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Letters Written by William Bligh
Concerning the Mutiny on the Bounty Letter #1: Bligh to his wife, BetsyCoupang in Timor My Dear Dear Betsy I am now in a part of the world that I never
expected, it is however a.place that has afforded me relief and saved
my life, and I have the happiness to assure you I am now in perfect
health. That the chance of this letter getting to you before others of
a later date is so very small I shall only just give you a short
account of the cause of my arrival here. What an emotion does my heart
& soul feel that I have once more an opportunity of writing to you
and my little Angels, and particularly as you have all been so near
losing the best of Friends-when you would have had no person to have
regarded you as I do, and you must have spent the remainder of your
days without knowing what was become of me, or what would have been
still worse, to have known I had been starved to Death at Sea or
destroyed by Indians. All these dreadful circumstances I have combated
with success and in the most extraordinary manner that ever happened,
never dispairing from the first moment of my disaster but that I should
overcome all my difficulties. Know then my own
Dear Betsy, I have lost the Bounty. I left Otaheite all well on the
4th. April 1789 with 1015 Bread Fruit Plants in Pots and many more in
Tubs & Boxes in a most flourishing condition. On the 4th. April I
anch at the Friendly Islands & on the 26 Sailed with my expectations raised to the highest pitch, of
the great success I was likely o meet
with–The Ship in the most perfect order and every soul well. On the 28th.
April at day light in the morning Christian having the
morning watch, He with several others came into my Cabbin
while I was a Sleep, and seizing me, holding naked Bayonets at my
Breast, tied my Hands behind my back, and threatened instant
distruction if I uttered a word. I however call'd loudly for
assistance, but the conspiracy was so well
laid that the Officers Cabbin Doors were guarded by Centinels, so that
Nelson, Peckover, Samuels [ie Samuel] or the Master could not come to
me. I was now dragged on Deck in my Shirt & closely guarded-I
demanded of Christian the cause of such a violent act, & severely
degraded him for his Villainy but he could only answer-'not a word Sir
or you are Dead.' I dared him to the act & endeavored to rally some
one to a sense of their duty but to no effect. Besides this Villain see
young Heywood one of the ringleaders, & besides him see Stewart
joined with him. Christian I had assured of promotion when he came
home, & with the other two I was every day rendering them some
service-It is incredible! these very young Men I placed every
confidence in, yet these great Villains joined with the most able Men
in the Ship got possession of the Arms and took the Bounty from me,
with huzza's for Otaheite. I have now reason to curse the day I ever
knew a Christian or a Heywood or indeed a Manks man. The Launch being
hoisted out 18 People & Officers were put into her, while I was
kept under a guard of armed men, & Christian holding me by the
bandage round my wrist with a Bayonet at my Breast, (for all their fear
was that I should get 100se)-He told me Sir your Officers & Men are
now in the Boat & you must go with them. I therefore determined
again to bring on some people to my assistance, but I was carried
across the Deck, guarded & forced over the Gangway were [ie where]
the Boat was waiting for me, and we were veered a stern. They had got
water & a few trifling articles in the Boat, with abt. 150 Ibs of
Bread & Samuel saved cloaths for me,
but all my Valuables Maps drawings & Instruments Were kept and
TKeeper. I was now cast a drift in the Sea 10 leags. to leward of Tofoa
the NWmost of the Friendly Islds. with the following People with
me-John Fryer Thos. Ledward, Davd. Nelson, Wm. Cole, Wm. Purcell, Wm.
Elphinston Thos. Hayward, Jno. Hallet, Jno. Norton, Peter Linkletter
Wm. Peckover, Lawrence Lebogue, Jno. Smith, Robt. Lamb Thos. Hall, Jno.
Samuels, George Simpson & Robt. Tinkler. The Day proved
favorable to us & most providentially we rowed to land and I
remained at Tofoa looking for food & water untill 2d. May when the
Natives discovering we had no fire arms they made an attack with Clubs
& Stones in the course of which I had a very worthy Man (Jno.
Norton) killed and most of us more or less hurt. Our getting into our
Boat was no security for they followed us in Cannoes loaded with
Stones, which they threw with much force and exactness. Happily Night
saved the rest of us. I was now
earnestly sollicited by all hands to take them towards home & when
I told them no hopes of relief remained but what I might find at New
Holland untill I came to Timor a distance of 1200 leagues, they all
agreed to live on one ounce of Bread a day & a Jill of Water. I
therefore after recommending this promise for ever to their Memory,
bore away for New Holland & Timor across a Sea but little known,
& in a small Boat deep loaded with 18 Souls, without a single Map
of any kind & nothing but my own recollection & general
knowledge of the situation of Places to direct us. Unfortunately We
lost part our provisions, what we had was 20lbs of Pork 3 Bottles [of
wine] 5 Quarts Rum 150lbs Bread & 28 Galls. of Water. I steered to the
WNW with Strong Gales and heavy Rains, suffering every calamity &
distress I discovered many Islands & at last on the 28th. May the
Coast of New Holland-On the 4th. June I past the north part of New
Holland & steered for Timor and saw it on the 12th.-which was a
happy sight to everyone, particularly several who perhaps could not
have existed a Week or a day longer. I got into this place on the 14th.
