Page:A general history of the pyrates, from their first rise and settlement in the Island of Providence, to the present time (1724).djvu/252

 Ships have loaded with Proviions at the Englih Colonies, on pretence of Trading on the Coat of Africa, when they have in reality been conigned to them; and tho’ a hew of Violence is offered to them when they meet, yet they are pretty ure of bringing their Cargo to a good Market.

However, at this Time they mied with their uual Luck, and Proviions and Necearies becoming more carce every Day, they retired towards St. Chritophers, where being deny’d all Succour or Aitance from the Government, they fir’d in Revenge on the Town, and burnt two Ships in the Road, one of them commanded by Captain Cox, of Britol; and then retreated farther to the Iland of St. Bartholomew, where they met with much handomer Treatment. The Governor not only upplying them with Refrehments, but he and the Chiefs carreing them in the mot friendly Manner: And the Women, from o good an Example, endeavoured to outvie each other in Dres, and Behaviour, to attract the good Graces of uch generous Lovers, that paid well for their Favours.

Sated at length with thee Pleaures, and having taken on Board a good upply of freh Proviions, they voted unanimouly for the Coat of Guiney, and in the Latitude of 22 N. in their Voyage thither, met with a French Ship from Martinico, richly laden, and, which was unlucky for the Mater, had a property of being fitter for their Purpoe, than the Banker. they aid, and o after a little mock Complaiance to Monieur, for the Favour he had done them, they hifted their Men, and took leave: This was their firt Royal Fortune.

In this Ship Roberts proceeded on his deigned Voyage; but before they reached Guiney, he propoed to touch at Brava, the Southermot of Cape Verd