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William KiddPirate
Date of Birth: 22.01.1645
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- The Life and Legend of Captain William Kidd
- A Reluctant Navigator
- The Lure of Gold
- A Royal Commission
- A Dubious Record
- A Tragic Accident
- A Fallen Hero
- Political Intrigues
- The Buried Fortune
- Literary Inspiration
The Life and Legend of Captain William Kidd
The Myth and the ManWilliam Kidd, the notorious Scottish sailor and English privateer, is a figure larger than life, immortalized in countless novels and Hollywood blockbusters. However, the real Kidd was far removed from the dashing, brash buccaneer of popular imagination.
A Reluctant Navigator
In reality, Kidd was an aging and overweight 50-year-old New Yorker who yearned for financial security through a wealthy widow. He despised the sea and was relieved to finally escape its clutches when he married.
The Lure of Gold
Despite his aversion to sailing, Kidd became intrigued by the prospect of pursuing piracy in the Indian Ocean, where he could plunder the merchant ships of the East India Company. However, his innate cowardice and irresolute nature held him back.
A Royal Commission
Massachusetts Governor Earl Bellomont enticed Kidd into the venture by issuing him a privateering commission, signed by King William III of England. Bellomont hinted that the king himself had a stake in the enterprise, a lucrative incentive that swayed Kidd's decision.
A Dubious Record
As a privateer, Kidd displayed little courage and only attacked when victory was assured. He targeted pilgrims and aboriginal villages, avoiding confrontations with larger merchant ships. The crew grew restless and resentful, but Kidd refused to engage in any significant plundering.
A Tragic Accident
The only proven murder committed by Kidd was an act of desperation. His drunken accomplice, Moore, constantly urged Kidd to pursue a wealthy prize. Exasperated, Kidd struck Moore with a heavy tankard, accidentally killing him.
A Fallen Hero
With the war between England and France ending, Kidd's privateering commission became a liability. He was branded an outlaw and returned to England, where he stood trial. The key evidence—his royal commission—conveniently vanished from the case file.
Political Intrigues
Kidd's trial became part of a political squabble between the Tories and Whigs. To prevent the exposure of corruption within the highest echelons of power, they rushed the proceedings and sentenced Kidd to death. His execution was hasty and unceremonious.
The Buried Fortune
Despite the confiscation of his property, the government recovered only a paltry sum. The legendary treasures amassed by Captain Kidd remain lost to this day, a source of endless fascination and speculation.
Literary Inspiration
The tale of William Kidd's hidden wealth caught the imagination of Edgar Allan Poe, who featured a portion of the missing treasure in his short story "The Gold-Bug."
