Chapter X: Appendix: B

1. A Copy of a Narrative of the Voyage of Captain William Kidd, Commander of the “Adventure Galley,” from London to the East Indies.

BOSTON, 17th July, 1699. Mr. John Gardner of Gardner’s Island presented this note to His Excellency in Council, which he made oath was delivered to him by Captain Kidd, as was wrote with the said Kidd’s own hand on board his sloop, and all the particulars therein mentioned were committed to his custody.

Examined by Isa Addington Secretary.

That the Journal of the said Captain _Kidd_, being violently taken from him in the Port of St. Marie’s in Madagascar, and his Life being many times threatened to be taken away from him by Ninety-Seven of his Men that deserted him there, he cannot give that exact Account he otherwise could have done: but as far as his Memory will serve, is as followeth, viz.,

That the said _Adventure Galley_ was launched in _Castle’s_ Yard at _Deptford_, about the Fourth of _December_ 1695; and about the latter end of _February_ the said Galley came to the _Buoy in the Nore_: and about the 1st Day of _March_ following, his Men were pressed for him for the Fleet; which caused him to stay there for Nineteen Days; and then sailed for the _Donnes_, and arrived there about the Eighth or the Tenth Day of _April_ 1696; and sailed thence for _Plymouth_; and on the Twenty-third Day of the said month of _April_ he sailed on his intended Voyage: and, some time in the month of _May_, met with a small French Vessel, with Salt and Fishing Tackle on board, bound for _Newfoundland_, which he took and made Prize of, and carried the same into _New York_, about the Fourth Day of _July_, when she was condemned as lawful Prize: The Produce whereof purchased provisions for the said Galley, and for her further intended Voyage.

That about the Sixth Day of _September_ 1696, the said Captain Kidd sailed for the _Maderas_, in company with one Joyner, Master of a Brigantine belonging to _Bermudas_, and arrived there about the 8th Day of _October_ following: and thence to _Bonavista_, where they arrived about the nineteenth of the said month, and took in some Salt, and stayed Three or Four Days; and sailed thence to _St. Jago_, and arrived there the Twenty-fourth of the said Month, where he took in some Water, and stayed about Eight or Nine Days; and thence sailed for the _Cape of Good Hope_; and in the Latitude of Thirty-two, on the Twelfth Day of _December_ 1696, met with Four English Men of War: Captain _Warren_ was Commodore; and sailed a week in their Company; and then parted, and sailed to Telere, a Port in the _Island of Madagascar_, and being there about the Twenty-ninth Day of January, came in a Sloop belonging to _Barbadoes_, loaded with Rum, Sugar, Powder and Shot, one _French_ Master, and Mr. _Hatton_ and Mr. _John Batt_, Merchants; and the said Hatton came on board the said Galley, and was suddenly taken ill and died in the Cabin: And, about the latter end of _February_, sailed for the _Island of Johanna_, the said Sloop keeping Company, and arrived there about the Eighteenth Day of _March_; where he found Four East India Merchantsmen outward bound; and watered there all together, and staid about Four Days: And from thence, about the Twenty-second of _March_, sailed for _Mehila_, an Island Ten Leagues distant from _Johanna_, where he arrived the next Morning, and there careened the said Galley; and about Fifty men died there in a Week’s Time.

That on the 25th Day of _April_ 1697, set sail for the Coast of India, and came upon the Coast of _Mallabar_, the Beginning of the Ninth of _September_; and went into _Carwarr_ upon that Coast about the middle of the same Month, and watered there: And the Gentlemen of the English factory gave the Narrator an account, That the _Portuguese_ were fitting out Two Men of War to take him; and advised him to put out to Sea, and to take Care of himself from them, and immediately to set sail thereupon; … about the 12th of the said month of _September_; and the next morning, about Break of Day saw the said Two Men of War standing for the said Galley; and spoke with him and asked him, Whence he was? Who replied from _London_; and they returned answer, From _Goa_; and so parted, wishing each other a good Voyage; And making still along the Coast, the Commodore of the said Man of War kept dogging the said Galley all the Night, waiting an Opportunity to board her; and in the Morning, without speaking a Word, Fired Six great Guns at the Galley, some whereof went through her, and wounded Four of his Men; and thereupon he fired upon him again; and the Fight continued all Day; and the narrator had Eleven Men wounded: the other _Portuguese_ man of War lay some Distance off, and could not come up with the Galley, being calm; else would have likewise assaulted the same; the said Fight was sharp, and the said _Portuguese_ left the said Galley with such Satisfaction, that the Narrator believes no _Portuguese_ will ever attack the King’s Colours again, in that Part of the World especially. And afterwards continued upon the same Coast, cruising upon the coast of _Cameroone_, for Pirates that frequent that Coast, till the Beginning of the month of _November_ 1697, When he met with Captain _How_ in the _Loyal_ Captaine, an _English_ Ship belonging to _Maderas_, bound to _Surratt_, whom he examined; and finding his Pass good, designed to freely to let her pass about her Affairs; but, having Two _Dutchmen_ on board, they told the Narrator’s Men, That they had divers _Greeks_ and _Armenians_ on board, who had divers precious Stones and divers other rich Goods on board, which caused his Men to be very mutinous, and got up their Arms, and swore they would take the Ship: and two-thirds of his Men voted for the same: The narrator told them, the small Arms belonged to the Galley, and that he was not come to take any _Englishmen_, or lawful Traders; and that if they attempted any such thing, they should never come on board the Galley again, nor have the Boat, or small Arms; for he had no Commission to take any but the King’s Enemies, and Pirates, and that he would attack them with the Galley, and drive them into _Bombay_; the other being a Merchantman, and having no Guns, might easily have done it with a few Hands; and, with all the Arguments and Menaces he could use, could scarce restrain them from their unlawful Design; but at last I prevailed, and with much ado I got him clear, and let him go about his Business. All which the said Captain _How_ will attest, if living.

