The President and Council of Nevis to James Vernon, 1699 May 18

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Your Letter of the 23d. November last in relation to that notorious
Pyrate Captain Kidd came safe to Our hands and shall take
particular care to put the same in execution and in order
thereto have sent Coppies thereof to the Lieutant or Deputy Governor
of each respective Island under this Government. Since which
Wee have had this following account of said Kidd (vizt.) that hee
lately came from Madagascar in a large Genoese Vessell of
about 400 Tons, 30 Guns mounted & 80 men, and in his way
for these parts his men mutinyed and 30 of them lost their
lives, that his Vesselll is very leaky & that they are very much
in want of provisions, & that Severall of his men have
deserted him soe that he has not above 25 or 30 hands on
board. about 20 days since he touched at Angulla a
small Island under this Government where he tarryed about
four hours; but being refused Succour sailed thence for the
Island of St. Thomas's (and Island belonging to the Crowne of
Denmarke) and anchored off that Harbour; three days in
which time he treated with them alsoe for releif, but the
Governour absolutely denying him he bore away further to
Leaward (as 'tis beleived) for porto Rico or Crabb Island;
Upon which advice Wee forthwith ordered his Majestys Ship
Queenborough now attending this Government Captain Rupert
Billingsly Commander to make the best of his way after
him, and in case he met him, to secure him with his
men, Vessell and Effects, and bring them up hither,
that

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that no Imbezlement may be made, but that they may bee
Secured till Wee have given you advice thereof; And his
Majestys pleasure relating thereto can be known, Wee shall
by the first Conveniencie transmitt the like accoount of him to
the Governor of Jamaica; so that if he go further to
Leeward, due care may be taken to Secure him there; As
for those men that 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 returne of
his Majestys grigatt shall be able to give you a more ample
Account hereof Wee are with all due respects

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Copy./ A
The President and Councill
of Nevis.
18th. May. 1699./