![]() On the way, much of his crew was impressed (forcibly drafted) by a British Navy warship. In May, 1696, Kidd set sail from England to New York City in his new ship, the Adventure Galley. With backing from many of the leading men of the time in England, Kidd was granted a license by the King to seize and capture French and pirate ships, and split the booty with the crown and his backers. Failing to gain a command in the British Navy, he was persuaded by political associates and schemers to seek a privateering license. Kidd then married a wealthy Monmouth County widow. He was born around 1645 in Scotland, and after commanding a privateer ship (a government sanctioned form of piracy against ships of enemy countries) in a successful expedition in the Caribbean, he established himself as a wealthy and politically connected colonist. The most famous pirate to ever trawl the Jersey waters was the notorious Captain Kidd.Ĭaptain Kidd was a resident of New York City when he traveled to England in 1695 in search of a commission in the Royal Navy. Pirates were not only tolerated, but in many cases they were openly encouraged. Many wealthy colonial families’ fortunes began by either investing in pirate expeditions, or buying plundered goods and reselling them at a large profit. A triad of politicians, businessmen, and ship owners who were either bribed by, or did business with the pirates, protected them. Blackbeard raided farms and villages near what is today Middletown, and Captain Morgan often visited the area. The waters between Sandy Hook and New York City were infested with pirates and French privateers. Many people today are unaware of the role New Jersey, and especially the Raritan Bay shore, played in the lives of many pirate legends in the late l7th and early I8th centuries. The end of Kidd’s life was only the beginning of his legend though, for what most people remember him for is not his adventures, but his infamous buried treasure––which many believe is may still be waiting to be discovered right here in New Jersey. ![]() Although the rope broke and Kidd’s life was spared for a few moments, a second attempt put an end to the brief career of the one of the most famous pirates in history. ![]() The noose was placed around his neck and the wood block kicked out from beneath him. The convicted, William Kidd, was lead to the gallows, defiant to the end. ![]() It was cold and rainy on the morning of in London, England perfect weather for an execution. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |