NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. 253 



tion-house. After reporting to you my unsuccessful attempts to 

 bring the mutineers to a sense of their duty, I proceeded, in 

 obedience to your orders, to inspect the positions occupied by the 

 troops at the outside of the Plantation-house enclosure : after re- 

 porting which, I was about to assume the command, when I was 

 called back by the Town Major, and informed, it was your wish 

 that I should meet the mutineers, who had possession of the Lieu- 

 tenant-Ciovernor's person, and once more point out to them, the 

 folly and madness of their persevering in such outrageous con- 

 duct, and to advise them to surrender. This command I executed ; 

 and prevailed on the uiutineers to halt in a deep valley, where I 

 knew they would be completely commanded by our troops and 

 guns. Wlien here, I endeavoured to prevail on them to acquaint 

 me with the nature of their grievances, in order that I might lay it 

 before you: but no one in particular would come forward and 

 speak. At length, seeing Robert Kelly of the grenadiers near 

 me, I desired him to declare what it was they had to complain of, 

 promising him that he should not be considered as a principal in 

 the mutiny in consequence of his speaking. He began, by stat- 

 ing the hardships tliey were under on account of dress, ornaments, 

 &c. &c. ; but was interrupted by many of his associates, who 

 called out to him, " Speak the truth, Kelly, you know it is not 

 that ;" upon which he turned away, saying, as he retired, " the 

 men never had a more comfortable dress than they have now." 

 What I at length understand to be the real cause of complaint, 

 I reported to you that night. 



As I continued to be employed by you in treating witli the 

 mutineers, I had no opportunity of remaining with the troops in 

 command, until after the surrender : but from time to time I gave 

 such intimations to Major Kinnaird, as appeared to me neces- 



