A TRUE AND CERTAIN REport of the Beginning, Proceedings, Overthrows, and now present Estate of Captain WARD and DANSEKER, the two late famous Pirates: from their first setting forth to this present time.  
AS ALSO The firing of 25. Sail of the Tunis, men of war: Together with the death of divers of WARDS chief Captains.  
Published by Andrew Barker Master of a Ship, who was taken by the Confederates of Ward, and by them some time detained Prisoner.  
LONDON, Printed by William Hall, and are to be sold by john Helm at his shop in S. Dunstan's Churchyard. 1609.   

TO HIS WORSHIPFUL, WORthy and singular good friend Master T. I. these faithful commendations.  
SIr, a far greater happiness than I of late have had, either leisure to hope for, or means to expect; I commend to your good self, & the friends of our acquaintance. Being certified by my affection, that your gentle nature, doth commiserat the misfortunes hath befallen me, and therein as a friend, doth share with me in sorrow: I shall as soon as occasion will suffer me, make haste to London, to be counseled by your advise, touching those things in particular, that mainly concern my estate: Nor make I any doubt, but before the receipt hereof, you have heard of my mishap, from the report of some of my men who I hope, are arrived by passage, by the way of Holland: therefore I omit herein to trouble you with the manner of my first taking by the Turks, whose governors, I mean Masters & pilate's, are all Englishmen, not only Pirates, but merely reprobates, and whose success at Seas is so great, that it is most lamentable to report, how many Ships of London, and other parts of England have been taken and made prey unto them: without the help of which English, the Turks by no means could have governed and conducted them through their unskilfulness and insufficiency in the art of Navigation: yet of late to my woeful experience, I can witness, they have been so readied by the instruction of our apostate countrymen, [I mean of Ward and others, who have been their commanders] to tackle their Ships, to man and manage a fight, that if it do not please God to move the heart of his Majesty, and other Christian Princes, and states, to join together for their speedy suppression, and the disjointing of their late strengthened forces, which continually increaseth by the Ships of England, and Holland, which they daily surprise, It will be discomodious to the state, and so dangerous to the common wealth, in succeeding times, that Christendom must expect no Traffic at Sea: for they are already grown to the number of fifteen sail of great ships belonging to Tunis, some bearing 40. some 30. and some 20. pecces of ordinance, with men accordingly, as 300. 250. and 200. men at the least, in every Ship, so that I doubt, and the cause itself may breed a general fear, that if expedition be not hastened against them, the state may hereafter share a part in that sorrow, which we poor Seafaring men have already suffered. I have sent you a note by Leanard Crowder, of diverse ships, both English and Dutch, that have been taken since january last, which although it be a business not much pertinent to gentlemen of your profession; yet I do assure myself, that you are so faithful a well-willer to the good estate and prosperity of the commonwealth, of which the Merchant and Mariners are not the least members, that in pity of our losses sustained, with us you could wish, and expect a reformation, since the infinite wealth that our nation hath suffered ruin of, by the Turks this last year it were without doubt, incredible to report, since happily you have heard, and I doubt not to prove that London's losses hath amounted to above 200000. pound. Thus having presented you at this time, but with a relish and taste of that which hereafter shall be stored to your expectation in a more ample and fuller feast, I beseech you receive this with my love, in good part.  
Always desirous to be commanded yours ANDREW BARKER.   


The true report of Captain WARDS Piracies, done by Andrew Barker, Mr. of a Ship, and who was lately prisoner in Tunis.  
SIr, I have received your Letter, and herein am glad to consent to your request, which was, (that since so many flying fables, and rumoring tales have been spread, of the fame, or rather indeed infamy, over the whole face of Christendom, of this notorious and arch pirate Ward) myself, who had even known him to be a knave, and of late (yet too soon) had proved him a thief, whose fortunes had been so much decayed by his prosperity, and who so long had been held his prisoner 〈◊〉▪ who had there seen, abroad heard, and at Sea felt, the ability of his strength, the ordering of his actions, and the unjustness of his proceedings. I might best gratify my friends, and most truly satisfy the world, and their greedy and avidous expectation, what injury he hath done, daily doth, and still endeavoureth to do, to rich estates, and provident seafarers, to the venturing Merchant, and the careful Sailor, to poor wives and distressed children; how like a villain, and an apostata he lives, and how like a reprobate in persisting, he resolves to die.  
