Complex sentence: From September 1862 to April 1863 no less than 30 ships set out, but because profit was the main motive, many ship captains resorted to dishonest tactics and even kidnapping to fill their ships.
Split into simpler sentences: From September 1862 to April 1863, no less than 30 ships set out. Because profit was the main motive, many ship captains resorted to dishonest tactics and kidnapping to fill their ships.