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In order to preserve information regarding the origin of this text, a copyright by the author, and a Heritage History distribution date are included at the foot of every page of text. We require all electronic and printed versions of this text to include these markings, and that users adhere to the following restrictions. 1. You may reproduce this text for personal or educational purposes as long as the copyright and Heritage History version are included. 2. You may not alter this text or try to pass off all or any part of it as your own work. 3. You may not distribute copies of this text for commercial purposes. 4. This text is intended to be a faithful and complete copy of the original document. However, typos, omissions, and other errors may have occurred during preparation, and Heritage History does not guarantee a perfectly reliable reproduction. THE MAN-OF-WAR GAVE THEM CHASE. Permission to use Heritage History documents or images for commercial purposes, or more information about our collection of traditional history resources can be obtained by contacting us at [email protected]. Original Copyright 1678 by Esquemeling, 1914 by Frederick A. Stokes2 . Distributed by Heritage Histor 2010 From time to time new editions of this work have been INTRODUCTION published, but in many cases much new material, not always authentic, has been added and the result has been to mar the original narrative as set forth by Esquemeling. In arranging This volume was originally written in Dutch by John this edition, the original English text only has been used, and Esquemeling, and first published in Amsterdam in 1678 under but few changes made by cutting out the long and tedious the title of De Americaeneche Zee Roovers. It immediately descrip¬tion of plant and animal life of the West-Indies of became very popular and this first hand history of the which Esquemeling had only a smattering of truth. But, the Buccaneers of America was soon translated into the principal history of Captain Morgan and his fellow buccaneers is here European languages. The first English edition was printed in printed almost identical with the original English translation, 1684. and we believe it is the first time this history has been Of the author, John Esquemeling, very little is known published in a suitable form for the juvenile reader with no although it is generally conceded that he was in all probability loss of interest to the adult. a Fleming or Hollander, a quite natural supposition as his first The world wide attention at this time in the Isthmus of works were written in the Dutch language. He came to the Panama and the great canal connecting the Atlantic with the island of Tortuga, the headquarters of the Buccaneers, in 1666 Pacific Ocean lends to this narrative an addi¬tional stimulus. in the employ of the French West-India Company. Several Here are set forth the deeds of daring of the wild freebooters in years later this same company, owing to unsuccessful business crossing the isthmus to attack the cities, Puerto Bellow and arrangements, recalled their representatives to France and gave Panama. The sacking and burning of these places accompanied their officers orders to sell the company's land and all its by pillage, fire, and treasure seeking both on land and on sea servants. Esquemeling then a servant of the company was sold form exciting reading. The Buccaneers and Marooners of to a stern master by whom he was treated with great cruelty. America well deserves a place on the book shelf with those Owing to hard work, poor food and exposure he became old world-wide favorites Robinsoe Crusoe and the Swiss dangerously ill, and his master seeing his weak condition and Family Robinson. fearing to lose the money Esquemeling had cost him resold GEORGE ALFRED WILLIAMS. him to a surgeon. This new master treated him kindly so that Esquemeling's health was speedily restored, and after one year's service he was set at liberty upon a promise to pay his benefactor, the surgeon, 100 pieces of eight at such a time as he found himself in funds. Once more a free man he determined to join the pirates and was received into their society and remained with them until 1672. Esquemeling served the Buccaneers in the capacity of barber-surgeon, and was present at all their exploits. Little did he suspect that his first hand observations would some day be cherished as the only authentic and true history of the Buccaneers and Marooners of the Spanish Main. Original Copyright 1678 by Esquemeling, 1914 by Frederick A. Stokes3 . Distributed by Heritage Histor 2010 of our own Countrymen, and Relations; whose undaunted, and PREFACE exemplary courage, when called upon by our King and Country, we ought to emulate. FROM THE TRANSLATOR TO THE From whence it hath proceeded, that nothing of this kind was ever, as yet, published in England, I cannot easily READER (1684). determine; except, as some will say, from some secret Ragion di Stato. Let the reason be as t'will; this is certain, so much the The present Volume, both for its Curiosity and more we are obliged unto this present Author, who though a Ingenuity, I dare recommend unto the perusal of our English stranger unto our Nation, yet with that Candour and Fidelity nation, whose glorious actions it containeth. What relateth hath recorded our Actions, as to render the Metal of our true unto the curiosity hereof, this Piece, both of Natural and English Valour to be the more believed and feared abroad, Humane History, was no sooner published in the Dutch than if these things had been divulged by our selves at home. Original, than it was snatch't up for the most curious Library's From hence peradventure will other Nations learn, that the of Holland; it was Translated into Spanish (two impressions English people are of their Genius more inclinable to act than thereof being sent into Spain in one year); it was taken notice to write; seeing as well they as we have lived unacquainted of by the learned Academy of Paris; and finally recommended with these actions of our Nation, until such time as a Foreign as worthy our esteem, by the ingenious Author of the Weekly Author to our Country came to tell them. Memorials for the Ingenious, printed here at London about two years ago. Neither all this undeservedly, seeing it Besides the merits of this Piece for its curiosity, enlargeth our acquaintance of Natural History, so much prized another point of no less esteem, is the truth and sincerity and enquir'd for, by the Learned of this present Age, with wherewith everything seemeth to be penned. No greater several observations not easily to be found in other accounts ornament or dignity can be added unto History, either humane already received from America: and besides, it informeth us or natural, than truth. All other embellishments, if this be (with huge novelty) of as great and bold attempts in point of failing, are of little or no esteem; if this be delivered, are either Military conduct and valour, as ever were performed by needless or superfluous. What concerneth this requisite in our mankind; without excepting, here, either Alexander the Great, Author, his lines do everywhere declare the faithfulness and or Julius Caesar, or the rest of the Nine Worthy's of Fame. Of sincerity of his mind. He writeth not by hearsay, but was an all which actions, as we cannot confess ourselves to have been eye witness, as he somewhere telleth you, unto all and every ignorant hitherto (the very name of Bucaniers being, as yet, one of the bold and hazardous attempts which he relateth. And known but unto few of the Ingenious; as their Lives, Laws, these he delivereth with such candour of stile, such ingenuity and Conversation, are in a manner unto none) so can they not of mind, such plainness of words, such conciseness of periods, choose but be admired, out of this ingenuous Author, by so much divested of Rhetorical Hyperboles, or the least whosoever is curious to learn the various revolutions of flourishes of Eloquence, so hugely void of Passion or national humane affairs. But, more especially by our English Nation; as Reflections, as that he strongly perswadeth all-along to the unto whom these things more narrowly do appertain. We credit of what he saith; yea, raiseth the mind of the Reader to having here more than half the Book filled with the believe these things far greater than what he hath said; and unparallel'd, if not inimitable, adventures and Heroick exploits having read him, leaveth only this scruple or concern behind, Original Copyright 1678 by Esquemeling, 1914 by Frederick A.

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