The true report of Captaine VVARDS Piracies, done by Andrew Barker, M^r. of a Ship, and who was lately prisoner in Tunis.

SIr, I haue receiued your Letter, and herein am glad to consent to your request, which was, (that since so many flying fables, and rumoring tales haue béene spread, of the fame, or ra∣ther indéede infamie, ouer the whole face of Chri∣stendome, of this notori∣ous and arch pirate Ward) my selfe, who had euen knowne him to be a knaue, and of late (yet too soone) had prooued him a théefe, whose fortunes had béene so much decaied by his prosperitie, and who so long had béene held his prisoner 〈◊〉▪ who had there séene, abroad heard, and at Sea felt, the abilitie of his strength, the ordering of his actions, and the vniustnes of his procéedings. I might best gratifie my friends, and most truely satisfie the world, and their gréedy and auidous expectation, what iniurie hee hath done, daily doth, and still indeauoureth to doe, to rich estats, and prouident Sea-farers, to the venturing Mar∣chant, and the carefull Saylor, to poore wiues and di∣stressed children; how like a villaine, and an apostata he Page  [unnumbered] liues, and how like a reprobate in persisting, he resolues to die.

Which pleasure of yours, that I may the better and more fullie accomplish, and no way to seeme ingratefull for your benefits receiued, in neglecting my paines, I be∣seech you, let it not be held vnnecessarie by you, nor su∣perfluous of the world, that I first indeuour, to deliuer truely, and of mine owne knowledge, the manner of his first going forth to Sea, and the forme that he vsed in vn∣dertaking these courses: so shall I the more directly, and in order, delymate his proceedings, describe his outra∣ges, dilate his customs, paint out his oppressions, pi∣cture his lusts, image his riotts, manifest his ruins, and in the end, giue you to expect that which is already be∣gun of him, his endlesse infamy, and deserued confusion.

Which desire of mine, being I know by your curte∣sie condiscended vnto, and I perceiue by your letter, is expected of others, I pray you receiue this that followeth for truth.

This Ward, who now hath atchieued to himselfe, the title of Captaine, whose desperate actions hath caused terrour to trauellors by Sea, and whose name hath bred feare in the Marchants at home. In the last yeare of her late Maiesties raigne, was resident, and had his dwelling, (as by my own knowledge I can certifie) in the West countrie at the hauen Towne of Plimouth, a fel∣low, poore, base, and of no estéeme, one as tattered in 〈◊〉, as he was ragged in conditions, the good past, that he could boast of himselfe, might bee, that hee was borne in a Towne called Feuersham in Kent, and there liued as a poore fisherman, and the vertue present, that he durst talke of was, he had abiding in Plimouth, wher∣fore a while kéeping house, although I haue neuer heard that he paid his rent, all the day you should hardly faile but finde him in an alehouse: but bee sure to haue him drunke at home at night. Othes were almost as ordina∣rie with him as words, so that hee seldome spake a sen∣tence, Page  [unnumbered] but one was a silable, hee would sit melancholy, speake doggedly, curse the time, repine at other mens good fortunes, and complaine of the hard crosses atten∣ded his owne. All the vertue that any man could perceiue might grow out of his whole course, or reckon out of his whole life was, that hitherto hee loued not to be noted a quarellor: for rather then he would fight, he would be beaten by any one, he was commonly called by the name of Iack Ward, one that was welcome into any tap-house, more for loue of his coyne, then loue of his company, and all the reputation that his owne crue held of him, was but this, that he was a mad rascall, would sweare well, drinke stiffe, stick toot, and like a good cocke, hee would neuer out of their damnable pit, If there were either money in his purse, or credible chalke in his hosts hand, being once in.

So that continuing thus for a reasonable season, in the same towne drinking and swearing, the two twins, that such damnable wombes are euer in labour with, and not without wonder of a number, by what possible meanes he could get chinkes, so lewdly to consume his time withall. It at last so happened, that in the begin∣ning of the Kings raigne, hee found meanes to bee im∣ployed for seruice, in a small ship of his maiesties, commō¦ly called by the name of the Lions Whelpe, in which im∣ployment, persisting as before, in his melancholy disposi∣tion, not contented, with that good and honest meanes was allowed him, and satisfied farre better men, to defend themselues and the necessitie of their charge: But ha∣uing new reaches working in his braine, he one day se∣lected out a choice crew, but of such, whose dispositions he perceiued were as vntoward as his owne, when the poison of his heart disgorged it selfe thus.

