They were to account for all goods and valuables captured in the rovers' possession: one-tenth was to be reserved for the Crown, the rest being assigned to them to recoup their expenditure.
The _Adventure_ carried thirty guns and rowed twenty-six or thirty oars.
In May, 1696, Kidd sailed from Plymouth for New York with a crew of about seventy men.

On the way he captured a small French vessel, which was properly condemned, and the proceeds helped to complete the equipment of the _Adventure_.

In New York he filled up his crew to one hundred and fifty-five men, and people shook their heads when they saw the men of doubtful character that he enlisted.

It was felt at the time that, either his intentions were dishonest, or he was taking a crew that he would be unable to control.

The men were promised shares of what should be taken, while Kidd himself was to have forty shares.