172 DOTTINGS ON THE ROADSIDE. [Chap. XI.—B. S. 
same nation generally associating together; and as 
they grew into importance they were claimed by that 
crown of which a majority of the colonists were sub¬ 
jects. The pirates were pleased to find themselves 
countenanced or connived at by legal governments, 
and the colonies offering a prospect of an increased 
market for their trade. Becoming more confident in 
their strength, they seized on the little island of Tor¬ 
tuga. This was the first step of the buccaneers to¬ 
wards forming themselves into an independent body. 
The severity of the Spaniards soon after forced them 
to take one of still greater importance. A party of 
Spanish troops surprised Tortuga, while most of the 
buccaneers were hunting on the mainland or cruising 
in their vessels, and hanged those surprised as pirates 
without mercy or distinction. But national animosity 
and the love of gain have more influence than terror, 
and the ranks of the buccaneers, after their loss of 
Tortuga, were speedily recruited. From this blow 
they learnt the necessity of observing more regularity 
in their proceedings; and for the first time, they 
elected a commander. As they acknowledged no 
claims to rank but conduct and courage, all their 
leaders were remarkable for personal prowess and 
daring exploits, hut they never felt the compunctions 
of humanity, and cruelties stained the glory of their 
successes. 
Among the most notorious and fortunate of these 
leaders ranks Henry Morgan, under whose govern¬ 
ment the affairs of the buccaneers obtained their most 
flourishing condition. Morgan was horn in Wales, of 
