frances Pereira da cunha caused itt to bee written.

(Sealed with the Armes of portugall.)

THE KING.[2]

[Footnote 2: When the original commission was issued the king was a minor, and it was signed by his mother the queen regent, Donha Luiza; but in June, 1662, by a palace revolution, King Alfonso assumed authority.]

The Patent by w'ch your Mag'tie was pleased to nominate Charles de Bils for captaine of a warr shipp of One Hundred tonnes, w'ch hee offerred to furnish att his owne Cost with such Boates as hee shall thinke nessesarie and to provide them with Gunnes, People, Ammunitions, and victuals that hee thinks needfull. Reformed. By Your Mag'tie.

15. Commission from de Bils to John Douglas. September 20 (N.S.), 1662.[1]

[Footnote 1: Mass. Archives, vol. 60, p. 216.]

By his mag'ties decree of the tenth of october 657, And Dispach of the counsell of the 8th of september 662. Itt Is Registred In the 22 Booke of the s[ecre]taria of Warr, fol. 72.

Wee, Charles de Bils, Captaine by the King our Lord, by virtue of my fore written Patent, Sealed with The great Seale and Signed by his mag'tie, Constitute and doe Constitute D. John Duglas for Commander of my shipp Called st. John In my name and as if I were Personally Presentt to make Warr With the Enimies of this Crowne of Portugall, Accordingly And in the same manner as it Is declared In my Patent, for Effectinge of W'ch I grant to the said my Constituted all the Powers to mee granted, for Confirmacion of w'ch I deliver him this my Patent signed with my hand and Sealed with the seale of my Armes. made In lisbone the twentieth of september one thousand Six hundred sixty two.

CHARLES DE BILS.

Wee the under written doe testyfie that the Aboves'd and what is Conteyned on the other Side[2] is a true translation of a Comission Graunted by the Queene of Portugall and afterwards Confirmed by the King of that Country unto Charles de Bills and afterwards Assigned over by Sayd Charles de Bills unto Capt John Duglas as witnes our hands

[Footnote 2: Documents 14 and 15.]

Aug't the 15th 1664.[3]

[Footnote 3: Old style, presumably.]

EDMUND DOWNER. WILLIAM TAILER. JOHN FORD.

16. Deposition of William Browne. June 24, 1664.[1]

[Footnote 1: Mass. Archives, vol. 60, p. 218a.]

The deposicion of William Browne, passenger with Mr Robert Cooke, in the Blow Dove, and now prisoner aboard Capt. Jno. Dowglass:

That when hee was demaunded of the said Capt. John Dowglass where the said Shipp did belong unto, that the said William Browne did saye that hee heard the Mr say severall times, that the said Shipp did belong unto Amsterdam, and that the said Shipp was bound for Amsterdam, and that most of the company[2] were Scotts:

[Footnote 2: Crew.]

2ly. That the said William Browne did see when a Jewe did shipp aboarde some goods,[3] and that a Jewe did marke it, and that a Jewe did dispose of the goods which the Shipp brought from Holland and that Jewes name was Isaac Cardozo, and that after the Shipp was taken it was the Mr.'s desire for to bee put ashoare, and his company likewise, for the Mr. of the said Shipp was wounded and the Capt., meeting with a vessell bound for Port Royall in Jameka, did graunt leave to the said Mr. and most of his company for to goe in her for the said Port: as witness my hand this 24. of June 1664:

[Footnote 3: At Port Royal, Jamaica. The Blue Dove was taken between Jamaica and Hispaniola, while sailing for Amsterdam.]

Taken uppon Oath this 12. of July 1664 in Portsmouth, in Pascatayvay River, in Newe-England, in America; before mee

BRIAN PENDLETON,[4] Comisioner.

[Footnote 4: Brian Pendleton was a selectman of Portsmouth, and one of its leading men.]

17. Deposition of Marcus Claesz. June 24, 1664.[1]

[Footnote 1: Mass. Archives, vol. 60. p. 218.]

The deposicion of Markus Claise of Rotterdam borne, passenger in the Blow Dove, when shee was taken, and now prisoner aboarde Capt. John Dowglass.

That when hee was demaunded of the said Capt. John Dowglass where the Shipp did belong unto, that hee the said Markus Claise did say that the said Shipp did belong unto Amsterdam, and that the Shipp was bound for Amsterdam when shee was taken, and that the Jewes were aboarde before wee set saile, and that most of the Company were Scotts, and after that the said Shipp was taken that the Mr., Robert Cooke, and most of his company did desire of the Capt. to goe ashoare uppon Jameka, and the Capt. meeting with a Barke bound for Port Royall in Jameka did graunt them leave, according to theire desire, to goe in her to the aforesaid Port at Jameka: as witnes my hand this 24. day of June 1664.

Taken uppon Oath this 12. of July 1664 in Pascatayvay River, in Newe-England, in America, before mee:

BRIAN PENDLETON, Comisioner.

18. Deposition of Bartholomew Martin. June 24, 1664.[1]

[Footnote 1: Mass. Archives, vol. 60, p. 217a.]

The deposicion of Bartholomewe Martin, Spaniard, passenger and now aboarde of Capt. John Dowglass:

That when hee was demaunded of the said Capt. John Dowglass whither hee knewe if the Shipp did belong unto the Jewes, hee answered that hee heard Isaac Cardozo a Jewe tell him privately that the Shipp did belong unto his father in Amsterdam, and that shee was Assigned unto him by his father from Amsterdam, and that the said Bartholomewe Martin did see the Jewes bring Quicksilver, and that hee knowes it is the same which was taken in the Blew Dove: as witness my hand this 24. day of June 1664.

Taken uppon Oath this 12. of July 1664 in Portsmouth, in Pascatayvay River, in Newe-England, in America, before mee:

BRIAN PENDLETON, Comisioner.

19. Commission to James Oliver and Others. July 16, 1664.[1]

[Footnote 1: Mass. Archives, vol. 60, p. 220. Of the persons commissioned, Oliver was a prominent merchant in Boston; Hutchinson was a son of Anne Hutchinson, and was killed in King Philip's War; Pendleton and Cutts were selectmen of Portsmouth. The signatures are those of "Richard Bellingham, Deputy" (Governor), and Francis Willoughby of the Court of Assistants; see document 27. Four days later, July 20, 1664, Samuel Maverick, coming out from England as one of the four commissioners to regulate New England, writes to Capt. Thomas Breedon from Portsmouth, "It hapned, that as wee were ready to come in, There went out from hence a Pinck [small ship with narrow stern], taken as a prize by a ship of Jamaica, but by authority from the Governor of the Massachusetts, the prize was as I understand seized upon and those that first took her, secured as prisoners by Capt. Oliver, and carryed for Boston," and he remonstrates against this as a usurpation of the commissioners' authority. N.Y. Col. Doc., III. 65.]

Being Credibly Informed of the Arrivall of a ship at Piscatage manned with persons who have Given just cause of suspition and are suspected to have seazed the said ship in a way of piracy or in a undue and Illegall manner, Now that his Maj'ty may have his rights and dues preserved, his Good Subjects the Right owners and proprietors of ship and Goods releived wht [without] any such violent seizures

These are therefore in his Maj'tys name to Authorize and Require yow, Capt. James Olliver, Capt. Edward Hutchinson, upon Receipt hereof forth with to repaire to the sd River of piscatage and there to Apply yourselves to Capt. Brian pendleton and mr. Richard Cutts, who are hereby Alike Authorized and Joyned in Comission with yow, who together or any three of yow are hereby Impowred and Required to make seazure of the Comander, officers and Company of the said ship, whither in piscatage River or in any other Harbor, port or place within this Jurisdiction, in Case they shall Refuse to submitt themselves to your comand Relating to a due triall, to secure the said ship and Goods, and having so secured them yow are to Convey the said persons, shipp and Goods to Boston, that so a due proceeding may be had and made therein according to law and Justice, And that yow may be fully enabled to dischardg the trust here Comitted to yow, All officers and Comanders both by land and sea, in those parts, are hereby required in his Maj'tys name on your warrant and order to be ayding and Assisting to you therein, for wch this shall be your and their Warrant.

Given Under our hands, with the seale of the Colony hereto Affixed, at Boston in N E. this 16th day of July 1664.

R B D. F W.

20. Deposition of Daniel Sprague. July (?), 1664.[1]

[Footnote 1: Mass. Archives, vol. 60, p. 229.]

I, Danell Sprage,

when I wasse Cleer and my wages paid me I Could get noe imployment nor passage, not in three weeks time that I lay there, to goe to the windward Ilands. then I thought good to goe as to Cammanus,[2] to se if I Could get passage their, and I saild with one Captaine Hermon towards the Cammanus, and as wee Came to An iland Called Camman-bricke,[3] their lay Captaine John Duglasse at Anker. he sent his boate abord of us to heer what newse from Jemecoe, and we Asked of them wether they weare bound. the quarter Maistor Answered and said, wee be bound to the windword Ilands. I Asked of them weither I Could have passage with them or noe, and hee saide, "I,[4] and wellcome". then I went Abord with my Chest and Clothes and I staid aboard all the night and Could not speake with the Captaine, but the nixt Mornin as soon as it wasse day I spoke with the Captaine. I desired of the Captaine wether he wasse bound and he told me he wasse looking out for A shipe that Came from Amsterdam in holland to Jemecoe, Called the blew dove, and said, "if I Could meet with her she is A good prise for me. I have beene ten or tewlve dayes aseeking after her and Cannot light of her, but if I Can light of her she is Aprise for me. I have the king of Portugalls Commishon". I, danell Sprage, [said] unto Captaine John duglasse, "without your Commishon be very firme and that you be sure you Can Make a prise of her I desire you not to Come neer her, for I know what the ship is and Came out of holland in her". he Answered and said if I would goe a longe with him he would beare me out in all damages that shuld follow or insue upon me Conserning takeing of the prise. then the shipe which I Came from Jemecoe in wasse gon from the Iland over to the Cammanus and their wasse noe other shipe left but only Captaine John Duglasse. I said unto Captaine John Duglasse, "shuld I goe with you, and you shuld Come up with this shipe and take her, and the Company seeing of me they will say that I have been at the Cammanus and have fetched A shipe one purpose to Make a prise of them". Captaine Duglass Answered and said that "I and my Company Can testifie to the Contrarie and as far as my Commishon and my life doth goe I will beare you out Against all them that shall qushton you as Conserning the takeing of this shipe: I am Captaine and I have taken her with my Commishon and I will Answer it".

[Footnote 2: The Cayman islands, NW. of Jamaica.]

[Footnote 3: Cayman Brac.]

[Footnote 4: Ay.]

thes be the men that Can testifie that they weare ten or twelve dayes out in the pursuite after thes ship be fore I Came to them: and have heer unto set their hands.

the Marke of WILLIAM GIBENS. [W] JOHN HILL. These be the two witnesses wich [*] the Marke of CLINE the Can Justifie that I did desire the Dutchman. Capt. that, without his Comemishon THOMAS HUCKENS is Marke. where[5] sure, not to medle [dot in circle] : with the ship. SOLEMON BEGENSOUS, quarter Maistor. The Marke of DANELL HARRESS. [+] the Marke of HALLIGERT [four connected lines] YOUNSON. THOMAS BERKENHEAD. ABRAHAM WILLKESON.

[Footnote 5: Were; "unless his commission were sure."]

21. Deposition of William Browne. July 25, 1664.[1]

[Footnote 1: Mass. Archives, vol. 60, p. 223.]

