They left _Delagoa_ the latter End of _December_ 1722, but not agreeing where, or how to proceed, they concluded to part, so those who were for continuing that sort of Life, went on Board the _Portuguese_ Prize, and steered for _Madagascar_ to their Friends, with whom I hear they are now settled; and the rest took the _Cassandra_ and sailed for the _Spanish West-Indies_. The _Mermaid_ Man of War happening then to be down on the Main with a Convoy, about 30 Leagues from these Pyrates, would have gone and attacked them; but on a Consultation of the Masters, whose Safety he was particularly to regard, they agreed their own Protection was of more Service than destroying the Pyrate, and so the Commander was unwillingly withheld. He dispatched a Sloop to _Jamaica_, with the News, which brought down the _Lanceston_, only a Day, or two, too late, they having just before he came, surrendered with all their Riches, to the Governor of _Porto Bello_. Here they sate down to spend the Fruits of their dishonest Industry, dividing the Spoil and Plunder of Nations among themselves, without the least Remorse or Compunction, satisfying their Conscience with this Salvo, that other People would have done as much, had they the like Opportunities. I can't say, but that if they had known what was doing in _England_, at the same Time by the _South-Sea_ Directors, and their Directors, they would certainly have had this Reflection for their Consolation, _viz. That what ever Robberies they had committed, they might be pretty sure they were not the greatest Villains then living in the World_. It is a difficult Matter to make a Computation of the Mischief that was done by this Crew, in about five Years Time, which is much more than the Plunder they gained, for they often sunk or burnt the Vessel they took, as it suited their Humour or Circumstances, sometimes to prevent giving Intelligence, sometimes because they did not leave Men to navigate them, and at other Times out of Wantonness, or because they were displeased at the Master's Behaviour; for any of these, it was but to give the Word, and down went Ships and Cargoes to the Bottom of the Sea. Since their Surrender to the _Spaniards_, I am informed several of them have left the Place, and dispersed themselves elsewhere; eight of them were shipp'd about _November_ last, in one of the _South-Sea_ Company's Assiento Sloops, and passed for Ship-wreck'd Men, came to _Jamaica_, and there sailed in other Vessels; and I know one of them that came to _England_ this Spring from that Island. 'Tis said that Captain _Taylor_ has taken a Commission in the _Spanish_ Service, and commanded the Man of War that lately attack'd the _English_ Log-Wood Cutters, in the Bay of _Honduras_. CHAP. VI. OF Captain _Charles Vane_, And his CREW.