See also 1695 in piracy, Other events in 1696, 1697 in piracy, and Timeline of piracy.
This article covers 1696 in piracy.
Events Europe Undated – 24 of Henry Every's pirates are arrested in Ireland and England. Every eludes capture and is never seen again. January 26 – William Kidd issued a letter of marque by King William III of England. May – Kidd sets sail from Plymouth, England en route to New York City aboard the Adventure Galley.
North America September – Kidd leaves New York on the Adventure Galley.
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