Page:A general history of the pyrates, from their first rise and settlement in the Island of Providence, to the present time (1724).djvu/7



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AVING taken more than ordinary Pains in collecting the Materials which compoe the following Hitory, we could not be atisfied  with our elves, if any Thing were wanting to it, which might render it entirely atisfactory to the Publick: It is for this Reaon we have ubjoined to the Work, a hort Abtract of the Laws now in Force againt  Pyrates, and made Choice of ome particular Caes (the mot curious we could meet with) which have been heretofore tried, by which it will appear what Actions have, and what have not been adjudged Pyracy.

It is poible this Book may fall into the Hands of ome Maters of Ships, and other honet Mariners, who frequently, by contrary Winds or Tempets, or other Accidents incident to long Voyages, find themelves reduced to great Ditrees, either through Scarcity of Proviions, or Want of Stores. I ay, it may be a Direction to uch as thoe, what Lengths they may venture to go, without violating the Law of Nations, in Cae they hould meet other Ships at Sea, or be cast on ome inhopitable Shore, which hould refue to trade with them for uch Things as are abolutely neceary for the Preervation of their Lives, or the Safety of the  Ship and Cargoe.

We have given a few Intances in the Coure of this Hitory of the Inducements Men have to engage themelves Rh