filling up his post, for which there appeared two or
three candidates among the select part of them that were distinguished
by the title of Lords--such were Sympson, Ashplant, Anstis, &c.--and on
canvassing this matter, how shattered and weak a condition their
government must be without a head, since Davis had been removed in the
manner before mentioned, my Lord Dennis proposed, it is said, over a
bowl, to this purpose:

"That it was not of any great signification who was dignified with
title, for really and in good truth all good governments had, like
theirs, the supreme power lodged with the community, who might doubtless
depute and revoke as suited interest or humor. We are the original of
this claim," says he, "and should a captain be so saucy as to exceed
prescription at any time, why, down with him! It will be a caution after
he is dead to his successors of what fatal consequence any sort of
assuming may be. However, it is my advice that while we are sober we
pitch upon a man of courage and skilled in navigation, one who by his
council and bravery seems best able to defend this commonwealth, and
ward us from the dangers and tempests of an unstable element, and the
fatal consequences of anarchy; and such a one I take Roberts to be--a
fellow, I think, in all respects worthy your esteem and favor."

This speech was loudly applauded by all but Lord Sympson, who had secret
expectations himself, but on this disappointment grew sullen and left
them, swearing "he did not care who they chose captain so it was not a
papist, for against them he had conceived an irreconcilable hatred, for
that his father had been a sufferer in Monmouth's rebellion."

Roberts was accordingly elected, though he had not been above six weeks
among them. The choice was confirmed both by the Lords and Commoners,
and he accepted of the honor, saying that, since he had dipped his hands
in muddy water and must be a pirate, it was better being a commander
than a common man.

As soon as the government was settled, by promoting other officers in
the room of those that were killed by the Portuguese, the company
resolved to avenge Captain Davis's death, he being more than ordinarily
respected by the crew for his affability and good nature, as well as his
conduct and bravery upon all occasions; and, pursuant to this
resolution, about thirty men were landed, in order to make an attack
upon the fort, which must be ascended to by a steep hill against the