The Virtues of some of his Family were equal to his; one of his Brothers was a Youth of Genius, when he was but seven Years old, he used to be carried in a Basket, upon a Porter's Back, into a Crowd, and snatch Hats and Wigs: According to the exact Chronology of _Newgate_, he was the first who practised this ingenious Trick. After this, he applied himself to picking of Pockets; when he increased in Strength, he attempted greater Things, such as House-breaking, _&c._ But after he had run a short Race, he had the Misfortune of ending his Days at _Tyburn_, in Company with _Stephen Bunce_, and the celebrated _Jack Hall_ the Chimney-Sweeper. But to return to _Ned_, when he came to Man's Estate, at his eldest Brother's Desire, he went to Sea with him, and so continued for three or four Years, and then parted; and _Ned_ work'd in a Rigging-House in _Boston_ in _New-England_, for a while. About six Years ago, he took a Trip home to _England_, to see his Mother, who is yet Living. His Stay was not long here; but taking Leave of his Friends and Acquaintance, for the last Time he should see them; for so he was pleased to say; he returned to _Boston_, and work'd a Year or two longer at the Rigging Business. But being too apt to disagree with his Masters, he left them, and shipp'd himself in a Sloop that was bound to the Bay of _Honduras._ When the Sloop arrived in the Bay, _Ned Low_ was appointed Patron of the Boat, which was employ'd in cutting of Logwood, and bringing it aboard to lade the Ship; for that is the Commodity they make the Voyage for: In the Boat were twelve Men besides _Low_, who all go arm'd, because of the _Spaniards_, from whom this Logwood is but little better than stole. It happened that the Boat one Day came aboard just before Dinner was ready, and _Low_ desired that they might stay and Dine; but the Captain, being in a Hurry for his Lading, ordered them a Bottle of Rum, and to take t'other Trip, because no Time should be lost: This provoked the Boat's Crew, but particularly _Low_, who takes up a loaded Musquet and fires at the Captain, but missing him, shot another poor Fellow thro' the Head, then put off the Boat, and with his twelve Companions goes to Sea: The next Day they took a small Vessel, and go in her, make a black Flag, and declare War against all the World. They then proceeded to the Island of the _Grand Caimanes_, intending to have fitted up their small Vessel, and prepare themselves as well as their Circumstances would permit, for their honourable Employment; but falling in Company with _George Lowther_, another Pyrate there, who paying his Compliments to _Low_, as great Folks do to one another when they meet, and offering himself as an Ally; _Low_ accepted of the Terms, and so the Treaty was presently sign'd without Plenipo's or any other Formalities.