He crossed the Atlantic, visited New York, and there found volunteers in abundance.

At length, in February 1697, he sailed from the Hudson with a crew of more than a hundred and fifty men, and in July reached the coast of Madagascar.
It is possible that Kidd may at first have meant to act in accordance with his instructions.

But, on the subject of piracy, he held the notions which were then common in the North American colonies; and most of his crew were of the same mind.

He found himself in a sea which was constantly traversed by rich and defenceless merchant ships; and he had to determine whether he would plunder those ships or protect them.

The gain which might be made by plundering them was immense, and might be snatched without the dangers of a battle or the delays of a trial.