[5] I cannot identify this paper (probably a broadside), but the ingenious Newy was doubtless the author of Captain Charles Newy's Case, impartially laid open: or a ... Narrative of the Clandestine Proceedings aginst (sic) him, as it was hatched ... and ... carried on by Mrs. M. Newey, widdow (London, 1700), a pamphlet which I have not seen, but of which there is a copy in the British Museum.
88. William Kidd to Robert Harley [?]. May 12, 1701.[1]
S'r
The Sence of my present Condition (being under Condemnation) and the thoughts of haveing bene imposed on by such as seek't my destruction therby to fulfill their ambitious desieres makes me uncapable of Expressing my selfe in those terms as I ought, therefore doe most humbly pray that you will be pleased to represent to the Hon'bl. house of Commons that in my late proceedings in the Indies I have Lodged goods and Tresure to the value of one hundred thousand pounds[2] which I desiere the Government may have the benefitt of, in order thereto I shall desiere no manner of liberty but to be kept prisonner on board such shipp as may be appointed for that purpose, and only give the necessary directions, and in case I faile therein I desiere no favour but to be forthwith Executed acording to my Sentance. if y'r honbl. house will please to order a Committee to come to me I doubt not but to give such satisfaction as may obtaine mercy, most Humbly submitting to the wisdom of your great assembly I am
S'r Y'r Unfortunate humble servant
Wm. Kidd
New Gate
12th May 1701
[1] From the manuscripts of the Duke of Portland at Welbeck Abbey. See [doc. no. 87], and notes. The trials had taken place on May 8 and 9, and Kidd was now under sentence. He was hanged at Wapping on the shore of the Thames, May 23, 1701. The precept, or order for his execution, at Wapping "infra fluxum et refluxum maris" (i.e., between high-water and low-water mark, according to admiralty custom), is quoted in Marsden, Law and Custom of the Sea (Navy Records Society), II. 263.
[2] His first figure, as quoted by Bellomont in [doc. no. 77], was £30,000.
89. Captain Kid’s Farewel to the Seas; or, the Famous Pirate’s Lament. 1701.[1]
To the Tune of Coming down.