20 FAREWELL TO OTAHEITE. 
plan and section of the Bounty, showing the 
manner of fitting and stowing the pots for 
receiving the bread-fruit plants. Of these 
plants he had 1,015. 
It is probable that Bligh would have been 
spared much trouble and misery had he 
quitted Otaheite sooner; but he had been 
prevailed upon by the kindness of the chiefs 
to delay his departure ; and during the inter- 
change of friendly civilities, and hospitable 
receptions, both on board the Bounty, and on 
shore, three of the men belonging to the 
ship, of whom more will be said presently, 
deserted, taking with them the small cutter, 
a chest of fire-arms and ammunition. They 
were soon captured by Bligh, with the help 
of some of the natives at a neighbouring 
island, Tettaha. These three deserters wrote 
a letter of humble acknowledgment to their 
captain, for his clemency in not bringing them 
to trial, and promised good conduct in future : 
but they were very soon afterwards mutineers. 
Their letter was dated January 26th, 1789, 
three months before Bligh and his com- 
panions, with heavy hearts, bade farewell to 
charming Otaheite. 