Which pleasure of yours, that I may the better and more fully accomplish, and no way to seem ingrateful for your benefits received, in neglecting my pains, I beseech you, let it not be held unnecessary by you, nor superfluous of the world, that I first endeavour, to deliver truly, and of mine own knowledge, the manner of his first going forth to Sea, and the form that he used in undertaking these courses: so shall I the more directly, and in order, delimate his proceedings, describe his outrages, dilate his customs, paint out his oppressions, picture his lusts, image his riots, manifest his ruins, and in the end, give you to expect that which is already begun of him, his endless infamy, and deserved confusion.  
Which desire of mine, being I know by your courtesy condescended unto, and I perceive by your letter, is expected of others, I pray you receive this that followeth for truth.  
This Ward, who now hath achieved to himself, the title of Captain, whose desperate actions hath caused terror to travellers by Sea, and whose name hath bred fear in the Merchants at home. In the last year of her late majesties reign, was resident, and had his dwelling, (as by my own knowledge I can certify) in the West country at the haven Town of Plymouth, a fellow, poor, base, and of no esteem, one as tattered in 〈◊〉, as he was ragged in conditions, the good past, that he could boast of himself, might be, that he was borne in a Town called Feversham in Kent, and there lived as a poor fisherman, and the virtue present, that he durst talk of was, he had abiding in Plymouth, wherefore a while keeping house, although I have never heard that he paid his rent, all the day you should hardly fail but find him in an alehouse: but be sure to have him drunk at home at night. Oaths were almost as ordinary with him as words, so that he seldom spoke a sentence, but one was a silable, he would sit melancholy, speak doggedly, curse the time, repine at other men's good fortunes, and complain of the hard crosses attended his own. All the virtue that any man could perceive might grow out of his whole course, or reckon out of his whole life was, that hitherto he loved not to be noted a quarellor: for rather than he would fight, he would be beaten by any one, he was commonly called by the name of jack Ward, one that was welcome into any taphouse, more for love of his coin, then love of his company, and all the reputation that his own crew held of him, was but this, that he was a mad rascal, would swear well, drink stiff, stick to't, and like a good cock, he would never out of their damnable pit, If there were either money in his purse, or credible chalk in his host's hand, being once in.  
So that continuing thus for a reasonable season, in the same town drinking and swearing, the two twins, that such damnable wombs are ever in labour with, and not without wonder of a number, by what possible means he could get chinks, so lewdly to consume his time withal. It at last so happened, that in the beginning of the King's reign, he found means to be employed for service, in a small ship of his majesties, commonly called by the name of the Lion's Whelp, in which employment, persisting as before, in his melancholy disposition, not contented, with that good and honest means was allowed him, and satisfied far better men, to defend themselves and the necessity of their charge: But having new reaches working in his brain, he one day selected out a choice crew, but of such, whose dispositions he perceived were as untoward as his own, when the poison of his heart disgorged itself thus.  
My mates, quoth he, what's to be done? heres a scurvy world, and as scurvily we live in't, we feed here upon the water, on the King's salt beef, without ere a penis to buy us bissell when we come a shore, heres brine, but to revel, sup, and be merry, every one at the proper charge of his own purse. So that this following night. when the Captain and Officers shall conjecture nothing. but that we are drawing dry the pot, we'll be diving arm deep in the Fugitives bags.  
With which hopeful project, their resolutions being confirmed, and with the former purpose, getting a shore to their host's house, (which they chose to be without the walls of Portsmouth) after some half a dozen of damnable healths ta'en down, they agreed amongst them, that with full cans, for the devising and foreseeing into this beneficial business, they freely, and of their own accord would elect Ward for their Captain, and which dignity accordingly (being down on their knees) with drink they performed, which installment done, and considering with themselves how they might best provide themselves of a boat, which the next full Sea should set them aboard the Bark, they resolved at a sortable hour to begin their ransack.  
But see how it happened: A kinsman of this gentleman's, who had intended his departure, and furnished himself to this voyage for France, seeing the day before they attempted this piracy, this Ward consorted with a crew of Scattergoods and swaggering Rascals, and knowing fully of the charge that his friend had aboard, and withal nothing such a crew of desperates, mustering about Town, more than in one knot had been accustomed, and with such uncivil behaviour, he began to be jealous they had some project in hand: whereupon he advised his friend to disbarke his money again, till the very instant that the wind served, and to lodge it in some place of more safety, to prevent the danger he stood in doubt of: for, quoth he, yourself may witness what a knot of these knaves are linked together, who having not some intelligence, or but at least suspecting what substance you bear along with you, they will not stick to venture their bodies, I and it were to hazard their souls for money wherewithal to maintain their riot.  
