Sir Henry Morgan to Lord Sunderland [extrait]

Port Royal, July 5, 1680 [15 juillet 1680].

(...) Presently after Lord Carlisle's departure there anchored just outside range of our guns a French privateer (as we reason to conjecture) which, under pretence of a French commission, and being manned with French subjects, sent a boat into harbour to ask leave to take wood and water. I readily consented, provided that, like other friends, she came into harbour. As she refused to do this and remained still at anchor I sent off to order her to depart, which she accordingly did; but having notice that she had entertained many runaways and debtors off this Island contrary to law, I at once despatched orders to all points along the shore where I thought she might touch, to demand delivery of all English subjects; but she escaped me. At Yallagh's bay, some ten leagues to windward of this port, she had sent a boat ashore with twenty-four armed men before my orders arrived. Their jealousy is a sufficient argument of their being offenders. Their coming armed on shore is not to be suffered, and I intend to complain thereof by first opportunity to the French Governor of Hispaniola, whence the French privateers generally get their commissions. We are not less troubled with privateers belonging to this Island. Strict orders for their arrest were issued by Lord Carlisle before his departure and by myself since, and some of their men having been taken, who are now in prison awaiting trial, the rest are alarmed, and not daring to enter any of our ports, keep on the wing until they can find some place to settle on. I much fear that this may occasion the loss of many men to this Island, but it can only be prevented by the continual attendance of some nimble small frigate in coasting round the Island and surprising the privateers. Their numbers are increased by the necessitous and unfortunate, and they are encouraged by the security of the Spaniards and pusillanimity under all their plenty. Nothing can be more fatal to the prosperity of this Colony than the temptingly alluring boldness and success of the privateers, which draws off white servants and all men of unfortunate or desperate condition. I spare no care to put down this growing evil, having lately granted a special commission for the trial of several runaway whites who fired in a body at a party sent to apprehend them. These privateers discourage the Spaniards from private trade with us, which would otherwise be considerable. (...)

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source: P.R.O. Calendar of State Papers, Colonial Series: America and West Indies: no. 1425.

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Warrant of the Lieutenant-Governor of Jamaica in Council to the Provost-Marshal

Port Royal, July 1, 1680 [11 juillet 1680].

For the arrest of certain pirates who have lately plundered the town of Portobello, and have left Jamaica for the purpose of working with privateers.

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source: P.R.O. Calendar of State Papers, Colonial Series: America and West Indies: no. 1419.