SIr , I haue receiued your Letter , and herein am glad to consent to your request , which was , ( that since so many flying fables , and rumoring tales haue béene spread , of the fame , or rather indéede infamie , ouer the whole face of Christendome , of this notorious and arch pirate Ward ) my selfe , who had euen knowne him to be a knaue , and of late ( yet too soone ) had prooued him a théefe , whose fortunes had béene so much decaied by his prosperitie , and who so long had béene held his prisoner 〈◊〉 ▪ who had there séene , abroad heard , and at Sea felt , the abilitie of his strength , the ordering of his actions , and the vniustnes of his procéedings . I might best gratifie my friends , and most truely satisfie the world , and their gréedy and auidous expectation , what iniurie hee hath done , daily doth , and still indeauoureth to doe , to rich estats , and prouident Sea-farers , to the venturing Marchant , and the carefull Saylor , to poore wiues and distressed children ; how like a villaine , and an apostata he liues , and how like a reprobate in persisting , he resolues to die .

Which pleasure of yours , that I may the better and more fullie accomplish , and no way to seeme ingratefull for your benefits receiued , in neglecting my paines , I beseech you , let it not be held vnnecessarie by you , nor superfluous of the world , that I first indeuour , to deliuer truely , and of mine owne knowledge , the manner of his first going forth to Sea , and the forme that he vsed in vndertaking these courses : so shall I the more directly , and in order , delymate his proceedings , describe his outrages , dilate his customs , paint out his oppressions , picture his lusts , image his riotts , manifest his ruins , and in the end , giue you to expect that which is already begun of him , his endlesse infamy , and deserued confusion .

Which desire of mine , being I know by your curtesie condiscended vnto , and I perceiue by your letter , is expected of others , I pray you receiue this that followeth for truth .

This Ward , who now hath atchieued to himselfe , the title of Captaine , whose desperate actions hath caused terrour to trauellors by Sea , and whose name hath bred feare in the Marchants at home . In the last yeare of her late Maiesties raigne , was resident , and had his dwelling , ( as by my own knowledge I can certifie ) in the West countrie at the hauen Towne of Plimouth , a fellow , poore , base , and of no estéeme , one as tattered in 〈◊〉 , as he was ragged in conditions , the good past , that he could boast of himselfe , might bee , that hee was borne in a Towne called Feuersham in Kent , and there liued as a poore fisherman , and the vertue present , that he durst talke of was , he had abiding in Plimouth , wherfore a while kéeping house , although I haue neuer heard that he paid his rent , all the day you should hardly faile but finde him in an alehouse : but bee sure to haue him drunke at home at night . Othes were almost as ordinarie with him as words , so that hee seldome spake a sentence , but one was a silable , hee would sit melancholy , speake doggedly , curse the time , repine at other mens good fortunes , and complaine of the hard crosses attended his owne . All the vertue that any man could perceiue might grow out of his whole course , or reckon out of his whole life was , that hitherto hee loued not to be noted a quarellor : for rather then he would fight , he would be beaten by any one , he was commonly called by the name of Iack Ward , one that was welcome into any tap-house , more for loue of his coyne , then loue of his company , and all the reputation that his owne crue held of him , was but this , that he was a mad rascall , would sweare well , drinke stiffe , stick too t , and like a good cocke , hee would neuer out of their damnable pit , If there were either money in his purse , or credible chalke in his hosts hand , being once in .

So that continuing thus for a reasonable season , in the same towne drinking and swearing , the two twins , that such damnable wombes are euer in labour with , and not without wonder of a number , by what possible meanes he could get chinkes , so lewdly to consume his time withall . It at last so happened , that in the beginning of the Kings raigne , hee found meanes to bee imployed for seruice , in a small ship of his maiesties , commonly called by the name of the Lions Whelpe , in which imployment , persisting as before , in his melancholy disposition , not contented , with that good and honest meanes was allowed him , and satisfied farre better men , to defend themselues and the necessitie of their charge : But hauing new reaches working in his braine , he one day selected out a choice crew , but of such , whose dispositions he perceiued were as vntoward as his owne , when the poison of his heart disgorged it selfe thus .

