264 NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. 



pistol shot of the mutineers. Our force then amounted to about 

 90 rank and file, and, I believe, ten officers. Major Kinnaird 

 took me to reconnoitre, and I observed it would be impossible for 

 the mutineers to escape, as they were completely impounded ; 

 and in the worst possible position they could have chosen. From 

 this time, being under the command of Major Kinnaird, I have 

 nothing to communicate but what you will be informed of by 

 that officer. 



I have the honour to remain. Sir, 



your obedient and humble Servant, 



C. SAMPSON, 



James's Fort, SOth December, 1811. Captain of Infantry, 



tt. Captain Braid's Report. 



On Monday, the 23d of December, 1811, I was on the duty of 

 Captain of the day ; and in the evening I determined, in company 

 with Captain Barnes, to remain at the house of Mr. Everton, near 

 the barracks, where we could have the earliest intelligence of 

 whatever might occur ; and from which situation we could, in 

 some measure, observe the conduct of the men in barracks. 



At about a quarter before ten o'clock, we perceived an unusual 

 bustle and noise in one of the barrack rooms opposite to us ; and 

 it soon became evident, that the men of the St. Helena regiment 

 were turning out into the Barrack Square, with arms and ac- 

 coutrements. 



We proceeded towards the barrack gate, and were joined by 

 Lieutenants Thorn and F. Scale. The gate was locked ; but we 

 could easily perceive the mutineers were assembling rapidly 

 inside. I instantly dispatched Lieutenant F. Scale (who volun- 

 teered his service) to give information of these circumstances to 