My mates, quoth he, whats to be done? heres a scur∣uy world, and as scuruily we liue in't, we féede here vpon the water, on the Kings salt béefe, without ere a pe∣nis to buy vs bissell when we come a shore, heres brine, Page  [unnumbered] but to reuell, suppe, and be mery, euery one at the proper charge of his owne purse. So that this following night. when the Captaine and Officers shall coniecture nothing. but that we are drawing drie the pot, wee'll bee diuing arme deepe in the Fugitiues bagges.

With which hopefull proiect, their resolutions being confirmed, and with the former purpose, getting a shore to their hosts house, (which they chose to be without the walles of Portsmouth) after some halfe a dozen of dam∣nable healths tane downe, they agreed amongst them, that with full cans, for the deuising and foreseeing into this beneficiall businesse, they fréely, and of their owne accord would elect Ward for their Captaine, and which dignitie accordingly (being downe on their knees) with drinke they performed, which instalment done, and con∣sidering with themselues how they might best prouide themselues of a boat, which the next full Sea should set them abord the Barke, they resolued at a sortable houre to begin their ransacke.

But see how it happened: A kinsman of this gentle∣mans, who had intended his departure, and furnished himselfe to this voyage for France, seeing the day before they attempted this Piracie, this Ward consorted with a crue of Scattergoods and swaggering Rascals, and know∣ing fully of the charge that his friend had aboord, and withall nothing such a crew of desperates, mustering a∣bout Towne, more then in one knot had béene accusto∣med, and with such vnciuill behauiour, hee began to bee iealous they had some proiect in hand: whereupon he ad∣uised his friend to disbarke his mony againe, till the very instant that the winde serued, and to lodge it in some place of more safety, to preuent the danger hee stood in doubt of: for, quoth he, your selfe may witnesse what a knot of these knaues are linked together, who hauing not some intelligence, or but at least suspecting what sub∣stance you beare along with you, they will not sticke to Page  [unnumbered] venture their bodies, I and it were to hazard their soules for mony wherewithall to maintaine their riot.

So that I pray you Sir, be aduised by my counsell: Redeeme your money out of the Barke, and preuent their purpose, lest your repentance come too late. Which counsell of his friends, setting some suspition in the gen∣tlemans head, and being the rather confirmed and groun∣ded, through the disorders hee beheld them continue in, and more then they were accustomed to exercise, hee re∣solued himselfe to his friends aduice, and priuately (either without knowledge or suspition) landed his money and most estimable riches, and stored them in the red Lion, (contenting themselues, then suspectlesse, to see what would be the issue of these fellowes) and vntill the winde and tide should helpe faire for their departure.

Which defense of this gentlemans this new Captaine Ward nothing at all suspecting, with his Command (as he before had determined) in the dead of night, and ha∣uing so much experience to know when the tide and time was best for his aduantage, hee presently came and laid the Barke aboord, and entred his men in the hold of the Uessell, where he found none to resist him, but only two poore s•ekes, who belonged to the Barke, whom hee straight shut vnder decke, and commanded them, not to squeake like Rats (in danger of their liues) whereby, vp∣on their disturbance, the wach vpon the first Blockhouse might haue warning, and so with their Pot-guns disqui∣et their peace. So presently waying Anchor, and set∣ting his sailes, to Sea goes he. Onely before his depar∣parture (yet not till he found himselfe out of their reach) he takes his farewell aloud, and very kindly bids me the watch good night. So that being now cléere, and out of danger of their summons, and likewise come forth, with∣out the Ile of Wight, like a Captaine indeed, who now had command, he demands for the two men were lodg∣ed in his •arke, and who, according to his call, were Page  [unnumbered] brought to his sight, when most Commander like, hee began to question them, as they loued their safeties, to deliuer truly vnto him, in what place of the Barke was the Papists treasure hid, for that was the chiefe matter they came for, and that must bee the meanes to make them merrie withal, when these poore wretches shaking for feare before this terrible theefe, they replyed, that his expectation was heerein frustrate, store of riches they must confesse there was indeed, but vpon what reason they knew not, it was the day before landed againe.

