Rawlins_, with some to guard him, went to them, and understood them by their kneeling, that they cried for mercy, and to have their lives saved, and they would come downe, which he bade them doe, and so they were taken one by one, and bound, yea killed with their owne Curtleaxes; which when the rest perceived, they called us _English_ dogs, and reviled us with many opprobrious termes, some leaping over-boord, crying, it was the chance of war; some were manacled, and so throwne over-boord, and some were slaine and mangled with the Curtleaxes, till the ship was well cleared, and our selves a.s.sured of the victory.

At the first report of our Peece, and hurliburly in the decks, the Captaine was a writing in his Cabbin, and hearing the noyse, thought it some strange accident, and so came out with his Curtleaxe in his hand, presuming by his authority to pacifie the mischiefe: But when hee cast his eyes upon us, and saw that we were like to surprise the ship, he threw downe his Curtleaxe, and begged us to save his life, intimating unto _Rawlins_, how he had redeemed him from _Villa-Rise_, and ever since admitted him to place of command in the ship, besides honest usage in the whole course of the Voyage. All which _Rawlins_ confessed, and at last condescended to mercy, and brought the Captaine and five more into _England_. The Captain was called _Ramtham-Rise_, but his Christen name, _Henry Chandler_, and as they say, was a Chandler's sonne in Southwarke.

_Iohn Goodale_, was also an _English Turke_. _Richard Clarke_, in _Turkish_, _Iafar_; _George Cooke_, _Ramdam_; _Iohn Browne_, _Mamme_; _William Winter_, _Mustapha_; besides all the slaves and _Hollanders_, with other Renegadoes, who were willing to be reconciled to their true Saviour, as being formerly seduced with the hopes of riches, honour, preferment, and such like devillish baits, to catch the soules of mortall men, and entangle frailty in the fetters of horrible abuses, and imposturing deceit.

When all was done, and the ship cleared of the dead bodies, _Iohn Rawlins_ a.s.sembled his men together, and with one consent gave the praise unto G.o.d, using the accustomed service on ship-boord, and for want of bookes lifted up their voyces to G.o.d, as he put into their hearts, or renewed their memories: then did they sing a Psalme, and last of all, embraced one another for playing the men in such a Deliverance, whereby our feare was turned into joy, and trembling hearts exhillirated, that we had escaped such inevitable dangers, and especially the slavery and terror of bondage, worse than death it selfe.

The same night we washed our ship, put every thing in as good order as we could, repaired the broken quarter, set up the Binnacle, and bore up the Helme for _England_, where by G.o.ds grace and good guiding, we arrived at _Plimmoth_, the thirteenth of February, and were welcommed like the recovery of the lost sheepe, or as you read of a loving mother, that runneth with embraces to entertaine her sonne from a long Voyage and escape of many dangers.

Not long after we understood of our confederats, that returned home in the Barke of _Torbay_, that they arrived in _Pensance_ in _Corne-wall_ the eleventh of February: and if any aske after their deliverance, considering there were ten _Turkes_ sent to man her, I will tell you that too: the next day after they lost us, as you have heard and that the three Renegadoes had acquainted the Masters Mate, and the two _English_ in her with _Rawlins_ determination, and that they themselves would be true to them, and a.s.sist them in any enterprise: then if the worst came, there were but seven to sixe: but as it fell out, they had a more easie pa.s.sage, then turmoile, or man-slaughter. For they made the _Turkes_ beleeve, the wind was come faire, and that they were sayling to _Algier_, till they came within sight of _England_, which one of them amongst the rest discovered, saying plainely, that that land was not like _Cape Vincent_; "yes faith," said he, that was at the Helme, "and you will be contented, and goe downe into the hold, and trim the salt over to wind-ward, whereby the ship may beare full saile, you shall know and see more to morrow": Whereupon five of them went downe very orderly, the Renegadoes faining themselves asleep, who presently start up, and with the helpe of the two _English_, nailed downe the hatches, whereat the princ.i.p.all amongst them much repined, and began to grow into choller and rage, had it not quickly beene suppressed. For one of them stepped to him, and dasht out his braines, and threw him over-boord: the rest were brought to _Excester_, and either to be arraigned, according to the punishment of delinquents in such a kind, or disposed of, as the King and Counsell shall thinke meet and this is the story of this deliverance, and end of _Iohn Rawlins_ Voyage. The Actors in this Comick Tragedie are most of them alive; The _Turkes_ are in prison; the ship is to be seene, and _Rawlins_ himselfe dare justifie the matter.

FOOTNOTES:

[4] From _Purchas, His Pilgrims_.

[5] Bristol.

THE DAUGHTER OF THE GREAT MOGUL[6]

DANIEL DEFOE

In this time I pursued my voyage, coasted the whole Malabar sh.o.r.e, and met with no purchase but a great Portugal East India ship, which I chased into Goa, where she got out of my reach. I took several small vessels and barks, but little of value in them, till I entered the great Bay of Bengal, when I began to look about me with more expectation of success, though without prospect of what happened.

I cruised here about two months, finding nothing worth while; so I stood away to a port on the north point of the isle of Sumatra, where I made no stay; for here I got news that two large ships belonging to the Great Mogul were expected to cross the bay from Hoogly, in the Ganges, to the country of the King of Pegu, being to carry the granddaughter of the Great Mogul to Pegu, who was to be married to the king of that country, with all her retinue, jewels, and wealth.

