STATE OF THE TIMES. 87 
taction." But then it had been alleged at the 
trial, that he had assisted in hoisting out the 
launch ; that he had been seen by the carpenter 
resting his hand on a cutlass ; and that he had 
laughed, on being called to by Bligh. His 
comments on these charges were forwarded by 
him to Lord Chatham, who then presided at the 
Admiralty. The explanations are very satis- 
factory, having the air of truth throughout. 
But he knew the unfavourable construction that 
might be put on doubtful acts ; and he was 
aware that he had been neutral on an occasion 
of trial and danger. 
Besides this, as a thoughtful person, he could 
not but be alive to the danger of his position, 
from the peculiar features of the offence of which 
he had been convicted. The year 1792 is me- 
morable for the active exertions of revolutionists 
and disaffected men in this country, on the one 
hand, and for the associations of zealous friends 
of the British constitution, on the other. It 
was the avowed object of the latter to coun- 
teract all seditious proceedings, and to bring to 
punishment persons concerned in them. The 
authority of the lawful magistrate, and the 
claims of the established government, were to 
be respected and supported. The example of 
France, whilst it excited some eager spirits in 
the British empire to a love of change and in- 
surrection, animated others to more energetic 
efforts for the maintenance of order. In the 
city of Paris, shortly before the execution of 
Louis the Sixteenth, Koyalty had been declared 
to be abolished for ever ; and it happened that 
