Indian Antiquary Vol 49

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarkar
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 63

APRIL, 1920]
EPISODES OF PIRACY IN THE EASTERN SEAS
59
their consort and joined him, the fleet chasing them. Being at first very much dejected, believing it to be the forementioned fleet commanded by Captain Macrae, they made all sail from them possible, and, after three hours found none of the fleet came up with them, only one Grab, who came very near half way between them and the fleet, they began to take courage and rejoice. It presently after fell calm and so continued till night. When the land-wind came they ran directly off shore and in the morning finding the fleet out of sight, were extremely satisfied, not desiring any of Captain Macrae's company. They now thinking themselves out of danger, proposed to carouse and keep their Christmas before they would stir any further, which they did in a most riotous manner, destroying all their fresh provisions they had, and two thirds in waste I believe.
“This lasted near three days, when they then proposed to go to the island Mauritius, there to repair, their leaky ship (the Victoria ] being in a very bad condition. That being agreed on made the best of their way there. In their passage expected the leaky ship to sink every day. They were going several times to quit her and I believe had done so, were it not for the scarcity of provisions and water; another thing being there a great quantity of Arrack. The allowance among them at that time was one bottle of water per man a day, and not above two pound of Beef and a small quantity of rice for ten men per day, which, had it not been for the Arrack and Sugar, must the greater part of them have perished.
"In this condition they arrived at the Island of Mauritius about the middle of February 1721 1 where they found very good refreshment, refitted and sheathed their leaky ship, and the 5th of April they sailed in order for the Island Mascarine. They arrived on the 8th ditto in the morning, where they found lying there a large 70 gun Portuguese, whom they immediately took with very little resistance, she having lost all her masts and likewise guns save 21 in a storm they had met with in 13° South Latitude. She had on board, when they took her, the Viceroy of Goa, 34 and several other gentlemen that were Passengers, who came on board that morning, believing they were English ships. Having an account of another ship, an Ostender, that lay to the leeward of the island, they made the best of their way to it and took her. She was formerly the Greyhound Galley belonging to London.
“There happened a great Cabal among the pirates on the Viceroy's account. 35 some being for carrying him to Mozambique and make him ransom (himself], others saying they did believe this rich prize they had taken might partly belong to him, and said it was better to take a small ransom there than be troubled with him, which was at last agreed on for 2,000 dollars. I then begged to be set on shore, which was granted. Accordingly was
get on shore on the 10th with His Excellenoy and the rest of the prisoners. The Governor of the place interceded, as also the Viceroy, very much to leave a ship (either the Portuguese or the Greyhound ]36 to carry the prisoners away, alleging that the island was not in a condition to maintain so many people. They with smooth promises said they would call & Council about it to see what might be done, but contrary to that in the night sailed away, carrying with them the best of the men that they had taken in the two ships, besides 200 of Mozambique negroes in the Portuguese, designing for Madagascar, there to
* The Count de Receirs. 30 See below for the traditional story of this affair which became current in the islande 36 See Deposition,