The Buccaneers in the West Indies in the XVII CenturyHaring, Clarence Henry
History
The Buccaneers in the West Indies in the XVII Century
Haring, Clarence Henry
Buccaneers; West Indies -- History
than perish. Whom they would certainly in that occasion have roasted or
boiled, to satisfy their famine, had they been able to take them.
"After they had feasted themselves with those pieces of leather, they
quitted the place, and marched farther on, till they came about night to
another post called Torna Munni. Here they found another ambuscade, but
as barren and desert as the former. They searched the neighbouring
woods, but could not find the least thing to eat. The Spaniards having
been so provident as not to leave behind them anywhere the least crumb
of sustenance, whereby the Pirates were now brought to the extremity
aforementioned. Here again he was happy, that had reserved since noon
any small piece of leather whereof to make his supper, drinking after it
a good draught of water for his greatest comfort. Some persons who never
were out of their mothers' kitchens may ask how these Pirates could eat,
swallow and digest those pieces of leather, so hard and dry. Unto whom I
only answer: That could they once experiment what hunger, or rather
famine, is, they would certainly find the manner, by their own
necessity, as the Pirates did. For these first took the leather, and
sliced it in pieces. Then did they beat it between two stones and rub
it, often dipping it in the water of the river, to render it by these
means supple and tender. Lastly they scraped off the hair, and roasted
or broiled it upon the fire. And being thus cooked they cut it into
small morsels, and eat it, helping it down with frequent gulps of water,
which by good fortune they had nigh at hand.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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