And that, about the 18th or 19th Day of the said month of _November_, met with a _Moors_ Ship of about 200 Tons coming from _Surratt_, bound to the Coast of _Mallabar_, loaded with Two Horses, Sugar and Cotton, to trade there having about Forty _Moors_ on board, with a _Dutch_ Pilot, Boatswain, and Gunner; which said Ship the Narrator haled, and commanded on board; and with him came Eight or Nine _Moors_, and the said Three _Dutchmen_, who declared it was a _Moors_ Ship; and demanding their pass from _Surrat_, which they shewed; and the same was a _French_ Pass, which he believes was shewn by a Mistake; for the Pilot swore Sacrament she was a Prize, and staid on board the Galley; and would not return on board the Moor Ship; but went in the Galley to the Port of _St. Marie_.

And that, about the First Day of _February_ following, upon the same Coast, under _French_ Colours with a Design to decoy, met with a Bengall Merchantman belonging to _Surratt_, of the Burden of 4 or 500 Tons, 10 Guns; and he commanded the Master on board; and a _Frenchman_, Inhabitant of _Surratt_, and belonging to the _French_ Factory there, and Gunner of the said Ship, came on board as Master; and when he came on board, the Narrator caused the _English_ Colours to be hoisted; and the said Master was surprised, and said, You are all _English_; and asking, which was the Captain? Whom when he saw, said, Here is a good Prize, and delivered him the _French_ Pass.

And that, with the said Two Prizes, sailed for the Port of _St. Marie’s_ in _Madagascar_; and, sailing thither, the said Galley was so leaky, that they feared she would have sunk every Hour, and it required Eight men every Two Glasses to keep her free; and was forced to woold her round with Cables to keep her together; and with much ado carried her into the said Port of _St. Marie’s_, where she arrived about the First of _April_, 1698: And about the 6th day of _May_, the lesser Prize was haled into the careening Island or Key, the other not being arrived; and ransacked and sunk by the mutinous men; who threatened the Narrator, and the men that would not join with them to burn and sink the other, that they might not go home and tell the news.

And that, when he arrived in the said Port, there was a Pirate Ship, called the _Moca_ Frigate, at an Anchor, _Robert Culliford_, Commander thereof; who with his Men, left the same at his coming in, and ran into the Woods: and the Narrator proposed to his Men to take the same, having sufficient Power and Authority so to do; but the Mutinous Crew told him, If he offered the same, they would rather fire Two Guns into him, than one into the other; and thereupon Ninety-seven deserted, and went into the _Moca_ Frigate, and sent into the Woods for the said Pirates, and brought the said _Culliford_, and his Men, on board again; and all the time she staid in the said Port, which was the Space of Four or Five Days, the said Deserters, sometimes in great Numbers, came on board the said Galley and _Adventure Prize_, and carried away great Guns, Powder, Shot, small Arms, Sails, Anchors, Cables, Surgeons, Chests, and what else they pleased; and threatened several times to murder the Narrator, as he was informed, and advised to take care of himself; which they designed in the Night to effect; but was prevented by him locking himself in his Cabin at Night, and securing himself with barricading the same with Bales of Goods; and, having about Forty small Arms, besides Pistols, ready charged, kept them out; Their Wickedness was so great, after they had plundered and ransacked sufficiently, went Four Miles off to one _Edward Welche’s_ House, where his the Narrator’s Chest was lodged, and broke it open; and took out Ten Ounces of Gold, 40 Pound of Plate, 370 Pieces of Eight, the Narrator’s Journal, and a great many Papers that belonged to him, and the People of _New York_ that fitted them out.

That about the 15th _June_, the _Moca_ Frigate went away, being manned with about 130 Men, and Forty Guns, bound out to take all Nations: Then it was that the Narrator was left with only Thirteen men; so that the _Moors_ he had to pump and keep the _Adventure Galley_ above Water, being carried away, she sunk in the Harbour; and the Narrator, with the said Thirteen men, went on board the _Adventure Prize_; where he was forced to stay Five Months for a Fair Wind; In the meantime, some Passengers presented, that were bound for these Parts; which he took on board, to help to bring the said _Adventure Prize_ home.

That, about the beginning of _April_, 1699, the Narrator arrived at _Anguilla_ in the _West Indies_, and sent his Boat on Shore; where his Men had the News That he and his People were proclaimed Pirates, which put them into such Consternation, That they sought all Opportunity to run the Ship on Shore upon some Reef or Shoal, fearing the Narrator should carry them into some _English_ Port.

From _Anguilla_ they came to _St. Thomas’_; where his Brother-in-law _Samuel Bradley_ was put on shore, being sick; and Five more went away, and deserted him: Where he heard the same News, That the Narrator, and his Company, were proclaimed Pirates, which incensed the People more and more.

From _St. Thomas_ set sail for _Moona_, an Island between _Hispaniola_ and _Porto Rico_; where they met with a Sloop called the _St. Anthony_, bound for _Antega_ from _Curaso_, Mr. Wm. _Boulton_ Merchant, and _Samuel Wood_, Master: The men on board then swore, they would bring the Ship no further. The Narrator then sent the said Sloop _St. Anthony_ for _Curaso_, for Canvas to make Sails for the Prize, she not being able to proceed; and she returned in Ten Days; and after the Canvas came, he could not persuade the Men to carry her for _New England_; but Six of them went and carried their Chests and Things on board of Two _Dutch_ Sloops; bound for _Curaso_; and would not so much as heel the Vessel, or do anything, the Remainder of the men not being able to bring the _Adventure_ Prize to _Boston_, the Narrator secured her in a good Harbour in some Part of _Hispaniola_ and left in the Possession of Mr. _Henry Boulton_ of _Antegua_, Merchant, the Maker, Three of the old Men, and Fifteen or Sixteen of the men that belonged to the said Sloop _St. Anthony_, and a Brigantine belonging to one Mr. _Burt_ of _Curaso_.