At which vnsatisfied newes, and finding by search their words to be true, the whole crue hauing this cake of Ice for Sunne-shine golde to chaw down, and comfort their stomacks withall. The Rogues all, began now to be ranck mad, there was then, such Cursing, such Swearing, such Banning: there was a pox of thee, a pox of thee, and a plague of vs all, what shall now become of vs? The Goldfinches wee came for, were flowen out of their nest, little succour is to be found heere, and to go a shore we shall be sure to be hanged there, heare wee are fallen desperately into the pitfall, and there wee haue brought our necks iust to the noose. Yet at last, when their furie like an Hostler, had walked them awhile, and the heat of their bloods was growen a little calmer, they agreed amongst themselues, that since their pretence was to come for somewhat, they would at last see what was there to be found. In which search, there was pre∣sently laid open to their Rauening eies, a couple of Ven∣son-Pasties, diuers Turkey-pies, Capons, Hens, and such other choice viands, as the forerecited Gentlemen, had stored in the barke for his own prouision, to conduct him into France and of euerie sort whereof, them was great store. At the sight of which, Ward raps out oathes like p•llets out of a péece, that fly as swiftly as they can passe one after another, and cals, come, lets bee merrie my Page  [unnumbered] hearts, although the birds be flowen, we came far, and we haue found nothing but the emptie nest, come, lets be merrie, & freely fat our selues with their fodder, here is good cheare, it was prouided for vs, and weele eat, an ounce of sorrow will not pay a penny debt. It is boote∣lesse in these daies, to lie in a dich and cry for help, since e∣uerie man is boūd to thrust out his hand to help himself, and therefore my hearts let vs be frolike with this, and liue in hope that our fortuns wil be better. At which (as if they had forgot alreadie what they had done, and not fering what might follow) with this encouragemēt they fell roundly aboord, when anon Ward called to them a∣gaine, what, say you my bloods, who would bee a boord of the Lyons whelpe, with bare and hungrie al∣lowance of cold fish and naked cheese, and may as we do thrust vp their armes to the elbow in a Venison pastie? and with that, breaking vp a case of bottles, which were presented full of wine to his theueships hand, heere my mates (quoth he) heare is a health to our good fortunes, and a pox of the Hang-man, wee know the worst, and lets therefore hope for the best, weele be merrie to night with wine and Uenison, and to morrow take counsell whats best to be done.

So that, no man taking care for any thing now, but that euery one pleaged his partner a ful carouse, they sai∣led one from the wight to the West part of England, where neere vnto Silly they met with a French ship, la∣den with marchandise, & who was bound for Irelād, the ship being a vessel neare about thréescore and ten Tuns, and who bare for her •••ence sixe peeces of Ordinance. This pray, had my Kight like Ward no soonner espied, but calling his companions about him, in this forme hee began to resolue them: my Comrads quoth hee, you know wee haue procéeded so far, into the Théeues path, that to returne backe we shall bee stopped with a haltar. To trust to the mercie of the law, is as good as Page  [unnumbered] for a man to chops hand vpon a Rasor and see if it will cut. Therefore since to retire can allow vs no safety, it will be wisdome heare to prouide for our safegard. Your selues see, wee haue a Frenchman heere a ba•t of vs and as I haue done, so I still doe, intreat the most of you, but to keepe down vnder hatches, and that not pas∣sing some four or fiue, may bee seene aboue, so by the scantnes of our number seen, & the smalnes of our Ba•k which I know he will take note of (I destring to kéep cō∣apnie with him) he shall haue no cause at al to suspect vs: So that, when I shall finde fit opportunitie to giue him the graple, & send to your eares the watch word (which shall be this, now my masters for vs, we may on a sud∣den board them, and being taken, in the dismay, so hastily disharten them, that we shal immediatly be own∣ers of their goods, and with the helpe of their ship and inunition, lay a fundation one the ground of which, wee may raise our good hap: which subtiltie of his, was so well entertained, that my Captaine had a Plaudite for his paines, and euery mans hand preast to bee ready at his becke.

So then, with the hope of this plot, passing side by side familiarly, and vnsuspected by the Frenchmen, their bur∣den being but small, and their number in sight so few, and passing many houres, in courteous discourse, either seeming glad of the others acquaintance, one the sudden Ward, taking hold of opportunitie, he claps me the Frēch∣man aboord, giues the watch word, and enters his men, so that in a breath, was my poore Frentchman surpri∣sed, his goods ceased one and m〈…〉••prisone, eare that any had time to thinke how they could bee hurt. All which discourse the two poore men who were first taken when Ward tooke the Barke, did after their setting a shore, and returne to Portesmouth, relate and constantly affirme to one Iohn Rogers, owner of the Barcke, in my hearing. So that it is without question, this was Page  [unnumbered] the originall and first beginning of Wards piracy, euen so base, and so low▪ although it is manifest, he hath aduan∣ced it to that height, which hath since beene the vndoing of some, and the impouerishing of many.

To proceed then, after as you haue heard, the French man was taken by him, hee repaired into Causon Bay, neare Plimouth, where with a long boate going a shore, and flattring some others whom he met of his ac∣quaintance, with the newes of his successe, and expecta∣tion to come, he their with men much strengthned his company, and so put on to the coast of Spaine. Where a∣bout the Southern cape, he tooke also a Fly boate laden with excellent Merchandise, and the ship béing about a hundred Tuns, with whom entering into the Straights, he turned away his small Barcke with the Flemings, and presently threupon hee tooke a Satta, and withall which thrée ships, namely, your Frenchman, your Flie∣boate, and S••ta, he put on, and ariued at Argier, where what was his entertainement, receiue this forcer∣taine.

