Page:A general history of the pyrates, from their first rise and settlement in the Island of Providence, to the present time (1724).djvu/269

 upon the Coat,) were unable to attack them, or ele puruant to the Rumour that had indicretionally obtained at Sierraleon, were gone thither again.

It is impoible at this Time, to think they could know of the weak and ickly Condition they were in, and therefore founded the Succes of this econd Attempt upon the Coat, on the latter Preumption, and this eems to be confirmed by their falling in with the Coat as low as Cape Lahou, (and even that was higher than they deigned,) in the beginning of January, and took the Ship called the King Solomon, with 20 Men in their Boat, and a trading Veel, both belonging to the Company. The Pyrate Ship happened to fall about a League to Leeward of the King Solomon, at Cape Appollonia, and the Current and Wind oppoing their working up with the Ship, they agreed to end the Long-Boat, with a ufficient Number of Men to take her: The Pyrates are all Voluntiers on thee Occaions, the Word being always given, And preently the tanch and firm Men offer themelves; becaue, by uch Readines, they recommend their Courage, and have an Allowance alo of a Shift of Cloaths, from Head to Foot, out of the Prize.

They rowed towards the King Solomon with a great deal of Alacrity, and being hailed by the Commander of her, anwered, ; Captain Trahern, before this, oberving a great Number of Men in the Boat, began not to like his Viitors, and prepared to receive them, firing a Musket as they come under his Stern, which they returned with a Volley, and made greater Speed to get on Board: Upon this, he applied to his Men, and ask’d them, whether they would tand by him, to defend the Ship, it being a Shame they hould be taken by half their Number, without Rh