80 THE MUTINY. 
enough to try severely a temper less impetuous 
than his. On the 9th of March, he had found 
it necessary, on a complaint of the master, to 
punish one of the seamen for insolence, and 
mutinous behaviour. 
With regard to Fletcher Christian, he said, 
" This was the third voyage he had made with 
me; and as I found it necessary to keep my 
ship's company at three watches, I had given 
him an order to take charge of the third, his 
abilities being thoroughly equal to the task." 
Speaking of the division into three watches, 
he added, " I have always considered this a 
desirable regulation, when circumstances will 
admit of it, on many accounts ; and am per- 
suaded that unbroken rest not only contributes 
much to the health of the ship's company, but 
enables them more readily to exert themselves 
in cases of sudden emergency." 
On the evening before the mutiny, Bligh had 
invited Christian to supper in his cabin ; an 
invitation which was declined, Christian saying 
that he was unwell; but he had engaged to dine 
with Bligh on the following day. 
The night of the 27th of April, 1789, was 
remarked for its beauty, even in the tropical 
regions, all nature being calm and lovely around ; 
but it was the eve of a day of consternation and 
terror. On that night Christian had the watch 
for two hours. He had also the next morning's 
watch, which was from 4 to 8. Pull of desperate 
intentions, he began to sound Matthew Quintal, 
and some others, and soon gained over the greater 
part of the men. Having rapidly arranged their 
