212 NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. 



the name of soldiers ; and to shew they are capable, (and willing 

 too,) of sustaining such privations as it may one day be their lot 

 to suffer ? For shame ! AVhat a striking contrast to the conduct 

 of this stationary garrison, is that of those brave fellows who are 

 at present gallantly fighting in Spain and Portugal ! No murmurs 

 are heard of there, although the armies are exposed to the rigour 

 of the seasons, to many privations, and to long and harrassing 

 marches. 



" The Governor is disposed to believe that this spirit of discon- 

 tent, which was so strongly, and most improperly, manifested 

 from Friday morning to Sunday evening, could not have been 

 produced otherwise than by some few malicious persons, who 

 liave been but too successful in misleading others. This, indeed, 

 may be justly inferred from some of the men having actually made 

 purchases of potatoes, and afterwards returned them ; evidently 

 because those advisers had persuaded them not to take them at 

 the former price, of which there never before was the smallest 

 complaint. — This led to an inconsiderate declaration that they 

 imist have the potatoes lowered to four shillings. What could 

 reasonably be expected from such conduct? Could any set of 

 men for a moment persuade themselves that this was a mode of 

 obtaining their ends? Weak, indeed, must that man be who 

 would yield to such combination. — If he did, he would need to 

 hide his face, and despise himself for ever. 



" Although the Giovernor has deemed it proper, on this occa- 

 sion, to declare these as his most decided and unalterable senti- 

 ments ; yet he must, at the same time, assure every person on 

 this island, that he never has been, nor ever will be, inclined to 

 commit a single act of oppression towards any individual. He will 

 dothe strictest justice to all. He will act most fairly and uprightly 

 between them and his honourable employers ; he will pay the 