That the Narrator bought the said Sloop _St. Anthony_ of Mr. _Boulton_, for the Owner’s Account; and after, he had given Directions to the said _Boulton_ to be careful of the said Ship and Lading, and persuaded him to stay Three Months till he returned; and then made the best of his Way to _New York_; where he heard the Earl of _Bellamont_ was, who was principally concerned in the _Adventure Galley_; and hearing his Lordship was at _Boston_, came thither; and has now been 45 Days from the said Ship.

WM. KIDD.

BOSTON. 7th July, 1699.

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Further the Narrator saith, That the said Ship was left at _St. Katharina_, on the South East Part of _Hispaniola_, about Three Leagues to Leeward of the Westerly End of _Savona_: Whilst he lay at _Hispaniola_, he traded with Mr. _Henry Boulton_ of _Antegua_, and Mr. _Wm. Burt_ of _Curaso_, Merchants, to the Value of 11,200 Pieces of Eight; whereof he received the Sloop _Antonio_ at 3000 Pieces of Eight, and 4200 Pieces of Eight by Bills of Exchange, drawn by _Boulton_ and _Burt_ upon Messieurs _Gabriel_ and _Lemont_, Merchants in _Curaso_, made payable to Mr. _Burt_, who went himself to _Curaso_; and the Value of 4,000 Pieces of Eight more in Dust and Bar Gold; which Gold, with some more traded for at Madagascar, being Fifty Pounds Weight, or upwards, in Quantity, the Narrator left in Custody of Mr. _Gardner_ of _Gardner’s Island_, near the Eastern End of _Long Island_, fearing to bring it about by Sea: It is made up in a Bag put into a little Box, locked, nailed, corded about, and sealed: Saith he took no Receipt for it of Mr. _Gardner_.

The Gold that was seized at Mr. _Campbell’s_, the Narrator, traded for at _Madagascar_, with what came out of Galley.

Saith, That he carried in the _Adventure Galley_, from _New York_, 154 Men: Seventy whereof came out of _England_ with him. Some of his Sloop’s Company put Two Bales of Goods on shore at _Gardner’s Island_, being their own proper Goods. The Narrator delivered a Chest of Goods, viz., Muslins, Latches, Romalls, and flowered Silk, unto Mr. _Gardner_ of _Gardner’s Island_ aforesaid, to be kept there for the narrator: Put no Goods on shore anywhere else: Several of his Company landed their Chests, and other Goods, at several Places.

Further saith, He delivered a small Bale of coarse Calicoes unto a Sloop Man of _Rhode Island_, that he had employed there. The Gold seized at Mr. _Campbell’s_ the Narrator intended for Presents to some, that he expected to do him Kindnesses. Some of his Company put their Chests and Bales on board a _New York_ Sloop lying at _Gardner’s Island_.

WM. KIDD.

Presented and taken, die praedict before his Excellency and Council.

Copy Examined by

ISA ADDINGTON, _Secretary_.

2. THE EXAMINATION OF WILLIAM JINKINS, RICHARD BARLYCORNE AND ROBERT LUMLEY

The Examination of _William Jinkins_, of Bow, near _London_, aged about 18 years. Apprentice to _Geo. Bullen_, deceased, late chief Mate to the _Adventure Galley_, Captain _Wm. Kidd_, Commander:

Who saith, That, some time after _Christmas_ in the Year 1695, he sailed with the said _Adventure Galley_ from _Plymouth_, in _England_; and the said Galley made her Course for _New York_; took a _French_ Prize in her way, which was carried in with the same.

