of them, that were diſtinguiſh’d by the Title of Lords, ſuch were Sympſon, Aſhplant, Anſtis, &c. and on canvaſſing this Matter, how ſhatter’d and weak a Condition their Government muſt be without a Head, ſince Davis had been remov’d, in the manner beforemention’d, my Lord Dennis propos’d, its ſaid, over a Bowl to this Purpoſe.
That it was not of any great Signification who was dignify’d with Title; for really and in Truth, all good Governments had (like theirs) the ſupream Power lodged with the Community, who might doubtleſs depute and revoke as ſuited Intereſt or Humour. We are the Original of this Claim
(ſays he) and ſhould a Captain be ſo ſawcy as to exceed Preſcription at any time, why down with Him! it will be a Caution after he is dead to his Succeſſors, of what fatal Conſequence any ſort of aſſuming may be. However, it is my Advice, that, while we are ſober, we pitch upon a Man of Courage, and ſkill’d in Navigation, one, who by his Council and Bravery ſeems beſt able to defend this Commonwealth, and ward us from the Dangers and Tempeſts of an inſtable Element, and the fatal Conſequences of Anarchy; and ſuch a one I take Roberts to be. A Fellow! I think, in all Reſpects, worthy your Eſteem and Favour.
This Speech was loudly applauded by all but Lord Sympſon, who had ſecret Expectations himſelf, but on this Diſappointment, grew ſullen, and left them, ſwearing, he did not care who they choſe Captain, ſo it was not a Papiſt, for againſt them he had conceiv’d an irreconcileable Hatred, for that his Father had been a Sufferer in Monmouth’s Rebellion.
Roberts was accordingly elected, tho’ he had not been above ſix Weeks among them, the Choice was confirm’d both by the Lords and Commoners, and he accepted of the Honour, ſaying, That ſince he had dipp’d his Hands in muddy Water, and muſt be a Pyrate, it was better being a Commander than a common Man.
As ſoon as the Government was ſettled, by promoting other Officers in the room of thoſe that were kill’d
