THE BREAD-FRUIT. 417 



six remained true to the commander ; and one of 

 them, Mr. Samuel, the clerk, contrived to save Mr. 

 Biin-h's commission and journals ; but he failed in 

 attempting: to procure Bligh's surveys, drawings, 

 and remarks during- fifteen years, which were ex- 

 ceedingly valuable, and the time-keeper. Four of 

 the men, who kept their allegiance, were detained 

 by the mutineers contrary to their wishes. The cause 

 of this singular mutiny, for which none of the usual 

 motives could very well account, could not with cer- 

 tainty be known ; but it w as generally supposed that 

 the instigator was Mr. Christian, one of the master's 

 mates. Bligh himself says, in his most interesting 

 account of this voyage and mutiny, " It will natu- 

 rally be asked what could be the cause of this revolt ? 

 In answer, I can only conjecture that the mutineers 

 had flattered themselves with the hope of a happier 

 life among the Otaheitans than they could possibly 

 enjoy in England.'" 



Tims, after they had made certain of the successful 

 termination of an enterprise which was looked upon 

 with a great deal of interest, both in a scientific and 

 an economical point of view, Bligh was disappointed 

 — and he and his faithful associates were sent adrift 

 upon the wide ocean, in an open boat, with only an 

 hundred and fifty pounds of bread, a few pieces of 

 pork, a little wine and rum, a quadrant and compass, 

 and a few other implements of navigation. But they 

 were updavmted, and they were skilful ; and though 

 they had hard weather to contend with, they reached 

 Tofba, one of the Friendly Islands. But as the jjeople 

 there were as treacherous, though not quite so suc- 

 cessful in their treachery, as their former shipmates, 

 they again put to sea, and stood for New Holland, 

 which they reached in safety ; rested for a little, and 

 got a supply of provisions. From New Holland they 

 again sailed in the direction of the Eastern Archipe- 



2o 



