366
CHAP. XV.
of
Captain Edward Low,
And his Crew.
EEdward Low was born in Weſtminſter, and had his Education there, ſuch as it was, for he could neither write or read. Nature ſeem’d to have deſigned him for a Pyrate from his Childhood, for very early he began the Trade of plundering, and was wont to raiſe Contributions among all the Boys of Weſtminſter; and if any were bold enough to refuſe it, a Battle was the Conſequence; but Low was ſo hardy, as well as bold, there was no getting the better of him, ſo that he robbed the Youths of their Farthings, with Impunity; when he grew bigger he took to Gaming in a low Way, for it was commonly among the Footmen in the Lobby of the Houſe of Commons, where he uſed to play the whole Game, (as they term it,) that is, cheat all he could, and thoſe who pretended to diſpute it with him, muſt fight him.
The Virtues of ſome of his Family were equal to his; one of his Brothers was a Youth of Genius, when he was but ſeven Years old, he uſed to be carried in a Basket, upon a Porter’s Back, into a Crowd, and ſnatch Hats and Wigs: According tothe
