The Memorial of George Watkins

 

[From: SP 36-154-1-8 - the Memorial of George Watkins]

The Memorial of George Watkins

That he went on board the Wright Galley Stephen Spelt Comander in March 1717 bound for the Coast of Guinea and the River of Plate, had no Post but recommended to the Captain, being then about 18 years of Age.

In June 1717 being in the Latitude of 4 degrees No. [south of Sierra Leone River near modern Liberia] the Wright Galley was taken by a Pirate Ship called the Dragon of 22 guns and 75 Men Comanded by one Edward Congdon. [NOT Christopher Condent; History of Edward Congdon found in Sailing East: West Indian Pirates in Madagscar]

That 4 of the Wright Galleys Men having taken on with the Pirates informed their Captain that he the said Watkins was a Skillful Navigator, And advised to force him with them, Which they did in abarbarous manner, And for the space of Nine Months used him inhumanly, 'till at last to save his life & upon promise of liberty in a small time he was prevailed upon to Navigate them. And having Cruized on the Coast of Brazille they returned to Guinea from thence to Madagascar and so to the Coast of Malabar, then back again to Madagascar, where they was informed by some French Men that there was a pardon from France, whereupon they sent to the Island of Bourbon and had their Pardon

That having made his case known to Monsieur Beavollier De Courchant Governour of the said Island of Bourbon, and how he came to be among these Pirates and the hard Usage he received from them, And the Governour upon enquirey of Captain Congdon & his Men, finding the same to be true took pity on him and Suffered him to continue on the said Island at full liberty, Which he was glad to accept of not daring to return to his own Country, And after some time the Governour being Sattisfied his Carriage and behaviour there, and informed of his Skill in Navigation, gave him the Command of a Vessell belonging to the [French East] India Company, as appears by the said Governours Commission dated the 4:e October 1722. But the said George Watkins being desirous to return to his Native Country obtained leave and had a Pasport dated the 11:e November 1724 from Monsieur Antoine Des forges Boucher, the then Governour of the said Island of Bourbon, Originals of which Commission & Pasport are hereunto Annexed Whereupon the said George Watkins came to France where he is at present. 

He therefore throws himself at His Majesties Feet most Humbly imploring His Majesties most gracious Pardon in Consideration of what is above represented, Whereby he may be enabled to return to his Native Country and have the oppertunity to employ the rest of his Life in the Service thereof. 

All which is most humbly Submitted