Page "William Kidd" Paragraph 10

Because of Kidd's refusal to salute, the Navy vessel's captain retaliated by pressing much of Kidd's crew into naval service, this despite rampant protests.

Thus short-handed, Kidd sailed for New York City, capturing a French vessel en route ( which was legal under the terms of his commission ).

To make up for the lack of officers, Kidd picked up replacement crew in New York, the vast majority of whom were known and hardened criminals, some undoubtedly former pirates.