L. claimfd to have against the public. It was previous to this, however, that Livingston introduced his Lordship to that "most abandoned Villain" Capt. Kidd, between whom &. Mr. Livingston on the one part and Bellomont on the other, an agreement had been entered into to equip a privateer on shares for their mutual advantage.! Kidd shortly after deceived his associates and brought down trouble on all those who had been unfortunately, though innocently, connected with him. On the <leath of Lord Bellomont in 1701, the Leisler party, which was strong in power and had long been desirous to wreak vengeance on those who had brought their principal leaders to the gallows, called on Livingston to account for a large sum of money which had passed through his hands. Having failed to comply with this invitation, the Assembly demanded that he be deprived of all his offices, and passed an act sequestrating his estates until he should account. It became now incumbent on him to return once more to Europe. Previous to his departure, he had the tact to obtain from the Indians authority to act as their agent

t See Lond. Doc. xiii. 45G et seq. for the agreement between BeUomoiit, Liviug^stoa & Kidd, & Livingston's bond to Bellomont as security for Capt. Kidd.

MANOR or LIVINGSTON. 727

PETITION OF R. LIVINGSTON, JUN^.

To the Honourable George Clinton Captain General and Governour in chief over the Province of New York and Territories thereon depending in America Vice Admiral of the same and Admiral of the White Squadron of His Majesty's Fleet in Council. The Petition of Robert Livingston Junior of the Manor of Livingston in the County of Albany. Humbly Sheweth