Page:A general history of the pyrates, from their first rise and settlement in the Island of Providence, to the present time (1724).djvu/318

 rant how to direct his Coure, was obliged, after two or three Days wandering, to return towards the Ship again, denying with egregious Oaths, the Deign he was charg’d with, for Fear they hould hoot him. From this Time he hopes it will be ome Extenuation of his Fault, that mot of the acquitted Prioners can witnes, they entertained Jealouies of him, and Roberts would not admit him into his Secrets; and withal, that Captain Cary, (and four other Paengers with him) had made Affidavit of his having been forced from his Employ, which tho’ he could not produce, yet he humbly hoped the Court would think highly probable from the Circumtances offered.

On the whole, the Court was of Opinion Artits had the bet Pretenion to the Plea of Force, from the Neceity Pyrates are ometimes under of engaging uch, and that many Parts of his own Defence had been confirmed by the Evidence, who had aerted he acted with Reluctance, and had expreed a Concern and Trouble for the little Hopes remained to him, of extricating himelf. That he had ued all Prioners (as they were called) well, at the hazard of ill Uage to himelf. That he had not in any military Capacity aited their Robberies. That he had twice endeavoured his Ecape, with the utmot Danger.Acquitted him.

Captain James Skyrm.

T appeared from the Evidence of everal Prioners acquitted, that this Skyrm commanded the Ranger, in that Defence he made againt the King’s Ship; that he ordered the Men to their Quarters, and the Guns to be loaded and fired, having a Sword in his Hand, to enforce thoe Commands; and beat uch to their Duty whom he epied any way negligent or backward. That altho’ he had lot a Leg in the Action, his Temper