and was received with every kindness & civility. Perhaps a more
miserable set of Beings were never seen. Thus happily
ended through the assistance of divine providence without accident a
Voyage of the most extraordinary nature that ever happened in the world
let it be taken either in its extent, duration, or so much want of the
necessaries of life. The Secrisy of
this Mutiny is beyond all conception so that I cannot discover that any
who are with me had the least knowledge of it. Even Mr. Tom Ellison
took such a liking to Otaheite that he turned Pirate, so that I have
been run down by my own Dogs. I however have every expectation to get
the better of every thing. I have purchased a Vessel to Carry me to
Batavia & being now ready for Sea I shall sail in the morning. This is a very
poor little Town I have nevertheless received great attention from its
inhabitants particularly the Governor & Second. Poor Nelson died
since here having caught a violent fever. The Doctor died at Otaheite
of drunkenness. The longest I
expect to stay at Batavia is the 25th. October when the Dutch Fleet
sails for Europe in [word here is indecipherable] I shall take my
passage if no English Ship is in the Way. I give myself great hopes my
Life, of hearing from you at Batavia, for I desired it in one of my
letters. The next Summer will however I trust in God bring me to you
and my Dear little Girls and that we shall find our affairs in a
flourishing way. I shall certainly see you before this letter can get
to England and as the uncertainty of its being sent is so great, it
prevents me from saying as much as I otherwise should, and indeed I
should not have wrote at all, if I had not considered it as putting it
out of the power of chance that you should never hear from me again. My misfortune I
trust will be properly considered by all the World-It was a
circumstance I could not forsee-I had not sufficient Officers & had
they granted me Marines most likely the affair would never have
happened-I had not a Spirited & brave fellow about me & the
Mutineers treated them as such. My conduct has been free of blame,
& I showed everyone, that tied as I was, I defied every Villain to
hurt me. Hayward & Hallet were Mate & Midshipman of Christian's
Watch, but they alarmed no one, & I found them on Deck seemingly
uncerned untill they were ordered into the Boat- The latter has turned
out a worthless impudent scoundrel, but I beg of you to relate nothing
of them untill I come home. I know how
shocked you will be at this affair but I request of you My Dear Betsy
to think nothing of it all is now past & we will again looked
forward to future happyness. Nothing but true consciousness as an
Officer that I have done well could support me. I cannot write to Your
Uncle or anyone, but my publick letters, therefore tell them all that
they will find my character respectable & honor untarnished. I have
saved my pursing Books so that all my profits hitherto will take place
and all will be well. Give my blessing to my Dear Harriet, my Dear
Mary, my Dear Betsy & to my Dear little stranger & tell them I
shall soon be home Remember to your Father & Annie Campbell &
Mrs. C & give affectionate respects to your uncle & family. To
You my Love I give all that an affectionate Husband can give-Love,
Respect & all that is or ever will be in the power of your ever
affectionate Friend and Husband Wm Bligh Mrs. Bligh Letter #2: Letter to
Duncan Campbell
Batavia
Octr. 13th. 1789 Dear Sir By the account
that I enclose to you, you will see what hardships and difficulties I
have undergone since I had the happyness to see you. What Mans
situation could be so peculiarly flattering as mine twelve hours before
the Revolt. I had a Ship in most perfect order and well stored with
every necessary both for service and health-by early attention to those
particulars I had acted against the power of chance in case I could not
get through Endeavor Streights, as well as against any accident that
might befall me in them, & to add to this I had most successfully
got my Plants in a flourishing & fine order, so that upon the whole
the Voyage was 3/1 completed & the remaining part no way doubtful.
Every person was in the most perfect health, to establish which I had
taken the greatest pains & bore a most anxious care through the
whole course of the Voyage. It will very
naturally be asked what could be the reason for such a revolt, in
answer to which I can only conjecture that they have Ideally assured
themselves of a more happy life among the Otaheiteans than they could
possibly have in England, which joined to female Connections, has most
likely been the leading cause of the whole busyness. My health has
been much impaired but conscious of my honor and integrity with aself
acquittal of every particle of disgrace It has buoyed my Spirits up in
a most amazing degree-I have done more than ever Mandid-No Man shares
with me in what honors I may receive, for I have none that merit it,
they however shall never bear any part of my misfortune. I have saved
their lives most miraculously & now to save my own I am obliged to
fly from Batavia in the Packet which sails on the 15th. and leave all
my people behind me except my Clerk & Servant. I have been since
here almost dead with a fever, but it seems to be at present tolerably
removed. I am still however in a precarious state & scarce can
write to you my head is so distracted, the sea air I hope will again
reestablish my health. I leave this
account to be transmitted to you by the next Ship that sails but I hope
to arrive in England long before it. Should it please God not to give
me' life to return let it be remembered there is no one here that is
deserving of any attention from their country but my Clerk who has
shewn much resolution & behaved well-also a Young Man a Mr.