William Browne, age 17 or 18 yeares, Saith that he was to goe passenger for England with mr. Robert Cook, master of the Shipe Called the blow dove of london. the sd. wm. Browne heard the master Say that the Said Ship did belonge to Sr. wm. Davidson in Amsterdam[2] and I know that James wattson who came owt of holand befoire the Ship, did frawght the Sd. Ship with Some goods marked with WD. and I doe not know certanly whether there was ane S. in the midle or not, and that the Said James wattson was going with the Sd Shipe first for England and then for Amsterdam, and that the Sd. wm. Browne did See a Jewe Marke Qwicksilver and wax, which was Shiped Aboard of the Sd. Shipe, which Jewe kept a Shope publickly in Jamaica and did dispose of Some of the goods q'ch [which] came from holdand in the Said Shipe, and I doe know that there was ane English man Aboard which was a pasenger which had Some goods A board, as Cocco, 2 Tunne marked with ane O burned with the Barrell of A mwscket.[3] the Sd Shipe coming out of port Royall with 10 men or there About, with Some passengers, went in Company with Captaine Hatchwell to blewefilds bay,[4] a bowte 20 Leagwes distance from Pt. Royall, and tooke in some watter and Some Ballace, and being at ane Ankore the Captane of a little Barke with his Company boarded them and gave them a voly of Shoat, being in nwmber about 27 men, and being Some what darke the master was Shote in the Arme and the men of the blow dove were put in the howll of the Shipe: and then the Asaylants Cut the Cables, and Caryed away both veshells and them, untill they came to poynt Niggereell,[5] where they met with ane English barke coming from Caymanws and bownd for Porte Royall in Jamaica, where they putte the Said mr. of the blowe dove Aboard According to his desire and furnished them with Some victwales and a Caise of Spirits: and after they were gone owt of Sight they lasht there barke aboard of the prise and took most of there things owt of her and Let her goe Adrifte.

[Footnote 2: See document 27.]

[Footnote 3: Musket.]

[Footnote 4: This Blewfields Bay is at the SW. side of Jamaica.]

[Footnote 5: Cape Negril.]

There was Aboarde the Shipe when shee was taken from Ro't Cooke bowt 48 hogsheads of Sugar, Some Cocco, Ebbony, Granadilla, Brasilita,[6] Oakem, Stockfish, match, Qwick Silver 29 or 30 Chists, 2 gold Crownes with diveres other Jewelles, 1 Barill of knives, Some Swords, 1 Barill with Sheathes and Corvall, 60 Jares of oyle, 9 Caises with Spirits, 7 or 8 packes of whyte waxe, Lignavita, Gwmme about 5 or 7 pak.

[Footnote 6: Braziletto, a wood resembling brazil-wood.]

Taken upon oath this 25th of July 1664 befor me THOMAS SAVAGE, Commiss'r.

Acknowledged in Court 5th August 1664. EDW. RAWSON, secret.

22. Deposition of Robert Lord. July 26, 1664.[1]

[Footnote 1: Mass. Archives, vol. 60, p. 224.]

The deposition of Robert Lord aged 42 yeares July 26, 1664.

Saith

That being at Jamaica about the moneth of January last past, there came in the pincke blew dove which was seized at sea betweene Hispaniola and Jamaica by John Morrice Captn. of the Virgin Queene (an english man of war), who putt two or three of his men aboad to bring her into Jamaica harbor, hee with his man of war bearing her Company neere to the harbour; when the sd blew dove had bin three or foure daies at Jamaica there was a Court of Admiralty appointed for the triall of the sd Blew-dove, it being expected by the sd Captn. Morrice and Company that the sd Ship would have been a prize to them, and their great Argument was that they were sailing towards Cuba before they had seized them, and that they were laden with ammunition and goods sutable to the spanish trade: but uppon triall in the Court, their billes of Lading appeared that they were bound to Jamaica, their cocketts and dispatches being cleere from the Kings Custome-house at Dover; this deponent speaking in Court to Sr Charles Littelton (then sitting Judge of the Court)[2] that hee knew the Master Robert Cooke, and that hee lived in Ratliffe[3] neere to him, which also testifies Captn: Isack Bowles Comander of the Blackmore (one of the Royall Companies Ships),[4] the Governor (Sr Charles Littelton) did thereupon declare them to be a free ship, and to have their liberty of trade as any other Ship whatsoever that was then in the Harbour; And further saith that the aforesd Captn. John Morrice told this deponent that hee had hoped to have had a good prize of the blew-dove, but hee gott nothing of them but an English Ensigne, and a hogshead of strong beare, and that the sd Blew-dove came in with English colours, and did on all occasions weare them.

[Footnote 2: Lord Windsor was governor of Jamaica in January, 1664, Sir Charles Lyttelton deputy governor.]

[Footnote 3: Ratcliff, London.]

[Footnote 4: Bowles was one of the captains, and the Blackamoor one of the ships, of the "Company of the Royal Adventurers of England trading into Africa", the predecessor of the Royal African Company.]

Taken upon oath, 27: 5: 64. Before me ELIA. LUSHER.

23. Deposition of John Hunter. July 26, 1664.[1]

[Footnote 1: Mass. Archives, vol. 60, p. 225.]

John Hunter Aged a bout 40 years deposeth and sayth

That this deponant was shipped by Captaine Robert Cooke, Commander of the blew dove of London so Caled, to sayle as a sayler in the said shipp from Jameco to Dover and so for Amsterdam: the time this deponant was shipped was about the begining of Aprill Last past in Jameco.

This Shipp blew dove, as I was informed by the people in Jameco, was brought in by a Captaine of a privat man of war uppon susspition that shee was to trade with the Spaniard as a hollander, haveing Jewes Goods on bord as thay Alleged, but was there Clered by the Governer, sir Charles Littelton, and had fower moneths trade there afterwards. this was the Common report of the people there. farther this deponant testifieth uppon his owne knowlidg, being about two moneths a seaman uppon the said Shipp before shee was taken, and when wee Came out of Jameco wee had a let pas[2] from the Governer to saile to dover and there to pay the Kings Customs and from thenc wee were to sayle unto Amsterdam and to deliver our goods unto Sir william Davis[3] or his order, as the bills of Lading maketh manifest, which this deponant did see in the hands of Captaine Dugles Now a prisner, who desired this deponant to Reade the bill of Lading unto him at sea as wee were Coming in to these parts, allso a nother bill of Lading for sum smale quantitie of wax and quicksilver which belonged unto a Jue, as I did aprehend. also I red a nother bill of Lading for severall goods belonging unto an Englishman Living in Jameco, who was going passenger for dover in the said shipp, but was turned a shore in blewfilds bay as the rest were by the said Duglas and his Company. farther this deponant testifieth that Captaine Duglas was at Jameco and did here that this shipp was there Clered and did then tell this deponant that hee would take this shipp, which this deponant towld him hee Could not Legally doe for shee beelonged unto Sir william davis in Amsterdam, his maisties Resident there. this deponant did acquaint Captaine Cooke what the said duglas said. farther this depont testifieth that when we were in blewfilds bay this duglas Came Rowing upp with two oars about eight of the Clock at night. Wee haild them and Asked whenc thay were and thayer Answer was, from the Barbados. wee Asked who was there to friend. thay Answered peter prier,[4] who said thay had lost Camanos and were going to seeke for it Againe, but presently thay Clapt thayer helme a starbord and shered Abord us giving a volly of smale shott, in which thay shot our master through the Arme, and so Came on bord and beate us doune in to the howld without Asking of us what wee weare and so Cut our Cable and presently put forth to sea. farther this deponant testifieth that two of the sailers being Englishmen Leaft the said Captaine Cooke at Jameco, uppon which the said Cooke was forced to shipp this deponant and a nother. and farther this deponant sayth not.

[Footnote 2: Let-pass, a permit; see doc. no. 130.]

[Footnote 3: Davidson; see doc. no. 27.]

[Footnote 4: Probably a pun on "pry", to fob off intrusive questioning.]

Taken upon Oath the 26th of 5th mo 1664 before mee ANTHONY STODDARD, Comissr.

owned in Court 5th August 1664 EDW. RAWSON.

24. Deposition of Charles Hadsall. July 27, 1664.[1]

[Footnote 1: Mass. Archives, vol. 60, pp. 231, 232.]

The deposition off Charls Hadsall, aged forty six years or thereabouts:

Testefieth and saith that mr Robt Cooke, Comandor of the shipp blew dove, together with my selfe Comandor of the shipp Lucretia sett sayl from port Royall harbor In Jemaicah with free Lett Pases from Collonall morgan deputy Governer of Jemaicah:[2] And Coming down In Company to blew feilds bay where we Came to An Anchor to fetch our wood and watter on board and as soon as we were at anchor there Came of a Conoo from Capt John Dowglas Lying Closs under the shoar on board of my shipp with two men for to Inquire among my men whether I woold Ingage to defend the shipp blew dove, I then being on board of her the said shipp blew dove, with Squire wattson, Marchant of the said shipp, with whome I went a shoare: and Coming on board about seven a Clok In the Evning with squire wattson to the shipp blew dove and having taken my Leave of him went on board of my owne shipp: and halfe an hour after there Came a Conoo from the vessell of sd Dowglass on board of my shipp Lucretiah, where I demanded of the said men that Came In the Conoo whether they were bound: and they Replied for the Camanes, which they said they were formerly bound for and had mist: and now pretended they woold goe with mee to Cemanes: And further saith that they said they woold be at new england before mee. I Replied, "In whatt shipp": they said It was no matter In whatt shipp: and while these men were discoursing with mee Dowglas his barke Clapt the shipp blew dove on board, Cutt her Cables and sett sayle, and the men that were on board my shipp with me went away on board the said shipp blew dove: and soe went away, and three days after the master, marcha[nt] and sum of the Company being putt Into a small vessell Came Into blew feilds bay where I then Rod att Anchor and I going on board of them, saw the master of the shipp blew dove, shott In the arme, who told mee that they the said dowglass and his Company had took all they had from them only the Close uppon his back: And further this deponent saith that squire wattson told him that the shipp blew dove belonged to Sr Wm Davison and Captain Taillur: and that the master and marchant of the said shipp told mee there were Letters on board of the said shipp blew dove for his majesty and the duke of yorke:[3] being such Letters as were Considerable. And further saith that the master and marchant of the shipp blew dove told mee that there was In Jewells on board of said shipp to the vallue of three hundred pound sterling and about thirty Chests of quik silver and sugger he said was on board but I have forgott whatt quantity he spake off. And further this deponent saith that the shipp blew dove Rod In Jemaicah severall sabbeth days with her english Cullers out.

[Footnote 2: Col. Edward Morgan, commissioned deputy governor January 18, did not reach Jamaica till May 21 or 22. Cal. St. P. Col., 1661-1668, pp. 182, 211.]

[Footnote 3: The king's brother, afterward James II.]

Taken upon oath 27: 5: 64 Before me ELIA. LUSHER.

owned in Court 5th August 1664 by the sd Hadsell E.R.[4]

[Footnote 4: Edward Rawson, secretary of the council.]

25. Petition of John Douglass. August, 1664.[1]

[Footnote 1: Mass. Archives, vol. 60, p. 230a. In response apparently to this petition, the General Court on August 8 ordered 40 shillings to be given to Captain Douglas, and 20 to each of his men, "to preserve them alive till they can provide some honest imploy for themselves, and that their particcular cloathes, so cleerely prooved [i.e., if clearly proved to be theirs] ... be ... delivered to them." Records of Mass. Bay, IV., pt. 2, p. 128. But the capture was declared illegal.]

To the honored Governor, Deputy Governor, Majestrates and Deputies of this honoured Generall Court now sitting in Boston in the Massachusetts Colonie of New England.