Not long before, one Captaine Iefferd had in the seruice oft he Duke of Florence, attempted to set the Gallies be∣longing to the King of Argier afire, and in which despe∣rate resolution, he had so farre preuailed, that they de∣parted not thence without performing much harme. In displeasure of which, the king had grounded such an in∣ward hate against al Englishmen for Iefferds treachery, that he solemnly vowed, that this iniurie should bee a perfecution to any of the whole nation, that hapned in his power, and to manifest, that his oath was not triuial but as violent in performance, as it was forwa•d in pro∣mise, in reuenge of the former attempt, hee put twelue Englishmen, who were there in Argier to a most cruell and lingring death, so that vpon Wards arriuall, forbid∣ding him to haue any succour on his shore, and Ward on the other side hauing heard of his vowe, & not willing to Page  [unnumbered] play with the Lyons paw, lest he should but faine himselfe asleepe, without longer stay, or further suit, he with his prises made vp for Tunis.

Where with small suit to the King, in respect hee brought Marchandise with him, beneficiall to the state, hee had leaue, their to find safe harbouring for him∣selfe, his ships and followers, where hauing made sale of his Commodities, and presented diuerse acceptable presēts to the King of Tunis, as also for his gifts, receiued some outward graces of the Crossymon, which is as much to say, the Lord Admirall of the Sea, and the man that hath euer since, held share with Ward in all his Voy∣ages, Prises, and Shippings▪ and been his only supporter in all his disseignes, and vpon whose promised fauour and furtherance Ward growing bould, he was at length a suter to the King, that he might be receiued as his sub∣ject, or if not so, yet at all times, either in aduersity or prosperitie, himselfe and what the Sea could yeeld him, might be euer sanctuaried vnder his Princely protection, and in recompence thereof, he vowed, hee would for euer after, become a foe to all Christians, bee a persecuter to their Trafficke, and an inpouerisher of their wealth, onely (belike the diuell not yet hauing his full gripe one him) he desired, his owne Countrey might be excepted out of his taske, whom both by naturall loue and obedi∣ence, he was bound to respect: withall that his Maiestie would be pleased, for the better furnishing of those ships, hee had their taken, their might bee leauied vnder his command, a conuenient number of Turks with whom he doubted not to returne, of Christians goods, with so wor∣thy a spo•le, that heereafter his name should bee held of his greatnesse in more regard, and his seruice more ac∣ceptable, which sute of his, being granted at full, and Croseman, being an ader and furtherance in all his ex∣peditons, since as I said before in all his profits hee was a full sharer. He puts forth from Tunis, and procéeded Page  [unnumbered] downe to the bottome of the Straights, where he houered not long before hee tooke a small Argosie, of the burden of six hundred Tunnes. In the same action also, he tooke a Ship of two hundred Tunnes, which he afterward na∣med The little Iohn, and armed her with foure and twenty péeces of Ordinance. Hee then surprised also the Mattalena, a French Ship, who came from Alexandria with rich Commodities. In this voyage likewise was gathered to him one Abraham Croften, and many other worthy spirits, whose resolutions, if they had beene ai∣med to honourable actions, either a sea or shore, they might haue béene preferred and commended for seruice to the greatest Prince liuing.

Now concerning my knowledge in these Proceedings, they were all of them, and each particular deliuered mée by Graues, who tooke mee Prisoner, and euery circum∣stance thereof resolued mee at full, by diuers others, whom I had seuerall conference withall. As also that they were aboue two hundred Englishmen, good Souldi∣ers, and expert Mariners, when they procéeded forward to the Gulfe of Venice. To the which voyage incoura∣ged (saies Graues) we were foure well mand, and well appointed Ships, ouer whom Captaine Ward was our worthy Generall, who being seuered from vs by a forci∣ble Tempest, himselfe in his small Argosie, hauing none but his Fly-boat with him, he met with a great Argo∣sie of fourtéene or fiftéene hundred Tunnes, very richlie laden with Venetian goods, and who, by Computation, was estéemed to be worth two millions at the least, be∣twixt whom and him was such a mercilesse and incredi∣ble fight, as a man may compare is betwéene those two Tyrants, the remorselesse windes, and the resisting wa∣ters. It was long, and it was cruell, it was forcible, and therefore fearefull: but in the end our Captaine had the Sunshine, he boorded her, subdued her, chained her men like slaues, and ceasd on her goods, as his lawfull Page  [unnumbered]prise, whom the whistling calme made musicke vnto, vshering her and our Generall into Tunis, and whose bounty with his men, did there triumph with her trea∣sure.

