Page:Voyages and adventures of the renowned Admiral Drake.pdf/12

12 he was an excellent speaker. He proceeded next to charge Mr. John Doughty, who had been second in command during the voyage, with plotting the destruction of the undertaking, and the murder of his person. He said, that he had the first intimation of this gentleman’s evil intentions before his departure from England, but that he was in hopes his behaviour towards him would have extinguished such dispositions, if there had been any truth in the information. He then appeared for his behaviour to the whole assembly, and to the gentleman accused, and next exposed Mr. Doughty’s practices from the time they left England, while he behaved towards him with all the kindness and cordiality of a brother; which charge he supported, by producing papers from his own hand. After this Drake retired, leaving the determination to the assembly, telling them he would be no judge in his own cause. Doughty being hereupon brought to his trial, for raising a mutiny in the fleet, and conspiring his Commander’s death, was, by a Jury, not 12 but of above 40 of the chief men of the fleet, condemned to die. It was put to his choice, whether to be set on shore, sent to take his trial in England, or submit to his sentence. He preferred the latter, it is said, and was there beheaded. He submitted patiently to his fate, and died with great courage and serenity. The morning before his execution he received the Communion with Drake and several of the other officers. He afterwards dined with them, appearing as cheerful as he had ever done before; and took leave of them all, by drinking to them, as if he had been going on a journey. Dinner being ended he rose from table, and, without any hesitation, walked out to the