Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v2p2.djvu/170

  Disgusted with a situation which precluded him from advancement, Lieutenant Daniel immediately applied for employment afloat, although his health was then far from being re-established. He accordingly received a commission, appointing him to the Glory of 98 guns, on board which ship the spirit of disaffection, though apparently quelled, was by no means eradicated.

On the 12th March, 1798, about 8 P.M. whilst walking on the quarter-deck with his Captain, he heard a great noise below, and on going down to ascertain the cause, perceived about 40 or 50 men endeavouring to remove the officers’ beer cask from the wardroom door, in which attempt they were resisted by the centinel and servants. Assisted by a few of the petty-officers, he immediately endeavoured to secure some of the rioters; but in doing so he received a severe wound on the joint of his fore-finger, which after remaining in a state of violent inflammation for several weeks, became rigid, and has ever since prevented him from using his right hand with full effect, particularly in cold weather, when it is of but little use to him.

Some time subsequent to this tumult, the particulars of a diabolical plan, formed by about 150 of the crew, to throw all the officers overboard, and take the Glory into Brest harbour, was communicated to Lieutenant Daniel by the senior officer of Marines, one of whose party had been implicated in the conspiracy, but who had taken offence at their refusing to spare the Captain’s son, a young gentleman about 14 years of age, from whom he had received frequent acts of kindness.

Rising from his cot, to which he had but just retired, Lieutenant Daniel, without waiting to consult with his Captain, who had likewise gone to bed, immediately adopted measures