So that I pray you Sir, be advised by my counsel: Redeem your money out of the Bark, and prevent their purpose, lest your repentance come too late. Which counsel of his friends, setting some suspicion in the gentleman's head, and being the rather confirmed and grounded, through the disorders he beheld them continue in, and more than they were accustomed to exercise, he resolved himself to his friend's advice, and privately (either without knowledge or suspicion) landed his money and most estimable riches, and stored them in the red Lion, (contenting themselves, then suspectless, to see what would be the issue of these fellows) and until the wind and tide should help fair for their departure.  
Which defence of this gentlemans this new Captain Ward nothing at all suspecting, with his Command (as he before had determined) in the dead of night, and having so much experience to know when the tide and time was best for his advantage, he presently came and laid the Bark aboard, and entered his men in the hold of the vessel, where he found none to resist him, but only two poor s●ekes, who belonged to the Bark, whom he strait shut under deck, and commanded them, not to squeak like Rats (in danger of their lives) whereby, upon their disturbance, the watch upon the first Blockhouse might have warning, and so with their Potguns disquiet their peace. So presently weighing Anchor, and setting his sails, to Sea goes he. Only before his deparparture (yet not till he found himself out of their reach) he takes his farewell aloud, and very kindly bids me the watch good night. So that being now clear, and out of danger of their summons, and likewise come forth, without the I'll of Wight, like a Captain indeed, who now had command, he demands for the two men were lodged in his ●arke, and who, according to his call, were brought to his sight, when most Commander like, he began to question them, as they loved their safeties, to deliver truly unto him, in what place of the Bark was the Papists treasure hid, for that was the chief matter they came for, and that must be the means to make them merry withal, when these poor wretches shaking for fear before this terrible thief, they replied, that his expectation was herein frustrate, store of riches they must confess there was indeed, but upon what reason they knew not, it was the day before landed again.  
At which unsatisfied news, and finding by search their words to be true, the whole crew having this cake of Ice for Sunshine gold to chaw down, and comfort their stomachs withal. The Rogues all, began now to be rank mad, there was then, such Cursing, such Swearing, such Banning: there was a pox of thee, a pox of thee, and a plague of us all, what shall now become of us? The Goldfinches we came for, were flown out of their nest, little succour is to be found here, and to go a shore we shall be sure to be hanged there, hear we are fallen desperately into the pitfall, and there we have brought our necks just to the noose. Yet at last, when their fury like an Ostler, had walked them awhile, and the heat of their bloods was grown a little calmer, they agreed amongst themselves, that since their pretence was to come for somewhat, they would at last see what was there to be found. In which search, there was presently laid open to their Ravening eyes, a couple of Venson-Pasties, divers Turkey-pies, Capons, Hens, and such other choice viands, as the forerecited Gentlemen, had stored in the bark for his own provision, to conduct him into France and of every sort whereof, them was great store. At the sight of which, Ward raps out oaths like pullet's out of a piece, that fly as swiftly as they can pass one after another, and calls, come, le's be merry my hearts, although the birds be flown, we came far, and we have found nothing but the empty nest, come, le's be merry, & freely fat ourselves with their fodder, here is good cheer, it was provided for us, and we'll eat, an ounce of sorrow will not pay a penny debt. It is bootless in these days, to lie in a dich and cry for help, since every man is bound to thrust out his hand to help himself, and therefore my hearts let us be frolic with this, and live in hope that our fortunes will be better. At which (as if they had forgot already what they had done, and not fearing what might follow) with this encouragement they fell roundly aboard, when anon Ward called to them again, what, say you my bloods, who would be a board of the lions whelp, with bare and hungry allowance of cold fish and naked cheese, and may as we do thrust up their arms to the elbow in a Venison pasty? and with that, breaking up a case of bottles, which were presented full of wine to his theveships hand, here my mates (quoth he) hear is a health to our good fortunes, and a pox of the Hangman, we know the worst, and le's therefore hope for the best, we'll be merry to night with wine and venison, and to morrow take counsel what's best to be done.  
