83 



the yams would be next seized, as Mr. Bligh knew they had purchased 

 large quantities of them, and they set about secreting as many as they 

 could." 



Then follows the story of the mutiny — " On the morning of the 

 28th, the boatswain came to my hammock and waked me, telling me to 

 my great surprise that the ship was taken by Mr. Christian. I hurried on 

 deck and found it true, as Mr. Bligh had his hands tied behind him, and 

 Mr. Christian was standing by him with a drawn bayonet in his hand. 

 Several of the men were under arms, the small cutter was hoisted out, 

 and the large one being got ready. I asked the boatswain how I should 

 proceed, but he was as much at a loss as I, and in a confused manner 

 told me to lend a hand in clearing the boat and getting her out, which I 

 did. When she was out the smaller one was got in again, and Mr. 

 Christian ordered Churchill to see the master and clerk into the boat. 

 Mr. Bligh then tried to reason with Mr. Christian, but the latter replied, 

 'Silence ! not a word or death's your portion.' When Mr. Bligh found 

 that he must go, he begged of Mr. Christian to desist, saying, ' I'll pa-\\Ti 

 my honour, I'll give my bond, Mr. Christian, never to think of this if 

 you'll desist,' and urged the consideration of his wife and family. To 

 this Mr. Christian replied, 'No, Captain BHgh, if you possessed any 

 honour things had not come to this ; and if you had any regard for your 

 wife and family you should have thought of it before, and not behaved 

 so much like a villain.' Mr. Bligh attempted to speak again, but was 

 ordered to be silent ; the boatswain also tried to pacify Mr. Christain, 

 but he replied, 'It's too late; I have been in hell this fortnight past, and 

 am determined to bear it no longer; and you know, Mr. Cole, that I 

 have been used like a dog all the voyage.' In getting the things into 

 the boat a dispute happened between Churchill and the carpenter about 

 the tool chest, which Churchill wanted to keep in the ship, but by Mr. 

 Christian's orders it was allowed to go in the boat. The masts and sails 

 were also got in, and all the new canvas, with nails and saws, and Mr. 

 Bligh's and the master's clothes, two casks of water, three bags of bread, 

 Mr. Bligh's spirit case, some bottles of wine, and several other things. 

 Mr. Bligh was then brought to the gang-way, and his hands cast loose, 



