The
Preface.
aving taken more than ordinary Pains in collecting the Materials which compoſe the following Hiſtory, we could not be ſatisfied with our ſelves, if any Thing were wanting to it, which might render it entirely ſatisfactory to the Publick: It is for this Reaſon we have ſubjoined to the Work, a ſhort Abſtract of the Laws now in Force againſt Pyrates, and made Choice of ſome particular Caſes (the moſt curious we could meet with) which have been heretofore tried, by which it will appear what Actions have, and what have not been adjudged Pyracy.
It is poſſible this Book may fall into the Hands of ſome Maſters of Ships, and other honeſt Mariners, who frequently, by contrary Winds or Tempeſts, or other Accidents incident to long Voyages, find themſelves reduced to great Diſtreſſes, either through Scarcity of Proviſions, or Want of Stores. I ſay, it may be a Direction to ſuch as thoſe, what Lengths they may venture to go, without violating the Law of Nations, in Caſe they ſhould meet other Ships at Sea, or be cast on ſome inhoſpitable Shore, which ſhould refuſe to trade with them for ſuch Things as are abſolutely neceſſary for the Preſervation of their Lives, or the Safety of the Ship and Cargoe.
We have given a few Inſtances in the Courſe of this Hiſtory of the Inducements Men have to engage themſelves