Captain _North_ was born at _Bermudas_, and was the Son of a Sawyer, which Business he himself was bred up to, but took, at last, to the Seas, at the Age of 17 or 18, shipping himself Cook on board a Sloop, built at _Bermudas_, for some Gentlemen of _Barbadoes_, with Design to fit her out for a Privateer. She was bound to her Owners, but the Master took _Santa Vdas_ in the Way, and loaded with Salt. When they came to _Barbadoes_ all the Crew was press'd, and _North_ with his Companions were put on board the _Reserve_. The Master applied himself to the Governor, and got all his Men clear'd, _North_ excepted, who, as he was a Lad, was neglected, and left on board the Man of War, which soon after sail'd for _Jamaica_; some Time before the _Reserve_ was relieved from this Station, he laid Hold of an Opportunity to run away, and shipp'd himself on board a Sugar Drover, in which Way of Life he continued about two Years, and being an able Sailor, tho' no Artist, he was offer'd to go Master of one of these Coasters, which he refus'd, and went on board a Privateer. The first Voyage he made, as a Privateer, they took a couple of good Prizes, which made every Man's Share very considerable; but _North_, as he had got his Money lightly, so he spent it, making the Companions of his Dangers the Companions of his Diversions, or rather joining himself with them, and following their Example; which all (who are acquainted with the Way of Life of a successful _Jamaica_ Privateer) know is not an Example of the greatest Sobriety and Oeconomy. His Money being all spent, he took the same Method for a Recruit, that is, he went a second Time a Privateering, and met with such Success, that he engag'd very heartily in this Course of Life, and made several lucky Cruizes. Some Time after he grew tir'd, thought of trading, and shipp'd himself on board a Brigantine, bound for the _Spanish_ Coast, commanded by one Captain _Reesby_: This Vessel went both on the Trading and Privateer Account, so that the Men shipp'd for half Wages, and equal Shares of what Prizes they should make, in the same Manner, as to the Shares, as on board a Privateer; their trading answer'd very poorly, and their privateering Business still worse, for they return'd without making any Prize.