Meaning: The quote "I do not care so much for the death of my gunner, as for other passages of my voyage, for I have good friends in England that will bring me off for that" is attributed to the notorious Scottish pirate William Kidd. This quote reflects his callous disregard for the lives of his crew members and his confidence in the support he believed he had from influential allies in England.

William Kidd, also known as Captain Kidd, was active during the late 17th century and is often remembered as one of the most infamous pirates in history. Born in Scotland, Kidd began his career as a privateer, authorized by the English government to attack and loot enemy ships during times of war. However, he later turned to piracy, preying on both merchant and military vessels in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.

The quote captures Kidd's unapologetic and ruthless nature, as he prioritizes his personal interests and alliances over the lives of his crew members. His willingness to sacrifice a member of his crew, referred to as the "gunner," in favor of advancing his own goals reflects the harsh realities of life at sea during the age of piracy. It also sheds light on the cutthroat mentality that characterized many pirate leaders of the time, who often placed their own ambitions and survival above the well-being of their subordinates.

Kidd's mention of "other passages of my voyage" suggests that he was more concerned with the overall success of his expeditions and the attainment of his objectives than with any individual's fate. This further emphasizes his single-minded pursuit of wealth and power, traits that were common among pirates seeking fortune through plunder and intimidation.

The latter part of the quote reveals Kidd's confidence in the support he believed he had from his connections in England. He expresses certainty that his "good friends" in England would protect him from the consequences of his actions, including the death of his gunner. This hints at the political and social complexities of the time, as well as the potential for corruption and collusion between pirates and influential figures in various European nations.

Kidd's reliance on his purported connections in England to absolve him of responsibility for his actions highlights the blurred lines between piracy, privateering, and the interests of state powers during the golden age of piracy. It also speaks to the challenges of enforcing maritime law and holding individuals like Kidd accountable for their crimes in an era when international waters were often lawless and difficult to govern.

In conclusion, the quote attributed to William Kidd provides a glimpse into the mindset of a notorious pirate whose actions and attitudes epitomized the ruthless and self-serving nature of piracy during the 17th century. It reflects Kidd's disregard for the lives of his crew members, his unwavering pursuit of personal gain, and his belief in the protection of influential allies. This quote serves as a reminder of the complex historical context in which piracy thrived and the enduring fascination with the lives and exploits of infamous figures like Captain Kidd.