A peaceful death!

On 10 February 1722, the Royal Fortune, my favourite and biggest vessel arrived to Cape Lopez. The previous day, I had captured the Neptune, and many of my crew were drunk and unfit for duty just when I needed them most.They at first thought that the approaching ship was the Ranger returning, another ship of my company, under the appearance of a  fleeing merchant ship, but a deserter from the dangerous Swallow, led by the English sailor Captain Ogle, recognized his ancient vessel and informed me of the situation. I was breakfasting in company with Captain Hill, the master of the Neptune, when I was given the news. As I usually did before action, I dressed myself in my finest clothes:

I was known around the world as a gallant figure, at the time of the engagement, in being dressed in a rich crimson damask waistcoat and breeches, a red feather in my hat, a gold chain round my neck, with a diamond cross hanging to it, a sword in my hand, and two pairs of pistols slung over my shoulders …

My  plan was to sail past the Swallow, which meant exposing us to one broadside. Once past, we  would have a good chance of escaping. However we failed to keep the Royal Fortune on the right course, and the Swallow was able to approach to deliver a second broadside. Suddenly, I received a grapeshot cannon fire, which struck me in the throat, while I stood on the deck. Before my body could be captured by Ogle, my will  to be buried at sea was fulfilled by my loyal crew, who weighted my body down and threw me overboard.