Captain Kidd and His Skeleton Island: the Discovery of a Strange Secret Hidden for Centuries

Book excerpt: Lord Birkenhead expressed the opinion that Captain William Kidd had "a scrupulously fair" trial when he was indicted at the Old Bailey for murder and piracy. From diligent research, the author of this book, Harold T. Wilkins, is able to show that the exact reverse was the case - that the Captain Kidd was railroaded to the gallows. Documents vital to Kidd's defense were withheld, he was refused the aid of counsel, and he was made the scapegoat for certain Whig politicians who were interested in cashing in on his privateering ventures. Wilkins presents papers and documents hitherto unknown to the public. The Captain's own charts, retrieved from their ingenious hiding places, are published for the first time. Someday, these manuscripts may aid in the recovery of actual treasure by those who can decipher the symbols.