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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From Lord Windsor during his brief term of command, Henry Morgan had secured his first commission as commander of a privateer. It is probable, but not certain, that he took part in the raids upon Santiago and Campeachy, and then went on a long cruise into the Gulf of Mexico in company with other ships of the same class. He was then twenty-seven years of age and had seven years military experience, but could have had little knowledge of navigation or seamanship. Being still undistinguished beyond the other captains of privateers, it is not surprising that there is little definite account of his early activity in this new venture.

Leslie is not always accurate, as his mind was saturated by local tradition, but he may have talked with old men who knew Morgan. Few contemporary documents were accessible to him when he wrote:

"He [Morgan] found entertainment immediately on his Arrival on Board a Sloop, which was to cruise upon the Spanish coasts; and behaved with such Resolution and Courage, that he soon became famous. Having made several voyages, he took care to secure his share of the Booty in good Hands. He saw the Excess and Debauchery of his Fellows, and that they became reduced to the lowest Shifts by their lavish Expenses on their Arrival; but he having Vast Designs in View, lived moderate and got soon together as much Money as purchased a Vessel for himself; and having a fine Crew, put to Sea. His success was at first but small, but afterwards he took several Prizes, which he carried to Jamaica and disposed of."[62]