My mates , quoth he , what s to be done ? heres a scuruy world , and as scuruily we liue in 't , we féede here vpon the water , on the Kings salt béefe , without ere a penis to buy vs bissell when we come a shore , heres brine , but to reuell , suppe , and be mery , euery one at the proper charge of his owne purse . So that this following night . when the Captaine and Officers shall coniecture nothing . but that we are drawing drie the pot , wee 'll bee diuing arme deepe in the Fugitiues bagges .

With which hopefull proiect , their resolutions being confirmed , and with the former purpose , getting a shore to their hosts house , ( which they chose to be without the walles of Portsmouth ) after some halfe a dozen of damnable healths tane downe , they agreed amongst them , that with full cans , for the deuising and foreseeing into this beneficiall businesse , they fréely , and of their owne accord would elect Ward for their Captaine , and which dignitie accordingly ( being downe on their knees ) with drinke they performed , which instalment done , and considering with themselues how they might best prouide themselues of a boat , which the next full Sea should set them abord the Barke , they resolued at a sortable houre to begin their ransacke .

But see how it happened : A kinsman of this gentlemans , who had intended his departure , and furnished himselfe to this voyage for France , seeing the day before they attempted this Piracie , this Ward consorted with a crue of Scattergoods and swaggering Rascals , and knowing fully of the charge that his friend had aboord , and withall nothing such a crew of desperates , mustering about Towne , more then in one knot had béene accustomed , and with such vnciuill behauiour , hee began to bee iealous they had some proiect in hand : whereupon he aduised his friend to disbarke his mony againe , till the very instant that the winde serued , and to lodge it in some place of more safety , to preuent the danger hee stood in doubt of : for , quoth he , your selfe may witnesse what a knot of these knaues are linked together , who hauing not some intelligence , or but at least suspecting what substance you beare along with you , they will not sticke to venture their bodies , I and it were to hazard their soules for mony wherewithall to maintaine their riot .

So that I pray you Sir , be aduised by my counsell : Redeeme your money out of the Barke , and preuent their purpose , lest your repentance come too late . Which counsell of his friends , setting some suspition in the gentlemans head , and being the rather confirmed and grounded , through the disorders hee beheld them continue in , and more then they were accustomed to exercise , hee resolued himselfe to his friends aduice , and priuately ( either without knowledge or suspition ) landed his money and most estimable riches , and stored them in the red Lion , ( contenting themselues , then suspectlesse , to see what would be the issue of these fellowes ) and vntill the winde and tide should helpe faire for their departure .

Which defense of this gentlemans this new Captaine Ward nothing at all suspecting , with his Command ( as he before had determined ) in the dead of night , and hauing so much experience to know when the tide and time was best for his aduantage , hee presently came and laid the Barke aboord , and entred his men in the hold of the Uessell , where he found none to resist him , but only two poore s●ekes , who belonged to the Barke , whom hee straight shut vnder decke , and commanded them , not to squeake like Rats ( in danger of their liues ) whereby , vpon their disturbance , the wach vpon the first Blockhouse might haue warning , and so with their Pot-guns disquiet their peace . So presently waying Anchor , and setting his sailes , to Sea goes he . Onely before his deparparture ( yet not till he found himselfe out of their reach ) he takes his farewell aloud , and very kindly bids me the watch good night . So that being now cléere , and out of danger of their summons , and likewise come forth , without the I le of Wight , like a Captaine indeed , who now had command , he demands for the two men were lodged in his ●arke , and who , according to his call , were brought to his sight , when most Commander like , hee began to question them , as they loued their safeties , to deliuer truly vnto him , in what place of the Barke was the Papists treasure hid , for that was the chiefe matter they came for , and that must bee the meanes to make them merrie withal , when these poore wretches shaking for feare before this terrible theefe , they replyed , that his expectation was heerein frustrate , store of riches they must confesse there was indeed , but vpon what reason they knew not , it was the day before landed againe .

