Here they sate down to spend the Fruits of their dishonest Industry, dividing the Spoil and Plunder of Nations among themselves, without the least Remorse or Compunction, satisfying their Conscience with this Salvo, that other People would have done as much, had they the like Opportunities. I can't say, but that if they had known what was doing in _England_, at the same Time by the _South-Sea_ Directors, and their Directors, they would certainly have had this Reflection for their Consolation, _viz. That what ever Robberies they had committed, they might be pretty sure they were not the greatest Villains then living in the World_.
It is a difficult Matter to make a Computation of the Mischief that was done by this Crew, in about five Years Time, which is much more than the Plunder they gained, for they often sunk or burnt the Vessel they took, as it suited their Humour or Circumstances, sometimes to prevent giving Intelligence, sometimes because they did not leave Men to navigate them, and at other Times out of Wantonness, or because they were displeased at the Master's Behaviour; for any of these, it was but to give the Word, and down went Ships and Cargoes to the Bottom of the Sea.
Since their Surrender to the _Spaniards_, I am informed several of them have left the Place, and dispersed themselves elsewhere; eight of them were shipp'd about _November_ last, in one of the _South-Sea_ Company's Assiento Sloops, and passed for Ship-wreck'd Men, came to _Jamaica_, and there sailed in other Vessels; and I know one of them that came to _England_ this Spring from that Island. 'Tis said that Captain _Taylor_ has taken a Commission in the _Spanish_ Service, and commanded the Man of War that lately attack'd the _English_ Log-Wood Cutters, in the Bay of _Honduras_.
CHAP. VI. OF Captain _Charles Vane_, And his CREW.
C_Harles Vane_ was one of those who stole away the Silver which the _Spaniards_ had fished up from the Wrecks of the Galleons, in the Gulph of _Florida_, and was at _Providence_ (as has been before hinted) when Governor _Rogers_ arrived there with two Men of War.
All the Pyrates who were found at this Colony of Rogues, submitted, and received Certificates of their Pardon, except Captain _Vane_ and his Crew; who, as soon as they saw the Men of War enter, slipp'd their Cable, set Fire to a Prize they had in the Harbour, and sailed out with their pyratical Colours flying, firing at one of the Men of War as they went off.