Privateering and Piracy in the Colonial Period / Illustrative Documents

by Unknown

Then the Kings Evidences were Called and sworn.

John Filmore Deposeth and Saith That he was in the harbour of St. Peters when Mr. Minotts scooner was run away with, by which scooner he was afterwards taken. That when he was Carried on board, he there saw William White upon Deck. That White told this Depont. he Came out upon that design, which this Depont. understood to be Pyracy, but that he was in Drink and he was sorry for it. That White went armed on board a Virginia Ship, that he had his Share of some Shirts that were taken out of a Portuguese Brigantine, That John Rose Archer and William Taylor (when a Brigantine whereof One Read was Master, in which the sd Archer and White were, was taken), Voluntarily Joyned with the Pyrates, That in a short time after Archer was Chosen Quartermaster and after he was so, he went on board every Vessel they took, armed, That William Taylor was very Great with Phillips, Nutt and Burrill, being Admitted into the Cabbin, upon any Consultation they had together.

Edward Cheesman Deposed That White told him he was [one] of the first five that run away with Mr. Minotts Scooner, [That] they made him Drink, and that he was sorry for it now. That in taking several Vessels White was more Active than others, who pretended to be forced men. That John Rose Archer, to this Deponts. certain knowledge, by force and Arms Entred into several vessels they took and aided and assisted in plundering the same and sharing part thereof, And that William Taylor was as active on board as any of them; That this Depont Saw him once take a great Coat and heard him then say, he would not willingly hurt a Man, but he was upon the Account, and he must not go Naked.

Isaac Lassen Deposeth That White told him three days [after] he was taken, that he was sorry he Came out upon the [Accot.], That this Depont. saw him go on board a snow armed, and that he shared part of the plunder.

Henry Giles Deposed That White was one of the four that went on board the Ship this Depont. was taken out of, that he was Armed with a Cutlass and Shared part of the plunder, That he also Saw him go on board a French ship armed with a Cutlass, out of which Ship they took Eight Great Guns: That Archer also was one of the four that went on board their ship armed with a Cutlash, and as this Depont. was going over the side Archer threatned to Cut him in sunder if he did not make hast and go on board the Pyrate with his Books and Instruments.

William Lancy Deposed That he was taken by the Pyrate Phillips sometime in April last, That Archer the Quarter Master was one of those who came on board his scooner and that he was armed with sword or Cutlash; that the sd. Archer went on board all or most of the vessels they took while this Depont. was with them, Armed with sword or Cutlass; That Archer told him that he was one of Teaches[2] men and went into South Carolina upon the Act of Grace. That White told this Depont. he was sorry he came out upon the Accot. and if he Could he would get away before they went off the Coast. That he heard William Taylor say they were Carrying him to Virginia to be sold[3] and they met with these honest Men, meaning the Pyrates, and he listed himself to go with them.

After the Kings Evidences had been severally Examined the Prisoners at the Bar were asked what they had to say in their own Defence. William White says he is sorry he should Commit such a sin, that he was in Drink when he went away with Phillips, Nutt, etc., in Mr Minotts scooner. John Archer and Willm Taylor say they were forced Men, and Archer, being asked how he Came to be Quarter Master, Answered that the Company thought him the fittest Man for a Quarter master and so Chose him.

Then the Kings Advocate General summed up the nature of the Evidence against the Prisoners, and the Prisoners were taken from the Bar, and the Court cleared and in private.

Then the Court Maturely weighed and Considered the Evidences and the Prisoners Cases, and Unanimously found William White, John Rose Archer, and William Taylor Guilty of Pyracy, robbery and Felony according to the Articles Exhibited against them. Then the Prisoners were brought to the Bar and the President acquainted them that the Court by a Unanimous Voice had found them Guilty. Then the Court Adjourned to three a Clock in the afternoon.

[1] Articles II.-XII. are here omitted, being substantially identical with arts. III.-VII. of the indictment in [doc. no. 119] and III.-VII. of that in [doc. no. 120].