“I am honoured with your Lordship’s letter of the 19th instant by Mr. Campbell, which came to my hands this day. For which I return my most hearty thanks. I cannot but blame myself for not writing to your Lordship before this time, knowing it was my duty: but the clamours and false stories that have been reported of me, made me fearful of visiting or coming into any harbour, till I could hear from your Lordship.
“I note the contents of your Lordship’s letter, as to what Mr. Emmot and Mr. Campbell informed your Lordship of my proceedings I do affirm to be true, and a great deal more might be said of the abuses of my men, and the hardships I have undergone to preserve the ship and what goods my men had left. Ninety-five men went away from me in one day and went on board the Moca Frigate, Captain Robert Culliford, Commander, who went away to the Red Sea; and committed several acts of piracy, as I am informed; and am afraid (the men formerly belonging to my Galley) that the report is gone home against me to the East India Company, that I have been the actor. A sheet of paper will not contain what may be said of the care I took to preserve the owners’ interest, and to come home to clear my own innocency. I do further declare and protest that I never did in the least act contrary to the King’s Commission, nor to the reputation of my honourable owners, and doubt not but that I shall be able to make my innocence appear; or else I had no need to come to these parts of the world; if it were not for that and my owners’ interest. There are Five or Six Passengers that came from Madagascar to assist me in bringing the ship home, and about ten of my own men, that came with me would not venture to go into Boston, till Mr. Campbell had engaged Body for Body for them that they should not be molested while I stayed at Boston, or till I return with the ship. I doubt not but your Lordship will write to England in my favour and for these few men who are left.
“I wish your Lordship would persuade Mr. Campbell to go home to England with your Lordship’s letters, who will be able to give account of our affairs and diligently follow the same that there may be a speedy answer from England. I desired Mr. Campbell to buy 1000 weight of Rigging for fitting of the ship to bring her to Boston, that I may not be delayed when I come there.
“Upon receiving of your Lordship’s letter, I am making the best of my way to Boston. This with my humble duty to your Lordship and Countess, is what offers from, my Lord, your Excellency’s most humble and dutiful servant,
“William Kidd.”
On the first of July he brought the sloop and the remnant of his crew into the port of Boston, conscious of his integrity and relying on the word and honour of Bellamont. It may well be doubted whether any man in equally trying circumstances has ever been truer to his trust.