The peticion of captayne John Duglas late Commandor of the Prise called the Blew Dove of Anserdam in behalfe of himselfe and Company (servants and seamen to the said Ship belonging), whose names are hereunder Subscribed.

Humbly shewing, That whereas the said Ship was seized uppon at Puscataque in his Majesties name about the eighteenth-day of July-last with all the Seamens chests and Clothes save what they have on their backs, And that the said Seamen have bin here about fiveteene dayes without any allowance from the Countrey and not a penny of money to releeve themselves, so that they had perished eare this tyme had they not bin releeved by som freinds, some of which company have bin without victualls three dayes together, They humbly crave this honored Court that they may have a speedy triall whether their prise be a lawfull prise or not, otherwise that they may have their chests, clothes and armes, which request of your Peticioners they humbly crave may be taken into Consideration and they shall, as by duty they ar bound, pray, etc.

JOHN DOUGLASS.

THOMAS BERKENHEAD. JOAN CLOBARTEXE [?]. THOMAS MARTTIN. LAMESTE [?] ABRAHAM WILKERSON. WILLIAM GIOTTE. HALLIGAR JOHNSON. JOHN HORRE. his [X] marke his [+] Marke MIHILL HENDERSON. PIERRE PERWALLE. his [MH] marke SOLOMON. CLINE the Dutchman. his [X] marke JOAN PAGE.

26. Plea of John Douglass. (August 8?), 1664.[1]

[Footnote 1: Mass. Archives, vol. 60, pp. 271, 272.]

The tenth day of October, one thousand Sixe hundred Sixtey and Tow, One Capt John Daglas Brought one Commision from the king of Portugall, Sayling out of Lisborren[2] for to Make ware according to His Commision in his Ship Called St John, force 4 Gones, with men and Amunission Convennent, to Make Ware with the Ennemes of the Sayed king.

[Footnote 2: Lisbon.]

Having lived about the time of 4 or 5 Monthes about the Ilandes of the Canares with out taking any Prise, this same Capt. tucke Resselution to Sayle to wardes the Endges[3] with his Ship and Men, and After Som dayes of his Arivall to this Enges, som thing Neare the Iland Martenekea[4] he Mett with a man of ware. the Sayed Captaine dagles was ingadged to fight having a great many of his Men kild and wounded and hee him Self Deapley Wounded with a Shote from a Mosquit, the whch Shote Bracke his Arrem, and was in danger of his Life.

[Footnote 3: Indies.]

[Footnote 4: Martinique.]

And for his helth he and his men was forcest to Retier to the Iland of Monseratt, inhabeated by the Engles under the Goverment of Correnall Roger Asborn.[5] thare this Sayed Capt. was Courtiously Receved by this Sayed Govenar and brought him a shoure, whare hee was in dyett and dwelt a twel month upon this sayed Iland in which this his Sayed Ship which he brought Out of Lisborne Perresed[6] thare and was uncapabell of the ware.

[Footnote 5: Col. Roger Osborn.]

[Footnote 6: Perished.]

Afterward the Sayed Capt. Dagles he went to Jemekea and the Jenerell of the Iland of Jemekea did Exammine the Commision of Capt. John Dagles, and having found itt Good the Sayed Jenerall gave him Permision to baye[7] a frigat for the Sayed ware according to his Commision, and touck men, Arrems and Amunision for the ware with the Ennemis of the king of Portagall, and the Sayed Capt. John Daglas Sayeled from the Iland Jemeake with permision of the sayed Jenearell.

[Footnote 7: Buy.]

And about 3 Mounth After Sayling out of thees harbor Jemeke, this Sayed Capt. Dagles had Nouse by Severell Engles Vessells that thar was a vessell Redey to Sayell Out of the harbor of Jemeake loden by the Jues under the king of Spaine, and the Sayed Captaine vas very Diligant to mite with the Sayed Shipe, the which Shipe was called the blau Duff, mr. Robart Coxe Commander, and this Sayed Capt. John Daglas had knowledge of this sayed Shipe in the baye of blue fild, whare no one Inhabeted, distant 32 Leages from the harbor of Jemekea, the which Capt. went with his Sayed frigett and found a Commission from the Engea Compenia of Ansterdam,[8] With letters and loden from thes Jues for Ansterdam, and after that toucke the Depousision of 5 prisnores, the which did all Declare that the Sayed Shipe did Beloung to Ansterdam and bound for Ansterdam with his loden, and the Sayed Prisnores Gave the Sayed depusison befor Capt. Pemmellton,[9] Chefe Justes in Pescatabay.

[Footnote 8: The Dutch West India Company, Amsterdam Chamber.]

[Footnote 9: Pendleton.]

And After the Sayed Capt. John Dagles toucke the prise, Sayled outt of the Channell Called bahem[10] and Steared his Cource to Sayle into portag'll with this his Sayed Prise, to give knowledg to the king of portugall, in which Sayed vaydge wanting vettiells and watter he Arived in Now England for to tack watter and fitt his Ship for this his Sayed vaydge to portugall.

[Footnote 10: The Bahama Channel.]

And [after] he did Arive att the port of Pescatabay, the Sayed Capt. Daglas Did Send ashore one of his Offecers to the Sayed Capt. Pemmellton, Justice of Putatabay, desiering Permision to watter and to give him libertey to sell som goods for to baye vittells and to be goine in his vaydge to Portugall.

And upon his Desier the sayed Justase Capt. Pemmellton Sent word to the sayed Capt. Dagles that hee was verey wellcom and that he had his libertey to doue in seviletey[11] what his mind was and upon this his word the sayed Capt. Dagles was Obleged to him.

[Footnote 11: To do in civility.]

And After 8 Dayes the touck the Sayed Capt. Dagles prisnor and his men and seased upon his vessell and goods and pout all his men out and pout outher men abord, the which did Plonder me and my men Just to Ouer Sherts.

Sertenly itt tis a very Sad Cace that a Jntallman[12] of his qualetea Should youse a stranger soe unsivell, because of the Aleance between the Crounes,[13] and not to give him libertey to goe a bout his bousnes—and he had seased my Commision and all my paperes as if I ware an Enneme to the Croune of England.

[Footnote 12: Gentleman.]

[Footnote 13: Of England and Portugal, 1661.]

27. Power of Attorney from Sir William Davidson. September 13, 1664.[1]

[Footnote 1: Mass. Archives, vol. 60, pp. 259-261. In the Calendar of State Papers, Colonial, 1661-1668, p. 284, appears a letter from King Charles II. to the governor of Jamaica, March 1, 1665, in which he speaks of Douglas's piratical seizure of Davidson's ship, and declares that he (the king) has written to the governor and council at Boston to apprehend the pirate, but has heard nothing of them.]

Bee it knowne Unto all men by these presents that on the Thirteenth day of the month of September, Anno domini one thousand six hundred sixty and Foure, And in the sixteenth yeare of the raigne of our soveraigne Lord Charles the second, by the grace of God King of England, Scotland, Frannce and Ireland, defendor of the faith, etca. Before me William Allen, notary and tabellion publicke dwelling in this Citty of London, by the Authority of the said Kings Majesty admitted and sworne, and in the presence of the witnesses here after named personnally appeared Sir William Davidson, Knight and Barronett, his Majestyes Royall Commissionner at Amsterdam in Holland, etca., at present in this Citty of London, one of the Gentlemen of his Majestyes privy Chamber in ordinary;

Who hath declared that Whereas The ship or Vessell lately Called the Blew Dove of London, where of Robert Cooke of Ratcliffe was lately master and James Watson servant to the said Sir William Davidson Supra Cargoe on the said shipp, or by whatsoever other name the said ship may be Called or knowne, Together with all her Loading of Sugar, quicksilver, Cacau, Tobaccoe, Brazillet wood, and other goods, merchandises, silver mony, and other things whatsoever, lately loaden at Jamaica by the servants of the said sir William Davidson, was (as hee the said William Davidson is Certainely informed) villanously and Roguishly taken by Pyratts, Rovers, and Theeves, Comeing from Jamaica aforesaid; and Brought upp to Boston in New England, or thereabouts; Now hee the said Sir William Davidson hath, in the best manner way and forme unto him possible, made, ordained and Constituted and by these presents in his stead and place doth make, ordaine and Constitute Mr. Francis Willoughby of Charles Towne in New England, merchant,[2] his true and lawfull Atturny, Giving and by these presents graunting unto his said Atturny full power, Commission, and lawfull authority, for and in the name and to the Use of the said Sir William Davidson, to demaund, sue for, leavy, recover, receave and take possession of the said shipp lately Called the Blew dove of London (or by whatsoever other name shee may bee Called or knowne), And all furniture and appurtenances to her belonging, Together with all her Loading of sugar, quick silver, Cacau, Tobaccoe, Brazillet wood, and other goods, merchandises, silver mony, and other things whatsoever, And to make and give such acquittances and discharges as shall be requisite, And in all thinges to follow the orders and directions of the said Sir William Davidson; And further to take, seize upon, and apprehend the said Pyratts, Rovers, and Theeves, and prossecute them according to law, And if neede bee by reason of the premisses to appeare before whatsoever Lords Judges and Justices in any Court or Courts, there to answere, defend and reply in all matters and Causes touching or Concerneing the premisses, to doe, say, pursue, Implead, arrest, seize, sequester, attache, Imprison, and to Condemne, and out of prison againe to deliver; And further generally in and Concerneing the premisses to doe all thinges which hee the said Sir William Davidson might or Could doe if that hee should be then and there personnally present, with power to substitute one or more Atturnyes under him with like or lymmitted power and the same againe to revoake; And the said Sir William Davidson doth promise to rattify, Confirme, allow and approove of all and whatsoever his said Atturny, or his substitute or substitutes shall lawfully doe, or Cause or procure to bee donne, in and about the premisses, by vertue of these presents; In witnesse whereof the said Sir William Davidson hath signed, sealed and delivered these presents;

[Footnote 2: Deputy-governor of Massachusetts 1665-1671.]

Thus donne and passed at London aforesaid in the presence of Captaine John Tailor of London, merchant,[3] and Mr. Nicholas Corsellis alsoe of London, merchant, as witnesses hereunto required.

[Footnote 3: Willoughby's father-in-law. Waters, Genealogical Gleanings, pp. 970-977. Corsellis was a Dutch merchant in London.]

JOHN TAYLOR. WILLIAM DAVIDSON. NICOLAS CORSELLIS.

In testimonium veritatis WM. ALLEN, Not's Pub'cus, 1664



THE PROVIDENCE.

28. Certificate of Cornelius de Lincourt. April 12/22, 1673.[1]

[Footnote 1: Suffolk Court Files, Boston, no. 1257, paper 11. There was war between England and the United Provinces, 1672-1674. The Dutch privateer 's Landswelvaren (Commonweal) captures the Providence on April 4/14, 1673, and puts on board her a prize crew. The two vessels become separated. On April 11/21 the 's Landswelvaren makes prize of the ketch mentioned in this document, in which Captain de Lincourt presents the ketch, by way of consolation, to the master of the Providence. On April 12/22 the prize crew of the Providence, by a ruse, possesses itself of the Little Barkley, but presently both English crews separately recover possession of their vessels, and they separately make their way to Boston. Raddon, master of the Providence, arrives there later.]

Lett it bee knowne to all kings, princes and potentates in Christendom and to all those that it may Concerne, how that upon the 21th day of aprill 1673 before the River of Virginia have taken and overmastered Under the Comition of his highness my lord prince William the third of Oringe, taken a Cetch called Dergens [?] Coming from Boston out of new england, goeing to the River of Virginia, whearof was skiper John Cox, which ketch I was intended for to burne or to sinck, but after severall Considerations I doe give the same ketch and all that belongs unto her freely and liberaly unto the honorable Capt. Thomas Raddon and Mr. Joseph Fox, whoe both likewise weare taken by mee, to have and to hold as their owne Ketch and to dispose thereof to their owne Content.

