ABSTRACT
EDWARD ENGLAND went mate of a sloop that sailed out of Jamaica and was taken by Captain Winter, a Pirate, just before their settlement at Providence; from whence England had the command of a sloop in the same laudable employment. It is surprising that men of good understanding should engage in a course of life that so much debases human nature, and sets them upon a level with the wild beasts of the forest, who live and prey upon their weaker fellow creatures. A crime so enormous that it includes all others, as murder, rapine, theft, ingratitude, etc.! And though they make these vices familiar to them by their daily practice, yet these men are so inconsistent with themselves that a reflection made upon their honour, their justice, or their courage, is looked upon as an offence that ought to be punished with the life of him that commits it. England was one of these men who seemed to have such a share of reason as should have taught him better things. He had a great deal of good-nature and did not want for courage; he was not avaricious, and always averse to the ill-usage prisoners received; he would have been contented with moderate plunder and less mischievous pranks, could his companions have been brought to the same temper. But he was generally overruled, and as he was engaged in that abominable society, he was obliged to be a partner in all their vile actions.