Hayward, but let this remain among ourselves until I return or not. I think I see you
feel for my situation but let it be in no other point than for my
health-My Character & honor is spotless when examined, & I
shall stand to be tried disspising mercy or forgiveness if it can be
found I have been guilty even of an error in Judgement-Happy it is for
me that my Clerk while I was bound, saved my Journals & every kind
of Voucher, but every thing else was lost. I write to my
Dear Mrs. Bligh to your care also by this opportunity but she will
require some information from you. My head is now distracted- I hope
You & Mrs. Campbell enjoy perfect health & that I shall see you
with all the family enjoying every felicity Give my kind respects &
love to them all & believe me my Dear Sir Your most Affectionate
Hrble Servt. Wm
Bligh Duncan Campbell
Esqr Enclosure to Duncan
Campbell
Batavia
October 12th. 1789 Sir I am now
unfortunately to acquaint you that His Majesty's Armed Vessel Bounty
under my Command was taken from me by the greatest part of the inferior
Officers & Men, on the 28th. April 1789 in the following manner. At
day light Fletcher Christian who was Mate of the Ship and Officer of
the Watch, with the Ships Corporal came into my Cabbin while I was a
Sleep, and seizing me tied my hands with a Cord, assisted by others who
were also in the Cabbin all armed. I was now threatned with instant
death if I spoke a word, I however called for Assistance and awakened
everyone, but the Officers who were in their Cabbins were secured by
armed Centinels at their doors, so that no one could come to me. The
Arms were all secured, & I was forced on Deck in my shirt with my
hands tied behind my back in so severe a manner that I suffered the
severest torture. I was now putunder a Guard abaft the Mizen Mast,
during which the mutineers expressed much joy that they would soon
again see Otaheite. I now demanded
the cause of such a Violent Act, but no other answer could I get, but
hold your tongue Sir or you are dead this instant, and holding me by
the Cord which tied my hands he as often threatned to stab me in the
breast with a Bayonet. I however did my utmost to rally the disaffected
Villains to a sense of their duty but to no effect. The Boatswain was
Orderd to hoist the Launch out, and while I was kept under a Guard with
Christian at their head abaft the Mizen Mast, the Officers and Men not
concerned in the Mutiny were Ordered into the Boat. This being done I
was told by Christian "Sir your Officers and Men are now in the Boat
and you must go with them", and with the Guard they carried me across
the Deck with their Bayonets presented on every Side, when attempting
to make another effort, I was saluted with "Blow his brains out"- I was
at last forced into the Boat and we were then Veered Astern in all 19
Souls. I was at this
time 10 leagues to the SW of Tofoa the N Westmost of the Freindly
Islands, having left Otaheite the 4th. April with 1015 fine Breadfruit
Plants and many fruit kind in all 774 Pots 39 Tubs and 24 Boxes. These
Plants were in a very flourishing condition. I anchored at Annamoka
24th. April and left it on the 26th.- The Boatswain
with some others while the Boat was alongside collected several
necessary things and some Water. My Clerk secured to me my Journals and
Commission and about 150lbs of Bread also a Compass and Quadrant, but
no Arms could be got or any maps or Drawings of which I had many
valuable ones besides which was lost a very valuable Time Keeper of Mr
Kendals make. The Boat was very
deep and much lumbered, and in this condition we ere cast adrift with
about 28 Galls. of Water 150lbs Bread 321bs Pork 6 Quarts of Rum and 6
Bottles of Wine. The day was calm
with light Breezes and I got to Tofoa by 7 O Clock in the Evening, but
found no place to land, the Shore being so Steep and Rocky, On the 30th
I found landing in a Cove in the NW part of the Island, & here I
remained with boisterous Weather in search of supplies until the 2nd
May, during which everyone Suffered great fatigue in searching for
Water as I feared to touch our Original Stock. The Natives now
discovered we had no fire Arms and made an Attack on us with Clubs and
Stones, In the course of which I had the misfortune to lose a very
worthy man John Norton Quarter Master and most of us severely bruized
and wounded- Our getting into the Boat was no security for they
followed us in their Cannoes loaded with Stones which they threw with
much force and exactness. Happily Night saved the rest of us. I had determined
to go to Amsterdam in search of Paulehow the King, but taking this as a
Sample of their Natural dispositions there were little hopes to expect
much from them, for I considered their good behaviour hitherto owing to
a dread of our Fire Arms, which now knowing us to have none would not
be the Case, & that supposing our lives were in safety–Our Boat and
every thing would be taken from us and thereby I should never be able
to return. I was also earnestly sollicited by all hands to take them
towards home, and when I told them no hopes of releif for us remained,
but what I might find at New Holland. untill I came to Timor, a
distance of 1200 leagues or more, they all agreed to live on one ounce
of bread pr. day and a Jill of Water. I therefore after recommending
this as a sacred promise forever to their Memory, bore away for New
Holland and Timor across a Sea but little known and in a small Boat
deep loaded with 18 Souls, without a Single Map of any kind, and
nothing but my own recollection and general knowledge of the Situation
of Places to direct us. Unfortunatly we
lost part of our Provisions, our whole Stock therefore only consisted
of 20lbs of Pork 3 Bottles of Wine, 5 Quarts of Rum 150lbs Bread and 28
Galls. of Water, with a few Cocoa Nuts we had been able to throw into
the Boat. I steered to the
WNW. with Strong Gales and bad Weather suffering every calamity and
distress. I discovered many Islands and at last on the 28th May the
Coast of New Holland Where I entered a break in the Reef in Latd. about
12°:50 So and Longd 145:00 East. I kept on in the
direction of the Coast to the Northward, touching at such places as I
found safe and convenient to refresh my people by the best means in my
Power. These refreshments consisted of a few Clams and Oysters which
they had scarce Strength to gather, we were however benefited by them
and a few good nights rest. On the 4th June I
past the north part of New Holland and steered for Timor, and made it
on the 12th.- This was a happy sight to everyone particularly many who
would not have exist_d a few days longer. I followed the direction of
the South side of the Island, and on the 14th in the Afternoon I saw
the Island Rotty and West side of Timor, round which I got that Night,
and took a Malay on board to shew me Coupang where he described to me
the Governor resided.