So that, no man taking care for any thing now, but that every one pleaged his partner a full carouse, they sailed one from the wight to the West part of England, where near unto Silly they met with a French ship, laden with merchandise, & who was bound for Ireland, the ship being a vessel near about threescore and ten Tuns, and who bore for her ●●●ence six pieces of Ordinance. This pray, had my Kite like Ward no soonner espied, but calling his companions about him, in this form he began to resolve them: my Comrades quoth he, you know we have proceeded so far, into the thieves path, that to return back we shall be stopped with a halter. To trust to the mercy of the law, is as good as for a man to chaps hand upon a Razor and see if it will cut. Therefore since to retire can allow us no safety, it will be wisdom hear to provide for our safeguard. Yourselves see, we have a Frenchman here a ba●t of us and as I have done, so I still do, entreat the most of you, but to keep down under hatches, and that not passing some four or five, may be seen above, so by the scantness of our number seen, & the smallness of our Ba●k which I know he will take note of (I destring to keep conapnie with him) he shall have no cause at all to suspect us: So that, when I shall find fit opportunity to give him the grapple, & send to your ears the watch word (which shall be this, now my masters for us, we may on a sudden board them, and being taken, in the dismay, so hastily dishearten them, that we shall immediately be owners of their goods, and with the help of their ship and inunition, lay a foundation one the ground of which, we may raise our good hap: which subtlety of his, was so well entertained, that my Captain had a Plaudite for his pains, and every man's hand priest to be ready at his beck.  
So then, with the hope of this plot, passing side by side familiarly, and unsuspected by the Frenchmen, their burden being but small, and their number in sight so few, and passing many hours, in courteous discourse, either seeming glad of the others acquaintance, one the sudden Ward, taking hold of opportunity, he claps me the Frenchman aboard, gives the watch word, and enters his men, so that in a breath, was my poor Frentchman surprised, his goods ceased one and m 〈…〉 ●●prisone, eare that any had time to think how they could be hurt. All which discourse the two poor men who were first taken when Ward took the Bark, did after their setting a shore, and return to Portesmouth, relate and constantly affirm to one john Rogers, owner of the Bark, in my hearing. So that it is without question, this was the original and first beginning of Wards piracy, even so base, and so low▪ although it is manifest, he hath advanced it to that height, which hath since been the undoing of some, and the impoverishing of many.  
To proceed then, after as you have heard, the French man was taken by him, he repaired into Causon Bay, near Plymouth, where with a long boat going a shore, and flattering some others whom he met of his acquaintance, with the news of his success, and expectation to come, he their with men much strengthened his company, and so put on to the coast of Spain. Where about the Southern cape, he took also a Fly boat laden with excellent Merchandise, and the ship béing about a hundred Tuns, with whom entering into the straits, he turned away his small Bark with the Flemings, and presently threupon he took a Satta, and withal which three ships, namely, your Frenchman, your Flyboat, and S●●ta, he put on, and arrived at Argier, where what was his entertainment, receive this forcertaine.  
Not long before, one Captain jefferd had in the service oft he Duke of Florence, attempted to set the Galleys belonging to the King of Argier afire, and in which desperate resolution, he had so far prevailed, that they departed not thence without performing much harm. In displeasure of which, the king had grounded such an inward hate against all Englishmen for jefferds treachery, that he solemnly vowed, that this injury should be a perfecution to any of the whole nation, that happened in his power, and to manifest, that his oath was not trivial but as violent in performance, as it was forward in promise, in revenge of the former attempt, he put twelve Englishmen, who were there in Argier to a most cruel and lingering death, so that upon Wards arrival, forbidding him to have any succour on his shore, and Ward on the other side having heard of his vow, & not willing to play with the lions paw, lest he should but feign himself asleep, without longer stay, or further suit, he with his prizes made up for Tunis.  
Where with small suit to the King, in respect he brought Merchandise with him, beneficial to the state, he had leave, their to find safe harbouring for himself, his ships and followers, where having made sale of his Commodities, and presented diverse acceptable presents to the King of Tunis, as also for his gifts, received some outward graces of the Crossymon, which is as much to say, the Lord Admiral of the Sea, and the man that hath ever since, held share with Ward in all his Voyages, Prizes, and Shipping▪ and been his only supporter in all his designs, and upon whose promised favour and furtherance Ward growing bold, he was at length a suitor to the King, that he might be received as his subject, or if not so, yet at all times, either in adversity or prosperity, himself and what the Sea could yield him, might be ever sanctuaried under his Princely protection, and in recompense thereof, he vowed, he would for ever after, become a foe to all Christians, be a persecuter to their Traffic, and an inpoverisher of their wealth, only (belike the devil not yet having his full gripe one him) he desired, his own Country might be excepted out of his task, whom both by natural love and obedience, he was bound to respect: withal that his Majesty would be pleased, for the better furnishing of those ships, he had their taken, their might be levied under his command, a convenient number of Turks with whom he doubted not to return, of Christians goods, with so worthy a sporle, that hereafter his name should be held of his greatness in more regard, and his service more acceptable, which suit of his, being granted at full, and Croseman, being an ader and furtherance in all his expeditons, since as I said before in all his profits he was a full sharer. He puts forth from Tunis, and proceeded down to the bottom of the straits, where he hovered not long before he took a small Argosy, of the burden of six hundred Tons. In the same action also, he took a Ship of two hundred Tons, which he afterward named The little john, and armed her with four and twenty pieces of Ordinance. He then surprised also the Mattalena, a French Ship, who came from Alexandria with rich Commodities. In this voyage likewise was gathered to him one Abraham Croften, and many other worthy spirits, whose resolutions, if they had been aimed to honourable actions, either a sea or shore, they might have been preferred and commended for service to the greatest Prince living.  