Which report from Graues, I receiuing not without much wonder: and though I seemed to consent thereun∣to, in my iudgement I discredited it, reputing his tale rather a vaine glorious boast from him, to raise his Captaines fame, and the more to amaze vs, that were his Prisoners, then any discourse of truth that was wor∣thy the credit: till afterward, falling into conference with Wards man, and who at that time was both in discon∣tent and dislike with his Master: of him I enquired of the former relation, whose approbation was so much and so much more highly aduanced, that mee thought now, that Graues had but minced him in his discourse: and where I ghest the spight and difference betwixt him and Captaine Ward, should haue rather whetted his tongue to disparage his worth, then haue stéeled it on to describe his worthinesse, I vtterly found my expectation frustrate: for demanding in particular of his Masters valour, he did so farre commend his prouidence in going on, and so farther extoll his manhood in atchieuing, that for these last thrée yéeres, quoth he, he is growen the most absolute, the most resolute, and the most vndauntedst man in fight, that euer any heart did accompanie at sea. And if his actions were as honest as his valour is ho∣norable, his deeds might be dignified in the Chronicles with the worthiest. As also that in the aforesaid fight, and taking the Argosie, whose oddes was reputed to bée thrée to one, he did in the deadly conflict so vndauntedly beare himselfe, as if he had, had courage to out-braue death, and spirit to out-face danger▪ bastinadoing the Turkes out of his Ship into theirs, and pricking others on euen with the point of his poiniard, that, quoth he, I could impartially say, his only resolution was cause of Page  [unnumbered] the victorie, and that his forwardnesse made Cowards venturous; whereby at last hauing seased her for his owns, and brought her into the Bay of Tunis: and when he had discharged and vnladen her goods, he diuided the spoile as in share with the Turkes, to the great inriching of the whole Country, and to the aduancing of his owne pride.

But as it is certaine, he that doth once accustome him∣selfe to sinne, is alwaies sitting vpon Cockatrice egges, that bring foorth nothing but poisonous effects: so fares it with this Ward, and his whole company; and to ap∣prooue, that goods ill gotten are most commonlie worse spent, with this Treasure, which thus vniustly they had inriched themselues withall, they accustome their liues to all disorder, making their habit and carriage a shore, farre more detestable, and vncomely to be talked of, or by Christianity to be condemned and abhorred, then their théeuing at Sea, swearing, drinking, dicing, and the vt∣most enormities that are attended on by consuming riot, are the least of their vices, that can bee recited. Unlaw∣fully are their goods got, and more vngodly are they con∣sumed, in that they mix themselues like brute beasts with the enemies of their Sauiour: so that he that was a Christian in the morning, is bedfellow to a Iew at night. Nay sinne is growen to that ranknesse amongst them, through the fatnesse of Concupiscence and Couetous∣nesse, that the Iewes hire out their off-spring to them as we doe horses, either by the day or by the weeke: and as wee doe at an outcry, cry, Who will giue more: so doe these Iewes set out their children to them, asking, Who giues aboue a Sultane shall haue this. So then since that al men do know, it is a bad fare where nothing is bought, and a great many of these Buiers, I will leaue their So∣domie, and the rest of their crying sinnes (which I feare their Atheisme hath led them into) to the Iudgement of the Iust Reuenger, and not giue them to be talked of fur∣ther Page  [unnumbered] by my pen. Only for Ward, he liues there in Tunis, in a most princely and magnificent state. His apparell both curious and costly, his diet sumptuous, and his followers seriously obseruing and obeying his will. Hee hath two Cookes that dresse and prepare his diet for him, and his taster before he eats. I doe not know any Peere in England that beares vp his port in more dignitie, nor hath his Attendants more obsequious vnto him. There is no admittance of any Suter on any businesse, but their businesse is first made knowen to one of his followers that is neere him, which if he list not to regard, they haue their answer from his man, that his greatnesse is not at leisure, neither will he bee spoke withall. Nor could I he•re of any affaires that were dispatched by him, in the time of my imprisonment there, at their first comming, but with long attendance, much sute, yea and (by your leaue) some bribes: so that his successe hath made him desperate and resolute, his riches haue made him proud. And so being now at the highest, in hope pride shall haue a fall, I procéed in this discourse.

