254 THE SEA. 



will show. Their hammocks were fastened to their backs, with an 18-pounder bar-shot 

 as a weight; their hands were tied together, likewise their feet. They were then made fast 

 to a tackle suspended from a yard-arm, and hauled up almost to the block; at the word 

 of command they were dropped suddenly in the sea, where they were allowed to remain a 

 minute. They were again hoisted up, and the process repeated, until about every sign of 

 life had fled. The unfortunate victims were then hoisted up by the heels ; this was 

 considerately done to get rid of the water from their stomachs. They were then put 

 to bed in their wet hammocks. 



On June 6th the mutinous fleet was joined by the Agamemnon, Leopard, Ardent,. 

 and Iris men-of-war, and the Ranger sloop, which vessels basely deserted from a squadron 

 under Admiral Duncan, sent to blockade the Texel. Shortly after, a number of vessels 

 of the line arrived at the mouth of the Thames, and still further augmented the ranks of 

 the mutineers. By this means eleven vessels were added to the list. Duncan, gallant old 

 salt as he was, when he found himself deserted by the greater part of his fleet, called his 

 own ship's crew (the Venerable, 74) together, and addressed them in the following speech : 



" My lads, I once more call you together with a sorrowful heart, from what I have 

 lately seen of the dissatisfaction of the fleets : I call it dissatisfaction, for the crews have no 

 grievances. To be deserted by my fleet, in the face of an enemy, is a disgrace which, I 

 believe, never before happened to a British admiral, nor could I have supposed it possible. 

 My greatest comfort under God is, that I have been supported by the officers, ?eamen, and 

 marines of this ship ; for which, with a heart overflowing with gratitude, I request you 

 to accept my sincere thanks. I flatter myself much good may result from your example, 

 by bringing these deluded people to a sense of their duty, which they owe, not only to 

 their king and country, but to themselves. 



" The British Navy has ever been the support of that liberty which has been handed 

 down to us by our ancestors, and which I think we shall maintain to the latest posterity ; 

 and that can only be done by unanimity and obedience. This ship's company, and others 

 who have distinguished themselves by their loyalty and good order, deserve to be, and 

 doubtless will be, the favourites of a grateful country. They will also have, from their 

 inward feelings, a comfort which will be lasting, and not like the bloating and false 

 confidence of those who have swerved from their duty. 



"It has often been my pride with you to look into the Texel, and see a foe which 

 dreaded coming out to meet us ; my pride is now humbled indeed ! my feelings are not 

 easily expressed ! Our cup has overflowed and made us wanton. The all-wise Providence 

 has given us this check as a warning, and I hope we shall improve by it. On Him then 

 let us trust, where our only security may be found. I find there are many good men 

 amongst us; for my own part, I have had full confidence of all in this ship, and once 

 more beg to express my approbation of your conduct. 



" May God, who has thus far conducted you, continue so to do ; and may the British 

 Navy, the glory and support of our country, be restored to its wonted splendour, and be 

 not only the bulwark of Britain, but the terror of the world. 



"But this can only be effected by a strict adherence to our duty and obedience; and 

 let us pray that the Almighty God may keep us in the right way of thinking. 