That the said Galley, some time after her arrival at _New York_ sailed from thence to _Madera_; from _Madera_ to _Bonavista_ and _St. Jago_, where they took in Provisions, and steered for the _Cape de Bon Esperance_, but put not in there; but proceeded for an Island named _Joanna_; staid there about a Week, took on board some Water, and then went from thence to Mohilla; where the said Galley was laid on shore and cleaned; and then returned again to the said Island of _Joanna_; from whence the said Galley sailed to _Motta_ in the _Red Sea_, and there watered; and then proceeded to a Place called _Bobs Key_, to wait for Shipping: And, during the time of their being there, the _Moca_ Fleet passed by; but the said Galley did not endeavour to come up or speak with any of them, apprehending they were too strong; afterwards we spoke with a small Bark coming from the _Red Sea_, commanded by one _Parker_, out of which the Company belonging to the said Galley took about a Bushel of Pepper: Then the said Galley went into a Port called _Callacut_, where was an _English_ Factory; remained there Four or Five Days, and then went a cruising upon that Coast; and sometime afterwards gave Chace to a Ship about 150 Tons Burden, and, after about Nine Hours Chace, came up with the same; then Captain _Kidd_ ordered Two Shot to be fired at the same, to bring her to; whereupon she accordingly brought to; and the Master, being a _Dutchman_ called _Skipper John_ came on board: There was belonging to the said Ship Three _Dutchmen_, a Boy, and the rest _Moors_, between Twenty and Thirty in Number; the _Dutchmen_, and Two or Three _Moors_, were kept on board the said Galley, and the rest of the said _Moors_ had the Long-boat given to them to go on shore, being then about Two Leagues distant from the same: the said Ship was loaded with Cotton, and had two Horses likewise on board the same; which Cotton and Horses Captain _Kidd_ and his Company sold to the Natives of the Country for Money and Gold; kept the said Ship with them, the Galley being leaky, and carried her to _Madagascar_; When the said Galley came up with the said Ship, the said Galley had aboard _French_ Colours, and the Master of the said Ship brought on board a _French_ Pass, having other Passes besides: The Time when the said Ship was taken, as above mentioned, was about 13 or 14 Months since, about a Month or Five Weeks after which, the said Galley gave Chace to another Ship; and, having chaced her about Four Hours, came up with the same, the said Galley having aboard _French_ Colours, and the other Ship _Armenian_; which Ship was of the Burden of about 400 Tons, called the _Quedah Merchant_, and was commanded by one _Wright_, an _Englishman_, had on board the same, Two _Dutchmen_, who were Mates of the said Ship; and a _Frenchman_, who was a Gunner, Six or Eight _Armenians_; and the rest of the Company Moors, being about ninety in Number; all of which Captain _Kidd_ sent on shore in the Boats that came off from thence: the said Ship came from _Bengall_, bound for _Surratt_; was mounted with 16 or 18 guns; the _French_ Gunner of which brought on board a _French_ Pass, and said, She was a good Prize to the _English_: the said Captain was loaded with Bale Goods, Sugar, Iron and Saltpetre: Captain _Wright_ who commanded the said Ship, declared she was in the employment of the _English_; that the Lading belonged to them: And, about Four or Five Days after the said Ship was taken by the said Galley, Captain _Kidd_ called the Company together, and proposed to them to return the said Ship to those from whom they had taken her, or sell her to them; and said, He would agree to anything they should do therein, were it for the Value of a Piece of Eight: Said also to his Company, The Taking of the said Ship would make a great Noise in England, and they should not know what to do with the Goods taken in the same: But the Company of the Galley agreed not to the said Captain Kidd’s Proposal; but carried the said Ship into _St. Marie’s_, off _Madagascar_, and there unloaded her, and shared; Whereupon each of the said Galley’s Company, being then about 115 in Number, shared, one with another Three Bales and some loose Goods, besides about Two Thirds of a Bale: and Captain _Kidd_ had Forty Shares: The Bales contained Calicoes, Romalls, Muslins, some Silks, some striped, some flowered, and some Plain. After sharing of the said Goods, Ninety and upwards, of the Company belonging to the said Galley, deserted the same, and went to the _Mocha_ Frigate, then lying at _St. Marie’s_ aforesaid: And the said Captain _Kidd_, with the Men that remained with him, carried their Shares on board the Prize Ship, called the _Quidah Merchant_, and ran the said Galley on shore, being very leaky; and having stript her of her Furniture, set her on Fire to get her Iron-work; and put all that they could save, of, or belonging to the said Galley, on board the said Prize Ship; with which the said Captain _Kidd_, and the men that remained with him, and some others that he had procured there, came from _St. Marie’s_ aforesaid, and arrived in some time afterwards at the Island of Anguilla, in the West Indies: Where being informed that the said _Kidd_, and his Company, were proclaimed Pirates, the said Captain _Kidd_, and the men on board with him, went with the said Ship to the Island of _St. Thomas_; but the Governor of the said Island would not allow the said Ship to come in there: Whereupon we sailed to _Mona_; and there met with one Mr. _Bolton_, of _Antegoa_, Merchant; of whom Captain _Kidd_ bought the Sloop _Antonio_, in which he lately came to _Boston_; gave, as this Examinant was informed 3000 Pieces of Eight for the same, and took from out of the Prize Ship, into the said Sloop, Forty Bales of the Goods on board the said Ship, and about Thirty Bales of Sugar; and left the said Ship at _Hispaniola_, about Six or Seven Weeks since in the Custody of the said Mr. _Boulton_, and 12 Men more: And the said Captain _Kidd_ promised to return again to the said Ship, in the Space of Three Months; and the said _Boulton_ promised to stay with the same for so long time; Which Ship the said Captain _Kidd_ left lying in the River, in _Hispaniola_ aforesaid, to be reckoned about Eighteen Leagues from _Mona_.

The Examinant further saith, That, after the said Galley had taken the Two Ships before-mentioned, She also, in her Passage to _St. Marie’s_ aforesaid, took a Bark or Ship, of the Burden of 180 Tons, with about Seventy Persons on board, navigated with _Portuguez_: She came from _Bengall_; and was bound to _Goa_; and had on board Bengalls, Muslins, Calicoes, and other things, which the Galley’s Company began to plunder, and bring on board the Galley; but seeing several Ships coming down towards them, the said Galley, with the other two Prizes she had taken, came to sail, and left the said last Prize at a Place between _Brin John_ and _Angingo_, so called being an _English_ and _Dutch_ Factory, and left on board the same all the Company belonging thereto, except the Master, Merchant, and Seven Men more, that came on board the Galley when she first took the said Ship: And the Vessel that was first taken by the said Galley, as before-mentioned, was, by the said Galley’s Company, sunk at _St. Marie’s_ aforesaid, after they had brought her thither.

And the said _William Jinkins_ the Examinant further saith, That whilst Captain _Kidd_ and his Company, lay with the said Ship _Quidah Merchant_ at _Mona_ aforesaid, one _Burt_, Merchant of _Curaso_, came to them in a Brigantine, and purchased several Goods of the said Captain _Kidd_; for which he paid Part in money, and Part in Flour.