Now concerning my knowledge in these Proceedings, they were all of them, and each particular delivered me by Graves, who took me Prisoner, and every circumstance thereof resolved me at full, by divers others, whom I had several conference withal. As also that they were above two hundred Englishmen, good Soldiers, and expert Mariners, when they proceeded forward to the Gulf of Venice. To the which voyage encouraged (says Graves) we were four well manned, and well appointed Ships, over whom Captain Ward was our worthy General, who being severed from us by a forcible Tempest, himself in his small Argosy, having none but his Flyboat with him, he met with a great Argosy of fourteen or fifteen hundred Tons, very richly laden with Venetian goods, and who, by Computation, was esteemed to be worth two millions at the least, betwixt whom and him was such a merciless and incredible fight, as a man may compare is between those two Tyrants, the remorseless winds, and the resisting waters. It was long, and it was cruel, it was forcible, and therefore fearful: but in the end our Captain had the Sunshine, he boarded her, subdued her, chained her men like slaves, and seized on her goods, as his lawful prize, whom the whistling calm made music unto, ushering her and our General into Tunis, and whose bounty with his men, did there triumph with her treasure.  
Which report from Graves, I receiving not without much wonder: and though I seemed to consent thereunto, in my judgement I discredited it, reputing his tale rather a vain glorious boast from him, to raise his captains fame, and the more to amaze us, that were his Prisoners, than any discourse of truth that was worthy the credit: till afterward, falling into conference with Wards man, and who at that time was both in discontent and dislike with his Master: of him I inquired of the former relation, whose approbation was so much and so much more highly advanced, that me thought now, that Graves had but minced him in his discourse: and where I guest the spite and difference betwixt him and Captain Ward, should have rather whetted his tongue to disparaged his worth, then have steeled it on to describe his worthiness, I utterly found my expectation frustrate: for demanding in particular of his Master's valour, he did so far commend his providence in going on, and so farther extol his manhood in achieving, that for these last three years, quoth he, he is grown the most absolute, the most resolute, and the most vndauntedst man in fight, that ever any heart did accompany at sea. And if his actions were as honest as his valour is honourable, his deeds might be dignified in the Chronicles with the worthiest. As also that in the aforesaid fight, and taking the Argosy, whose odds was reputed to be three to one, he did in the deadly conflict so undauntedly bear himself, as if he had, had courage to outbrave death, and spirit to outface danger▪ bastinadoing the Turks out of his Ship into theirs, and pricking others on even with the point of his poiniard, that, quoth he, I could impartially say, his only resolution was cause of the victory, and that his forwardness made Cowards venturous; whereby at last having seized her for his owns, and brought her into the Bay of Tunis: and when he had discharged and unladen her goods, he divided the spoil as in share with the Turks, to the great enriching of the whole Country, and to the advancing of his own pride.  
But as it is certain, he that doth once accustom himself to sin, is always sitting upon Cockatrice eggs, that bring forth nothing but poisonous effects: so fares it with this Ward, and his whole company; and to approve, that goods ill gotten are most commonly worse spent, with this Treasure, which thus unjustly they had enriched themselves withal, they accustom their lives to all disorder, making their habit and carriage a shore, far more detestable, and uncomely to be talked of, or by Christianity to be condemned and abhorred, than their théeving at Sea, swearing, drinking, dicing, and the utmost enormities that are attended on by consuming riot, are the least of their vices, that can be recited. Unlawfully are their goods got, and more ungodly are they consumed, in that they mix themselves like brute beasts with the enemies of their Saviour: so that he that was a Christian in the morning, is bedfellow to a jew at night. Nay sin is grown to that rankness amongst them, through the fatness of Concupiscence and Covetousness, that the jews hire out their offspring to them as we do horses, either by the day or by the week: and as we do at an outcry, cry, Who will give more: so do these jews set out their children to them, ask, Who gives above a Sultan shall have this. So then since that all men do know, it is a bad fare where nothing is bought, and a great many of these Buyers, I will leave their Sodomy, and the rest of their crying sins (which I fear their Atheism hath led them into) to the judgement of the Just Revenger, and not give them to be talked of further by my pen. Only for Ward, he lives there in Tunis, in a most princely and magnificent state. His apparel both curious and costly, his diet sumptuous, and his followers seriously observing and obeying his will. He hath two Cooks that dress and prepare his diet for him, and his taster before he eats. I do not know any Peer in England that bears up his port in more dignity, nor hath his Attendants more obsequious unto him. There is no admittance of any Suitor on any business, but their business is first made known to one of his followers that is near him, which if he list not to regard, they have their answer from his man, that his greatness is not at leisure, neither will he be spoke withal. Nor could I he●re of any affairs that were dispatched by him, in the time of my imprisonment there, at their first coming, but with long attendance, much suit, yea and (by your leave) some bribes: so that his success hath made him desperate and resolute, his riches have made him proud. And so being now at the highest, in hope pride shall have a fall, I proceed in this discourse.  
