NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. 277 



Hunter), was one essential part of their plan. And as I strongly 

 suspected there was none but rifle ammunition in the laboratory, 

 I recommended that the ammunition at the main guard, should 

 instantly be destroyed by water ; and that Lieutenant Hunter 

 should be apprised of the intentions of the mutineers, which was 

 accordingly done. 



I remained a few minutes in the lower street with Lindsey, a 

 soldier, (who has since been tried for joining the mutineers, and 

 pardoned), and stated to him what I had heard, relative to the 

 intentions of some of the infantry. He declared he knew nothing 

 of it : and he was resolved to have nothing to do with it ; and 

 also that he would go and dissuade any who might be inclined 

 to join them. I then went to the foot of Ladder Hill road, where 

 I found William Boyles, private, centinel, whose steady and 

 soldier-like conduct I witnessed, and therefore as it reflected the 

 highest credit on him, I must embrace this opportunity of recom- 

 mending him to your favour. I spoke much to him upon the 

 subject of the intended mutiny that night, and found his infor- 

 mation corresponded with what I had before learned. This 

 soldier then most solemnly swore, that not one of them should 

 pass his post if he could prevent it : I told him my determination ; 

 and whilst I spoke, I heard a body of men rushing down the 

 street, crying out, " Fire ! fire ! stand out of the way !" I got 

 in amongst them, and ordered them to stop and go back to their 

 barracks : saying, with a voice sufliciently loud for them to hear, 

 " that if they had grievances, they would be redressed in the 

 morning." But this had no effect ; and the greater part of them 

 continued rushing towards the main guard. I seized many of 

 them ; but others forced their way ; amongst whom was Dougle 

 Fraser, private, who was intoxicated. He said they had been 

 two years representing their grievances, but could obtain no 



