PIRATICAL KNIGHT-ERRANTRY. 



65 



encountered an English man-of-war, the Winchelsea, and a smart engagement followed, 

 during which the French captain and his four principal officers were killed. The master 

 (presumably the navigating officer) would have struck, but Misson took up the sword, 

 ordering Caraccioli to act as lieutenant, and, encouraging his men, fought for three hours, 

 when the powder-magazine of the Winchelsea exploded, and only one man, who died shortly 

 afterwards, was saved for the moment. After this unexpected termination, Caraccioli came 

 to Misson, saluting him as captain, and, in a very French manner, reminding him what 

 Mahomet and Darius had become from very small beginnings, showed him how he might 



DEATH OF " CAPTAIN " ROBERTS. 



become sovereign of the Southern Seas, and enjoy a life of liberty. Misson, who probably 

 did not need a great deal of convincing, agreed, and calling all hands together, told them 

 that any who would not follow his fortunes should be set ashore at places whence they 

 might easily return to France, but recommended them to adopt the freebooter's life. One 

 and all cried, "Vive le Capitaine Misson et son Lieutenant le savant Caraccioli," and the 

 Victoire was at once transformed from a vessel of the royal navy of France to a pirate- 

 ship. 



The crew selected their officers ; and then came the question as to what colours they 

 should fight under. The boatswain advised black, as the most terrifying. Caraccioli 

 strenuously opposed this, saying that they were no pirates, but men who were resolved to 

 assert that liberty which nature had given them, and own no subjection to any one, further 

 than for the common good of all ; that they would wage war on the immensely rich, and 

 defend the wretched. In short, he defined his mission as a kind of piratical knight-errantry. 

 89 



