'Tis generally here that the Pyrates begin their Enterprizes, setting out at first with a very small Force; and by infesting these Seas, and those of the Continent of _North-America_, in a Year's Time, if they have good luck on their Sides, they accumulate such Strength, as enables them to make foreign Expeditions: The first, is usually to _Guiney_, taking the _Azores_ and _Cape de Verd_ Islands in their Way, and then to _Brazil_ and the _East-Indies_, where if they meet with prosperous Voyages, they set down at _Madagascar_, or the neighbouring Islands, and enjoy their ill gotten Wealth, among their elder Brethren, with Impunity. But that I may not give too much Encouragement to the Profession, I must inform my maritime Readers, that the far greater Part of these Rovers are cut short in the Pursuit, by a sudden Precipitation into the other World. The Rise of these Rovers, since the Peace of _Utrecht_, or at least, the great Encrease of them, may justly be computed to the _Spanish_ Settlements in the _West Indies_; the Governors of which, being often some hungry Courtiers, sent thither to repair or make a Fortune, generally Countenance all Proceedings that bring in Profit: They grant Commissions to great Numbers of Vessels of War, on Pretence of preventing an interloping Trade, with Orders to seize all Ships or Vessels whatsoever, within five Leagues of their Coasts, which our _English_ Ships cannot well avoid coming, in their Voyage to _Jamaica_. But if the _Spanish_ Captains chance to exceed this Commission, and rob and plunder at Discretion, the Sufferers are allowed to complain, and exhibit a Process in their Court, and after great Expence of Suit, Delay of Time, and other Inconveniencies, obtain a Decree in their Favour, but then when the Ship and Cargo comes to be claim'd, with Costs of Suit, they find, to their Sorrow, that it has been previously condemn'd, and the Plunder divided among the Crew; the Commander that made the Capture, who alone is responsible, is found to be a poor raskally Fellow, not worth a Groat, and, no doubt, is plac'd in that Station for the like Purposes. The frequent Losses sustain'd by our Merchants abroad, by these Pyrates, was Provocation enough to attempt something by way of Reprisal; and a fair Opportunity offering it self in the Year 1716, the Traders of the _West-Indies_, took Care not to slip it over, but made the best Use of it their Circumstances would permit. It was about two Years before, that the _Spanish_ Galleons, or Plate Fleet, had been cast away in the Gulf or _Florida_; and several Vessels from the _Havana_, were at work, with diving Engines, to fish up the Silver that was on board the Galleons.