At which vnsatisfied newes , and finding by search their words to be true , the whole crue hauing this cake of Ice for Sunne-shine golde to chaw down , and comfort their stomacks withall . The Rogues all , began now to be ranck mad , there was then , such Cursing , such Swearing , such Banning : there was a pox of thee , a pox of thee , and a plague of vs all , what shall now become of vs ? The Goldfinches wee came for , were flowen out of their nest , little succour is to be found heere , and to go a shore we shall be sure to be hanged there , heare wee are fallen desperately into the pitfall , and there wee haue brought our necks iust to the noose . Yet at last , when their furie like an Hostler , had walked them awhile , and the heat of their bloods was growen a little calmer , they agreed amongst themselues , that since their pretence was to come for somewhat , they would at last see what was there to be found . In which search , there was presently laid open to their Rauening eies , a couple of Venson-Pasties , diuers Turkey-pies , Capons , Hens , and such other choice viands , as the forerecited Gentlemen , had stored in the barke for his own prouision , to conduct him into France and of euerie sort whereof , them was great store . At the sight of which , Ward raps out oathes like p●llets out of a péece , that fly as swiftly as they can passe one after another , and cals , come , le ts bee merrie my hearts , although the birds be flowen , we came far , and we haue found nothing but the emptie nest , come , le ts be merrie , & freely fat our selues with their fodder , here is good cheare , it was prouided for vs , and wee le eat , an ounce of sorrow will not pay a penny debt . It is bootelesse in these daies , to lie in a dich and cry for help , since euerie man is bound to thrust out his hand to help himself , and therefore my hearts let vs be frolike with this , and liue in hope that our fortuns wil be better . At which ( as if they had forgot alreadie what they had done , and not fering what might follow ) with this encouragement they fell roundly aboord , when anon Ward called to them againe , what , say you my bloods , who would bee a boord of the Lyons whelpe , with bare and hungrie allowance of cold fish and naked cheese , and may as we do thrust vp their armes to the elbow in a Venison pastie ? and with that , breaking vp a case of bottles , which were presented full of wine to his theueships hand , heere my mates ( quoth he ) heare is a health to our good fortunes , and a pox of the Hang-man , wee know the worst , and le ts therefore hope for the best , wee le be merrie to night with wine and Uenison , and to morrow take counsell what s best to be done .

So that , no man taking care for any thing now , but that euery one pleaged his partner a ful carouse , they sailed one from the wight to the West part of England , where neere vnto Silly they met with a French ship , laden with marchandise , & who was bound for Ireland , the ship being a vessel neare about thréescore and ten Tuns , and who bare for her ●●●ence sixe peeces of Ordinance . This pray , had my Kight like Ward no soonner espied , but calling his companions about him , in this forme hee began to resolue them : my Comrads quoth hee , you know wee haue procéeded so far , into the Théeues path , that to returne backe we shall bee stopped with a haltar . To trust to the mercie of the law , is as good as for a man to chops hand vpon a Rasor and see if it will cut . Therefore since to retire can allow vs no safety , it will be wisdome heare to prouide for our safegard . Your selues see , wee haue a Frenchman heere a ba●t of vs and as I haue done , so I still doe , intreat the most of you , but to keepe down vnder hatches , and that not passing some four or fiue , may bee seene aboue , so by the scantnes of our number seen , & the smalnes of our Ba●k which I know he will take note of ( I destring to kéep cōapnie with him ) he shall haue no cause at al to suspect vs : So that , when I shall finde fit opportunitie to giue him the graple , & send to your eares the watch word ( which shall be this , now my masters for vs , we may on a sudden board them , and being taken , in the dismay , so hastily disharten them , that we shal immediatly be owners of their goods , and with the helpe of their ship and inunition , lay a fundation one the ground of which , wee may raise our good hap : which subtiltie of his , was so well entertained , that my Captaine had a Plaudite for his paines , and euery mans hand preast to bee ready at his becke .

So then , with the hope of this plot , passing side by side familiarly , and vnsuspected by the Frenchmen , their burden being but small , and their number in sight so few , and passing many houres , in courteous discourse , either seeming glad of the others acquaintance , one the sudden Ward , taking hold of opportunitie , he claps me the Frenchman aboord , giues the watch word , and enters his men , so that in a breath , was my poore Frentchman surprised , his goods ceased one and m 〈…〉 ●●prisone , eare that any had time to thinke how they could bee hurt . All which discourse the two poore men who were first taken when Ward tooke the Barke , did after their setting a shore , and returne to Portesmouth , relate and constantly affirme to one Iohn Rogers , owner of the Barcke , in my hearing . So that it is without question , this was the originall and first beginning of Wards piracy , euen so base , and so low ▪ although it is manifest , he hath aduanced it to that height , which hath since beene the vndoing of some , and the impouerishing of many .

