In the meantime the prize drew near, who obliged all the prisoners to come upon deck in white shirts, to make a show of force, as they had been directed by Davis; they also hoisted a dirty tarpaulin, by way of black flag, they having no other, and fir’d a gun: the Frenchmen were so intimidated by this appearance of force, that they struck. Davis called out to the Captain to come on board of him, with twenty of his hands; he did so, and they were all for the greater security clapt into irons, the Captain excepted: then he sent four of his own men on board the first prize, and in order still to carry on the cheat, spoke aloud, that they should give his service to the Captain, and desire him to send some hands on board the prize, to see what they had got; but at the same time gave them a written paper, with instructions what to do. Here he ordered them to nail up the guns in the little prize, to take out all the small arms and powder, and to go every man of them on board the second prize; when this was done, he ordered that more of the prisoners should be removed out of the great prize, into the little one, by which he secured himself from any attempt which might be feared from their numbers; for those on board of him were fast in irons, and those in the little prize had neither arms nor ammunition.
Thus the three ships kept company for 2 days, when finding the great prize to be a very dull sailor, he thought she would not be fit for his purpose, wherefore he resolved to restore her to the Captain, with all his hands; but first, he took care to take out all her ammunition, and everything else which he might possibly want. The French captain was in such a rage, at being so outwitted, that when he got on board his own ship, he was going to throw himself overboard, but was prevented by his men.
Having let go both his prizes, he steered northward, in which course he took a small Spanish sloop; after this, he made towards the Western Islands, but met with no booty thereabouts; then he steered for the Cape de Verde Islands, they cast anchor at St. Nicholas, hoisting English colours; the Portuguese inhabiting there, took him for an English privateer, and Davis going ashore, they both treated him very civilly, and also traded with him. Here he remained five weeks, in which time, he and half his crew, for their pleasure, took a journey to the chief town of the island, which was 19 miles up the country: Davis making a good appearance, was caressed by the Governor and the inhabitants, and no diversion was wanting which the Portuguese could show, or money could purchase; after about a week’s stay, he came back to the ship, and the rest of the crew went to take their pleasure up to the town, in their turn.
At their return they clean’d their ship, and put to sea, but not with their whole company; for five of them, like Hannibal’s men, were so charm’d with the luxuries of the place, and the free conversation of some women, that they stayed behind; and one of them, whose name was Charles Franklin, a Monmouthshire man, married and settled himself, and lives there to this day.
From hence they sailed to Bonavista, and looked into that harbour, but finding nothing, they steer’d for the Isle of May: when they arrived here, they met with a great many ships and vessels in the road, all which they plundered, taking out of them whatever they wanted; and also strengthen’d themselves with a great many fresh hands, who most of them enter’d voluntarily. One of the ships they took to their own use, mounted her with twenty-six guns, and call’d her the King James. There being no fresh water hereabouts, they made towards St. Jago, belonging to the Portuguese, in order to lay in a store; Davis, with a few hands, going ashore to find the most commodious place to water at, the Governor, with some attendants, came himself and examined who they were, and whence they came? And not liking Davis’ account of himself, the Governor was so plain to tell them, he suspected them to be pirates. Davis seemed mightily affronted, standing much upon his honour, replying to the Governor, he scorn’d his words; however, as soon as his back was turn’d, for fear of accidents, he got on board again as fast as he could. Davis related what had happened, and his men seemed to resent the affront which had been offered him. Davis, upon this, told them, he was confident he could surprise the fort in the night; they agreed with him to attempt it, and accordingly, when it grew late, they went ashore well arm’d; and the guard which was kept, was so negligent, that they got within the fort before any alarm was given: when it was too late there was some little resistance made, and three men killed on Davis’ side. Those in the fort, in their hurry, run into the Governor’s house to save themselves, which they barricaded so strongly, that Davis’ party could not enter it; however, they threw in granado shells, which not only ruin’d all the furniture, but kill’d several men within.
When it was day the whole country was alarm’d, and came to attack the pirates; wherefore it not being their business to stand a siege, they made the best of their way on board their ship again, after having dismounted the guns of the fort. By this enterprise they did a great deal of mischief to the Portuguese, and but very little good