Thus ended through divine providence
without accident a Voyage of the most extraordinary nature in the
World, let it be taken either for its extent, duration, or for such a
length so much want of the Necessaries of life....Josh.
Coleman Armr.,Chas.Norman Carpr Mate, Michl. Byrne-Ab,Thos McIntosh
Carp.Crew....
In all 25 Hands,
but the four last I beleive were kept against their inclinations and
are deserving of mercy. Mr. Thomas Huggan
the Surgeon died at Otaheite, and James Valentine died in my passage
there, which together makes the whole Ships Complement 46 Men. The Secresy of
this Mutiny was beyond all conception, so that I cannot discover that
any who are with me had the least knowledge of it. From the open
declaration of the Mutineers we are to conclude they are gone to
Otaheite, and it is only the alurements of that place and the Womin
that has been the cause of all our troubles. I found three
Vessels here at Coupang bound to Batavia but as their sailing would be
late, I considered it to the Advantage of His Majestys Service to
purchase a Vessel to take my people to Java before the Sailing of the
Fleet for Europe. in the last of October, as no one could be hired but
at a price equal to a purchase, I therefore purchased a Vessel and
called her the Resource. I remained at
Coupang untill the 20th. of August, in the course of which some of us
became perfectly reestablished in our health, but others very weak and
feeble. and I had the misfortune to lose Mr Nelson (Botanist) whose
good conduct in the course of the whole Voyage, and manly fortitude in
our late disasterous circumstances demands this tribute to his memory.
He died of a Fever-. I presented a
summary account to Mr. Van Este and requested in His Majestys Name that
necessary Orders & directions may be given to all their Settlements
to detain the Ship wherever she may be found. I Arrived at
Batavia on the 1st. Instant with my health much impaired, and having
gone through some fatigue in arranging my business and fixing on the
most elligible mode to preserve the health of my people, I was seized
with a Violent fever which has almost reduced me to death, and am now
in a very precarious State--One of my Men Thomas Hall died this day of
a Fever & Flux- The Governor
General. has rendered us every Service I asked, and has engaged to send
us by the first Shipping that sails about the last of the Month for
Europe. A Packet however sails on the 14th. Instant. but is so very
small that she cannot carry more than her Complement- The Physician
General has however made such a report of my health to his Exellency,
that it is found absolutely expedient to send me in her to save my
life, & I have therefore, considering it not in the present
instance inconsistent with the Rules of Service, presumed to seperate
Myself from my people. altho with great concern; but to enable me to
get my Journals in some order I have permission to take with me my
Clerk and One Man, so that there will remain thirteen men who will join
me at the Cape of Good Hope. The Vessel I
purchased to bring me here was sold at Publick Sale on the 10th. The
Governor General is informed of all my proceedings and is in possession
of a description List of the Ship and Pirates, and I have likewise
requested in His Majestys Name that necessary orders and directions may
be given to their different Settlements to detain them wherever they
may be found. Wm
Bligh A Copy Letter #3:William Bligh to Sir Joseph Banks Batavia
October 13th. 1789 Dear Sir I am now so ill
that it is with the utmost difficulty I can write to you, but as I hope
to be in England before you can receive it, the necessary information
which perhaps may be omitted in this letter, will be of no consequence.
