Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v2p2.djvu/259

 Proceeding to p. 33, we find Lieutenant Bligh describing the tempestuous weather he experienced in his attempt to reach the Society Islands by the way of Cape Horn, but without bestowing the least commendation upon his officers and crew for the cheerfulness with which they had invariably performed their duty. His intentions throughout the volume are apparent he studiously conceals every circumstance calculated to reflect credit upon them, or lead to an inference that any cause of discontent existed previous to their meeting with the fair inhabitants of Otaheite, to whose fascinating endearments he so ingeniously ascribes his subsequent mis-fortunes. In the MS. before us appear the following passages:

The Bounty anchored in Simon’s Bay May 24; sailed from thence July 1; and arrived in Adventure Bay Van Dieman’s Land, Aug. 20, 1788.

“Whilst there the seeds of eternal discord were sown between Lieutenant Bligh and some of his officers. He confined the carpenter, and found so much fault with the others as to cause continual disputes among them, each endeavouring to thwart the others in their duty. The men, on observing this, redoubled their exertions in order to avoid the impending Storm, and rejoiced in private at their good success.

“During the passage from Van Dieman’s Land to Otaheite, Lieutenant Bligh and his messmates quarrelled and divided their private stock, from which time they seldom spoke to each other, except on duty, and even then with, much reserve. Previous to their arrival in Matavie Bay, a dispute took place between Mr. Bligh and the Master, who, for reasons best known to himself, refused to sign some books connected with the ship’s accounts. Upon this the crew were called aft, and the Articles of War, with part of the General Printed Instructions read to them; after which the books in question were produced, and the commander said, ‘now, sir, sign these books;’ to which the other, taking up a pen, replied, ‘I sign in obedience to your orders, but this may be cancelled hereafter.’ The books were then handed to the clerk, and the people returned to their duty.

“Immediately on anchoring in Matavie Bay, (Oct. 26,) an order was