itself. Livingston also gave bonds in the sum of ten thousand
pounds that Kidd would be faithful to his trust and obedient to his
orders, which in itself is sufficient to show that this shipmaster was
a man of the best intentions, and of thoroughly proven worth.

Captain Kidd's privateering commission was issued by the High Court of
Admiralty on December 11, 1695, and licensed and authorized him to "set
forth in war-like manner in the said ship called the _Adventure
Galley_, under his own command, and therewith, by force of arms, to
apprehend, seize, and take the ships, vessels, and goods belonging to
the French King and his subjects, or inhabitants within the dominion of
the said French King, and such other ships, vessels, and goods as are
or shall be liable to confiscation," etc.

This document was of the usual tenor, but in addition, Captain Kidd was
granted a special royal commission, under the Great Seal, which is
given herewith because it so intimately concerned the later fortunes of
his noble partners:

WILLIAM REX.

WILLIAM THE THIRD, by the Grace of God, King of England, Scotland,
France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, etc. To our trusty and
well beloved Captain William Kidd, Commander of the ship _Adventure
Galley_, or to any other, the commander of the same for the time being,
GREETING:

Whereas, we are informed that Captain Thomas Tew, John Ireland, Capt.
Thomas Wake, and Capt. William Maze, and other subjects, natives, or
inhabitants of New York and elsewhere, in our plantations in America,
have associated themselves with divers other wicked and ill-disposed
persons, and do, against the law of nations, commit many and great
piracies, robberies, and depredations on the seas upon the parts of
America and in other parts, to the great hindrance and discouragement
of trade and navigation, and to the great danger and hurt of our loving
subjects, our allies, and of all others navigating the seas upon their
lawful occasions,

NOW, KNOW YE, that we being desirous to prevent the aforesaid mischief,
and as much as in us lies, to bring the said pirates, freebooters, and
sea rovers to justice, have thought fit, and do hereby give and grant
to the said Robert Kidd (to whom our Commissioners for exercising the
office of Lord High Admiral of England have granted a commission as a
private man-of-war, bearing date of the 11th day of December, 1695),
and unto the Commander of the said ship for the time being,