n to find him out and seize him shall
be used on my part that can be, with the assistance of a heavy, crazy
Vessell, miscalled a Cruizer, that is ordered to attend upon me."

The first news of Kidd was received from the officials of the island of
Nevis who wrote Secretary Vernon on May 18, 1699, as follows:

Your letter of 23rd, November last in relation to that notorious Pirate
Capt. Kidd came safe to our hands ... have sent copies thereof to the
Lieut, or Deputy Governor of each respective island under this
Government: since which we have had this following acct. of the said
Kidd:

That he lately came from Mallagascoe,[5] in a large Gennowese vessell
of about foure hundred Tons; Thirty Guns mounted and eighty men. And
in his way from those partes his men mutiny 'd and thirty of them lost
their lives: That his Vessell is very leaky; and that several of his
men have deserted him soe that he has not above five and twenty or
thirty hands on board. About twenty days since he landed at Anguilla
... where he tarry'd about foure hours; but being refused Succour
sailed thence for the Island of St. Thomas ... and anchored off that
harbour three dayes, in which time he treated with them alsoe for
relief; but the Governor absolutely Denying him, he bore away further
to Leeward (as tis believ'd) for Porto Rico or Crabb Island. Upon
which advice We forthwith ordered his Majestie's Ship _Queensborough_,
now attending this Government, Capt. Rupert Billingsly, Commander, to
make the best of his way after him. And in case he met with his men,
vessell and effects, to bring them upp hither.

That no Imbezzlem't may be made, but that they may be secured until we
have given you advice thereof, and his Majestie's pleasure relating
thereto can be knowne, we shall by the first conveyance transmitt ye
like account of him to the Governor of Jamaica. So that if he goes
farther to Leeward due care may be taken to secure him there. As for
those men who have deserted him, we have taken all possible care to
apprehend them, especially if they come within the districts of this
Government, and hope on return of his Majestie's frigate we shall be
able to give you a more ample acct. hereof.

We are with all due Respect:

Rt. Hon'ble,
YOUR MOST OBEDT. HUMBLE SERVANTS.

Kidd dodged all this hue and cry and was mightily anxious to get in
touch with Bellomont without loss of time. He bought at Curacoa,
through the accommodating Henry Bo