Further saith, That the first Place that the Sloop _Antonio_ aforesaid touched at, after the said Captain _Kidd_, and his Company, left the said Ship at _Mona_ aforesaid, was the _Horekills_ in _Dellaware Bay_, where the said Sloop staid Two Days: and one _James Gillam_, a Passenger that came with the said _Kidd_ from _Madagascar_, being one of the _Mocha’s_ Frigate’s Crew, sent his Chest on shore there, being a large chest and heavy; which the Examinant supposeth to be full of _India_ Goods, and was stowed in the said Sloop’s Hold in the Passage from _Mona_: After the said Sloop had staid at the _Horekills_ aforesaid about Two Days, she sailed to _Gardner’s Island_, and anchored there; where Captain _Kidd_ sent on shore Two Bales of Goods, Two Negro Boys, and a Negro Girl, and delivered them to Mr. _Gardner_; and were not brought on board the Sloop again, the Examinant remaining on board almost all the time; neither was anything more carried on shore, there, to this Examinant’s knowledge: And there was, in Company with the said Sloop under Captain _Kidd’s_ command, a Sloop said to belong to _New York_, whereon one _Hardrick_, a _Dutchman_, a young Man, was either Skipper, or one of the Company; into which Sloop there was put Two or more Bales, One of them being Bengall Silks, all belonging to one _Humphry Clay_, and Four or more Chests belonging to said _Humph Clay_, _English Smith_, _Gabriel Luffe_, and _Martin Skinke_: This Examinant was informed, the said Sloop was bound on a trading Voyage to _Martha’s Vineard_, with Rum and Fruckin Cloth; but, having received the said Bales and Chests on board, did not proceed to _Martha’s Vineard_, but went back again for _New York_. The said Captain _Kidd_ and his Company, then proceeded with his Sloop to _Block Island_: and put nothing on shore there, only Two Guns about Two or Three hundred Weight apiece, which Captain _Kidd_ gave to one _Sands_: Then the Sloop went to _Tarpolin Cove_, where One or more Bales of the Captain’s were put on shore, and delivered to the Man that dwells there.

And the Examinant saith, That nothing that was put on shore at any of the Places aforesaid, was, to his Knowledge, received on board the said Sloop again: and that nothing was put on shore at any other Place, than what is before-mentioned.

The Examinant further saith, That Captain _Kidd_ traded with Mr. _Boulton_ and Mr. _Burt_ aforesaid, for the Quantity of Twenty Bales of Goods or thereabouts, as he supposes; besides what those of his Company with them: Six of which, viz., _Michael Callaway_, _John Hales_, _John Beovender_, _Wm. Boyer_, _Neece_, a _Dutchman_ and _Nouter_, a _Dutchman_, went to _Caracao_ in Burt’s Brigantine, and one other, named _John Ware_, went thither also in a small sloop.

Signed

WILLIAM W. G. JINKINS.

BOSTON, 6 July, 1699. Taken before his Excellency and Council

ISA ADDINGTON. _Secretary._

* * * * *

The foregoing examination of _Wm. Jinkins_ being read unto _Richard Barlycorne_, aged about Eighteen Years, Apprentice to Captain Wm. Kidd,

He saith, That the same is true, as to the Substance thereof.

And further saith, That _James Gillam_ carried Two Chests on shore at the Horekills, which were stowed in the Hold of the Sloop: After they came from the Horekills, they stopt at _Gardner’s Island_; and went from thence to _Oyster Bay_; there took in Mr. Emott of _New York_; and set him on shore at _Rhode Island_; in some Days afterwards, Mr. Emot returned to the Sloop again, as she lay off _Rhode Island_; then they went to _Gardner’s Island_; who went from thence, in a Whale Boat, over to _Long Island_: And at _Gardner’s Island_, Captain _Kidd_ sent on shore there, Two Bales of Goods, a Box, and Two Negro Boys, and a Girl, committed to the Charge of Mr. Gardner. The Examinant also sent Two Bales of his own, and his Chest, on shore there; and _Dick the Black_, another Bale: and one _Robert Avery_, a Passenger that came with them from _Madagascar_, went on shore there, and carried some Bundles of Muslin, Silks, and other Goods of his own; and a Box about Three Foot long, and a Foot deep: Knows not what was in it; It was handed over the Sloop’s Side. There was also a Sloop of _New York_, lying at _Gardner’s Island_, into which there was put about the Quantity of 15 or 16 Bales of Goods, Whole or in Pieces; and about 9 or 10 Chests; Which Goods and Chests belonged to _Humphry Clay_, _Gabriel Luffe_, _Samuel Wood_, Captain _Davis_ a Passenger, _Martin Skinke_, _John Arris_, and _English Smith_: The Sloop was full. From _Gardner’s Island_ we sailed to _Block Island_, and there took in Captain _Kidd’s_ Wife, and one Mr. _Clark_ of _New York_; and then stood towards _Gardner’s Island_ again, and met a _New York_ Sloop, bound home, and put Mr. Clark on board of her: And Captain _Kidd_ put a Chest on board said Sloop: He knows not what was in it: _John Arris_ put another chest on board: and _Wm. Jinkins_, a Bale of Goods; and some other Bundles, that were made out of the Bales, were also put on board said Sloop; and all, as aforesaid, committed unto the said Mr. _Clark_: The Captain’s Chest was hoisted out of the Hold. They stopt at _Tarpolin Cove_; and there put on shore One Bale, Two Barrels, and a Box of Goods, delivered unto the Man that dwells there: And, as they came over to _Nantinket Shoals_, they met a Sloop from the Bay, commanded by one Captain _Way_; which said Way came on board our Sloop; and, when he went off again;--in his canoe, by Captain _Kidd’s_ order, Two or Three small arms, a Pendulum Clock bought of Captain _Wright_, Commander of the _Quidah Merchant_; a Pair of Stilliards, and a Bag about as big as the Crown of his Hat, sealed up; which the Examinant supposes to be Money.

Further the Examinant saith, That, when they came from _Hispaniola_, Captain _Kidd_ told Mr. _Boulton_, whom he left in Charge of the Ship that he would return to him again in a short time, after he had spoken with my Lord _Bellamont_; and that the _New York_ Sloop, whereinto they put the Goods at _Gardner’s Island_ as aforesaid, was an open Sloop, manned with Two Men, named _Coster_ and _Hendrick_: There was Three Bales of Goods, and Two Bags of Sugar, delivered out of the Sloop _Antonio_ at Boston, unto Mr. _Duncan Campbell_. Saith, He knows not what sum Captain _Kidd_ paid for the Purchase of the Sloop.

