Page 51
An.1685
Pain's Adventure
a Man in their Pockets, they could not have en- joyed themselves more: For they kept in a Gang by themselves, and watched when the Ships broke, to get the Goods that came from them; and though much was saved against the Rocks, yet abundance of Wine and Brandy floated over the Riff, where these Privateers waited to take it up. They lived here about 3 weeks, waiting an opportunity to tran- sport themselves back again to Hispaniola; in all which time they were never without 2 or 3 Hogs- heads of Wine and Brandy in their Tents, and Bar- rels of Beef and Pork; which they could live on without Bread well enough, tho the new-comers out of France could not. There were about 40 Frenchmen on board in one of the Ships where there was good store of Liquor, till the after part of her broke away, and floated over the Riff, and was car- ry'd away to Sea, with all the men drinking and sing- ing; who being in drink did not mind the danger, but were never heard of afterwards.
In a short time after this great Shipwrack, Cap- tain Pain, Commander of a Privateer of 6 Guns, had a pleasant accident befel him at this Island. He came hither to Careen, intending to fit himself ve- ry well; for here lay driven on the Island, Masts, Yards, Timbers, and many things that he wanted; therefore he hal'd into the Harbour, close to the Island, and unrigg'd his Ship. Before he had done, a Dutch Ship of 20 Guns, was sent from Querisao to take up the Guns that were lost on the Riff: But seeing a Ship in the Harbour, and knowing her to be a French Privateer, they thought to take her first, and came within a mile of her, and began to fire at her; intending to warp in the next day, for it is very narrow going in. Captain Pain got ashore some of his Guns, and did what he could to resist them; tho he did in a manner conclude he must be taken. But while his men were thus busied, he spy'd a Dutch