I have however
for your satisfaction enclosed to you a short account of my Voyage-it
is nearly a Copy of what I have given to the Governor of Coupang, &
the Governor General here, because my weak habit of body at present
will not allow me to do more. You will now Sir
with all your generous endeavors for the Publick Good see an
unfortunate end to the undertaking, and I feel very sensibly how you
will receive the News of the failure of an expedition that promised so
much. The anxious and miserable hours I have past is beyond my
description, but while I have health, the strange vissccitude of human
affairs can never affect me. Unhappily I have lost it at present, for
on my arrival here I was seized with a Fever, which fixing in my head
it made me almost distracted. but I am now better, and am to sail in
the Packet on Thursy. next which will save my life. You will find
that the Ship was taken from me in a most extraordinary manner, and I
presume to say it could not have been done in any other way. I can
however Sir promise to you that my honor and character is without a
blemish, & I shall appear as soon as I possibly can before the
Admiralty that my conduct may enquired into, and where I shall convince
the World I stand as an officer despising mercy & foregiveness if
my conduct is at all blameable. Had I been
accidentally appointed to the Command, the loss of the Ship would give
me no material concern, but when I reflect that it was through you Sir
who undertook to assert I was fully capable, and the Eyes of every one
regarding the progress of the Voyage, and perhaps more with Envy, than
with delight, I cannot say but it affects me considerably. To those
however who may be disposed to blame let them see I had in fact
completed my undertaking. What Man's situation could be so peculiarly
flattering as mine 12 Hours before the loss of the Ship. Every thing
was in the most perfect order and we were well stored with every
necessary both for service & health-by early attention to those
particulars I acted against the power of chance in case I could not get
through Endeavour Streights, as well as against any accident that might
befall me in them, and to add to this, I had most successfully got my
Plants in a most flourishing & fine order, so that upon the whole
the Voyage was % over, and the remaining part no way doubtful!, Every
person was in the most perfect health, to establish which I had taken
the greatest pains, and bore a most anxious care through the whole
course of the Voyage. I even rejected
carrying stock for my own use, & throwing away the Hencoops &
every convenience I roofed a place over the Quarter Deck & filled
it with Plants which I looked at with delight every day of my life. I can only
conjecture that the Pirates (among whom is poor Nelson's assistant)
have Ideally assured themselves of a more happy life among the
Otaheiteans than they could possibly have in England, which joined to
some female connections, has most likely been the leading cause of the
whole busyness. If I Had been
equipped with more Officers & Marines the piracy could never have
happened. I Arrived here on
the 1st. Instant & sollicited the Governor General to be allowed a
passage in the first Ship that sailed for Europe, but he has told me
that he could not possibly send us all in one ship, & has
consented, as granting me a favor, to be allowed to go in the Packet,
for the Physician General has represented my life in danger if I
remained here. I am Dear Sir,
with great respect Wm
Bligh Enclosure to Sir
Joseph Banks
On the 16th.
August 1787 I received my Commission to Command His The Burthen of
this Ship was nearly, Two Hundred & fifteen Tons, Her extreme
length on Deck 90F:lOIn and Breadth from outside to outside of the
Bends 24F:3In. A Flush Deck and a pretty Figure Head, of a Woman in a
Riding Habit.... Out of the Number
45 is One Borne not actually on board, his Pay going to the support of
Widows, so that the real Number on board were 44 Seamen & Officers,
likewise One Botanist and an Assistant, the whole being 46. On the 4th.
October I was fully Victualled and Stored for 18 Months, and on the
20th. Novemr. 1787 I received my Final Orders to proceed on my Voyage,
The purport of which was as follows. The King upon a
representation from His Subjects in the West Indies, that the
introduction of the Bread Fruit Tree among them would be of Universal
good to constitute an Article of food, and that such having been
signified to be His Majestys Pleasure unto the Lords Commissioners of
the Admiralty by Lord Sydney; One of His Principal Secretaries of
State. I was therefore directed to sail forthwith round Cape Horn. for
the Society Islands in Latitude about 18°So. and Longitude 210 East
of Green'Nich. And there, with the necessary Articles I was furnished
with, to procure of the Natives as many Plants as I could stow on board
the Ship. Having completed
this I was to proceed through Endeavor. Streights (which seperate New
Guinea from New Holland.) and from thence to Princes Island in the
Streights of Sunda. leaving to my discretion to touch at Java or any
other Island for refreshment & water as I might think most proper. From Princes
Island I was to proceed discretionally to St. Vincents one of the
Windward Islands, and depositing One Half of my Plants there, I was to
go immediatly to Jamaica, and having given the remainder there to
Persons appointed to receive them, I was then with such Plants as were
directed by His Majesty to be put on board, to return to England. This was the sole
design of my Voyage, to complete which I sailed from Spithead on the
23d December 1787. On the 23d March
1788 I doubled Staten Land and attempted to make my Passage round Cape
Horn between the Latitude of 59'So. and 61'So, but I met with such
dreadfull. tempestuous Weather and mountainous Seas, with Hail and Snow
Storms, that altho I tryed it for 30 Days I could not accomplish it. I therefore (as
my people were getting ill, and I had the Honor to have the most
discretionary Orders to do as I thought best for the good of the
Voyage,) determined to bear away for the Cape of Good Hope on the 22d
of April, and repassed Staten Land the next day. On the 24th. May,
Anchored at the Cape of Good Hope, and having refitted and completed my
Stores and Provisions I sailed on the 1st. July 1788. Arrived at Van
Diemens Land on the 20th. August, and having completed Wooding and
Watering, I sailed from thence the 4th. September. On the 19th. September after having past the South Part of New Zealand. .I discovered very dangerous Rocky Islets never known before, they extend 3 1/2 Miles East and West, and l 1/2 North and South. .They lie from the Traps Off the South End of New Zealand So. 89 East, distant 146 Leagues, Their Latitude is 47'.44'.30" So. Longitude 179°;09' East. On the 26th.