RICHARD BARLYCORNE.

BOSTON. 8th July 1699: taken before us

ELISHA COOKE } J. Pac.
ISA ADDINGTON }

BOSTON, 8th July, 1699.

* * * * *

The Two foregoing Relations of _Wm. Jinkins_ and _Richard Barlycorne_, being distinctly read over to me _Robert Lamley_, Apprentice to _Abel Owen_, Cook of the _Adventure Galley_, Captain _William Kidd_, Commander; and I, having been in the said Galley throughout her whole Voyage, and, since the Loss of her, in the Ship _Quidah Merchant_, and Sloop _Antonio_, do affirm and testify to the Truth of the said Relations respectively, as to the Substance of the same, as the several Articles thereof.

ROBERT LUMLEY.

Taken before us.

ELISHA COOKE } Just P.
ISA ADDINGTON }

Copy examined by

ISA ADDINGTON, _Secretary_.

3. A COPY OF THE EXAMINATION OF HUGH PARROTT, OF PLYMOUTH IN THE COUNTY OF DEVON, MARINER

BOSTON. 10th July, 1699.

Who saith, That, at the Island of _Joanna_, he left the Vessel he then belonged to, and entered himself on board the _Adventure Galley_, Captain _William Kid_, Commander; and from thence we sailed to the _Red Sea_, and there cruised for Privateers and Pirates; but finding none, went upon the Coast of India, and in our Cruize there, espied a Ship, which we gave chace to, and came up with, being a Ship of near 200 Ton Burden, whereof a _Dutchman_, _Mich Dicker_, the _Sound_: From _Gardner’s Island_ they was Master, being commanded on board the Galley, brought a _French_ Pass, and as the Examinant was informed, declared, That his Ship and Lading was lawful Prize; and accordingly was made Prize of by the said _Kidd_ and Company: The _Dutch_ Master remained in the Galley with the other Two Dutchmen, and took up Arms to serve under Captain _Kidd_; the _Moors_ were set on shore, being then not above Two Leagues from the same: The Examinant knows not what the Ship was laden with; only saw Two Horses sent on shore from her. And in about Six Weeks time afterward, they took another Ship of 400 Tons, or upwards, mounted with about 12 or 14 Guns, commanded by one Captain _Wright_, an _Englishman_; and there was also on board Two or Three _Dutchmen_; the rest of the Company were _Armenians_ and _Moors_ to the Number of about Sixty or Seventy: The Ship came from _Bengall_, bound to _Persia_, as it was said; and that she belonged wholly to the _Moors_: She was laden with Bale-Goods, containing Muslins, Silk striped and plain, and raw Silk, refined Sugar in Bags, Saltpetre, Iron in Junks, Guns and Anchors: Captain _Wright_ and other the _Christians_, with several of the _Armenians_ and _Moors_, were speedily sent on shore; some of them came to _Madagascar_ in the Galley, and there left her: Said, Captain _Kidd_ carried the said Prize Ship into _Madagascar_, _Geo. Bullen_, Chief Mate of the Galley, being put into command the said Prize Ship; and when she arrived at _Madagascar_, they took out of her all the Bale Goods, and shared them among the Galley’s Company, being about One hundred in Number more or less; some had Three, others Four Bales to a Share; the Examinant has Four for his Share, which he sold at _Hispaniola_, to Mr. _Boulton_ and Mr. _Burt_, for 400 Pieces of Eight, which was paid him down in Money; 200 Pieces of which he lost by Gaming, on board the Sloop _Antonio_, that he came from _Hispaniola_ in; the rest of his money was stolen from him. They arrived in the said Sloop, first, at the _Horekills_ in _Delaware Bay_, where they put out Two Chests, belonging to _James Gillam_, a Passenger, who also went on shore there; which Chests, the Examinant believes, were full of _India_ Goods; From the _Morekills_ they went to _Oyster Bay_ on _Long Island_; and there took in Mr. _Emot_ of _New York_, and carried him to _Rhode Island_, and sent him on shore there; Then went, with their said Sloop to _Block Island_, and put on shore Two Guns, delivered to Two Men that came from the Shore, and cruised between _Block Island_ and _Rhode Island_ until Mr. _Emott’s_ Return; and having taken him on board went to _Gardner’s Island_, and there let him on shore: And there was landed at the said Island, from out of the Sloop _Antonio_, some Goods and Chests; and also several Bales and Chests were put into another Sloop that lay at the said _Gardner’s Island_ bound up sailed, with the Sloop _Antonio_ to _Block Island_; and there took up the Captain’s Wife, and a Gentleman that accompanied her; and then stood to _Gardner’s Island_; and there put the said Gentleman, which, the Examinant thinks, was named _Clark_, into a Sloop bound up the _Sound_: into which Sloop, there was also several Bales and Chests put, out of the Sloop, _Antonio_, by Order of the said Captain _Kidd_: And then we came to _Tarpolin Cove_, where there was a Bale and one or two Barrels of Goods landed: And from thence we came over the Shoals, and there met a Sloop from _Campechea_, bound to _Boston_; the Master of which Sloop, in the Canoe belonging to her, came on board our Sloop; and at his going off there was put into the Canoe a _Turkey_ work Carpet, Two or Three Small Arms; which is all that the Examinant took notice of.

The Examinant further saith, That at their sharing at _Madagascar_, Captain _Kidd_ struck for, and received several Shares; knows not how many; there might be Forty. They stript the Galley at _Madagascar_, and burnt her to save her Iron-work; and also sunk their lesser Prize there. About Ninety of the said Galley’s Company deserted at _Madagascar_. The greater Prize was called the _Quedah Merchant_; which they left in _Hispaniola_, under the care of Mr. _Boulton_, and about Seventeen or Eighteen men to assist: Captain _Kidd_ promising to return to him in a short time: The Examinant supposes there might be about 150 Bales of Goods remaining on board her, about Eighty or Ninety Tons of Sugar, the Saltpetre, Iron, Guns and Anchors. Captain _Kidd_ traded with Messieurs _Boulton_ and _Burt_, for a considerable Quantity of Goods taken out of the said _Quidah Merchant_, at and about _Hispaniola_.

