The Frenchman was in high expectation of a rich prize, but when he came nearer, he suspected, from the number of her guns and men, that she was a small English man-of-war; he determined, notwithstanding, upon the bold attempt of boarding her, and immediately fired a gun, and hoisted his black colors:  Davis immediately returned the compliment.  The Frenchman was highly gratified at this discovery; both hoisted out their boats, and congratulated each other.  Mutual civilities and good offices passed, and the French captain proposed to Davis to sail down the coast with him, in order to look out for a better ship, assuring him that the very first that could be captured should be his, as he was always willing to encourage an industrious brother.

They first touched at Sierra Leone, where they espied a large vessel, and Davis being the swifter sailer, came first up with him.  He was not a little surprised that she did not endeavor to make off, and began to suspect her strength.  When he came alongside of her, she fired a whole broadside, and hoisted black colors.  Davis did the same, and fired a gun to leeward.  The satisfaction of these brothers in iniquity was mutual, at having thus acquired so much additional strength and ability to undertake more formidable adventures.  Two days were devoted to mirth and song, and upon the third, Davis and Cochlyn, the captain of the new confederate, agreed to go in the French pirate ship to attack the fort.  When they approached, the men in the fort, apprehensive of their character and intentions, fired all the guns upon them at once.  The ship returned the fire, and afforded employment until the other two ships arrived, when the men in the fort seeing such a number on board, lost courage, and abandoned the fort to the mercy of the robbers.

They took possession, remained there seven weeks, and cleaned their vessels.  They then called a council of war, to deliberate concerning future undertakings, when it was resolved to sail down the coast in company; and, for the greater regularity and grandeur, Davis was chosen Commodore.  That dangerous enemy, strong drink, had well nigh, however, sown the seeds of discord among these affectionate brethren.  But Davis, alike prepared for council or for war, addressed them to the following purport:  “Hear ye, you Cochlyn and La Boise, (which was the name of the French captain) I find, by strengthening you, I have put a rod into your hands to whip myself; but I am still able to deal with you both:  however, since we met in love, let us part in love; for I find that three of a trade can never agree long together.”  Upon this, the other two went on board of their respective ships, and steered different courses.

Davis held down the coast, and reaching Cape Appolonia he captured three vessels, two English and one Scottish, plundered them, and allowed them to proceed.  In five days after he met with a Dutchman of thirty guns and ninety men.  She gave Davis a broadside, and killed nine of his men; a desperate engagement ensued, which continued from one o’clock at noon until nine next morning, when the Dutchman struck.