To proceed then , after as you haue heard , the French man was taken by him , hee repaired into Causon Bay , neare Plimouth , where with a long boate going a shore , and flattring some others whom he met of his acquaintance , with the newes of his successe , and expectation to come , he their with men much strengthned his company , and so put on to the coast of Spaine . Where about the Southern cape , he tooke also a Fly boate laden with excellent Merchandise , and the ship béing about a hundred Tuns , with whom entering into the Straights , he turned away his small Barcke with the Flemings , and presently threupon hee tooke a Satta , and withall which thrée ships , namely , your Frenchman , your Flie-boate , and S●●ta , he put on , and ariued at Argier , where what was his entertainement , receiue this forcertaine .

Not long before , one Captaine Iefferd had in the seruice oft he Duke of Florence , attempted to set the Gallies belonging to the King of Argier afire , and in which desperate resolution , he had so farre preuailed , that they departed not thence without performing much harme . In displeasure of which , the king had grounded such an inward hate against al Englishmen for Iefferds treachery , that he solemnly vowed , that this iniurie should bee a perfecution to any of the whole nation , that hapned in his power , and to manifest , that his oath was not triuial but as violent in performance , as it was forwa●d in promise , in reuenge of the former attempt , hee put twelue Englishmen , who were there in Argier to a most cruell and lingring death , so that vpon Wards arriuall , forbidding him to haue any succour on his shore , and Ward on the other side hauing heard of his vowe , & not willing to play with the Lyons paw , lest he should but faine himselfe asleepe , without longer stay , or further suit , he with his prises made vp for Tunis .

Where with small suit to the King , in respect hee brought Marchandise with him , beneficiall to the state , hee had leaue , their to find safe harbouring for himselfe , his ships and followers , where hauing made sale of his Commodities , and presented diuerse acceptable presents to the King of Tunis , as also for his gifts , receiued some outward graces of the Crossymon , which is as much to say , the Lord Admirall of the Sea , and the man that hath euer since , held share with Ward in all his Voyages , Prises , and Shippings ▪ and been his only supporter in all his disseignes , and vpon whose promised fauour and furtherance Ward growing bould , he was at length a suter to the King , that he might be receiued as his subject , or if not so , yet at all times , either in aduersity or prosperitie , himselfe and what the Sea could yeeld him , might be euer sanctuaried vnder his Princely protection , and in recompence thereof , he vowed , hee would for euer after , become a foe to all Christians , bee a persecuter to their Trafficke , and an inpouerisher of their wealth , onely ( belike the diuell not yet hauing his full gripe one him ) he desired , his owne Countrey might be excepted out of his taske , whom both by naturall loue and obedience , he was bound to respect : withall that his Maiestie would be pleased , for the better furnishing of those ships , hee had their taken , their might bee leauied vnder his command , a conuenient number of Turks with whom he doubted not to returne , of Christians goods , with so worthy a spo●le , that heereafter his name should bee held of his greatnesse in more regard , and his seruice more acceptable , which sute of his , being granted at full , and Croseman , being an ader and furtherance in all his expeditons , since as I said before in all his profits hee was a full sharer . He puts forth from Tunis , and procéeded downe to the bottome of the Straights , where he houered not long before hee tooke a small Argosie , of the burden of six hundred Tunnes . In the same action also , he tooke a Ship of two hundred Tunnes , which he afterward named The little Iohn , and armed her with foure and twenty péeces of Ordinance . Hee then surprised also the Mattalena , a French Ship , who came from Alexandria with rich Commodities . In this voyage likewise was gathered to him one Abraham Croften , and many other worthy spirits , whose resolutions , if they had beene aimed to honourable actions , either a sea or shore , they might haue béene preferred and commended for seruice to the greatest Prince liuing .