Signed by mee in the Ship Called Slanswelvarn at sea the 22th day of Aprill 1673.

CORNELIS DE LINCOURT. Stierman, JAN CORNELISSE. Stierman, PIETER GERRITSZ. bootsman,[2] THOMAS SEVERS. Constapel,[3] ANTONI FERO. Schyman,[4] JACOB WALLE.

[Footnote 2: Boatswain.]

[Footnote 3: Gunner.]

[Footnote 4: Boatswain's mate.]

I the underwritten do acknowledge that this above mentioned act is done and signed in the presence of my officers and signed by them before skiper Cox, Master of the above mentioned ketch, dated as above.

CORNELIOUS DELINCOURT. Copia vera. G. SWERINGEN.

29. Deposition of John Johnson and Henry Harris. April 26, 1673.[1]

[Footnote 1: Suffolk Court Files, Boston, no. 1257, paper 19.]

The depositions of John Johnson, aged 18 yeers, steersman, and Henry Harris, aged about 24 yeers:

These depon'ts testifie and say that they these deponts together with severall other seamen belonging unto Flushing, under the comand of Capt. Cornelious Lincort, Comand'r of the shipp Slandt Welvaeren, in English the Comonwelth, by vertu of a Comisson from his highness the prince of orange, we came up with the Providence of Falmouth (who was bound to Virginia) in the Latitude of 36: and 40: and tooke her, which when taken these depon'ts and ten more were put on bord her to Keepe and secure her, and after wee had been on bord some hours, in the night wee lost our own shipp and saw them no more, and about seven dayes after wee came up with a Londoner and thinking to take him, four of our company went on bord in the night but never returned, and the next day after the English that belonged to the sd Ship Providence, and some of the other ship before mencioned that wee had on bord with us prisoners, rose and retook her and suppressed us and have brought sd shipp and us into Piscattay River.

Grt Island[2] the 26th April 1673. taken upon oath by the persons above named before me

[Footnote 2: Great Island, lying in the mouth of the Piscataqua River; at that time a part of Portsmouth, now New Castle, N.H.]

ELIAS STILEMAN, Comisr.[3]

[Footnote 3: From 1658 to 1679, under the Massachusetts government of New Hampshire, Elias Stileman was a magistrate and county commissioner for Portsmouth.]

30. Petition of Edward Bant. About April 28, 1673.[1]

[Footnote 1: Suffolk Court Files, Boston, no. 1257, paper 1.]

To the Honorable County Court now sitting in Boston The humble petition of Edward Bant on the Behalf of himself and the rest of the Company belonging unto the Ship called the Little Barklay, being five men in number, Humbly sheweth

That they your Hon'rs petitioners, with the sd ship, were taken about Eighty Leagues East and by North from the Capes of Virginia by a Prize formerly taken by Capt. Cornelius Lincoint, commander of a ship belonging to Flushing called in English the Commonwealth. And the next day following the Commander of the said prize went on board the said Barkley, intending to have taken out her goods to put them on board his own vessell, whilst wee your petit'rs were on board his vessell as prisoners held in the Hold. And then the English Company remaining on board the sd. Barkley surprized them, the sd. Commander and his Company, and sailed away with them. And about six hours after, your petitioners, together with the other English men belonging to the aforesd prize (when in possession of the English), made an Insurrection and took the ship by violence from the Dutch men and have brought her into the harbour at Puscataqua with eight Dutch men prisoners in her, and her goods and Loading secured in the wearhouse of Mr. Nathaniell Fryer.[2]

[Footnote 2: Merchant and county commissioner in Portsmouth.]

Whereupon your Hon'rs serious wise Consideration of the premises your petitioners humbly pray your Hon'rs be pleased to order what salvage they shall have out of the said ship and cargo now in Puscataqua, and that with all expedition that may be, because they are all Strangers and willing[3] to returne to their hoames, And lying here upon great Charges, having nothing but what they borrow and cloathes on their back. And as in duty bound they shall pray for your prosperity, etc.

[Footnote 3: I.e., desirous.]

8 May 1673. At a Court of Assistants on adjourmt.

In ans'r to the petition of Edward Bant in behalfe of himself and fower seamen, the Court judgeth it meet to order that Mr. Nathaniel Fryer allow and pay the sum of fiveteene pounds for their salvage, taking their receipts for the same.

past. EDW. RAWSON, Secre'ty.

31. Order of the Suffolk County Court. April 29, 1673.[1]

[Footnote 1: Suffolk Court Files, no. 1257, paper 6.]

At a County Court held at Boston Aprill 29th 1673.

In answer to the petition presented to this Court by Henry King and Edward Bant who lately brought into the River of Piscataquay the Ship Providence of Falmoth, whereof said King was Mate in a voiadge from England to Virginia, in which voiadge they were surprized by a Dutch man of War,[2] and by the Petitioners and Company rescued out of theire hands: who have since Surrendred the said Ship and her loading into the hands of Mr. Nathaniel Fryer for the Securing and looking after both in behalf of the Owners.

[Footnote 2: The term then included privateers. The 's Landswelvaren was not a public vessel.]

This Court doe order and Empower Mr. Elias Stileman and Mr. Henry Deering, together with said Fryer, or any two of them, to take a particular acco't of the state of said ship, and to Inventory the Goods brought in by and belonging to her, and to make provition for the Securing of both for the right Owners, making a return thereof to the present Dept. Govr. by the 7th of May next, and the said Fryer is further ordered to disburse for the Company arrived in the said Ship what may bee for the Supply of theire present necessities, and also order that hee take care that the 8 Dutch men brought in prisoners in the saide Ship bee forthwith brought to Boston before Authority, to be disposed of as the matter may require, and for the other parts of the petition's, touching Salvage or wages, The Court refers them to the Counsell at theire next meeting.

Copia vera per ISAAC ADDINGTON, Cler.[3]

[Footnote 3: Afterward speaker 1685, assistant 1686, councillor and secretary of the province 1692-1715.]

32. Petition of Henry King. April 30, 1673.[1]

[Footnote 1: Suffolk Court Files, no. 1257, paper 4.]

To the Hon'able the Deputy Governor and Majest's[2] now assembled in Court.

[Footnote 2: Magistrates, or members of the Court of Assistants.]

Hen. King.

Humbly Recommendeth to your worships candid consideration his present case and Condition, hoping to obtaine your worships Juditious approbation therein, to the end and intent that all persons Conserned and Related to the ship providence of Falmouth, which was taken by a Dutch ship of warr on the 4th instant[3] about 40 Leagues short of the Capes of Virginia and Retaken again by the means and directions of your suppliants, who requeste that your worships will please to Grant orders that your petitioner and those other seamen belonging to the said ship who were asistant in Retaking her may have their wages according to agreem't, from the time of their being shipt till the said ship providence with her Loading was brought into pascataqua River and there put into the Custody of Mr. Nathaniel Fryar, who is the Correspondant of one of the Owners of said ship with her Cargoe, where she is to Continue till orders from authority or instructions from the proprietors. Boston 30 Apr. 1673. And Your Petitioner shall Ever Pray.

[Footnote 3: April 4, old style, the style still used by the English in 1673; April 14, new style, the style used by the Dutch, as in document no. 28, above.]

At a Court of Assistants held in Boston on adjourm't, 8 May 1673.

In answer to the petition of Henry King in behalf of himself and the six seamen according to their Portlidge bills[4] Given into this Court with their declaration, the Court Judgeth it meete to Grant and order that Mr. Nathaniell Fryer pay them their severall wages, he taking their receipts for the same. Past by the Court, as Attest

EDWARD RAWSON, Secrety.

[Footnote 4: A mariner's portage or portledge was originally his own venture in the ship, in freight or cargo, but by this time "portledge bill" frequently meant merely a list of sailor's claims for wages or allowances.]

33. Inventory of the Providence. May 5, 1673.[1]

[Footnote 1: Suffolk Court Files, no. 1257, paper 16. In the margin of the original document, each indication of a parcel (such as "a large hhd.") is accompanied by a representation of the monogram or other symbol which the parcel bore as a distinguishing mark.]

An Inventory of the goods and things taken into the custody of Mr. Nathaniel Fryer that came in the Shipp Providence of Falmouth, of which shipp Mr. Henry King was Mate in a voyage from England to Virgenia but now Master.

a large hhd.

13 pa. fr. falls[2] 11 pa. pl.[3] shooes 1 wier kage 6 pa. mens wollen hose 12 pa. Irish cloath hose 2 old hatt 2 new shirts 2 p'ces shearge 20 pa. worsted hose 1 p'ce blue linnon 28 1 dito 29 1 dito 44 1 halfe p'ce lockram[4] 3 halfe pound of wt. thread 1 lb. browne thread 1 paper col. filleting 1 paper col. thread about a ld. 1 p'ce sheeting canvas 123 27-1/2 yards dowlas[5] 1 coat } 1 dublet } part worn 2 pa. briches } and oakum to fill up the hhd. that these things were in.

[Footnote 2: French (?) falls; a fall was a collar falling flat around the neck.]

[Footnote 3: Plain.]

[Footnote 4: A linen fabric.]

[Footnote 5: Coarse linen.]

a large hhd.

1 doz. 10 paire mens fr. falls 4 pa. pumps with heeles 2 saddles 7 curb bitts 6 snaffall bitts 1 pa. black head stall and raynes and crupp and breastplate 1 dubble girt 4 halters 1 doz. white raynes and headstalls 6 pa. white stirrup leathers 1 doz. pa. boyes and girles shooes 2 doz. 1/2 mens pl. shooes 1 p'ce kersie no. 1: 26-3/4 1 p'ce dito—2:26 1 p'ce. searge

a little hhd.

6 large pewter basons 3 large Iron shovels 1 curb bitt 1 side saddle and furniture 2 doz. pa. mens fr. falls 10 pa. mens pl. shooes 2 pa. woodden heele weo.[6] shooes

[Footnote 6: Women's.]

a little hhd.

40 pa. fr. falls and woodden heele shooes for men and w. 18 pa. mens pl. shooes 2 pa. boyes pl. shooes

a broad hamper.

5 doz: 1/2 low crowne black hatts

* * * * *

9 reams of paper Damnified[7] 2 peeces of haire cloath ell wide a small baile of 2 small p'ces of small canvas 1 p'ce ell wide fine canvas in a bundall 1 p'ce Lockram } halfe a peece fine dowlas } in a bundall

[Footnote 7: Damaged.]

a box.

3 gounds[8] 2 Jasto Corps[9] 4 stuffe coates for men

[Footnote 8: Gowns.]

[Footnote 9: Justaucorps.]

a box.

2 stuffe vest for boyes 2 boyes little coates 2 childrens coates 2 scarlett parragon[10] coates 2 childes parragon coate 1 boyes coat

[Footnote 10: Double camlet.]

a box.

5 coates and briches for men 2 weo. Stuffe gounes 2 mens cloakes

a box.

1 p'ce blue linnon a small parcell dowlas a small parcell lockram 22 small bundles black thread 1 doz. mens white worsted hose, ratt eaten

a box, the baile in it.

13 peeces blue linnon

a box.

23 low crowne black hatts 16 p'ces of taffeta ribbon severall colours 20 p'ces of black dito

a box.

12 peeces blue linnon

* * * * *

a barrell of powder

a small box broak open.