Ward hauing thus taken this great Argosie, and (with her and others) so inestimable riches, his minde was so inflated with pride, and puft vp with vaine glorie, that he now thought, nay did not spare to speake, he was sole and onely Commander of the Seas. And indéed, like the Sea, alwaies vnsatisfied (although, as I haue heard, and by reason did coniecture, his Treasure was infinite) pro∣uiding himselfe for a fresh encounter, hee placed in this great Ship thréescore péeces of Ordinance, and put into her a hundred and fifty Englishmen, and two hundred and fiftie Turkes ouer whom he made Abraham Croften Captaine, and himselfe Generall, in his small Argosie the Mattalena and the little Iohn, with whom lying in the mouth of the Gulfe of Venice, there grew (vpon some discontents) a muteny betwixt the English and the Turkes: which Ward hauing intelligence of, hee went Page  [unnumbered] aboord the Argosie with his boate, and althoug the heat thereof, were already broke foorth, to a very forceable blaste, he by his Temperance and perswasion, did very worthily allay it, wherin (being people of so differēt a na∣ture, I meane Englishmen and Turkes) mee thought al∣though a Villaine, it was praise worthy in him to effect, which discontent and heartburning appeased, hee came a board his owne Ship againe, and lying in waite for more bootie, it pleased God, now to preuent them a lit∣tle by a storme that arose, in which storme, the great Ar∣gosie being much disabled with cutting so many holes out of her sides for the planting of Ordinance and labou∣ring in the Sea, the violent split her selfe, and suncke suddenly, all the men in her being drowned saue onely foure, who the next day were taken vp floting vpon a Raft of the ship. So that, he who but euen now thought himself Commander and resistles at the Seas, found here a power had Command our him, whereupon, hee now began to feare the retchlesnes of his estate, and greatly to complaine of the violence of his losse. Especially, for Croston, who was equall with him in manhood, and nothing inferiour to him in Command and warlike dire∣ctions, as also of the ruine of so many of his English, in whom, his chiefe hope, stay, strength, and trust, was built and consisted.

Beside at his returne to Tunis, it was no small dismay vnto him to heare so loudly the outcries and cursings blown in his eares, of wiues, Fathers, and Kindred for the losse, of so many of their friends at on blow, So that for certaine, as Graues reported vnto me (in Wards own opinion) he went not vp and downe but in feare of his life, which distaste past, and doubt present, made him the sooner haste to Sea againe, where to make it euident that one sorrow neuer comes without an heire to succeede him, my Captaine found that a second mischiefe did fol∣low this: for the Venetians, hauing sustained excéeding Page  [unnumbered] great losse by his vngodly proceedings, the Segniorie of Venice in redresse thereof, had caused to be built a great Ship called S. Marke, of fifteene hundred Tunnes, in manner of a Gallias, with fourescore péeces of brasse Or∣dinance, and with her set foorth twenty or thirty saile of Gallies: whose voyage and enterprise was directed a purpose to beat him out of the Gulfe, and from houering about their Coast. These thus at Sea happened vpon Wards fly-boat, and forced her ashore, whose men for safety running on Land, the Venetians pursued, slew many of them, and two and thirty that they tooke, they hung vp for carrion in the Iland of Corfowe: another of his men of warre they haue taken since, so that by these two dammages my desperate Pirate being so much dis∣maid, he neuer since durst approch to the Gulfe, notwith∣standing I haue heard of diuers rich prises of the French (which traded for Alexandria, and Cypres, and other Ports in the bottome) which haue by him and his Com∣plices béene since taken, who, for that I haue not heard their names, I will forbeare to report. Only I pray you receiue these in good part, which from William Graues his mouth were deliuered me, with the report of incredi∣ble wealth that he and his men of warre haue taken since his first refuge in Tunis.

Ward hauing thus had his Argosie shipwrackt, and after that, two of his best men of warrs taken by the Ve∣necians. It followeth now that I in order deliuer, what happened to him at Tunis. This last yeere was left him onely, the halfe of two ships, the Mattelena, bearing two and thirtie péeces of Ordinance, and of thrée hundred Tuns, and the little Iohn spoken of before, which about Christmas last past, he was minded to come to Sea with all, and had furnished with victuals, munition, and all things fitting for the furthering of his voyage. But ha∣uing the last two yéeres past, dealt but grosely and vn∣kindly with such Englishmen, who were now left with Page  [unnumbered] him, in not yéelding them their due shares, which they expected their seruice dad deserued, they began now (ta∣king aduantage of his lownesse) to repine and to gather head against him, and concluded awongst themselues, that rather then Ward should containe them in that ser∣uitude, which in the time of his height and pride they supposed they were held, they would now take a course to proud for redresse, and which was, they would imme∣diately run away with the ship, (or at least, the shippe should run away with them) and with her whole proui∣sion, sell her to the Maltesaies who were yet Christians, and so become at their seruice. To which opinion with a generall consent, they all agreed. And apointed one of their companie Captaine and the same night before the Turks should come a board, they did farewell to Tunis, without taking their leaue, and went for Malta, being in number fortie fiue English, and leauing their old Cap∣taine, but thirtie in company,