This was a booty worth watching for, though it had been some months longer; so I resolved that we would go and cruise off Point Negaris, on the east side of the bay, near Diamond Isle; and here we plied off and on for three weeks, and began to despair of success; but the knowledge of the booty we expected spurred us on, and we waited with great patience, for we knew the prize would be immensely rich.

At length we spied three ships coming right up to us with the wind. We could easily see they were not Europeans by their sails, and began to prepare ourselves for a prize, not for a fight; but were a little disappointed when we found the first ship full of guns and full of soldiers, and in condition, had she been managed by English sailors, to have fought two such ships as ours were. However, we resolved to attack her if she had been full of devils as she was full of men.

Accordingly, when we came near them, we fired a gun with shot as a challenge. They fired again immediately three or four guns, but fired them so confusedly that we could easily see they did not understand their business; when we considered how to lay them on board, and so to come thwart them, if we could; but falling, for want of wind, open to them, we gave them a fair broadside. We could easily see, by the confusion that was on board, that they were frightened out of their wits; they fired here a gun and there a gun, and some on that side that was from us, as well as those that were next to us. The next thing we did was to lay them on board, which we did presently, and then gave them a volley of our small shot, which, as they stood so thick, killed a great many of them, and made all the rest run down under their hatches, crying out like creatures bewitched. In a word, we presently took the ship, and having secured her men, we chased the other two. One was chiefly filled with women, and the other with lumber. Upon the whole, as the granddaughter of the Great Mogul was our prize in the first ship, so in the second was her women, or, in a word, her household, her eunuchs, all the necessaries of her wardrobe, of her stables, and of her kitchen; and in the last, great quant.i.ties of household stuff, and things less costly, though not less useful.

But the first was the main prize. When my men had entered and mastered the ship, one of our lieutenants called for me, and accordingly I jumped on board. He told me he thought n.o.body but I ought to go into the great cabin, or, at least, n.o.body should go there before me; for that the lady herself and all her attendance was there, and he feared the men were so heated they would murder them all, or do worse.

I immediately went to the great cabin door, taking the lieutenant that called me along with me, and caused the cabin door to be opened. But such a sight of glory and misery was never seen by buccaneer before. The queen (for such she was to have been) was all in gold and silver, but frightened and crying, and, at the sight of me, she appeared trembling, and just as if she was going to die. She sat on the side of a kind of a bed like a couch, with no canopy over it, or any covering; only made to lie down upon. She was, in a manner, covered with diamonds, and I, like a true pirate, soon let her see that I had more mind to the jewels than to the lady.

However, before I touched her, I ordered the lieutenant to place a guard at the cabin door, and fastening the door, shut us both in, which he did. The lady was young, and, I suppose, in their country esteem, very handsome, but she was not very much so in my thoughts. At first, her fright, and the danger she thought she was in of being killed, taught her to do everything that she thought might interpose between her and danger, and that was to take off her jewels as fast as she could, and give them to me; and I, without any great compliment, took them as fast as she gave them me, and put them into my pocket, taking no great notice of them or of her, which frighted her worse than all the rest, and she said something which I could not understand. However, two of the other ladies came, all crying, and kneeled down to me with their hands lifted up. What they meant, I knew not at first; but by their gestures and pointings I found at last it was to beg the young queen's life, and that I would not kill her.

When the three ladies kneeled down to me, and as soon as I understood what it was for, I let them know I would not hurt the queen, nor let any one else hurt her, but that she must give me all her jewels and money. Upon this they acquainted her that I would save her life; and no sooner had they a.s.sured her of that but she got up smiling, and went to a fine Indian cabinet, and opened a private drawer, from whence she took another little thing full of little square drawers and holes. This she brings to me in her hand, and offered to kneel down to give it me. This innocent usage began to rouse some good-nature in me (though I never had much), and I would not let her kneel; but sitting down myself on the side of her couch or bed, made a motion to her to sit down too. But here she was frightened again, it seems, at what I had no thought of. But as I did not offer anything of that kind, only made her sit down by me, they began all to be easier after some time, and she gave me the little box or casket, I know not what to call it, but it was full of invaluable jewels. I have them still in my keeping, and wish they were safe in England; for I doubt not but some of them are fit to be placed on the king's crown.

Being master of this treasure, I was very willing to be good-humored to the persons; so I went out of the cabin, and caused the women to be left alone, causing the guard to be kept still, that they might receive no more injury than I would do them myself.

After I had been out of the cabin some time, a slave of the women's came to me, and made sign to me that the queen would speak with me again. I made signs back that I would come and dine with her majesty; and accordingly I ordered that her servants should prepare her dinner, and carry it in, and then call me. They provided her repast after the usual manner, and when she saw it brought in she appeared pleased, and more when she saw me come in after it; for she was exceedingly pleased that I had caused a guard to keep the rest of my men from her; and she had, it seems, been told how rude they had been to some of the women that belonged to her.

When I came in, she rose up, and paid me such respect as I did not well know how to receive, and not in the least how to return. If she had understood English, I could have said plainly, and in good rough words, "Madam, be easy; we are rude, rough-hewn fellows, but none of our men should hurt you, or touch you; I will be your guard and protection; we are for money indeed, and we shall take what you have, but we will do you no other harm." But as I could not talk thus to her, I scarce knew what to say; but I sat down, and made signs to have her sit down and eat, which she did, but with so much ceremony that I did not know well what to do with it.