7 yards ticking 28 yards blue linnon 2 pa. weo. parragon bodices and Stomegers[11] 17 yards 1/2 of Stuffe 1 lb. black thread

[Footnote 11: Stomachers.]

* * * * *

1 small barrell of nayles

a great chest.

7 peeces kersie 2 p'ces red playnes[12] 1 p'ce white cotton 12 grose coat button 2 doz. pins 4 peeces galloune[13] 3 papers white filleting 12 peeces white tape a paper sewing and stiching silks about a ld. 6 paire woe. parragon bodices and stomegers 6 pa. childrens bodices

[Footnote 12: Flannel.]

[Footnote 13: Narrow braid of gold, silver, or silk thread.]

* * * * *

2 brass panns 69 Duch blue potts 2 small sloope sayles 3 small quoiles[14] cordidge 4 quarter casks of brandy 2 puncheons of mault 3 small casks of wine, 1 pt out sd to be Masters. 40 white Jarrs of oyle 13 doz. stone bottles 11 barrells of Bread 1 old missen 1 old fore saile 1 new fore topsaile 1 maine topsaile 1 maine saile 1 fore saile 1 maine topsaile 1 Ensigne[15] 1 Jack 1 pennant 1 long boats new maine saile and fore saile 1 sprittsell topsaile 1 new spritsaile 1 maine saile 1 missen top saile 1 missen 1 old fore topsaile 1 fore topsaile 1 old fore saile fore bouelings and braces and clue garnets[16] fore Jeere buntlins and fore topsaile clulings fore top mast stays topsaile bouleings and lifts topsaile sheets topmast backstayes topsaile tie and halliards tacks topmast shrouds sheets sheet blocks Topsaile sheets blocks Maine boleings—missen Brailes Maine topsaile lifts Maine topsaile braces brases topsaile tie and Halliardes clue garnetes leich linees topmast backstaiees topmast sheets topmast shroudes buntlins topsaile bowlelings tackes topmast clulings and lifts and maine Jeere topmast staye, topmast buntlins sheets, sheete blocks

[Footnote 14: Coils.]

[Footnote 15: The ensign was the ship's chief flag. The jack was a small flag, in this case no doubt the union jack, combining the crosses on the flags of England and of Scotland, and was at this time commonly flown at the spritsail-topmast head.]

[Footnote 16: Of the various ropes here mentioned, bowlines and brails ran to the perpendicular sides of square sails, buntlines across their fronts; clew-garnets and clewlines were tackles for clewing up the lower and the upper square sails respectively, jeers for hoisting the lower yards; lifts ran from the masthead to the yard-arms, leech lines to the sides of the topsails.]

What in 3 Chests (of the Seamens)

No. 1.

4 horse whips 1 weo. coat 3 doz. thread laces 2 pa. childrens hose 1 grose brest buttons 1 p'ce diaper tape 3 pocket paper bookes 2 whisks 1 band 1 silke neck cloath 1 demity wastcoat 1 old shirt 2 yards striped linnon 6 yards Stuffe 1 p'ce kersie 1 coat 1 pa. briches 3 forestaffs[17] and vaines

[Footnote 17: Simple instruments for taking altitudes (and so determining latitudes).]

No. 2.

1 lookeing glass 1 doz. pa. white worsted hose for men 1 brass old trumpett 5 shirts } 3 pa. drawers } foule 1 pa. fine gloves 2 stuffe coates 1 pa. briches, wast coat, and Jacket 1 wast coat and Jacket more 1 pa. new and 3 pa. old shooes 1 pa. yarne stockings 3 neckcloaths 2 pa. hose 1 pa. linnon sleeves 2 napkins, and severall other small things.

No. 3.

1 peece fine broad cloath 6 yards 1/2 branch and Streaked stuffe 6 coates for men 1 stuffe pa. briches and dublet 3 pa. cloath briches 1 old dublet 1 girles petticoat 2 pa. Irish stockings 3 pa. childrens hose 1 woe. boddy of a gowne 1 pewter candlestick and socket 5 boyes hatts 17 yards blue linnon one perriwig 2 white tiffeny[18] hoods 2 pa. gloves 12 yards stuffe in 2 p'ces 3 bands[19] 1 laced 5 yards searge 2 pa. sleeves 2 small p'ces diaper filleting 4 yards 1/4 searge 1 gr. and 11 doz. buttons 4 yards striped stuffe 3 doz. thread laces 6 yards shalloune[20] a parcell of thread about 1/2 ld. 1 childes silke cap and a little parcell of silke and severall other small things.

[Footnote 18: Tiffany, thin transparent silk.]

[Footnote 19: Collars.]

[Footnote 20: Woollen stuff used for linings.]

* * * * *

1 kettle } 1 pott } left on board 1 stuepann } 26 Iron potts 25 Iron long bolts 6 chaine plates with dead eyes[21] 10 Iron bound dead eyes 7 wood axes 6 pump speires 12 small boltes 17 Iron clamps 1 bagg of 2d. nayles 2 baggs of 4d. nayles. 2 pruneing hookes for gardens 8 musquets (1 noe lock) 5 Iron hinges for ports 80 great speeks[22] 2 pintles 2 good Irons 1 top chaine 3 great rings 1 basket of sheathing nayles } halfe full each. 1 basket of 40d. nayles } 1 fiz gigg[23] 4 hookes 1 shovel 12 small rings 1 poope lanthhorne 1 Iron mill with 2 winches 1 cross cutt saw 2 chaine bolts more 2 pumpe Irons 2 table hookes 1 shirk hooke[24] 2 dogg Irons 2 doz. of 8 Inch blocks 1 doz. of 6 Inch blocks 1 doz. of 4 Inch blocks 11 blocks of 6 and 4 Inch 1 doz. of 5 Inch blocks 7 of 14 Inch blocks 1 topsaile sheete block 3 double table blocks 17 dead eyes 9 pump uper boxes 10 dito lower 5 blacking barrels 8 small glasses 1 wach glass 4 cumpasses 12 sk. twine about halfe a barrel of powder 8 yards of canvas 2 pa. Stilliards without peises 3 small baggs of 2d. nayles (in a bagg) 1 dipsey lead[25] 18 lb. 2 pistalls 1 carbine 1 p'ce Leather 1 small fouleing peece 3 straw hatts 3 cables and 2 hallsers 4 anckors (sheet, best bower, small bower and kedge) 5 Iron gunns The Ship Providence and standing rigging with long boat and Skiffe.

[Footnote 21: Wooden blocks for extending the stays.]

[Footnote 22: A speek was a large nail; a pintle, then as now, a rudder-pin.]

[Footnote 23: A kind of harpoon.]

[Footnote 24: Hook for sturgeons; dog-irons were probably fire-dogs.]

[Footnote 25: Deep-sea lead (for sounding).]

In Obedience to a Warrant Comeing from the County Court held in Boston the 30th day of Aprill 1673, Unto us whose names are hereunder written, for to take an Inventory of the Estate and goods in the Shipp Providence of Falmouth, lately arived in Piscataqua River, etc., and to Render an acco't thereof unto the present Deputy Governor by the 7th of May, wee haveing accordingly done the same (as time would afford) Doe Signifie Unto the Honourable Deputy Governor, that the before mentioned particulars are the whole, that to our certaine knowleidg is come (in the said shipp) and that, according to the wrighting at the beginning hereof, they are Secured in the said Fryers hands and the shipp well mored in the harbour at the Great Island in Piscataqua River.

NATHANIELL FRYER. May the 5th, 1673. HENRY DERING.

34. Examination of John Johnson. May 5, 1673.[1]

[Footnote 1: Suffolk Court Files, no. 1257, paper 18.]

The examination of John Johnson steersman of the frigott commonwealth, Capt. Cornelius Lincourt Comd'r.

December the 15th their stile[2] they came out of Flushing in the above sd Frigott with 20 gunns and ninety six men and boys, bound from Flushing to the Canarie Island, and in their way they tooke a Londoner bound from Malaga laden with fruit, which they sent to the Groyne,[3] and the men they putt on shore at the canaries. from the Canaries we sailed to the Cape de Verd Islands and from thence to Barbados, where they tooke a small French sloope, and from thence we sailed to the Capes of Verginia and in our way we mett with the Providence of Falmouth, which ship we tooke on the 15 day of Aprill, our Stile,[4] in the latitude of the capes, about 30 Leagues to the Eastward. it being a stormy night they drive away under a maine course to the northward. for 2 days afterward they stood in againe to the capes but could not see their frigott, so then we stood away for the Groine, and meet with a small Londoner bound for Verginia, who came abord on us for water, and we took the men being 5 and putt them in to the hold, then he that was Master of the ship went on board the Londoner and those men with him, whome the Londoner carried away, so then we followed them but could not overtake him, so the night following the English that were upon Decke conspireing with them in the hold, in the morneing they tooke the ship from us, and brought us to Piscataqua.

[Footnote 2: I.e., new style, which the Dutch used.]

[Footnote 3: The name then used by the English for Coruna, in northwestern Spain.]

[Footnote 4: April 5, O.S. See documents 32 and 36.]

Taken in Boston 5 May 1673 before

JOHN LEVERETT, Dep. Gov.[5]

[Footnote 5: John Leverett was deputy-governor 1671-1673. Two days later, May 7, 1673, he was elected governor, and so continued till 1679.]

35. Declaration of Edward Bant and Others. May 8, 1673.[1]

[Footnote 1: Suffolk Court Files, no. 1257, paper 12.]

A Declaration of some Occurrents that happened to us in our late voiadge from London in the Ship Barkely of the saide port, Nicholas Prynne Commander, intended for Virginia, Anno 1672/3.

On the twelfth Aprill 1673 being in saide Ship about the Lattitude of the Capes of Virginia about 80 Leagues distant, wee saw a sail towards Evening, and being in want of provitions, seeing her to be a Fly boate,[2] made towards her and came up with her about Eight a clock and hailed them asking them of whence theire Ship. they answered of Falmoth. wee ask't them from whence they came. they answered from Virginia, and called mee by my name and asked mee how I did. wee asked them what places they loaded at. they answered, in Petuxin River.[3] wee told them wee wanted some provitions. they answered us if we would hoise out our Boate and come on boarde, they would spare us water and other provitions what they could. in order thereunto wee did soe, and I being desired by the Master and Merchant[4] to goe on board with the Boate to Endeavor to gett what provitions I could, our Marchant who was the owner also desired mee to stay, and hee and the Doctor would goe with mee as soon as they had sealed theire letters. Our Master not having ended his writing the marchant desired him to goe on board with us also and to finish his letter there, and accordingly with three more Seamen wee went on board saide Ship, and when wee came there founded severall Dutchmen on board who had the Command of her, they having lately taken her from the English. the Ship was called the Providence, belonging to Falmoth, Thomas Radden having been lately master of her. the saide Dutchman Surprized six of us and kept us prisoners and sent one of our Company with three Dutchmen on board our Ship, who lay by us till the next morning. then the Dutch Commander comanded our Ships' Boate to come on board his Ship againe, which accordingly they did, hee promising our merchant to take out our goods and to give us our Ship againe, in order whereunto hee provided one hogshead of bread to have given us as hee saide and tooke our marchant with him and went on board our Ship, and about halfe an hour after our Ship made sail and Steered to the westward: and then the Dutch men put us who formerly belonged to her down into the hole and made sail after the saide Ship for about two houres, and seeing they could not come up with her stood on theire course againe to the Eastward, and by receiving advice from those Englishmen that were at liberty were combined together for them to make way for our coming up and soe to rush out upon the Dutchmen at once and to Subdue them, for the rescueing of ourselves and Ship, which with god's blessing wee Effected, without loss of life or bloodshed to any, and then agreed among our Selves to come away with saide Ship to New England, which accordingly wee did and after Eleven days passage by reason of contrary wind and foggy weather arrived in Piscataquay River on the 23th Aprill 1673.

