If you conceive it proper, You may send the Prize which you have taken either to take, sinke, or burn the Pink on board which are the Pyrates. In Order thereunto You may Put what men and Guns on board, You think Necessary.
I hope you have secured for his Maj'tes Service the seamen which belong to Capt. Harrison, etc., and you will do the like by those, which Mr. Thorowgood sayes come on shore. And for so Doeing these things, this shall be your sufficient Warrant and Authority. given under my hand the Day and Year above written.
[1] Bodleian Library, MS. Rawlinson A. 272, f. 90.
[2] The seat of government had just been removed from Jamestown to the new capital, Williamsburg.
[3] Docs. [no. 94] and [no. 95].
97. William Wilson to Governor Nicholson. May 5, 1700.[1]
May it please your Excelly
I have here enclosed a few lines[2] Concerning a Brigantine that sailed out of the Capes last wednesday.[3] it should been sent you before this. I had it this Day from Capt. Cole at Church. If the Capt. had sent the Master on shore (who had no boat of his owne) or a line to me about it, Your Excellency had sooner Notice.
The french Prisoners are equally Divided amongst the three Capts., who have them under Guard. the wounded men att John Smiths died last Night. Suppose this Pink is that that was taken a coming from Barbadoes, and the longer he lyes the more harme he do and gather more strength, which is all that offers from
Your Excellys humble servt.
to Command