us,
he had observ'd a large Canoe with Sails and Paddles, at the Sea Side,
which belonged he believ'd to some Fishing Negroes. He propos'd the
siezing, loading it with Plantanes, and going to the _Spanish_ Coast,
which he was sure he could make shift to find, having been there with
the _Buccaniers_. This was unanimously agreed to by the rest. I desired
to be left behind, but their Fear wou'd not let 'em consent to my Stay.
At Night we went again to the Plantane Walk, where I hop'd to make my
Escape; but one of 'em always held me by the Arm, suspecting I would
give 'em the slip. Being loaded, we follow'd _Cuffey_ to the Canoe,
where we found a Negro asleep, whom they bound, and having taken what
Plantanes they thought fit, and found two large Runlets of Water in the
Canoe, with Fishing-nets and other Tackle, they set Sail about Eleven
o' Clock with a fine Hand Breeze, which carried us before Day to the
last End of the Island.

The next Day about Even, we saw _Hispaniola_, and landed at Four o'Clock
the Day following in a Creek, where we filled our Runlets with fresh
Water, and going up into the Country, we catched a Number of Land
Crabbs, which we dress'd and eat.

We lay two Days in this Creek, and in the Night of the second, coasted
along the Island unperceived; but as we cross'd the Streights between
Cape _Maese_ and Cape _Nicholas_, which divides the Islands of
_Hispaniola_ and _Cuba_, we were seen and chased by a Sloop, which very
soon came up with us, and proved a Free-booter, whose Crew was of all
Nations and Colours. They offer'd the Seven Negroes their Liberty, and
each Half a Share of an able Seaman, which they readily accepted. To me
they would have given a whole Share, but I refusing to join 'em, they
resolved to set me on Shore with the first Conveniency, tho' some were
for throwing me over-board.

We were Eight Days without seeing a Sail, but the Ninth, about Break of
day the Man at the Top-mast Head, descried one on our Leeward Bow. The
Pyrates immediately prepared for an Engagement; we clapp'd our Helm
a-weather, eas'd out our Main-sheet, and gave Chase. She proved a tall
Ship, and did not seem to make Sail to avoid us; which was the Reason we
brought to, and a Consultation was held, whether it was safe or not to
venture upon her? It was resolved in the Affirmative. In Consequence of
this, we bore away for her, and when we were in less than Gun Shot, we
perceived she was very deep, _Spanish_ built, and