[Footnote 2: A small swift ship of Dutch pattern (originally Vlie boot).]

[Footnote 3: Patuxent River, in Maryland.]

[Footnote 4: I.e., supercargo.]

EDWARD BANT, Mate. JOHN RESSELL. JONAS LEWIS.

Att a Court of Assistants on Adjournment the 8th May 1673, Edward Bant, John Russell and Jonas Lewis deposed in Court that having subscribed their names to this declaration that it was the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth:

As Attests EDWARD RAWSON Sec'ty

36. Declaration of Henry King and John Champion. May 8, 1673.[1]

[Footnote 1: Suffolk Court Files, no. 1257, paper 10.]

A Declaracion of some Occurrents that happened us in our late voiadge from Falmouth intended for Virginia in the Ship Providence of Falmoth, Anno 1672/3, Thomas Radden Commander.

About the 12th November 1672 wee sailed from Falmoth in the aforesaid Ship to Plimouth for convoy and there lay till the 15th January following, when wee sailed under convoy with a fleete of about 90 sail. our convoy went with us about 80 Leagues to the Westward of Silly,[2] then with about ten sail more were parted from the fleet and were making the best Emprovement of winde and weather to gaine our port till the 4th Aprill following, when wee between the houres of four and six in the morning saw a Sail upon our weather quarter. wee made what sail wee could, hee giving us chase, in about two houres hee came up with us, showed us Dutch colours, comanded us by the lee and to strike our Topsaile and ancient:[3] wee seeing of him to bee a man of War of Force could make no resistance against him, did accordingly: then the Capt. himself came aboard of us with twelve Dutch men more, showed us his Commission Signed by the Prince of Orange, for the taking of English Ships: the Capt. was named Cornelius Linquoint and commanded the Ship in English called the Commonwealth, of 20 peice of Ordnance. then hee tooke our master, merchant and ten seamen more out of our Ship and left seven of us aboard and soe went aboard his man of war againe and ordered the Dutch Steersman, whome hee left with Eleven Dutchmen more on board of our Ship, to Steere after the man of War, and in case wee should bee parted by weather to Saile with our Ship to the Groyne in Galecia, as the said Steeresman informed mee: the same night following wee lost the man of War—the said Capt having told mee that if wee kept Company while the next morning hee would take the Goods out of our Ship on board the man of war and give us our own Ship againe, but having lost Company of him in the night, wee bore up the helme to the Eastward, intending for the Groyne, as the Steersman informed mee. having plied too and againe 6 days hoping to meete with the man of war againe, two days after wee bore up wee saw a sail which made towards us, being about 3 Leagues from us. betweene six and eight aclock in the evening they came up with us, and hailed us asking whence wee were. The Dutch Steersman, standing with a laden pistol presented to my breast, commanded mee to answer them in those words he should dictate to mee, bid mee answer them, of Falmoth, and to tell them wee came from Petuxine River in Virginia, and if they wanted anything if they would hoise out theire Boat and Come aboard wee would supply them, upon which they hoised out theire Boat and the Master, Merchant, Mate, Doctor and two seamen came on board in the Boate, and after they had entred our Ship the Dutchmen Surprized them and sent three Dutchmen on board theire Ship and the Ship staied by us all the night. next morning the Dutchmen intending to goe on board commanded the said Shipps boats on board, who came accordingly, and the Dutch Skipper went on board the aforesaid Ship intending to take out her goods and put on board of our Ship, as hee saide, in order whereunto hee tooke the merchant along with him. about halfe an hour after, the said Ship made sail and steered to the westward. wee in our Ship making Sail followed them between two and three houres, and finding wee could not come up with her left our chase and stood to the Eastward againe, there being five Englishmen belonging to the saide Ship prisoners in our Ships hold. about six houres after, the same day, wee Englishmen that were at liberty, by writing to them in the hold, conspired together with them to lett them come up and soe to rush all out together upon the Dutch men and if wee could Subdue them to rescue ourselves and Ship, which accordingly with gods' blessing wee effected without any loss of life or shedding of blood and soe intended to New England, being afraide to goe for Virginia leaste wee should meete the man of War againe and being unable to carry the Ship home for England, and after eleven days lying at Sea by reason of foggy weather and contrary windes wee arrived at Piscataquay in New England aforesaid being 23th Aprill 1673.

[Footnote 2: The Scilly Isles, off the southwesternmost cape of England.]

[Footnote 3: Ensign.]

HENRY KING, Mate. JOHN CHAMPION, Bosson.[4]

[Footnote 4: Boatswain.]

At a Court of Assistants held at Boston on Adjou't, 8th May '73, Henry King, John Champyn and John Sennet deposed in open Court that this Declaration is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. As Attests

EDWARD RAWSON, Secty.

Portlidge bill of Wages due to the Company belonging to said Ship Providence is as followeth:

L s.d.

Henry King, Mate, at 55s. per mo.,—4 mos., 5 days— 11. 9.2 John Champyn, Boatswaine, at 36s. per mo.,—4-1/2 mo., 5d. 8. 6.2 John Jorey, Carpenter, at 3 [pounds] per mo., 4-1/2 mo. 13.10.0 John Sennett at 28s. per mo., 3 mo., 5d. 4. 8.6 John Burley at 28s. per mo., 4 mo., 5d. 5.16.6 George Taylor at 28s. per mo., 3-1/2 mo. 4.18.0 Richard Gross[5] at 20s. per mo., 4 mo., 5d. 4. 3.4 ———- 52.11.8

[Footnote 5: The margin adds, "sick aboard."]

8 May 1673.

It is ordered that the seamen above shall be allowed and payd their severall wages (according to their Portlidge bills here Given in) by Mr. Fryer, he taking their receipts of the several seamen. As Attests, EDWARD RAWSON, Sec'y.

37. Petition of Thomas Raddon. June 10, 1673.[1]

[Footnote 1: Suffolk Court Files, no. 1257, paper 7.]

To the Hon'rble the Governour and Magistrates Assembled in Boston,

The humble request of Thomas Raddon is that whereas the authority of this Jurisdiction hath taken care to secure the ship Providence of Fallmouth in old England, wich was brought into Piscataway by reprisall and the Cargo in her, whereof I the said Thomas Raddon was shipped Master by the owners to performe a voiage to Virginia and from thence home againe, for which care I doe in the behalf of myself and owners returne humble and hearty thanks to your worships.

And whereas the Providence of God soe ordering that I am now come myselfe, my humble request is that your worships would bee pleased to give orders that the said ship and Goods may be speedily delivered unto your petitioner, that soe I may (with Gods blessing) proceed in my intended voige for the benefit of my imployers according to my obligation, and your petitioner shall ever pray for your worships prosperity.

THOS. RADDON.

In Boston this 10th of June, 1673.

This was presented to the Hono'ble Jno. Leveret, Esq'r, Gov., the 11th of June 1673. As Attest EDWARD RAWSON.

The Governor and Magistrates having perused the Certificate and finding that Tho. Raddon above, being now arrived, and the rest of the company that was took out of her, was the Master of the said Ship Providence, ordered the Secretary to signify to Mr. Nathaniell Fryer that they advise him to deliver the said ship and what was in her to the said Tho. Raddon, Master, for the use and benefit of the owners, he discharging the charges formerly advised to. As Attest. EDW. RAWSON, Secret'y.



THE ST. ANTHONY.

38. Examination of John Tooly. June 17, 1673.[1]

[Footnote 1: Suffolk Court Files, no. 1257, paper 17.]

It was my Chance to be in Lesbon and wanting a woage[2] I shiped my slefe [selfe] A board of a portungal buelt ship, Mr. Orchard Commander, but some five dayes After it plesed the Almyty God to take him out of the woarld, and when that wee was Agoing to bury him I heard the men that was in the boate to helpe Rowe him over the water, for the portugeses would not suffer us to bury him in Lesbone, say that thay would have A Ship Are Longe, but I did not know how, not then, and some one day thay went into the house[3] for thay Could open the Locke of the haches when thay plesed and drawed wine of the Marchantes and soe sate doune to geather to drinke, and I being near, thay not deming of it, I heard them say that thay would asay[4] it all at once, and Liquise[5] that thay would Rune away with the ship, soe I disclosed it to the Master and the Marchant for our Marchant had gone, another master, which was Capt. haddockes second mate, which was then Comander of the Engles[6] ship Lying in Lesbone Rever, John Terry by Name, soe thay tooke three of them and put them in presone at Lesbone. it was the boatswane and two men more, but by Resone that one willam forrest which was Aboard that Gave the suprecargo Mr. John Pane fare words, the suprecargo would not sufer him to be put in to preson, but that hee should Goe the woage, and because thay Could note Geete another Carpenter thay would not put the Carpenter in to preson, but that hee should goe the woage Lyquise, soe the Master John Terry shipd two men more in there Romes which ware English men, Edmun Cooke and John Smith, and Afterwards hee shiped 2 Duchmen whose names I know not, and wee ware bound for newfoundland for a sacke,[7] but when wee had been about A weake at sea these two men, namly Willam forrest and John peket the Carpenter, perswaded the other two Engles men, Edmun Cooke and John Smith, and one other Engles which was a board and the two Duch men, to surprise the Master, the suprecargo and Mate, a portungall boy and I, and soe to Rune away with the ship. And waching thare Oppertunity when the Master and the Marchant was a slepe in the Roundhouse, the Mate A Riting in the Cabing, and I was at helme, the Carpenter came into the sterege and cauled the [said?] Edmun Cooke and John Smith out of thare Cabing whare thay ware aslepe, and soe thay went forward togeather into the forcasell and immeadly thay Came Aft agane, the two Duchmen and willam forrest, the Carpenter and Edmun Cooke, John Smith and the other Engles man. soe the two Duchmen and the Englesman that is not named came into the sterege. the other fower wente up upon the Quarterdecke and surprised the Master and the Marchant where thay ware a slepe in the Round house, and the other three sayed to me that if I did offer to stere I was a dead man. soe the Mate hering that in the Cabin where he was a riting salied out of the Cabing in to the sterege. soe thay tooke hould of him and throed him upon his back and soe held him and would not suffer him to ster. soe I rune doune the scutell which was in the sterege and hede my slefe amounge the sayles betweene deckes, for I heard the Master and the Marchant Cry out most petifully. soe I thought to my slife when thare pasene[8] was over that I mite perswaed them to save my Life. soe thay bound the Master and the Marchant and Carryed them forward upon the forcastell. but presenly after thay Loused them agane and put them in to the Greate Cabing all togeather, and would suffer but one to Come upon the deck at a time. the Master and the Marchant profered them that if thay would thay would take a drame of the botell and set doune and drink frinds and that all things should be forgoting, but thay would not Exsept of there profer. soe I went upon the deck and desyred them that thay would be plesed to Lend us a sayle, for thay tould us that thay would hoyst out the boate and Give us some provisones and tourne us to shift for our slevs. soe wee desyred to beare up the helme for to put us As neare the Land as thay Could. soe [torn] some 2 howers. soe thay Gave into the boate All neceesaryes, as provisons, wood, water and Lequers, with a sayle and mast and ores, A grapnall and grapnall rope, sayle nedles, twine and pame[9] for to men[d] the sayle. Soe Will Forrest, walking upon the Quater deck with a backe swoard[10] in his hand, Commanded the boat to be hoysted out and all those forenamed nesessarys to be got in to her, with a Compas, Quadrant and a plat,[11] and soe Comanded the Master, the Marchant and the Mate and the portuges boy in to the boate. John Tooley and Allexander[12] —— would have gone into the boate with them, but thay would not suffer us to goe [torn] Master saed [or] asked them [torn] that thay would keepe us but thay would not harking unto them and would not Let us goe.

