More than Just Kidd's Play.

The article discusses privateer and convicted pirate Captain William Kidd. It argues that his financial backers, who included notable Whig politicians: first Lord of the Admiralty Edward Russell, Lord Orford; Keeper of the Great Seal and privy council member Lord John Somers; and secretary of state Charles Talbol, Earl of Shrewsbury; turned away from him prior to his trial to avoid political scandal. Other topics include the East India Company, his arrest by Governor of New York Richard Coote, Earl of Bellomont, and the threat to Great Britain's colonial administration by smuggling and piracy.