Now concerning my knowledge in these Proceedings , they were all of them , and each particular deliuered mée by Graues , who tooke mee Prisoner , and euery circumstance thereof resolued mee at full , by diuers others , whom I had seuerall conference withall . As also that they were aboue two hundred Englishmen , good Souldiers , and expert Mariners , when they procéeded forward to the Gulfe of Venice . To the which voyage incouraged ( saies Graues ) we were foure well mand , and well appointed Ships , ouer whom Captaine Ward was our worthy Generall , who being seuered from vs by a forcible Tempest , himselfe in his small Argosie , hauing none but his Fly-boat with him , he met with a great Argosie of fourtéene or fiftéene hundred Tunnes , very richlie laden with Venetian goods , and who , by Computation , was estéemed to be worth two millions at the least , betwixt whom and him was such a mercilesse and incredible fight , as a man may compare is betwéene those two Tyrants , the remorselesse windes , and the resisting waters . It was long , and it was cruell , it was forcible , and therefore fearefull : but in the end our Captaine had the Sunshine , he boorded her , subdued her , chained her men like slaues , and ceasd on her goods , as his lawfull prise , whom the whistling calme made musicke vnto , vshering her and our Generall into Tunis , and whose bounty with his men , did there triumph with her treasure .

Which report from Graues , I receiuing not without much wonder : and though I seemed to consent thereunto , in my iudgement I discredited it , reputing his tale rather a vaine glorious boast from him , to raise his Captaines fame , and the more to amaze vs , that were his Prisoners , then any discourse of truth that was worthy the credit : till afterward , falling into conference with Wards man , and who at that time was both in discontent and dislike with his Master : of him I enquired of the former relation , whose approbation was so much and so much more highly aduanced , that mee thought now , that Graues had but minced him in his discourse : and where I ghest the spight and difference betwixt him and Captaine Ward , should haue rather whetted his tongue to disparage his worth , then haue stéeled it on to describe his worthinesse , I vtterly found my expectation frustrate : for demanding in particular of his Masters valour , he did so farre commend his prouidence in going on , and so farther extoll his manhood in atchieuing , that for these last thrée yéeres , quoth he , he is growen the most absolute , the most resolute , and the most vndauntedst man in fight , that euer any heart did accompanie at sea . And if his actions were as honest as his valour is honorable , his deeds might be dignified in the Chronicles with the worthiest . As also that in the aforesaid fight , and taking the Argosie , whose oddes was reputed to bée thrée to one , he did in the deadly conflict so vndauntedly beare himselfe , as if he had , had courage to out-braue death , and spirit to out-face danger ▪ bastinadoing the Turkes out of his Ship into theirs , and pricking others on euen with the point of his poiniard , that , quoth he , I could impartially say , his only resolution was cause of the victorie , and that his forwardnesse made Cowards venturous ; whereby at last hauing seased her for his owns , and brought her into the Bay of Tunis : and when he had discharged and vnladen her goods , he diuided the spoile as in share with the Turkes , to the great inriching of the whole Country , and to the aduancing of his owne pride .

But as it is certaine , he that doth once accustome himselfe to sinne , is alwaies sitting vpon Cockatrice egges , that bring foorth nothing but poisonous effects : so fares it with this Ward , and his whole company ; and to approoue , that goods ill gotten are most commonlie worse spent , with this Treasure , which thus vniustly they had inriched themselues withall , they accustome their liues to all disorder , making their habit and carriage a shore , farre more detestable , and vncomely to be talked of , or by Christianity to be condemned and abhorred , then their théeuing at Sea , swearing , drinking , dicing , and the vtmost enormities that are attended on by consuming riot , are the least of their vices , that can bee recited . Unlawfully are their goods got , and more vngodly are they consumed , in that they mix themselues like brute beasts with the enemies of their Sauiour : so that he that was a Christian in the morning , is bedfellow to a Iew at night . Nay sinne is growen to that ranknesse amongst them , through the fatnesse of Concupiscence and Couetousnesse , that the Iewes hire out their off-spring to them as we doe horses , either by the day or by the weeke : and as wee doe at an outcry , cry , Who will giue more : so doe these Iewes set out their children to them , asking , Who giues aboue a Sultane shall haue this . So then since that al men do know , it is a bad fare where nothing is bought , and a great many of these Buiers , I will leaue their Sodomie , and the rest of their crying sinnes ( which I feare their Atheisme hath led them into ) to the Iudgement of the Iust Reuenger , and not giue them to be talked of further by my pen . Only for Ward , he liues there in Tunis , in a most princely and magnificent state . His apparell both curious and costly , his diet sumptuous , and his followers seriously obseruing and obeying his will . Hee hath two Cookes that dresse and prepare his diet for him , and his taster before he eats . I doe not know any Peere in England that beares vp his port in more dignitie , nor hath his Attendants more obsequious vnto him . There is no admittance of any Suter on any businesse , but their businesse is first made knowen to one of his followers that is neere him , which if he list not to regard , they haue their answer from his man , that his greatnesse is not at leisure , neither will he bee spoke withall . Nor could I he●re of any affaires that were dispatched by him , in the time of my imprisonment there , at their first comming , but with long attendance , much sute , yea and ( by your leaue ) some bribes : so that his successe hath made him desperate and resolute , his riches haue made him proud . And so being now at the highest , in hope pride shall haue a fall , I procéed in this discourse .

