Читать книгу The Life of Sir Henry Morgan. With an account of the English settlement of the island of Jamaica онлайн

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Among these privateersmen the ability and courage of Mansfield soon achieved pre-eminence, and he became the acknowledged leader of a considerable squadron operating under his direction.

The old "grudge" between the soldiers of Cromwell and pronounced royalists, who had arrived later and gained the upper hand, had continued to smoulder, and for some time became very bitter, as it seemed that few of the old army would be allowed to occupy posts of trust or profit. The disbanded officers and soldiers were seen to be discontented and restless, and were distrusted in consequence. Privateering enterprises offered them distracting and profitable employment.

"As they were the only Party that understood the Art of War," Leslie wrote, "they could not miss being formidable to a raw, undisciplined Few, who had lately come over and thro' a too partial Favour were encouraged. This seemed to make the Entertainment of the Pyrates necessary on a double account. First that their Power and Courage might balance the others; and, next, That the Riches they daily brought in should be a Lure and turn the thoughts of these Republicans to the Methods of acquiring Riches. And indeed it proved a good Piece of Policy; for they no sooner found their Account in joining with the Privateers than they forgot their old Murmurs, acquiesced in the Administration, and in a short time all distinction of Parties was quite lost."[52]