Ward having thus taken this great Argosy, and (with her and others) so inestimable riches, his mind was so inflated with pride, and puffed up with vain glory, that he now thought, nay did not spare to speak, he was sole and only Commander of the Seas. And indeed, like the Sea, always unsatisfied (although, as I have heard, and by reason did conjecture, his Treasure was infinite) providing himself for a fresh encounter, he placed in this great Ship threescore pieces of Ordinance, and put into her a hundred and fifty Englishmen, and two hundred and fifty Turks over whom he made Abraham Croften Captain, and himself General, in his small Argosy the Mattalena and the little john, with whom lying in the mouth of the Gulf of Venice, there grew (upon some discontents) a mutiny betwixt the English and the Turks: which Ward having intelligence of, he went aboard the Argosy with his boat, and although the heat thereof, were already broke forth, to a very forcible blast, he by his Temperance and persuasion, did very worthily allay it, wherein (being people of so different a nature, I mean Englishmen and Turks) me thought although a Villain, it was praise worthy in him to effect, which discontent and heartburning appeased, he came a board his own Ship again, and lying in wait for more booty, it pleased God, now to prevent them a little by a storm that arose, in which storm, the great Argosy being much disabled with cutting so many holes out of her sides for the planting of Ordinance and labouring in the Sea, the violent split herself, and sunk suddenly, all the men in her being drowned save only four, who the next day were taken up floating upon a Raft of the ship. So that, he who but even now thought himself Commander and resistless at the Seas, found here a power had Command our him, whereupon, he now began to fear the recklessness of his estate, and greatly to complain of the violence of his loss. Especially, for Croston, who was equal with him in manhood, and nothing inferior to him in Command and warlike directions, as also of the ruin of so many of his English, in whom, his chief hope, stay, strength, and trust, was built and consisted.  
Beside at his return to Tunis, it was no small dismay unto him to hear so loudly the outcries and cursings blown in his ears, of wives, Fathers, and Kindred for the loss, of so many of their friends at on blow, So that for certain, as Graves reported unto me (in Wards own opinion) he went not up and down but in fear of his life, which distaste past, and doubt present, made him the sooner haste to Sea again, where to make it evident that one sorrow never comes without an heir to succeed him, my Captain found that a second mischief did follow this: for the Venetians, having sustained exceeding great loss by his ungodly proceedings, the signory of Venice in redress thereof, had caused to be built a great Ship called S. Mark, of fifteen hundred Tons, in manner of a Gallias, with fourscore pieces of brass Ordinance, and with her set forth twenty or thirty sail of Galleys: whose voyage and enterprise was directed a purpose to beat him out of the Gulf, and from hovering about their Coast. These thus at Sea happened upon Wards flyboat, and forced her ashore, whose men for safety running on Land, the Venetians pursued, slew many of them, and two and thirty that they took, they hung up for carrion in the Island of Corfowe: another of his men of war they have taken since, so that by these two damages my desperate Pirate being so much dismayed, he never since durst approach to the Gulf, notwithstanding I have heard of divers rich prizes of the French (which traded for Alexandria, and Cypress, and other Ports in the bottom) which have by him and his Complices been since taken, who, for that I have not heard their names, I will forbear to report. Only I pray you receive these in good part, which from William Graves his mouth were delivered me, with the report of incredible wealth that he and his men of war have taken since his first refuge in Tunis.  