Ward hauing thus taken this great Argosie , and ( with her and others ) so inestimable riches , his minde was so inflated with pride , and puft vp with vaine glorie , that he now thought , nay did not spare to speake , he was sole and onely Commander of the Seas . And indéed , like the Sea , alwaies vnsatisfied ( although , as I haue heard , and by reason did coniecture , his Treasure was infinite ) prouiding himselfe for a fresh encounter , hee placed in this great Ship thréescore péeces of Ordinance , and put into her a hundred and fifty Englishmen , and two hundred and fiftie Turkes ouer whom he made Abraham Croften Captaine , and himselfe Generall , in his small Argosie the Mattalena and the little Iohn , with whom lying in the mouth of the Gulfe of Venice , there grew ( vpon some discontents ) a muteny betwixt the English and the Turkes : which Ward hauing intelligence of , hee went aboord the Argosie with his boate , and althoug the heat thereof , were already broke foorth , to a very forceable blaste , he by his Temperance and perswasion , did very worthily allay it , wherin ( being people of so different a nature , I meane Englishmen and Turkes ) mee thought although a Villaine , it was praise worthy in him to effect , which discontent and heartburning appeased , hee came a board his owne Ship againe , and lying in waite for more bootie , it pleased God , now to preuent them a little by a storme that arose , in which storme , the great Argosie being much disabled with cutting so many holes out of her sides for the planting of Ordinance and labouring in the Sea , the violent split her selfe , and suncke suddenly , all the men in her being drowned saue onely foure , who the next day were taken vp floting vpon a Raft of the ship . So that , he who but euen now thought himself Commander and resistles at the Seas , found here a power had Command our him , whereupon , hee now began to feare the retchlesnes of his estate , and greatly to complaine of the violence of his losse . Especially , for Croston , who was equall with him in manhood , and nothing inferiour to him in Command and warlike directions , as also of the ruine of so many of his English , in whom , his chiefe hope , stay , strength , and trust , was built and consisted .

Beside at his returne to Tunis , it was no small dismay vnto him to heare so loudly the outcries and cursings blown in his eares , of wiues , Fathers , and Kindred for the losse , of so many of their friends at on blow , So that for certaine , as Graues reported vnto me ( in Wards own opinion ) he went not vp and downe but in feare of his life , which distaste past , and doubt present , made him the sooner haste to Sea againe , where to make it euident that one sorrow neuer comes without an heire to succeede him , my Captaine found that a second mischiefe did follow this : for the Venetians , hauing sustained excéeding great losse by his vngodly proceedings , the Segniorie of Venice in redresse thereof , had caused to be built a great Ship called S. Marke , of fifteene hundred Tunnes , in manner of a Gallias , with fourescore péeces of brasse Ordinance , and with her set foorth twenty or thirty saile of Gallies : whose voyage and enterprise was directed a purpose to beat him out of the Gulfe , and from houering about their Coast. These thus at Sea happened vpon Wards fly-boat , and forced her ashore , whose men for safety running on Land , the Venetians pursued , slew many of them , and two and thirty that they tooke , they hung vp for carrion in the Iland of Corfowe : another of his men of warre they haue taken since , so that by these two dammages my desperate Pirate being so much dismaid , he neuer since durst approch to the Gulfe , notwithstanding I haue heard of diuers rich prises of the French ( which traded for Alexandria , and Cypres , and other Ports in the bottome ) which haue by him and his Complices béene since taken , who , for that I haue not heard their names , I will forbeare to report . Only I pray you receiue these in good part , which from William Graues his mouth were deliuered me , with the report of incredible wealth that he and his men of warre haue taken since his first refuge in Tunis .

