passes are restored to me, unlesse I would be accessary to
my own destruction,[3] for though I can make proof that the ships I
took had such passes, I am advised by Council, that It will little
avail me without producing the passes themselves. I was in great
Consternation when I was before that great Assembly, Your Hon'ble
House, which with the disadvantages of a mean Capacity, want of
Education, and a Spirit Cramped by Long Confinem't, made me Uncapable
of representing my Case; and I have therefore presumed to send your
Honor a short and true state of It, which I humbly beg Your Honors
perusall, and Communication of to the House, if you think it worthy
their Notice.[4]

[Footnote 3: So when first arraigned, he tried to avoid pleading
(_ibid._, 287), but he was tried first for the murder of William
Moore, on which the passes had no bearing. William Moore was an
insubordinate gunner; after an altercation, Kidd hit him on the head
with a bucket, and he died. It was probably manslaughter, but the jury
sustained the indictment for murder. After being condemned for murder,
Kidd was tried (unfairly in several particulars) and condemned for
piracy.]

[Footnote 4: Not doc. no. 88, I judge, but more probably the "Protest"
printed in _Portland MSS._, VIII. 78-80, a statement of Kidd's case
which he had drawn up at Boston and on arrival in the Downs had sent
to Orford.]

I humbly crave leave to acquaint Your Honor that I was not privy to my
being sent for up to Your House the second time, nor to the paper
lately printed in my name[5] (both which may justly give Offence to
the House) but I owe the first to a Coffeeman in the Court of Wards
who designed to make a shew of me, for his profit; and the latter was
done by one Newy a prisoner in Newgate to get money for his support,
at the hazard of my safety.

[Footnote 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.]

I humbly beg the Compassion and protection of the Hon'ble House of
Commons, and Your Honors intercession with them on behalfe of

Your Honors

Most Dutifull and Distressed Serv't

WM. KIDD.

_88. William Kidd to