Which sudden alteration and vnexpected newes, the next day comming to Crosiman, hee sent for Ward, and there in very sterne manner, demanded from him whe∣ther hee were consenting to his Countremens Treason namely, to the conueying away of the ship and goods, in y^• which the Kings maiestie his master was a party and hee himselfe had a halfe. To whō Ward made answer that he was no way guiltie of it, neither had he reason to be, since his owne losse was as great as his. Well replies Cro∣siman, be aduised that thou art not, neither let the ho∣nour and wealth, that thou hast got by our support, bée an incouragement, shall entise thée to leaue vs, and serue Christians, but beare thy selfe euen, and to preuent thy escape, I will haue halfe of thy part of the mattelena, for my share of the Iohn, which thy Countrymen haue de∣priued me of, then either resolue me of thy will, or resist mee as thou thinkest good, but Ward finding it no fit time to replie to the contrary, for feare of his head: made Page  [unnumbered] answer, that both himselfe, seruice, and all his, was at his pleasure. So that Ward, now left shiplesse, almost frindlesse, and his state declining, since the Crosiman hath left him, he began to leauie his wits together, what hee were best to resolue vpon, to aduenture to Sea him∣selfe he thought it not yet fitting, but determined, rather to send others a fishing for him. In which determina∣tion, he foorthwith buies him a ship of 80. or 90. Tuns, and appointed one Captaine Sampson to bee the Com∣mander, mans her with a hundred men, of which al∣though the ship were his owne, not many of them were English, but the most of them Turkes, who so ouersway them at Sea, that the Captaine may bid what hee will, and they will doe what they list. For this Sampson go∣ing foorth of Tunis the eighth of Februarie last, The first ship that he tooke was Captaine Fursman of London, a Gentleman who in former time had béene as Samsons sworne brother, of whom when Sampson came to take, note of, (In this I commend his generous spirit) hee would by no meenes haue ri•led him, but earnestly la∣boured in all that he might, to haue frely giuen him his ship and goods againe. To which request of his the Turks by no meanes would bee brought to consent, but the more he entreated, the more they denied, till at last one among the rest, and who it should seeme, was Life teant to Samspon, strucke violent at him, whom all the rest as readily seconded, so that hee was compeld to looke heauily vpon his friende, and enforced to be silent while they ceased on the good Marchant, Master William Fursman with the ship and goods.

The very same day, the said Sampson in Wards ship, gaue Chase vnto a ship of Dartmoth whereof Iohn Furs∣man (who was sole brother, to William Furseman, who they had taken not fixe houres before) was master, from him they tooke likewise both ship and goods, and then most cruelly, without pitty, and not regarding prai∣ers, Page  [unnumbered] turned the two brothers into their ships Boate, and thrée leagues from land in a very growne Sea, where it was impossible to recouer the land, but must vnfortunat∣ly haue perished, had not a ship of Venice happened by chance to haue taken them vp. Oh, what inhumane crueltie was this, in them toward two naturall brothers, and who can expresse: the sorrow and griefe (their cases being a like) that one had for another one striuing to helpe the second when they saw nothing but to perish both, hee lending one hand to helpe him, when both would not serue to helpe himself, but leauing them to their Comfort, and the rest to be damned who tooke two prises more though but small Ships, and re∣turned to Tunis who to their Captaine Ward was wel∣come, according to the prouerbe, Somewhat hath some sauour, although he séemed wonderous discontent, that Sampson had not brought him a tall Ship, wherein his worships Person might to théeuing himselfe, but conten∣ting himselfe in the meane time, and neither lamenting nor reproouing him for dealing so vnkindly now with his Countrimen, got away straight, he sends Sampson to Sea againe, who in this action thriued so succesfully, that he takes for Ward a small Argosie, or rather a Spa∣niard, of thrée hundred Tunnes, with thrée prises more Flemings and French, which was in Iune last, whereby with the strength that they haue brought him, he is now preparing himselfe very forcibly to Sea, training men, and casting Ordinance, and the Tunis men making rea∣die fourteene saile of great Ships for men of warre, and as many small for the same purpose, to scoure the Coast. Where I am glad I haue left them, to hope for their con∣fusion. Only I pray you receiue that which from Willi∣am Graues his mouth was deliuered me, of their incredi∣ble wealth, as also of the spoile that our owne Nation of England hath sustained within these two yeeres. Nei∣ther I hope shall it be impertinet to note héerewithall, Page  22 the names of all Ships as I haue gathered by being par∣taker of the like hard fortunes.