Ward hauing thus had his Argosie shipwrackt , and after that , two of his best men of warrs taken by the Venecians . It followeth now that I in order deliuer , what happened to him at Tunis . This last yeere was left him onely , the halfe of two ships , the Mattelena , bearing two and thirtie péeces of Ordinance , and of thrée hundred Tuns , and the little Iohn spoken of before , which about Christmas last past , he was minded to come to Sea with all , and had furnished with victuals , munition , and all things fitting for the furthering of his voyage . But hauing the last two yéeres past , dealt but grosely and vnkindly with such Englishmen , who were now left with him , in not yéelding them their due shares , which they expected their seruice dad deserued , they began now ( taking aduantage of his lownesse ) to repine and to gather head against him , and concluded awongst themselues , that rather then Ward should containe them in that seruitude , which in the time of his height and pride they supposed they were held , they would now take a course to proud for redresse , and which was , they would immediately run away with the ship , ( or at least , the shippe should run away with them ) and with her whole prouision , sell her to the Maltesaies who were yet Christians , and so become at their seruice . To which opinion with a generall consent , they all agreed . And apointed one of their companie Captaine and the same night before the Turks should come a board , they did farewell to Tunis , without taking their leaue , and went for Malta , being in number fortie fiue English , and leauing their old Captaine , but thirtie in company ,

Which sudden alteration and vnexpected newes , the next day comming to Crosiman , hee sent for Ward , and there in very sterne manner , demanded from him whether hee were consenting to his Countremens Treason namely , to the conueying away of the ship and goods , in the which the Kings maiestie his master was a party and hee himselfe had a halfe . To whom Ward made answer that he was no way guiltie of it , neither had he reason to be , since his owne losse was as great as his . Well replies Crosiman , be aduised that thou art not , neither let the honour and wealth , that thou hast got by our support , bée an incouragement , shall entise thée to leaue vs , and serue Christians , but beare thy selfe euen , and to preuent thy escape , I will haue halfe of thy part of the mattelena , for my share of the Iohn , which thy Countrymen haue depriued me of , then either resolue me of thy will , or resist mee as thou thinkest good , but Ward finding it no fit time to replie to the contrary , for feare of his head : made answer , that both himselfe , seruice , and all his , was at his pleasure . So that Ward , now left shiplesse , almost frindlesse , and his state declining , since the Crosiman hath left him , he began to leauie his wits together , what hee were best to resolue vpon , to aduenture to Sea himselfe he thought it not yet fitting , but determined , rather to send others a fishing for him . In which determination , he foorthwith buies him a ship of 80. or 90. Tuns , and appointed one Captaine Sampson to bee the Commander , mans her with a hundred men , of which although the ship were his owne , not many of them were English , but the most of them Turkes , who so ouersway them at Sea , that the Captaine may bid what hee will , and they will doe what they list . For this Sampson going foorth of Tunis the eighth of Februarie last , The first ship that he tooke was Captaine Fursman of London , a Gentleman who in former time had béene as Samsons sworne brother , of whom when Sampson came to take , note of , ( In this I commend his generous spirit ) hee would by no meenes haue ri●led him , but earnestly laboured in all that he might , to haue frely giuen him his ship and goods againe . To which request of his the Turks by no meanes would bee brought to consent , but the more he entreated , the more they denied , till at last one among the rest , and who it should seeme , was Life teant to Samspon , strucke violent at him , whom all the rest as readily seconded , so that hee was compeld to looke heauily vpon his friende , and enforced to be silent while they ceased on the good Marchant , Master William Fursman with the ship and goods .