[Footnote 2: Voyage.]

[Footnote 3: The house or cabin on the after-deck.]

[Footnote 4: Assay, attempt.]

[Footnote 5: Likewise.]

[Footnote 6: English.]

[Footnote 7: Plunder.]

[Footnote 8: Passion.]

[Footnote 9: A sailmaker's palm, which serves the purpose of a thimble.]

[Footnote 10: A sword with one edge.]

[Footnote 11: Chart.]

[Footnote 12: Wilson. The name can be supplied from the Records of the Court of Assistants of Massachusetts Bay, I. 12.]

John Tooley gave in this upon examination as a true narrative of the transaction in the Ship Anthony when she was surprised by forest and Pickard, etc., he the sayd Tooley being of the age of Twenty years or thereabouts.

Before us JOHN LEVERETT, Gvr. EDWARD TYNG. WILLIAM STOUGHTON.

John Terry, M'r, being present when this was spoken by John Toolly before the Govn'r, Mr. Ting, Mr. Staughton and Major Clarke on 17 June '73, being Asked whether what John Toolly had declared was the truth the said Terry Ansed he acknowledged the same to be the trueth: As Attests

EDWARD RAWSON, Sec'ty.

19 of November 1673.

This examination of John Toollys being Read in the Councill with the Acknouledg'mt of the Master John Terry that it was the Trueth, The Councill ordered his dischardge from further attending: and that the Secretary Give him the signification thereof to the said John Toolly.

As Attests,

EDW. RAWSON.

The Examination of Jno. Tooly marriner of Ship St. Anthony:[13]

[Footnote 13: A marginal note reads: "Pres[en]t, Govr., Capt. Gookins, Mr. Russell, Mr. Danforth, Mr. Tynge, Mr. Stoughton, Mr. Clarke", all of whom were at this time members of the Court of Assistants. An endorsement reads: "Toolly Examination taken 17:9:73," i.e., November 17, 1673.]

What is your name?

Jno. tooly, borne nere norwich.

He saith that he was at Helme when the Rising was.

How long was it after you came to sea.

Ansr: about a weeke.

Who rise first or the manner of their Rising?

the Carpenter having a handspike in his hand called to forrest, who with the two Dutchmen came forward with Cooke, etc.[14]

[Footnote 14: John Smith and Edmund Cooke were condemned to death for their share in these acts of piracy, but were pardoned by the General Court, December 10, 1673. Records of Massachusetts Bay, vol. IV., pt. II., p. 573.]

39. Examination of William Forrest. October 20, 1673.[1]

[Footnote 1: Suffolk Court Files, no. 1257, paper 15.]

Newport one[2] Road Iland.

[Footnote 2: On.]

The Examinatione of William forist, mariner, taken the 20 day 8 mo.[3] 1673. the foresd forist beinge examined acknowlegeth that he was owne of that mutinous Company that Raised Reblion in the ship Called the Sainte Anthony upon the Coaste of portingall, one hundred and tenn leags from Land, and theire with others did deprive John Tarry, Master, of his power given to him leagelly to Gouvern the aforesd shipe: but denies that he had a hand in forsinge him over borde, or those that went with him, but sd he and them might have continued longer in the aforesd shipe: but owned that he with others did deprive him the sd John Tarry the Gouverment and ordring the aforesd shipe, and beinge asked concerning their further prosedings, owned that he with others brought the aforesd shipe called the Sainte Anthony into pascattoga River in new Ingland, where he the sd forrist was then the Reputed master, whoe undertooke to be owne (to witt the Cheefest) that managed and disposed of most or all the aforesd Ships Cargoe, till by some means of fallinge out amonge themselves was discovered, upon which the sd William forrist mad an Escape for a time, till he was apprehended at new plimoth in new Ingland, whence he acknowlegeth he lately Escaped out of his magisties Gale[4] at new plimouth as aforesd, and forther beinge examined, owned (to wit, william forist) that John Tarry and the suprocargoe ware the persons that had Right to Governe, order and dispose of the abovesd Shipe and Cargoe, which hee the aforesd william forrist and Company unjustly Deprived them of. taken before us

NICHOLAS EASTON, Gov'r.[5] WILLIAM CODDINGTON, D'py Gov'r.

[Footnote 3: October.]

[Footnote 4: Jail.]

[Footnote 5: Nicholas Easton, governor of Rhode Island from May, 1672, to May, 1674; William Coddington, deputy governor 1673-1674, and afterwards governor.]

40. Petition of Allwin Child. October 24, 1673.[1]

[Footnote 1: Suffolk Court Files, no. 1257, paper 5.]

To the Hon'rd Governor and Coart of Asistants

The Humble Petition of Allwin Child

Sheweth, That a ship called the St. Anthony was consigned unto your petitioner from Lisbon under the Command of John Tarry, and in his voyage, about one hundred and ten Leagues from Lisbon, the seamen of the sd. ship mutined Against the sd. Commander and turned himself, his supercargo, mate and Boy out of said ship into the Boate to shift for themselves and Ran Away with the shipe, Some of the men so running Away being at present under conviction in this prison, and three others having bin taken at Plimouth in order to bee also Brought to Answare for their misdimeniors before the Authouritey of this Colony, But did theare Breake prison and escaped unto the Government of Road Iland, at which place they are Apprehended, and the said Tarry is Liquise now Arived there for Another ship, consigned allso to your petitioner, and is there detained to prosicute the Above offenders.

Your Petitioner in Behalf of the Imployers humbly craves that your Hon'rs would be pleased to take such Coarse that the said escaped prisoners may bee sent for to this place to Answare these facts According to Law, the Evidence Against them Being partly heard All Ready, and the Comander being also Bound to this place, soe that his stay theare will bee very preduditiall to the voyge of said ship and Imployers, the Ship Requiering A speedy Dispatch. And he shall Pray

[Endorsed:] Allwin Child petition to Gov'r and Mag'ts in Court of Assists. 24 Oct. 1673.[2]

[Footnote 2: The Court of Assistants, March 7, 1674, fined Major Nicholas Shapleigh 500 pounds for harboring and concealing in his warehouse William Forrest, Alexander Wilson, and John Smith, "capitall offenders," arranging their escape, and receiving and concealing their goods. Records of the Court of Assistants, I. 12-14, where a petition of Alvin Child in the matter is referred to. See also Maine Historical Society, Documentary History, second ser., VI. 38-42.]



CASE OF RODRIGUEZ AND RHODES.

41. Declaration of Thomas Mitchell. May 24, 1675.[1]

[Footnote 1: Suffolk Court Files, no. 1390, paper 1. This case appears in the Records of the Court of Assistants, I. 34-39, 42. The chief originator of this episode of piracy was a Dutch captain from Curacao, Juriaen Arentsen. In 1674, when a state of war existed between France and the Netherlands, he captured the French forts at Castine and St. John, and took possession of the region as "New Holland." Then, "at the Bear in Boston," he gave some sort of commission to another Dutchman or Fleming, Peter Rodrigo or Rodriguez, to John Rhodes of Boston, and others, under which they proceeded in the piratical manner described in documents 41 and 42. The Court of Assistants had now, by a law passed in December, 1673, been fully authorized to act as a court of admiralty (which hitherto it had done without formal authorization); sitting as such, May 17-June 17, 1675, it condemned Peter Rodrigo, Dutchman, John Roads, late of Boston, Peter Grant, Scotchman, Richard Fowler and Randolph Judson, Englishmen, for piracy, and sentenced them to be hanged. All were however pardoned subsequently. Records of Massachusetts Bay, V. 40, 54, 66. Mitchell and Uring were whipped for complicity, of which there was evidence contradicting their testimony here presented. For the background of the whole story, see C.W. Tuttle, Captain Francis Champernowne, the Dutch Conquest of Acadie, and other Historical Papers (Boston, 1889), pp. 137-150, 349-399.]

To the Hon. Court of Assistants sitting in Boston

The Declaration of Thomas Mitchell of Maulden Fisherman Humbly sheweth, That the said Mitchell beinge hired in October last both himself and the Barque whereof he was a part owner, for three moneths certaine and foure uncertaine upon a Tradeing voyage to the Eastward as farre East as a Plais called Siccanecto[2] in the Bottome of the Bay of Fundi by Captaine Peter Roderius and other of the Privateers, as by a Charter Party under their hands and seales more att Large it doth and may appeare, had nott any thought or suspition that the said Privateers would have taken any things from any man wrongfully, they before they went out severall times promiseinge the contrary (which if they should deny may be made to appeare). Butt when sd. Privateers came to the Eastward, instead of complyinge with their Charter Party or makeinge good their Promise, forced the sd. Michell to carry them whither they Pleased, and although the sd. Michell was very earnest Seaverall times with them to be discharged from their service, proffering them at Pemequid,[3] before he went out of this Jurisdiction, to loose the hire of his vessell and with more they desired rather [than] to proceed any further in said voyage, as Lieutt. Gardner[4] and his sonnes can testifie, And when he came backe from Pemequid, had he nott, the winde being Faire, been forced away before he could speak with Lieutt. Gardner, he might have had sufficient testimony from them of his unwillingnesse to proceed any further with them; Neither did the said Michell give his consent to their takeinge of any vessell or goods from any Person but as farr as in him lay and as much as he durst did oppose the same: Neither had the said Michell any share or part of any of the said goods that the aforesd Privateer tooke, nor had any hand in the takeing of either vessells or goods, butt was alwayes agt. such their proceedings, and when they came as farr East as Naskeague,[5] when the Privateers spake of goeing over the Bay of Fundi he told them he had rather give them a Hundred Pounds than goe over the Bay with them, as by the Testimony of Robert Wills may appeare which was sworne by The Worsp'll Mr. Stoughton.[6] Nevertheless they forced the said Michell to goe over the Bay with them, tellinge him they would carry him and his vessell wherever they pleased, And Being at Tuskett Islands,[7] the said Michell demandinge his hyre, telling them the time was expired that was mentioned in the Charter Party, and that he desired to goe home to looke after his familie and to pay his Merch'ts that had betrusted him, And withall he forewarned them for weighing his Anchors for he would stay noe longer in their service; But Richard Fowler, threatninge that he would make a hole through his skinne if hee did nott hold his tongue, went and, whether he would or nott, weighed his Anchors and forced him to goe backe to Machias; The said Privateers by their uncivill Carriage did make the said Michell soe weary of the voyage that if he could have gotten an opportunity he would have come away with his vessell and left them there, though he had lost all his hire and what also he carried out with him; Now the Premisses beinge considered by this Hon'ble Court, he hopes they will have soe much Charitie for him as to conclude him nott guilty of those actions that are laid to his Charge: The Just and Righteous determinations whereof he Leaves to the Wisdome and Clemencie of this Hon'ble Court, and is bound to subscribe Himself

Your Honours Most Humble Servt.,

THOMAS MITCHELL.

Boston, May the 24th, 1675.

[Footnote 2: Chignecto, Nova Scotia.]

[Footnote 3: Pemaquid, Maine, east of the mouth of the Damariscotta. There was an English settlement there from 1626. As to the jurisdiction, all this region east of the Kennebec had been included in the Duke of York's patent of 1664, but his governor at New York took no active steps to assume its government till 1677, and de facto Pemaquid in 1675 was in the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, which in 1674 had organized the region east of the Kennebec as the county of Devon.]

