He says himself in his statement, that "he was sent to Salem by Mr.Stoughton"-- the Deputy Governor, and Chief-Justice of the Special Court that had condemned and executed Bridget Bishop, and which was now about to meet again.
Before the meeting of the magistrates, Master Raymond had managed to have a few words with him in private, and found that no arrangements with any skipper had yet been made.

The first negotiations had fallen through, and there was no other foreign vessel at that time in port whose master possessed what Captain Alden considered the requisite trustworthiness and daring.

For he wanted a skipper that would show fight if he was pursued and overtaken; not that any actual fighting would probably be necessary, for a simple show of resistance would doubtless be all that was needed.
"When I get back to Boston, I think I shall be able to arrange matters in the course of a week or two." "What--in Boston jail ?" queried Master Raymond.
"You do not suppose the magistrates will commit me on such a trumped-up nonsensical charge as this ?" said the stout old captain indignantly.
"Indeed I do," was the reply.
"Why, there is not a particle of truth in it.

I never saw these girls.

I never even heard of their being in existence." "Oh, that makes no difference." "The devil it doesn't!" said the old man, hotly.