Shiver Me Timbers...

Argh shiver me timbers me hearties! On this day in 1701 notorious British privateer William Kidd, more popularly known as Captain Kidd, was hanged for murder and piracy. Kidd was born in Strathclyde, Scotland he went on to become a sea captain before he settled in New York in 1690. Here he married and owned property, ironically he was authorised by American colonies to capture enemy privateers who plagued the coast.  His first venture into piracy of his own was in 1698 when he captured an Indian vessel named the Quedagh Merchant. The ship had been supposedly sailing under a French pass and had an English captain. It was this that had angered the British who knew the boat to be loaded with various treasures. 

It was all but confirmed piracy in the eyes of the British government when Captain Kidd sailed to St. Mary's in Madagascar. The port was well known to be an infamous buccaneer oasis. From here, he traveled to the West Indies and was informed of the piracy charges against him. He decided to sail to New York and clear his name, claiming the Quedagh Merchant was a 'lawful prize'. 

It didn't wash with the authorities and he was arrested and taken to London.
In 1701 he was on trial for one charge of murder and five charges of piracy. He was convicted on all counts and was sentenced to hang on May 23 1701. Years after his death his story grew into a vibrant myth which included accounts of buried treasure which fortune seekers have pursued till this day. However you don't need a map to find pirate treasures which will gift you, oh no just visit us at Personal Touch Gifts today!