During three days, these three vessels sailed in company, but finding that his late prize was a heavy sailer, he emptied her of everything that he stood in need of, and then restored her to the captain with all his men.  The French captain was so much enraged at being thus miserably deceived, that, upon the discovery of the stratagem, he would have thrown himself overboard, had not his men prevented him.

Captain Davis then formed the resolution of parting with the other prize-ship also, and soon afterwards steered northward, and took a Spanish sloop.  He next directed his course towards the western islands, and from Cape de Verd islands cast anchor at St. Nicholas, and hoisted English colors.  The Portuguese supposed that he was a privateer, and Davis going on shore was hospitably received, and they traded with him for such articles as they found most advantageous.  He remained here five weeks, and he and half of his crew visited the principal town of the island.  Davis, from his appearing in the dress of a gentleman, was greatly caressed by the Portuguese, and nothing was spared to entertain and render him and his men happy.  Having amused themselves during a week, they returned to the ship, and allowed the other half of the crew to visit the capital, and enjoy themselves in like manner.  Upon their return, they cleaned their ship and put to sea, but four of the men were so captivated with the ladies and the luxuries of the place, that they remained in the island, and one of them married and settled there.

Davis now sailed for Bonavista, and perceiving nothing in that harbor steered for the Isle of May.  Arrived there, he found several vessels in the harbor, and plundered them of whatever he found necessary.  He also received a considerable reinforcement of men, the greater part of whom entered willingly into the piratical service.  He likewise made free with one of the ships, equipped her for his own purpose, and called her the King James.  Davis next proceeded to St. Jago to take in water.  Davis, with some others going on shore to seek water, the governor came to inquire who they were, and expressed his suspicion of their being pirates.  Upon this, Davis seemed highly affronted, and expressed his displeasure in the most polite but determined manner.  He, however, hastened on board, informed his men, and suggested the possibility of surprising the fort during the night.  Accordingly, all his men being well armed, they advanced to the assault; and, from the carelessness of the guards, they were in the garrison before the inhabitants were alarmed.  Upon the discovery of their danger, they took shelter in the governor’s house, and fortified it against the pirates:  but the latter throwing in some grando shells, ruined the furniture, and killed several people.

The alarm was circulated in the morning, and the country assembled to attack them; but, unwilling to stand a siege, the pirates dismounted the guns, pillaged the fort, and fled to their ships.