HUGH PARROTT.

Taken before us, _die praedict_.

ELISHA COOKE } J. Pac.
ISA ADDINGTON }

BOSTON, New England.
July 25th, 1699.

4. A COPY OF THE EXAMINATION OF GABRIEL LOFF, OF LONG ISLAND, WITHIN THE PROVINCE OF NEW YORK, SEAMAN,

Who saith, That, in _September_ 1696, he entered himself on board the _Adventure Galley_, Captain _Kidd_ Commander, as a Foremast-man, at _New York_; and proceeded in the Galley from thence, first to _Madera_, then to _Bonavista_, _St. Jago_, and from thence to _Joanna_; and from _Joanna_ made their Course to the _Red Sea_ to cruise for Pirates; and, after some time spent there, meeting with no Purchase, sailed for the Coast of _India_, and cruised there, and there gave chace to a Ship, which shewed us _French_ Colours, and _Moorish_ Colours, and some others; and after some Chace, came up with her: Captain _Kidd_ commanded the Commander of her to come on board; who accordingly did: The Examinant knows not what Nation he was of; but he brought a _French_ Pass, and told Captain _Kidd_, That his Ship was a Prize and Captain _Kidd_ made Prize of her, and her Lading: She was about 150 Tons in Burden, laden with Cotton Wool, Bees Wax, Tobacco and Two Horses: The company were chiefly _Moors_;--only Three _Christians_;--he knows not the Number; the _Christians_ remained in the Galley, and took up Arms there; The _Moors_ were sent on shore. Soon after the Taking of this Ship, the Examinant was taken sick, and lay so most of the Voyage: Knows not what they did with the Lading: The Ship they carried to _Madagascar_; and there sunk her. Some weeks after the Taking of the said Ship, they took another Ship, at the Coast of _India_, of Burden of 400 Tons, or upwards, commanded by one _Wright_, an _Englishman_; which Ship came from _Bengall_: The Ship was chiefly manned with _Moors_ and _Armenians_: There was Three _Christians_ on board.

The Examinant further saith, They carried the said Ship and Lading with them to _Madagascar_; and there landed all the Bale-goods on board, consisting of Callicoes, Muslins, Silk, and White, striped and plain, Romalls, Bengalls, and Laches: There fell betwixt Three and Four Bales to a Share: The Examinant had Three whole Bales and a Piece of a Bale, to his Share: some of which he disposed of at _Madagascar_, to buy Provisions; and left some in the Ship; the Remainder he had in his own Chest, and some in _Martin Skinke’s_ Chest; which Chests were put on board a _New York_ Sloop in the Sound, commanded by one _Coster_, and committed to his Care, to be carried to _New York_: Captain _Kidd_ had Forty odd Shares for himself, and his Ship; most of his men deserted. At _St. Marie’s_, a difference arose between the Captain and his Company; Captain _Kidd_ proposing to them to take the _Mocha Frigate_, which lay there; but the generality of the men refused, saying, They would sooner shoot him than into the said _Mocha_ Frigate: And they went aboard the said Frigate.

Further the Examinant saith, That the aforesaid Ship, commanded by Captain _Wright_, and taken by Captain _Kidd_ in the Seas of _India_, was called the _Quiddah Merchant_: And that the said _Kidd_, and his Company that remained with him, bought the said Ship from _Madagascar_ into _Hispaniola_, in the _West Indies_; and there the said Captain _Kidd_ traded with Two Persons, named _Boulton_ and _Burt_, for some of the Bale-goods, which were delivered out of the Ship: And Captain _Kidd_ bought a Sloop of the said Mr. _Boulton_, and laded the said Sloop with Bale-goods taken out of the said Ship for so much as he could conveniently stow, and lodge the men besides: The Number of Bales he knows not: And, leaving the said _Boulton_, with Seventeen or Eighteen men, on board the Ship, the said Captain _Kidd_, with several of his Company, proceeded in the said Sloop towards _New York_; and the Discourse was, That Captain _Kid_ was to return to the Ship again within the Space of Three Months: And, after their Departure from _Hispaniola_ they arrived, with the said Sloop, first at _Horekills_ in _Delaware Bay_, where they landed a Chest belonging to one _James Gillam_, a Passenger with them from _Madagascar_: Knows not what was in it: And from the _Horekills_ they sailed with the said Sloop into the Sound, and put some Goods on shore at _Gardner’s Island_; the Quantity the Examinant knows not: Also put some Goods and Chests on board the _New York_ Sloop, one _Coster_, Master, then lying at said _Gardner’s Island_: And also put a Pack of Goods on shore at _Tarpolin Cove_. Whilst they lay with the said Sloop off _Rhode Island_, _James Gillam_, before-named, went on shore in a Boat, that came on board the same Sloop; Knows not from whence the said Boat came, nor who she belonged to.

GABRIEL LOFF.