Ward having thus had his Argosy shipwrecked, and after that, two of his best men of wars taken by the Venetians. It followeth now that I in order deliver, what happened to him at Tunis. This last year was left him only, the half of two ships, the Mattelena, bearing two and thirty pieces of Ordinance, and of three hundred Tuns, and the little john spoken of before, which about Christmas last passed, he was minded to come to Sea with all, and had furnished with victuals, munition, and all things fitting for the furthering of his voyage. But having the last two years past, dealt but grossly and unkindly with such Englishmen, who were now left with him, in not yielding them their due shares, which they expected their service dad deserved, they began now (taking advantage of his lowness) to repine and to gather head against him, and concluded awongst themselves, that rather than Ward should contain them in that servitude, which in the time of his height and pride they supposed they were held, they would now take a course to proud for redress, and which was, they would immediately run away with the ship, (or at least, the ship should run away with them) and with her whole provision, sell her to the Maltesays who were yet Christians, and so become at their service. To which opinion with a general consent, they all agreed. And appointed one of their company Captain and the same night before the Turks should come a board, they did farewell to Tunis, without taking their leave, and went for Malta, being in number forty five English, and leaving their old Captain, but thirty in company,  
Which sudden alteration and unexpected news, the next day coming to Crosiman, he sent for Ward, and there in very stern manner, demanded from him whether he were consenting to his Countremens' Treason namely, to the conveying away of the ship and goods, in the which the King's majesty his master was a party and he himself had a half. To whom Ward made answer that he was no way guilty of it, neither had he reason to be, since his own loss was as great as his. Well replies Crosiman, be advised that thou art not, neither let the honour and wealth, that thou hast got by our support, be an encouragement, shall entice thee to leave us, and serve Christians, but bear thyself even, and to prevent thy escape, I will have half of thy part of the mattelena, for my share of the john, which thy Countrymen have deprived me of, then either resolve me of thy will, or resist me as thou thinkest good, but Ward finding it no fit time to reply to the contrary, for fear of his head: made answer, that both himself, service, and all his, was at his pleasure. So that Ward, now left shiplesse, almost frindlesse, and his state declining, since the Crosiman hath left him, he began to levy his wits together, what he were best to resolve upon, to adventure to Sea himself he thought it not yet fitting, but determined, rather to send others a fishing for him. In which determination, he forthwith buys him a ship of 80. or 90. Tuns, and appointed one Captain Samson to be the Commander, man's her with a hundred men, of which although the ship were his own, not many of them were English, but the most of them Turks, who so oversway them at Sea, that the Captain may bid what he will, and they will do what they list. For this Samson going forth of Tunis the eighth of February last, The first ship that he took was Captain Fursman of London, a Gentleman who in former time had been as Samsons sworn brother, of whom when Samson came to take, note of, (In this I commend his generous spirit) he would by no meenes have ri●led him, but earnestly laboured in all that he might, to have freely given him his ship and goods again. To which request of his the Turks by no means would be brought to consent, but the more he entreated, the more they denied, till at last one among the rest, and who it should seem, was Life teant to Samspon, struck violent at him, whom all the rest as readily seconded, so that he was compelled to look heavily upon his friend, and enforced to be silent while they ceased on the good Merchant, Master William Fursman with the ship and goods.  
The very same day, the said Samson in Wards ship, gave Chase unto a ship of Dartmoth whereof john Fursman (who was sole brother, to William Furseman, who they had taken not fix hours before) was master, from him they took likewise both ship and goods, and then most cruelly, without pity, and not regarding prayers, turned the two brothers into their ship's Boat, and three leagues from land in a very grown Sea, where it was impossible to recover the land, but must unfortunately have perished, had not a ship of Venice happened by chance to have taken them up. Oh, what inhuman cruelty was this, in them toward two natural brothers, and who can express: the sorrow and grief (their cases being a like) that one had for another one striving to help the second when they saw nothing but to perish both, he lending one hand to help him, when both would not serve to help himself, but leaving them to their Comfort, and the rest to be damned who took two prizes more though but small Ships, and returned to Tunis who to their Captain Ward was welcome, according to the proverb, Somewhat hath some savour, although he seemed wondrous discontent, that Samson had not brought him a tall Ship, wherein his worship's Person might to théeving himself, but contenting himself in the mean time, and neither lamenting nor reproving him for dealing so unkindly now with his Countrymen, got away strait, he sends Samson to Sea again, who in this action thrived so successfully, that he takes for Ward a small Argosy, or rather a Spaniard, of three hundred Tons, with three prizes more Flemings and French, which was in june last, whereby with the strength that they have brought him, he is now preparing himself very forcibly to Sea, training men, and casting Ordinance, and the Tunis men making ready fourteen sail of great Ships for men of war, and as many small for the same purpose, to scour the Coast. Where I am glad I have left them, to hope for their confusion. Only I pray you receive that which from William Graves his mouth was delivered me, of their incredible wealth, as also of the spoil that our own Nation of England hath sustained within these two years. Neither I hope shall it be impertinet to note herewithal, the names of all Ships as I have gathered by being partaker of the like hard fortunes.  