October I anchored in Matavai Bay Otaheite. sailed the 25 December and
Anchored in Toahroah Harbour 3 Miles distance from the Bay. I remained
here until the 4th. April, when I sailed with 1015 Bread Fruit Plants
and many Fruit Kind, in all. 774 Pots, 39 Tubs, & 24 Boxes. Latitude of this
Harbour………………………………………………17';31':26" So Longitude pr. Observn. Sun
& Moon and Stars each side of the
Moon…………………………………………………. 210;31:37 Et Variation
Compass……………………………………………………….5;31:Et. I left these
happy Islanders in much distress, for the utmost affection, regard, and
good fellowship remained among us during my Stay. The King and all the
Royal Family were allways my Guests, and their good sense and
Observations, joined with the most engaging dispositions in World, will
ever make them beloved by all who become acquainted with them as
Freinds. On the 12th.
April I discover'd an Island called by the Natives Whytootackee whose
Cheif was named Comackaiah, as I was informed by People in a Cannoe
that came off to me. Their language seemed to prove them nearly the
same People as at Otaheite. This Island is about 10 Miles in Circuit in
Latitude 18:52 So. It has Eight small Keys lying joined by a Reef. To
the SSE of it, and One to the WSW. The Southermost Key lies in Latitude
18:58 So. the Longitude by Observation is 200': 19' East of Greenwich.
Variation Compass 8':14' Et On the 18th. of
April I saw Savage Island. in 19':02' So.-and Longitude by my Observation
190':18' Et of Greenwich. On the 21st. of
April I made the Freindly Islands and on the 23d. following I Anchored
in Annamoca Road. (called by Tasman. Rotterdam,) on the 26th. having
completed my Water and got on board some Wood. I sailed. This Island lies
in Latitude 20':16' So 185':30' Et. On the 28th. of
April in the Morning the NWr. most of the Freindly Islands called Tofoa
bore NE 10 Leagues and I had directed my Course to the WNW. with a Ship
in most perfect Order and all my Plants in a most flourishing condition
All my Men and Officers in good health and in short every thing to
flatter and insure my most sanguine expectations and Success. But I am now to
relate one of the most atrocious and consumate Acts of Piracy ever
committed. At Dawn of Day
Fletcher Christian, Officer of the Watch, Charles Churchill, Ships
Corporal, Thomas Burkitt, Seaman, and several others came into my
Cabbin, and while I was asleep seized and tyed my hands behind my back
with a Strong Cord, and with Cutlasses and a Bayonet fixed at my breast
threatned instant death if I spoke or made the least noise. I nevertheless
called out so loud that everyone heard me and were flying to my
Assistance, but all my Officers except those concerned were kept in
their Cabbins by Armed Centinels and the Armed Chest was in their
possession. I was now hauled upon Deck in my Shirt and Hands tyed
behind me held by Fletcher Christian and Charles Churchill with a
Bayonet at my breast, and two Men Alexr. Smith and Thomas Burkitt
behind me with Loaded Musquets Cocked and Bayonets fixed., under this
Guard I was kept abaft the Mizen Mast. The different Hatchways were all
guarded by Armed Men in the same Manner, and those who were to be sent
out of the ship and some of the Mutineers who could be spared hoisted
the Boats out, Among these was the Boatswain who with some others got
Sails, Twine, Rope, Grapnel and a small Cask of Water into the Boat.
about which there were many Altercations among the Mutinous Crew, and
exerting myself in speaking loud to try if I could rally any with a
sense of duty in them, I was saluted with Damn his Eyes blow his brains
out. Being confined
and kept apart from every One, Mr Samuel my Clerk secured to me a
Quadrant & Compass, some Cloaths, my Journals, and a few material
Ships Papers, but all my Valuable Instruments with a Time peice of
Three hundred and fifty Guineas Value, a Valuable collection of Books,
Maps, and Drawings, with all my remarks and observations for Fifteen
years past, were kept from me, he also secured about One hundred &
fifty pounds of Bread. The Officers and
Men being now drove into the Boat One by One, I was told by Christian,
Sir, your Officers are now in the Boat and you must go with them. I was
then taken hold of under a Guard. and forced over the Gangway into the
Boat. which waited only for me, and untying my Hands I was veer'd
astern by a Rope. A few Pounds of Pork were now thrown to us being
Nineteen in Number and each began to sollicit some of their little
Valuables that were left behind them. I desired only some Fire Arms and
even at last sollicited two but we received insolence and were told I
should have none, Four Cutlasses were however thrown into the Boat and
we were cast adrift and Rowed with all our strength for the land. The Size of the
Boat was 23 feet from Stem to Stern and Rowed Six Oars, and was so
deeply lumberd that they beleived we could never reach the Shore and
some of them made their Jokes of it, However by 7 OClock in the Evening
I got safe under Tofoa, but could find no landing, and therefore kept
the Boat under the land all night. paddling with Two Oars to preserve
our Station. 29th.-Endeavoring
to find landing to increase our Stock of Water, and to get some Cocoa
Nuts and Provisions. 30th.-Found
landing at the NW part of the Island, in a Cove, Latitude 19°:41
So. as I observed it. Went in search of Water, but found only a few
Quarts in holes of the Rocks, suffered much fatigue and distress. I
should now have proceeded as I intended for some of the Islands where I
had a Knowledge of the Cheifs, for I was well acquainted here, but the
Wind and Sea was too Stormy to Venture out. Part of us slept in the
Boat and others with myself on Shore and as we saw no Natives we felt
our distress the more because we wanted not to use any of our own Stock.
