Originated in the Spanish persecution of French hunters—Customs—"No peace beyond the line"—"No prey, no pay"—Pay and pensions—Their helots the Mosquito Indians—Lewis Scott, an Englishman, the first Corsair—John Davis takes St. Francis in Campeachy—Their debauchery—Gambling—Religion—Classes from which they sprang—Equality at sea—Mode of fighting—Food—Dress 111
[CHAPTER IV.—PIERRE-LE-GRAND, THE FIRST BUCCANEER.]
Plunder of Segovia—Pierre-le-Grand—Peter Francis—Captures of Spanish vessels—Mode of capture—Barthelemy Portugese—His escapes and victories—Roche the Brazilian—Fanatical hatred of the Spaniards—His wrecks and adventures 152
[CHAPTER V.—LOLONNOIS THE CRUEL.]
Lolonnois' stratagems—His cruelty—His partner, Michael le Basque—Takes Maracaibo—Tortures the citizens—Sacks the town—Takes Gibraltar—Attempt on Merida—Famine and pestilence—Retreat—Division of spoil—Ransom—Takes St. Pedro—Burns Veragua—Wrecked in the Gulf of Honduras—Attacked by Indians—Killed and eaten by the savages 188
[CHAPTER VI.—ALEXANDRE BRAS DE FER, AND MONTBARS THE EXTERMINATOR.]
Bras de Fer compared by French writers to Alexander the Great—His exploits and stratagems—Montbars—Anecdote of his childhood—Goes to sea—His first naval engagement—Joins the Buccaneers—Defeats the Spanish Fifties—His uncle killed—His revenge—Anecdote of the negro vessel—Adam and Anne le Roux plunder Santiago 267
PREFACE.
I claim for this book, at least originality. But this originality, unfortunately, if it attaches interest to an author's labours, adds also to his responsibilities.