Troubled Waters

You decide that even if it is a bait ship, your fleet is large enough to scare off any pirates. You send two ships ahead to investigate, and try to guide the ship closer. A sailor returns to you to report that the ship had been attacked by pirates, but the remaining crew managed to somehow get away. They had been carrying food and expensive wines from Spain and were boarded. Most of the crew had been killed or taken prisoner, and only a few sailors were able to stay unharmed. They tell you personally that they’ll accompany you to Newfoundland and share their supplies and wares with you all the while, as long as they are guaranteed safe passage.