, at the same time saying that he was better pleased
than if he himself had received mercy. _For_, continued he, _should I be
banished into America as he is, 'tis highly probable I might be tempted
to my old way of life, and so instead of reforming, add to the number of
my sins._

He continued in these sentiments till the time of his death, when, as he
went through Cheapside to his execution, the silver oar being carried
before him as is usual, he turned about to a person who sat by him in
the cart, and said, _Though it is a common thing for us when at sea to
acquire vast quantities both of that metal which goes before me, and of
gold, yet such is the justice of Providence that few or none of us
preserve enough to maintain us; but as you see in me, when we go to
death, we have not wherewith to purchase a coffin to bury us._ He died
at Execution Dock, the 21st[11] of July, 1721, being then about
twenty-six years of age.

FOOTNOTES:

[8] Avery was one of the best known pirates of his time and
told of his wonderful wealth, his capturing and marrying the
daughter of the Great Mogul, and his setting up a kingdom in
Madagascar. He was even the hero of a popular play--_The
Successful Pirate_, produced at Dray Lane in 1712. The true
story of his life and how he died in want, is related at length
in Captain Charles Johnson's _History of the Pirates_ edited by
me, and published in the same edition as the present volume.

[9] Woodes Rogers (d. 1732) sailed on Dampier's voyages and
made a large sum of money which he devoted to buying the Bahama
Islands from the proprietors on a twenty-one years' lease. He
was made governor, but found himself unable to cope with the
pirates and Spaniards who infested the islands, and went back to
England in 1721. He returned as governor in 1728, and remained
there until his death.

[10] This was Howel Davis, whose adventures are related at
length in Johnson's _History of the Pirates_, chap. ix.

[11] _The History of the Pirates_ gives the date as 19th of July.
This book gives an interesting account of Kennedy, pp. 178-81.

The Life of MATTHEW CLARK, a Footpad and Murderer

Perhaps there is nothing to which we may more justly attribute those
numerous executions which so disgrace our country, than the false
notions which the meaner sort, especially, imb