Fate has played me the most scurvy trick I ever yet suffered—
on the third being close to the Island of Cuba we perceived a small
Schooner standing toward us I proposed that we should prepare
to fight if as we suspected she proved a Pirate this however all
declared impossible indeed I found that we had only 4 small swivels
3 carbines 1 sabre and 1 Pistol she fired a gun and swept toward us
it being nearly calm to attempt to escape was useless she hoisted Ud
States Colors we ours (French) they boarded us armed with sabers
and knives demanded all our cash saying if we find one dollar
concealed we will burn the ship with you all in it which indeed we
would do were you of any other nation if of the Ud States you
would instantly be set on fire as soon as we had taken all we want.
We gave up all our cash since they opened the hold boxes cabins
lockers etc etc searched every where and took away as the Captn
tells me Cochineal, cash including (1700 mine), sails, ropes, Indigo,
all our stock arms, knives, Powder, Watches, Jewellery, etc etc to
the amount of 60,000 Drs they ordered us to stand off all night and
themselves stood in for the shore 2 days afterwards 5th being nearly
in the same place since the Captain notwithstanding my
remonstrances would not stand out to sea and the current together with
our bad sailing prevented our getting to the Eastward they again
boarded us, called us Puñateros etc for not quitting the coast menaced
our lives particularly mine as an Englishman and Patriot Offr
tying ropes round the necks of me and the Captn almost half hanged
me as they swore they would and whilst in this situation stroke me
with the flat and iron scabbards of their sabers asking where our
money was concealed they then went carrying off all my cloathes
and several other things belonging to the ship with the exception
of one or two they are I believe all old Spaniards about 50 state
they have a companion far larger and as we saw two falúas such
scoundrels never before breathed nor was such a system of Piracy
ever before carried on or could be except amongst such villians as
Spaniards —
We arrived here on the 17th in order to repair [our ship be]fore
we proceed to Europe but I shall be [quit of] this dble [damnable] brig
which sails not so fast as a dungbarge and has every other
disadvantage and go to England on board the English ship London a
noble bessel and very fine sailer wherefore I shall hope to reach
Liverpool about the 1st of Novr Let me know constantly how you
get on and believe me ever yours