4. From Philanthropist and Socialite to Pirate
At the close of the seventeenth century, one of New York City’s leading citizens was the Scotsman William Kidd (circa 1645 – 1701). A prominent philanthropist and socialite, Kidd became personal friends with at least three New York governors. Among his philanthropic activities was the lead role he played in building NYC’s now historic Trinity Church. There was thus little in Kidd’s background to indicate that he would end up swinging from the gallows, executed as the notorious pirate, Captain Kidd.
Kidd’s first sea command was as a privateer, commissioned in 1689 by the governor of Nevis to fight the French. He was granted what was known as “letters of marque”, authorizing him to prey on French vessels for the duration of hostilities between Britain and France. Later, he was issued additional letters of marque by the governors of New York and the Massachusetts Bay Colony.