He wrote to his friends in England imploring, remonstrating, complaining of their lamentable want of public spirit.

Six thousand pounds would be enough.

That sum would be repaid, and repaid with large interest, from the sale of prizes; and an inestimable benefit would be conferred on the kingdom and on the world.

His urgency succeeded.
Shrewsbury and Romney contributed.

Orford, though, as first Lord of the Admiralty, he had been unwilling to send Kidd to the Indian ocean with a king's ship, consented to subscribe a thousand pounds.