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PORTER’S JOURNAL* 
rence of a similar scene, I caused it to be considerably diluted, 
before it was again served out; this, however, did not prevent 
some from getting intoxicated, as the rum was such a rarity to 
them, and so far superior to what they had ever been accustomed 
to drink, that an allowance of it would command almost any price; 
and as several found the ways and means to make their purchases, 
drunkenness could not be effectually stopped, as I did not con- 
ceive it expedient to resort to rigid measures ; for, considering 
the long time they had been deprived of it without murmuring, 
and the great propensity of seamen for spiritous liquors, and as 
no evil was likely to result from a little inebriety, provided they 
conducted themselves in other respects with propriety', I felt dis¬ 
posed to give them a little latitude, which in no instance was pro¬ 
ductive of unpleasant consequences, except one. James Rynard, 
a quarter-master, had belonged to the Essex four years, and had 
at times endeavoured to render himself of importance among his 
ship-mates, by placing himself at the head of all parties formed 
for the purpose of obtaining redress of grievances. At all com¬ 
plaints of short allowance of rum or provisions, or if any provi¬ 
sions were supposed to have been of a bad quality, Rynard was 
always engaged stirring up others to complain, but took care to 
conduct himself in such a manner as to let it be supposed, by the 
officers, that he was perfectly contented; nor did he dare, except 
at one time, to come forward boldly, and that was at the reduc¬ 
tion of the allowance of rum on the coast of Brazils. He then 
supposed all hands to be of his disposition, and placed himself as 
spokesman at their head. I had always marked him as a villain; 
that was his character with all that knew him ; and at this mo¬ 
ment, and with such a crew as I had reason to believe that Ry¬ 
nard might, from his habitual villany and restlessness, be indu¬ 
ced to stir up discontent among them. It must be remembered, 
that their times had mostly expired ; they saw no appearance of 
any intention on my part of returning to America immediately ; 
and at such a moment the secret villany of Rynard was not to be 
despised. He had ever endeavoured to distinguish himself as 
their champion ; and although I believed that he was considered 
by every man in the ship a notorious villain, still I did not know 