1st May-Party out
as Yesterday and found out the residence of the Natives, who brought
Supplies of Cocoa Nuts and Bread Fruit, besides shells of Water, all of
which I bought for Buttons, which we cut of our Cloaths. They all left
us at Sun Down. Wr. [i.e., weather] so windy could not proceed to Sea. 2nd.-In the
Morning Two Cheifs Eegyeefou, and the other Maccaaccabou, came down,
also two Cannoes came in and another Cheif called Vageetee, and having
enquired our Situation, and my determination to proceed to Paulehou
their King. Eegyeefou agreed as soon as it moderated to go with me.
This readiness gave me pleasure, but in a few hours I had as much
uneasyness, The Natives began to be very troublesome and shewed signs
of hostilities towards us, We however thought they would go off at Sun
down as they had done before, and that then I could leave the place
without any risk. but it proved to the contrary for three Cannoes were
now come in, and places were fixed on for their residence during the
night, and fires made. I therefore
determined to do our best while it was light and directed some
provisions we had Bought to be put into the Boat. The Cheifs desired I
would Stay notwithstanding they perceived that I sawall their people
were Arming with Clubs & Stones. We were now all on the go, and
taking One of the Cheifs by the Hand, with a Cutlass in the other, and
my people with Sticks. we proceeded down to the Boat. when we were
attacked by a Multitude of Indians in the course of which I lost a very
worthy good man and the rest of us more or less bruized and Wounded. As I hauled out
to our Grapnel I hoped they could no longer annoy us, but here I was
mistaken for they launched their Cannoes and gave Battle to us, or
rather stoned us untill I got a League from the Land. I could not
return their Salute but with such Stones as lodged in the Boat. I
therefore as the only thing left for to save our lives, exhorted
everyone to persevere in rowing. and throwing overboard some Cloaths
which beguiled them, and they lost time in taking up, together with the
Night coming on, We very miraculously escaped. Taking this as a
real sample of their natural dispositions, there were little hopes to
expect much where I was going, for I considered their good behaviour
hitherto owing to a dread of our Fire Arms which now knowing us to have
none, would. not be the Case., and that supposing our lives were safe,
Our Boat, Compass, and Quadrant, would all be taken from me, and
thereby I should not be able to return to my King and Country, to give
an Account of the transaction. I was now
sollicited by every Person to take them towards home, and when I told
them no hopes of releif remained for us, but what I might find at New
Holland, untill I came to Timor a distance of.l200.1eagues, where there
was a Governor, but that I had no idea at what part of the Island the
Settlement was. They all agreed to live on One Ounce of Bread per day
and One Jill of Water. I therefore after
reccommending this promise forever to their memory, I bore away for New
Holland and from thence to Timor a Distance of 1200 leagues accross a
Sea Where the Navigation is dangerous and not known, and in a Small
Boat deep loaded with 18 Souls. without a Single Map, and nothing but
my own reccollection and general knowledge of the situation of Places,
assisted by a Table in an Old Book of Latitude & Longitude to guide
me. Our Stock of
Provisions at first consisted of 150 pounds of Bread (Part of which
afterwards got damaged and lost) 28 Gallons of Water, 20 pounds of Pork
3 Bottles of Wine, and 5 Quarts of Rum. It may be asked
what could be the cause for such a Revolution. In Answer to which I
have only to give a description of Otaheite, which has every allurement
both to luxury and ease, and is the Paradise of the World. The Women are
handsome and mild in their manners and conversation, with sufficient
delicacy to make them admired and beloved, and the Chiefs have acquired
such a liking to our people, that they rather have encouraged their
Stay among them than otherwise, and even made promises of large
possessions to them. Under these and
many other attendant circumstance equally desireable, is it to be now
wonder'd at, that a set of Sailors void of connections (or if they have
any, not possessed of natural feelings sufficient to wish themselves
never to be seperated from them;) should be led by such powerful tyes. But equal to
this, what a temptation is it to such Wretches when they find it in
their power (however illegally it can be got at,) to fix themselves in
the midst of Plenty in the finest. Island in the World, where they need
not labour, And where the allurements of disipation are more than equal
to any thing that can be conceived. Desertions have
happened more or less in every ship that has been at the Society Isles;
but it has ever been in the Commanders power to make the Cheifs return
their people. They therefore knew such a plan could never succeed; and
perhaps suggested that never so small a Ship and so elligable an
Opportunity would offer to them again. Christian was the
Officer on Deck, and the whole Watch being concerned except two
Midshipmen who knew not what their Officer was about., it is not
surprising that the business was speedily done, all the able men being
concerned, and also the Greatest Number, as may be seen by the
following List– People who came
in the Boat John Fryer Master Willm. Cole.
Boatsn Willm. Peckover.
Gunner Willm. Purcell.
Carpr. Thos.Dr.Ledward.
Actg Surgeon Wm. Elphinstone
Masters Mate Thos. Hayward.
Midn. Jno. Hallett-Do. Jno. Samuel-Clerk Peter Linkletter.
QMr Jno. Norton-Do.
Killed at Tofoa Geo Simpson. Dos.