Taken, die praedict before us

ELISHA COOKE } J. Pac.
ISA ADDINGTON }

Copy examined per

J. ADDINGTON, _Secretary_.

5. THE DEPOSITIONS OF ABEL OWEN, MARINER OF FULL AGE, LATE COOK OF THE “ADVENTURE GALLEY,” CAPTAIN WM. KIDD, COMMANDER; AND SAMUEL ARRIS, MARINER, LATE STEWARD OF THE SAME SHIP, OF FULL AGE; DEPOSE AND TESTIFY, AS FOLLOWETH, VIZ.,

That the said Ship was launched at _Deptford_ at _Castle’s_ Yard, about the 4th Day of _December_, 1695: And that the said Ship came to the _Buoy_ and _Nore_ about the latter End of _February_; and about the First Day of _March_ the men were pressed from on board the said Galley for the Fleet; and she was staid about Nineteen Days, and there sailed for the _Dounes_; and, about the Eighth or Tenth Day of _April_ arrived there; and thence sailed for _Plimouth_; and, on the 25th Day of the Month of _April_ 1696, the said Ship sailed from _Plymouth_; and, sometime in the Month of _May_, met with a small French Vessel, bound for _Newfoundland_, which they took, and made Prize of, and carried the same into _New York_ about the 4th Day of July following; and the same was condemned there as lawful Prize: And that, about the 6th Day of _September_ then also following, the said Galley sailed for the _Maderas_; and thence to _Bonavista_; thence to _St. Jago_; thence to _Telere_, and the _Island of Madagascar_; thence to _Johanna_, thence to _Mehila_, where they buried about Fifty of their Men in the Month of _May_ 1697; and thence sailed upon the Coast of _India_; and, returning back to _St. Marie’s_ the Ship was all along so leaky, that they feared she would have sunk every Hour; and that it required Eight Men every Two Glasses, to keep her free; and were forced to woold her round with Cables, to keep her together; and, with much ado, kept her above Water, and carried her into the said _Port of St. Marie’s_.

And that they took Two Vessels, which they carried into the said Port; and the Men, which afterwards deserted the Galley, sunk one of them there; and threatened the Captain, and these Deponents, and others, now arrived here, to sink the other, that they might not go thence to tell News: And that about Ninety of the said Galley’s Crew deserted the same there; and that the said Galley proved so insufficient and leaky, that she possibly could not be repaired; and sunk at an Anchor in the same Port.

And these Deponents further testify, That there was in the said Port a Pirate called the _Mocha_ Frigate: And the said Captain _Kidd_ proposed to his Men to take the same, having sufficient Power so to do; but the said Deserters, then being on board, told the said Captain _Kidd_, That, if he offered the same, they would fire Two Guns into him, rather than One into the Other; and immediately deserted the said Galley, and went on board the _Mocha_ Frigate.

And these Deponents also further Depose, That with what Guns, Powder, and Sails, the said Captain _Kidd_ could save out of the said Galley from the Violence of the said Deserters, he purchased, at least, between Thirty and Forty Bales of Goods, which he has brought in the Sloop _St. Antonio_ into this Port, for the Use of the Owners of the said Galley.

Abel O Owen
His Mark

* * * * *

_English Smith_, and _Humphry Clay_, Mariners, of full age, lately belonging to the said _Adventure Galley_, testify, That they sailed in the same from _New York_ on the time before specified: and testify to the Truth of the above-written Deposition from that time: And that the Goods, now on board the said Sloop _St. Antonio_, were purchased, as aforesaid, for the Use of the Owners of the said Galley.

ENGLISH SMITH
HUMPHRY CLAY.

* * * * *

_Hugh Parrat_ Mariner, of a full Age, also deposeth, That he went on board the Galley at _Johanna_; and testifies to the Truth of the above-written Deposition from that time; and that the Goods now on board the said Sloop _St. Antonio_ were purchased, as aforesaid, for the Use of the Owners of the said Galley.

HUGH PARRATT.

* * * * *

The Five Deponents within-named, did severally declare, That, whereas, in their within written Affidavits, they speak of the Taking of Two Vessels, they do further explain themselves; and testify, That the said Two Vessels were _Moorish_ Ships, and taken by them upon the coast of _India_: One of them of Burden betwixt Four and Five Hundred Tons, the other about Two Hundred Tons; They surrendered to them without firing any Gunns at them: The greater Ship came from _Bengall_; the lesser Ship came from _Surratt_: The smaller Ship was taken in _November_ 1697; the greater Ship in _February_ following: The Master, Gunner and Boatswain of the smaller Ship were Dutchmen, the rest of the Company were _Moors_, being about Forty in Number in the Whole: Her Lading consisted of some _Persian_ Silks and other Dry Goods with some Horses. The Three _Dutchmen_ afterwards took up Arms on board the Galley: The greater of the Two Ships is the same that they lately left at _Hispaniola_: She had about Ninety men on board: She was commanded by an _Englishman_ named _Wright_: The Mate and Gunner were _Dutch_; all the rest of the Company were _Moors_: She was mounted with Ten Guns; and laden with _Bengall_ Goods.

The Deponents further say, They met with the _Mocha Frigate_ at the _Port of St. Marie’s_; and the Company belonging to her took the Companies belonging to the aforesaid Two Ships, forcibly, from on board the _Adventure Galley_; and Ninety of the Company of the said Galley there also left her, and entered themselves on board the said _Mocha Frigate_; having first plundered the Two Ships before-named, and taken out of them a considerable Quantity of Goods and disposed of them at their pleasure.

(Signed)

ABEL O. OWEN
SAM ARRIS
ENGLISH SMITH
HUMPH CLAY
HUGH PARRATT.

BOSTON, 4th July, 1699.

* * * * *

The Five Deponents within-named, and subscribed to this Affidavit, severally made Oath to the Truth of this their Deposition, before his Excellency the Governor and Council.

Copy Examd. per ISA ADDINGTON, _Secretary_.

APPENDIX C

The French Passes sent to Bellamont by Kidd, included amongst the papers ordered by the House of Commons to be delivered to the Secretary of the Admiralty for the purposes of Kidd’s trial.

Pass. No. 1. PASS TAKEN ON BOARD THE QUEDAGH OR KARRY MERCHANT (“le Navire Cara”).

Pass. No. 2. PASS TAKEN ON BOARD KIDD’S OTHER PRIZE. Copies of these passes will be found in the 13th Volume of the Journals of the House of Commons, page 21.