Page:A general history of the pyrates, from their first rise and settlement in the Island of Providence, to the present time (1724).djvu/39

But, however it happened, no Means were uſed in compliance to that Addreſs, for ſecuring the Bahama Iſlands, till the Engliſh Pyrates had made Providence their Retreat and general Receptacle; then ’twas found abſolutely neceſſary, in order to diſlodge that troubleſome Colony; and Information being made by the Merchants to the Government, of the Miſchief they did, and were likely to do, his Majeſty was pleaſed to grant the following Order.

Whitehall September 15, 1716.

‘Complaint having been made to his Majeſty, by great Number of Merchants, Maſters of Ships and others, as well as by ſeveral Governors of his Majeſty’s Iſlands and Plantations in the Weſt-Indies; that the Pyrates are grown ſo numerous, that they infeſt not only the Seas near Jamaica, but even thoſe of the Northern Continent of America; and that, unleſs ſome effectual Means be uſed, the whole Trade from Great Britain to thoſe Parts, will not be only obſtructed, but in imminent Danger of being loſt: His Majeſty has, upon mature Deliberation in Council, been pleaſed, in the firſt Place, to order a proper Force to be employ’d for the ſuppreſſing the ſaid Pyrates, which Force ſo to be employed, is as follows.