[Footnote 4: Lieut. Thomas Gardiner, resident at Pemaquid, was chief military commander and treasurer of the county of Devon, and a county magistrate.]

[Footnote 5: Near Sedgwick, Maine.]

[Footnote 6: William Stoughton, of the Court of Assistants, afterward lieutenant-governor of the province; see document no. 70, post.]

[Footnote 7: Off Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.]

42. Declaration of Edward Youreing. May 24, 1675.[1]

[Footnote 1: Suffolk Court Files, no. 1390, paper 2. The name is more often found with the spelling Uring.]

To the Hono'rd Court of Assistants Now Sitting in Boston The Declaration of Edward Youring of Boston, Fisherman, Humbly Showeth:

Thatt whereas the said youring being in October last past, both himselfe and the Barke whereof the said youring was part owner, and being hyred upon A leading Voyage, so farr Easterly as A Place caulled Zecganickto nere the botom of the Bay of Fundy (and noe further), by Capt. Peter Rodregross and Company; As by A Charter Partie, Refferance being had thereunto, more fully may Appear; and allso will therein Declare thatt I your Poore and Humble Declarant Edward Youring had not the Least Intention of anything thereby but onely and honestly to Improve both myselfe and my Interest in the foresaid Barque, in an honest Lawfull way; And it being well knowen and seen, both in Towne or else where wherever my caulling haith Led mee, thatt I have been according to my Capassetye and Abillity an Industreous hard Laberar, whereby I mought gitt wherewith to mentayne my Famely, which in a measure hayth been sumthing Comefortably untell now (through the goodness of God), nor I have not at all been wanting to take the best paynes I could for an honest Livelyhood, both for my selfe and my Familie, I not being so Ignorant but thatt by Instructyans and good Examples being thereby rightlie informed, thatt hee is worse than an Infidle thatt shall not provide for his Familie, etc.; I Doe Declare in the presence of God and Your Hon'rs this Day that, through God's goodness to me, I am Conscious unto my owne Innocency, and am truly free from thatt Reporte of my being guiltie of Pyracy or being A pyorett, nither ever had I the Least thought nor suspition thatt those persons which Carryed them selves so fairly to me whilst that I was in Boston with them, would have caryed it so much contrary to whatt they promised to me before they went from hence; And thatt was thatt they would not meddle, nor take either vessells or goods from any English man, as may Appeare by severel testimonys; whereupon I did proced upon the said Voyage, upon Monthly Wages. And wee being come as farr East as Casco Bay, then the Privateers (though much against my minde and will) they wentt on Shoare and brought on Board of us severall Sheepe which belonged to the inhabitants of thatt place, where upon I did so farr show my dislike to the Privateers for soe doeing that I tould them thatt I protested against their Actions in that way; where upon they did not only revile and use opprobius and reproachfull words to me for my declayring my minde to them, but they allso threated to strycke me and being so threatened forced me to Silence, and they also forced me to goe further upon the said voyage; and when wee arrived so farr East as Pemmaquid I tooke so much notice of the debaucherie of the Privateers thatt I thought in my selfe thatt the voyage was not like only to be unproffitable but allso troublesome and uncomfortable, whereupon I desired to be cleared from them, but I being one thatt was bound by charter partie was forced to goe further East with them; and Comeing to a Place caulled Knoskeegg,[2] there wee mett with Capt. Roades and the Privateers tooke him aboard of our vessell, and after some stay there the wind being Contrary, notwithstanding they went to turne it out and as they ware turning out, I Edward Youring spoke to Thomas Mitchell whoe was then at helme, desireing him to beare up the helme and to goe no further with them, and I tould the sayd Mitchell my reason was because I heard them say thay would take George Manning[3] and the Vessell if they could meet with him, and one of the Privateers, by name Randler Judgson, came to me as I was speaking to Mitchell to beare up the helme, sweareing thus or this effect: "God damne me, Youring or Mitchell, speake another word of bearing up the Helme and Ile knock out your Braines with a hand speake", etc.; furthermore I the sayd Youring haveing no way to Escape from them was forced to Stay Longer with them, but at Length Comeing to a Harbour further East, wee spieing a vessell at an Anchor, Capt. Rodregrose commanded Thomas Mitchell to Steer right with her, and Comeing up with her Rodregross bid them Amaine[4] for the Prince of Orainge; whareupon they lowred out their Annchor and it proved to be George Manning; then I the said Youring, haveing heard Rodregross and the Privateers say whatt they Intended to doe if they meett with Manning, I intreated them not to take him but to lett him goe peaceably with whatt hee had, and onely give him warning for the future; but Rodregross instead of Complying with my request blamed me much for speak[ing] against takeing of him, and forthwith went on board and tooke a way his peltery; and the same Afternoone made prize, both of vessell and goods, after wh. I Edward Youring Speakeing in the behalf of Manning, Capt. Rodregross tooke doune his pistol, wch generally he kept loaden by him, and presented it to me, and had not Capt. Roades whch satt by Layd his hand upon it, turnning of it away from me, I had then been shott. and the next Night following Petter Grant one of the Privateers made a writeing, and being very earnest with me to sett my hand to it, toulde me it would be no damage to me to sett my hand as a Witness; I the said Youring, being Ignorant of such things and not knowing what was in it, I did Sett my hand to it, but no otherwayes butt as A wittness (the which I did by reason of my being in feare of my life, if I should have denyed to have done it), and soon after the Pryvat[eer] [torn] had been at Mayhchyous[5] and Laded the goods they tooke from George Manning, they went to St. Johns, wheare they had not been above three or fower howers, as I judge, before thatt there caime into the Harbor a vessell from the Sea and came to an Anchor about a mile distant from us. then the said Rodregross Commanded twoe boates to be manned to cary him and his Company, and coming nere to the vessell, he bid them A Mayne for the Prince of orainge, and Some in the vessell knowing him desired him to come aboard, And when he came aboard Rodregross Commanded them to weigh Anchor and to Come and Ride by him; and thatt Night Capt. Rodregross kept possession of [torn] himself and the next day commanded his boat from his own vessell, and Commanded George Walton, master of the said vessell,[6] to deliver their Beaver and Moose, wch after search made in the hold he tooke and Carryed it away, and I the said Youring shewing my dislike as much as I darst in my opposeing Rodregross, upon which and because I would not give my consent to goe over the Bay of Fundee, I being one thatt was ingaged by Charter partie to the Contrarie, and soone affter one of the Privateers struke me many blowes upon my backe and Sides with a long knife Like a Short Hangger, which brused me very mutch, and the same night being a very could night in the latter eand of Dicember Last, the sayd Privateer thatt hett me turned me ashoare, wheare I was like to be Starved wth could. The next day following, I being very ill and very sore with the blowes I recd the evenning before, and after the morning was a little passed, with much intreetye I prevailed to git libertie to goe aboard to gitt some Releife. And after they had forced Thomas Mitchell and myselfe to goe over the Bay of Fundee, as wee Returned backe wee put into Maychyas, and Standing into the harbor wee saw a vessell under Duch collors standing out; which when wee came nere unto proved to be George Mannings vessell; whoe as soone as hee came up with us, haveing gotten to Windward of our Vessell, poured a Volley of Shott in upon us with Dutch coullors flying, and presently affter wee saw a vessell with French Coullors, upon which wee concluded All to be French and thatt wee ware betrayed and should bee taken; thereupon Capt. Rodregross Commanded every man to his Arms and to fight for his life. But as soone as Capt. Mosely[7] Came up with us, hee haveing the English Coullors out, Hee bid us A Maine for the King of England, and I myselfe Loured the Maine Sayle three or foure foot doune, at which Capt. Rodregross was very angry with me and Commanded me to hoyse it againe, which I Refused to doe; and there upon I went forward and Laye before the windles tell the vessell was taken; And when the Capt. yeelded, I Edward Youringe Lett fall the Anchor; I being very glad that I was freed from the Bondage and Slavery I was in untell the vessell was taken by Capt. Moseley; I being all the voyage Comanded, as occasion presented, to goe a Shoare with John Farmer to cott wood and fetch watter to carry aboard; notwithstanding one halfe of the vessell was my owne; and also I stand Still ingaged for one halfe of the Cargoe thatt was Carryed out from Boston.

[Footnote 2: Naskeag; see note 5 to document 41.]

[Footnote 3: Captain of a small Boston vessel; his letter to the owner is in the Maine Documentary History, second ser., VI. 42-43.]

[Footnote 4: I.e., lower your topsail, in token of surrender.]

[Footnote 5: Machias.]

[Footnote 6: The Trial, of Kittery, belonging to Maj. Nicholas Shapleigh; Doc. Hist., VI. 46-47.]

[Footnote 7: Sent by the Massachusetts government to suppress these pirates.]

Now all these premises being searyously pondred by this honord Courte of Assistants, with the prudent and upright management of the Gent'men of the Jury, Together with the testimonyes I have redy to give in, I hope will thereby Evidently Appeare thatt I am not guiltie of Pyracy or any Acttyons tending thereto, as is Layed to me in my Charge, And I being over powered by the Privateers thatt did tyranize over me, I was forced contrary to my minde and will to doe whatt I did during the time I was with the Privateers upon A voyage to the Eastward; for the true determination of which and of my being Concerned therein I freely and willingly Leave my Selfe to the wise, Judicious and Righteous proceedings of this Honoured Courte and Gentlemen of the Jury, hopeing the Lord will Cleare up my Innocency as to the matter of Factt, I being Conscious to my owne Innocency. So desiring the Lord to direct you In your Proceeding that Right may take place, not att all doubtting butt thatt your Honors will soe dilligenttly search in to the Cause thatt the Innosent may Bee Cleeared and the Guilty Suffer, according to merritt, so wishin you all happienes, And for the Continewance of which I shall ever Pray, etc., Subscribe my Selfe your Faithfull Subjectt and Searvantt In all Hummillitye

EDWARD YOUREING.[8]

Boston the 24th of May 1675.

[Footnote 8: Of one of the Dutchmen concerned in this episode of piracy, Cornelius Andersen, Hutchinson relates, quoting a contemporary letter, that, being under sentence of death for piracy, but pardoned on condition of enlisting in King Philip's War, "He pursued Phillip so hard that he got his cap and now wears it. The general, finding him a brave man, sent him with a command of twelve men to scout, with orders to return in three hours on pain of death; he met 60 Indians hauling their canoes ashore: he killed 13 and took 8 alive, and pursued the rest as far as he could go for swamps, and on his return burnt all the canoes ... and a short time after was sent out on a like design and brought in 12 Indians alive and two scalps." History of Massachusetts Bay, I. 263.]



BRANDENBURG PRIVATEERS.

43. Seignelay to Colbert. May 8 (N.S.), 1679.[1]

[Footnote 1: British Museum, Harleian MSS., 1517, fol. 232. Probably an intercepted letter. Colbert was the great prime minister of Louis XIV.; Seignelay, Colbert's eldest son, was minister of marine. The document has a curious interest as showing perhaps the first instance in which the (Brandenburg-) Prussian navy, or privateer marine, touches American history. The Great Elector, Frederick William, had for some time cherished ambitious designs, respecting the creation of a navy and the establishment of colonies, but it was not till late in 1680 that he possessed a war-ship of his own, in 1681 that he began a little establishment on the West African coast, in 1682 that he founded his African Company. In this year 1679 he had a few ships hired from a Dutchman, and it appears from this letter of the watchful French minister that two others were being prepared for his service in Zeeland. For five years he had been at war with France. His allies—England, the Dutch, the Emperor—had made peace at Nymwegen in 1678. He was in danger of standing alone, and had made an armistice March 31, prolonged May 3.]