historical. 
21 
Of f.lie Governor, they thought to render their undertaking 
more likely of success by proceeding at first in quite an 
opposite direction, to gain possession of Colonel Broughton, the 
Lieutenant-Governor, who resided at Long wood, and retain him as 
a hostage. An incorrect rumour of their intention reached the 
Lovernor, who continues his statement thus : 
“ half-past seven o’clock I received a report that the mutinous 
troops intended to proceed to Longwood, for the purpose of getting 
possession of some field-pieces and ammunition. Upon hearing 
tins, although I did not know how far it might be depended on I 
sent an express to the Lieutenant-Governor, in which I suggested 
. 6 advance of some held-pieces to oppose the mutineers if thev 
should move in that direction.” 
The mutineers, however, some 120 in number, arrived at 
Longwood before the Lieutenant-Governor was fully prepared for 
them, and, taking him by surprise, they compelled him to march with 
them towards Plantation House, the Governor’s residence. 
In the meantime the Governor had made his position strong with 
what faithful soldiers he could command, augmented by the volun- 
teers or Island militia (which had been called out by a general alarm) 
amounting altogether to about 130 men. 
Intelligence of the mutineers’ proceedings seems to have preceded 
them in their march, and to have reached the Governor, for he 
continues; “This information gave me at first some uneasiness, 
on account of the danger to which my friend and colleague would be 
exposed in the intended attack upon the mutinous troops ; but there 
was no alternative, for however much I value the life of Colonel 
Broughton, I could not permit considerations of a private nature 
to interfere with my public duties, nor to deter me from carrying 
into execution the plans I had formed, which were imperiously 
necessary for restoring military subordination and the peace and 
order of this settlement. 1 
“Ai the same time I considered it proper to make an attempt to 
rescue his person from the impending danger. I therefore wrote a 
pencil note to Captain Sampson, directing him to advance with 
thirty chosen men, and with these it was intended to form an 
ambuscade on the left flank of the mutinous column, and to com- 
mence the attack by giving them one fire in such a manner as to 
avoid Colonel Broughton (who might be distinctly seen by the two 
