possible to save the Ship. I went up to my old Station the
Quarter-Deck, and took several Turns, as usual, and proceeded in the
Engagement. I begun to consider what Mr. _Rogers_ told me, and the
Condition of the Ship, and argue within myself the Impossibility of
doing any more (for if a Gale had sprung up, it could be of no Service)
and all the time from the Fall of our Main-mast, the Enemy were got so
near, that I could hear them talk, and my Second Mate did the same. As
to our Masts, they had gain'd their Ends, and their only Business now
was to fire at the Hull. There was no Hopes of their leaving us,
considering the condition they had brought us to, and it could not be
long before we sunk: for as they lay so near us, and so low in Water,
our Shot must doubtless fly over them. At last I was of Mr. _Rogers's_
Opinion, that it was only sacrificing the Men to no Purpose; for they
had so large a Mark of us, they could not miss us; and during all the
Engagement, as they play'd their Shot so hot at our Stern, it is
surprizing there were not many more Men Kill'd. I then sent for my
Second and Third Mate, and told them Mr. _Rogers's_ Opinion and my own.
They both agreed to it, and consented to the surrendering of the Ship.
So we submitted to the Enemy, finding it in vain to proceed. By my Watch
it was Five o' Clock. My Second and Third Mate went in to the Steerage
to forbid firing, and myself in the Round-House, did the same. Every
Body seem'd to be very well satisfied as to the surrendering Part, and
no Objection was made. Colours we had none to strike; those and the
Ensign-Staff were shot to Pieces; and what was left of the Ensign being
made fast to the Main-Shrowds, went with the Mast. Capt. _Scarlet_ went
into the Round-House, and call'd the Enemy on board, and told them we
had no Boats. They sent their Dingey aboard with Four Men for me and my
chief Officers. They left Two of the Four aboard the _Derby_. Myself and
my Second Mate went in the Dingey aboard the Grabb. We were gone an Hour
and a half good, if not more; then we return'd in a Gallivat with 50 or
60 Men, but not a Soul went aboard the _Derby_, till we return'd. Then
came aboard more Gallivats and more Men, and secured the Arms, _&c._ and
drove our People up, some to the Pumps, and some to clear the Rigging
off the Ship's Side. They transkipt to their Grabbs what Treasure could
be got at, and the next Day turn'd out the Remainder, with myself,
_Scarlet_, _Cuddon