A small Bark Fulmoth laden with Pilchards.  
Two ships of London, taken by the galleys Besart about the Island of Corsowe. The Merchant that was taken in the first, was also taken in the second. His name (I suppose) is Master Wallowbee.  
The next I heard of, was a ship, whereof Master Thomas Carrull of Plymouth was owner. She was taken by Captain Elliet in the Bay of Cullery.  
The Trojan of London, she was taken, and all her men made slaves but for shooting one shot in their own defence.  
A ship of Portsmouth, laden with oils from Talloun▪ the master Richard Learner.  
The same day another small ship taken by the same men of war.  
A ship of Hull, Master Andrew Barkers.  
The Tobias of Amsterdam.  
These five Ships were taken by Crosimans' Ship, a Turk, being called Mamatrice, and an Englishman William Graves the Master, the Gunners name john Lumbey, the Botsons' name Thomas Hussey. Neither was there any more Englishmen in this man of war, but Captain Wards man, whose name was john White. Other news I learned not.  
The pearl of London laden with currants from Zant, was taken by the Tunis men of war in May.  
john Bullard of London master of the little Amity, lost goods valued to eight thousand pound.  
Four great ships of Holland, of three hundred and four hundred Tons apiece, and were taken all in one day.  
A French man of war, who had in her 95. men, and fourteen pieces of Ordinance; yet yielded without any one shot shooting: there were three Cavaleroes of Malta in her.  
A ship of London, which came from Anconia.  
Rebert French of Sandwich, in a new ship laden with allicant wines.  
A small Bark of Milbrooke in his company.  
The Bull of Amsterdam of 500 Tons.  
Two more in her company.  
At the same time, a small ship of Wards (or a man of war of junis, choose you whether) of 65. Tons, took a Holland ship of 500 worth four and twenty thousand pounds. My men did see her brought into Tunis, ere they came away.  
And thus having deliveced as much as I can truly certify of Wards proceeding, let me be bold to speak somewhat of Danser; (for so is his name) and of him, as of the former, no more than I can justify. And since they be thieves in one age together, live almost in one fame together, I'll be bold to prick them down in one rank together.   

Of the Pirate Danser.  
THis Simon Danser, another Archpirate, was sometimes belonging to Flushing, where having served the States, upon a discontent he went to Marseles in France, where leaving his wife and son, he came to petual slavery, and there remain in the Galli●●. This Boniton was one of the Ireland Pirates, whose purpose was to go unto the Straits to learn news. But you have heard how it proved to his cost.  
Not long after, the Moon of Amsterdam, a Ship that the Frenchmen bought, and set forth from Newhaven, a vessel of 5. 02600. Tuns, which they furnished most nobly forth, and sent her to the Straits, who by good hap, met with the ship of Tunis which took me prisoner. Whereof Graves was Master, who in fight overcoming him, they carried to Marselis, for so was the news at Tunis, when my men were there, and were seconded for truth upon their coming away. So that I make no doubt but they have put him to death, and his Turks with him, which were about an hundred Infidels, are all made slaves. But the last and best news is, that the Spanish navy hath been in the road of Tunis, & there found riding fourteen Sail of great Ships for men of war to go toward the bottom of the Gulf, and twelve or thirteen Sail of smaller, with men of war to lie to the westward, and about the islands of Sardmia maiork and miniake, all which Ships my men which were secondly taken in a French ship in their passage homewards and carried back again to Tunis, did see thus preparing.  
So that I hope since the report holds, that the Spaniards have been in that road, and burnt twenty five sail of Ships, it is infallibly true, that both Ward and his assistants are at length deprived of most of their strength, or at least so enfeebled, that they shall never be able to carry such sway again. Further, it is for certain, that the said fleet is busy in the search of Danser, and dispersed only in several places to cut him and his forces off. Of all which proceedings of Ward, Danser, or their Confederates, which I have either seen, or by other men's knowledge heard, I have truly given you to understand.  
Which pains of mine, if it be either welcome to you, or acceptable to the world, your friend is satisfied, and accounts it well bestowed.  
Whereas it was reported in a former book, that the York Bonaventure (of which I was master) carried fifteen cast pieces at the time of her taking, she had scarce five which she could use, or were fit for service.  
Andrew Barker.