A small Barke Fulmoth laden with Pilcherds.

Two ships of London, taken by the Gallies Be∣sart about the Iland of Corsowe. The Merchant that was taken in the first, was also taken in the second. His name (I suppose) is Master Wallowbee.

The next I heard of, was a ship, whereof Master Thomas Carrull of Plimoth was owner. She was ta∣ken by Captaine Elliet in the Bay of Cullery.

The Troian of London, she was taken, and all her men made slaues but for shooting one shot in their owne defense.

A ship of Portsmouth, laden with oiles from Tal∣loun▪ the master Richard Learner.

The same day another small ship taken by the same men of warre.

A ship of Hull, Master Andrew Barkers.

The Tobias of Amsterdam.

These fiue Ships were taken by Crosimans Ship, a Turke, being called Mamatrice, and an Englishman Wil∣liam Graues the Master, the Gunners name Iohn Lum∣bey, the Botsons name Thomas Hussey. Neither was there any more Englishmen in this man of warre, but Captaine Wards man, whose name was Iohn White. Other newes I learnt not.

The pearle of London laden with currants from Zant, was taken by the Tunis men of warre in May.

Iohn Bullard of London master of the little Amitie, lost goods valued to eight thousand pound.

Page  23 Foure great ships of Holland, of three hundred and foure hundred Tunnes apeece, and were taken all in one day.

A French man of warre, who had in her 95. men, and fourteene peeces of Ordinance; yet yeel∣ded without any one shot shooting: there were three Caualeroes of Malta in her.

A ship of London, which came from Anconia.

Rebert French of Sandwich, in a new ship laden with allicant wines.

A small Barke of Milbrooke in his company.

The Bull of Amsterdam of 500. Tunnes.

Two more in her company.

At the same time, a small ship of Wards (or a man of warre of Iunis, chuse you whether) of 65. Tunnes, tooke a Holland ship of 500. worth foure and twenty thousand pounds. My men did see her brought into Tunis, ere they came away.

And thus hauing deliueced as much as I can trulie certifie of Wards proceeding, let mee bee bold to speake somewhat of Danser; (for so is his name) and of him, as of the former, no more then I can iustifie. And since they be theeues in one age together, liue almost in one fame together, Ile be bold to pricke them downe in one ranke together.

Of the Pirate Danser.

THis Simon Danser, another Arch-pirate, was some∣times belonging to Flushing, where hauing serued the States, vpon a discontent hee went to Marseles in France, where leauing his wife and sonne, hee came to Page  [unnumbered] petuall slauery, and there remaine in the Galli••. This Boniton was one of the Ireland Pirates, whose purpose was to goe vnto the Straits to learne newes. But you haue heard how it prooued to his cost.

Not long after, the Moone of Amsterdam, a Ship that the Frenchmen bought, and set foorth from Newhauen, a vessell of 5. 02600. Tuns, which they furnished most nobly forth, and sent her to the Straits, who by good hap, met with the ship of Tunis which tooke me prisoner. Whereof Graues was Master, who in fight ouercom∣ming him, they carried to Marselis, for so was the newes at Tunis, when my men were there, and were se∣conded for truth vpon their comming away. So that I make no doubt but they haue put him to death, and his Turks with him, which were about an hundred Infidels, are all made slaues. But the last and best newes is, that the Spanish nauy hath been in the road of Tunis, & there found riding fourtéene Saile of great Ships for men of warre to go toward the bottome of the Gulfe, and twelue or thirteene Saile of smaller, with men of warre to lie to the westward, and about the Ilands of Sardmia maiork and miniake, all which Ships my men which were se∣condly taken in a French ship in their passage homwards and carried backe againe to Tunis, did see thus prepa∣ring.

So that I hope since the report holds, that the Spani∣ards haue beene in that road, and burnt twenty fiue saile of Ships, it is infallibly true, that both Ward and his as∣sistants are at length depriued of most of their strength, or at least so infeebled, that they shall neuer bee able to carrie such sway againe. Further, it is for certaine, that the said fleet is busie in the search of Danser, and disper∣sed onely in seuerall places to cut him and his forces off. Of all which proceedings of Ward, Danser, or their Con∣federates, which I haue either séene, or by other mens knowledge heard, I haue truly giuen you to vnderstand.

Page  [unnumbered] Which paines of mine, if it be either welcome to you, or acceptable to the world, your friend is satisfied, and ac∣counts it well bestowed.

Whereas it was reported in a former booke, that the Yorke Bonauenture (of which I was master) carried fifteene cast peeces at the time of her ta∣king, she had scarce fiue which shee could vse, or were fit for seruice.