In full possession of the vessel and stores and goods, a large bowl of punch was made; under its exhilarating influence, it was proposed to choose a commander, and to form their future mode of policy.  The election was soon over, and a large majority of legal votes were in favor of Davis, and no scrutiny demanded, Davis was declared duly elected.  He then drew up a code of laws, to which he himself swore, and required the same bond of alliance from all the rest of the crew.  He then addressed them in a short and appropriate speech, the substance of which was, a proclamation of war with the whole world.

They next consulted, what part would be most convenient to clean the vessel, and it was resolved to repair to Coxon’s Hole, at the east end of the island of Cuba, where they could remain in perfect security, as the entrance was so narrow that one ship could keep out a hundred.

They, however, had no small difficulty in cleaning their vessel, as there was no carpenter among them.  They performed that laborious task in the best manner they could, and then made to the north side of Hispaniola.  The first sail they met with was a French ship of twelve guns, which they captured; and while they were plundering her, another appeared in view.  Enquiring of the Frenchmen, they learned that she was a ship of twenty-four guns and sixty men.  Davis proposed to his crew to attack her, assuring them that she would prove a rich prize.  This appeared to the crew such a hazardous enterprise, that they were rather adverse to the measure.  But he acquainted them that he had conceived a stratagem that he was confident would succeed; they might, therefore, safely leave the matter to his management.  He then commenced chase, and ordered his prize to do the same.  Being a better sailer, he soon came up with the enemy, and showed his black colors.  With no small surprise at his insolence in coming so near them, they commanded him to strike.  He replied, that he was disposed to give them employment until his companion came up, who was able to contend with them; meanwhile assuring them that, if they did not strike to him, it would most certainly fare the worse for them:  then giving them a broadside, he received the same in return.

When the other pirate ship drew near, they, according to the directions of Davis, appeared upon deck in white shirts, which making an appearance of numbers, the Frenchman was intimidated, and struck.  Davis ordered the captain with twenty of his men to come on board, and they were all put in irons except the captain.  He then despatched four of his men to the other ship, and calling aloud to them, desired that his compliments should be given to the captain, with a request to send a sufficient number of hands to go on board their new prize, to see what they had got in her.  At the same time, he gave them a written paper with their proper instructions, even to nail up the small guns, to take out all the arms and powder, and to go every man on board the new prize.  When his men were on board her, he ordered the greater part of the prisoners to be removed into the empty vessels, and by this means secured himself from any attempt to recover their ship.