Lieut. Collo. Thomas Ballard and Major Wm. Buckner are
to send an Express to the Hon'ble Col. Edmd. Jenings, with a Copy of
this, and they are likewise to send a Copy of this to Collo. Philip
Ludwell, who is in his Maj'tes Name Commanded to have the Militia of
James City ready by this Order of

KIQUOTAN, Ap'll 28th 1700

Whereas this Day I have received Informacion that there is three or
four ships or vessels now riding at anchor in Lynhaven bay, suspected
to be Pyrates or Privateers,

These are therefore in his Maj'tes Name to will and require you on
Sight hereof to give Notice to all officers and Souldiers under your
Comand to be in readiness with their Armes and amunition at one houres
Warning as you Shall receive further Orders. given under my hand and
Lesser Seal at Armes the Day and Year above written.

To Lieut. Collo. Miles Cary,
Comander in Chief of his
Maj'tes Militia in Warwick County.[6]...

FR. NICHOLSON.

[Footnote 6: Warwick and James City lay westward, up the James River.
A series of directions like those sent northward was also sent
southward, to Norfolk, Princess Anne, Nansemond, and Isle of Wight.]

_92. Deposition of William Fletcher. May 2, 1700._[1]

[Footnote 1: Bodleian Library, MS. Rawlinson C. 933, f. 12. An
enclosure in no. 93.]

The Deposition of William Fletcher, Master of the ship _Barbadoes
merchant_ of Leverpoole, Sworne the Second Day of May 1700, Saith

That about 30 Leagues from the Capes upon the 23th Day of Aprill A
pink[2] of about 100 tons bound from Barbadoes to virginia, no great
guns, and between 50 or 60 men, most french and Dutch and some Irish
men[3] lately taken by Pyrates, Seized his ship, rifled her, and
barberously used him and a Merchant belonging to him, by whom they had
accot. that the Cheif Pirate[4] was about 24 Guns and about 140 Tons,
and another about the same burthen but what force he could not learn,
and a Sloope of Six Guns: in all 4 pirates. Designing to get some good
Ships and more Company as they Could, [they favored (?)] this Deponant
and used much kindness to his men and persuaded them to goe with them,
which when they refused the Pirates used them Cruelly, cut away all
his Masts, Sailes and Rigging and bolespritt,[5] and threw all over
Board, tooke all their Candles, broke their Compases, and Disabled
them soe as they Supposed the ship would perish and never give
Intelligence: and all 4 of the Pirates would pass by them and in a way
of Der