of John Cockbuf n, &c« t 



were obliged to quit the Deck, and fly to 

 clofe Quarters; but as mod of our Men were 

 already wounded, we were in no way to 

 make any long Refiftance in this Pofture; 

 but we were refolved to keep the Enemy 

 off as long as poffible, and not yield while 

 we were able to hold a Weapon in our Hands ; 

 and thus we defended ourfelves for fame 

 time. At laft our Captain feeing us much 

 overpowered, and that it was in vain for 

 Men in our Condition to attempt any thing 

 farther, thought it moft expedient to call for 

 Quarter, which, they faid, they were willing 

 to give, if we would ftrike. Upon which 

 we laid down our Arms, and they immedi- 

 ately boarded us, which they had no fodnef 

 done, than, with Sword in Hand, they laid 

 about them on all Sides, cutting and fi a fil- 

 ing us in a moft barbarous Manner ; and not 

 fatisfied with that, fvvore bitterly they would 

 hang every Soul of us. We were then ftripC 

 ftark-naked, and two of them running up 

 to our Main-yard, brought down the Stud-* 

 ding-fail Tacks for that Purpofe. Then they 

 commanded us up to the Quarter-Deck, and 

 ordered two Negro Men to hang us up by 

 two and two at a Time. 



B a HoW 



i 



