CAPTAIN KIDD'S EXECUTION. 



diner, the owner of the island, whom he placed under the most 

 solemn injunction to secrecy, buried a quantity of gold, silver, 

 and precious stones. 



After satisfying his crew by such a division of the remainder 

 as they considered equitable, he dismissed them, and had the 

 audacity to appear in the streets of Boston in the dress of a 

 gentleman of leisure. Bellamont, who was Governor of Massa- 

 chusetts and New Hampshire as well as of New York, met him, 

 caused his arrest, and sent him to England for trial. He was 

 arraigned for the murder of the gunner of his ship, whom he 

 had killed with a bucket. Being convicted, he was hung in 

 chains at Execution Dock on the 12th of May, 1701. The 

 ballad which was written upon his death has survived, and is a 

 favorable specimen of doggerel versification. We subjoin the 

 most striking stanzas : 



My name was William Kidd when I sail'd, when I sail'd ; 



My name was William Kidd when I sail'd ; 

 My name was William Kidd, God's laws I did forbid, 



And so wickedly I did, when I sail'd. 



I cursed my father dear when I sail'd, when I sail'd ; 



I cursed my father dear when I sail'd ; 

 I cursed my father dear, and her that did me bear, 



And so wickedly did swear, when I sail'd. 



I'd a Bible in my hand when I sail'd, when I sail'd ; 



I'd a Bible in my hand when I sail'd ; 

 I'd a Bible in my hand, by my father's great command, 

 , And I sunk it in the sand, when I sail'd. 



I murder'd William Moore as I sail'd, as I sail'd ; 



I murder'd William Moore as I sail'd ; 

 I murder'd William Moore, and left him in his gore, 



Not many leagues from shore, as I sail'd. 



And being cruel still, as I sail'd, as I sail'd, 



And being cruel still, as I sail'd, 

 And being cruel still, my gunner I did kill, 



And his precious blood did spill, as I sail'd. 



My mate was sick and died as I sail'd, as I sail'd; 

 My mate was sick and died as I sail'd ; 