Mate Lawce. Lebogue.
Sail maker Robt. Tinkler. a
Boy Jno. Smith.
Capts. Servt Thos. Hall. Ships
Cook Robt. Lamb.
Butcher Davd.
Nelson-Botanist 18 Total. Michl. Byrn
Seaman (20 Heny. Hilbrant
Do. Isaac Martin Do. People who
remained in the Ship Fletcher
Christian Masters Mate. George. Stewart.
Acting Do Peter. Heywood.
Midn Edwd. Young-Do Chas.
Churchill-Corporal James
Morrison-Boats Mate John
Mills-Gunners Mate Chas.
Norman-Carprs. Mate Thos McIntosh.
Dos. Crew Josh. Coleman.
Armourer Thos.
Burkitt-Seaman Jno. Sumner-Do. ]no. Williams-Do Matw.
Thompson-Do. Thos. Ellison-Do Wm. Mickoy-Do Jno. Millward.
Do. Richd.
Skinner-Do. Matw. Quintal-Do. Alexr. Smith
Seaman. Willm. Muspratt Do Willm. Brown.
Botanists Assist 25. Total
Remaining in the Ship To return now to
my proceedings in the Boat. I steered to the WNW. as I formerly had
heard from the Freindly Island. people that Land lay in that Quarter. The Weather very
boisterous and obliged to keep right before the Sea. which at times run
into us and nearly filled the Boat, and were obliged to throw all spare
Cloaths overboard, and every Article we could possibly do without. On the 4th. May
Latitude 18°:50' So Longd. 182°:16 Et I discover'd Land an
Island. WSW. 4 or 5 Leagues. On the 6th. Discovered Ten other Islands,
and that day at noon was in Latd. 17°:53 So. & Longd. 179:43
East. Many Shoals. On the 7th. discovered other Islands, At Noon
Latitude 16°:33' So. 178°:34 Et. were chased by Two large
Cannoes but got clear of them by Rowing. At Night torrents of Rain with
Thunder & Lightning, Caught 6 Gallons Water. On the 9th. Fair
Wr Kept Steering to the WNW and West. On the 10th. very
heavy Rains, Hard Gales and'a high Sea unto the 14th. suffered much
Cold in the Nights being constantly Wet. On the 14th.
discovered Land. Five Islands, and were at Noon in Latitude 13°:29'
So. 169°:31' Et. Steered to WSW. On the 15th.
discovered an Island. Latitude at Noon 13°:4' So, Longd.
167°:35 Et. Very fresh Gale & high Sea with Rain, constantly
wet, and constantly Bailing. distress'd for Want of Light to see to
Steer by the Wr. being Stormy with Thunder, Lightning, Rain and a high
Sea, Keeping the Boat before it to the 21st. when we had most dreadfull
Weather and the Rain fell so heavy that we could scarce keep the Boat
from filling. To the 24th. The
Weather and Sea continued very bad, and we now dreaded the Nights for
we were all benumbed with Cold, and what added to our distress in the
weak Situation we were in, One of us in turns was obliged to be
constantly bailing the Boat in all this
dreadfull Weather, being continually wet and never having a Dry Rag
about us. The resource I directed to be taken, was in the intervals
when the Rain ceased, to Strip Naked and Wash and Wring all our Cloaths
in the Sea, which was a great refreshment. To the 28th the
Weather better, when at midnight I fell in with most dreadful Breakers,
but I was able to stand away clear of them. As I knew I was near the
Coast of New Holland. I considered this to be the Reef Off At Noon Latitude
12°:46' So 145°:02 Et. the entrance I came in at, SE about 2
leagues. At 1/4 past 5 in
the Afternoon I got into a Bay on an Island about 1/4 Mile from the
Main and finding it uninhabited I determined on searching for Supplies,
Night came on, we however got a few Oysters from the Rocks which gave
us a tolerable good meal. As our Boat was
only large enough to admitt One half of us to rest at a time. I
consented that one party should Sleep on shore, but unfortunately
having no materials we could not light a Fire. 29th May-At Dawn
of day we went in search of Water and what else we could get, and
happily by digging found fine fresh Water and plenty of it. Oysters
were the only supply besides, of which with our allowance of Bread we
made very good Stews. When the Sun came out strong I was enabled to
Kindle a fire by a small magnifying Glass.and we then made Tinder and
Matches to supply our wants in future. All hands were
very weak which with dizziness in the Head. and a dreadfull Tenesemus,
were the only complaints, At Night part of us slept on shore. 30th May-I now determined as the People were a
little refreshed, to proceed on, I therefore by Noon got our small
Water Casks filled, and having found some Fern Root. that I thought
wholesome and very conducive to prevent thirst, I ordered a parcel into
the Boat. Birds could have easily have been got here If I had, had
Arms, on that account everyone we Saw recalled to us our miserable
situation, but providence has been graciously kind to us, for we
frequently caught by hand Sea Fowls, which made great additions to our
Dinners of Bread. The frequent supply of Water was also a great
Blessing but I had not Vessels to contain a Sufficient allowance, it
therefore happen'd that nearly half a pint of water was what each
person received in the course of the day. Issued at 8 in the morning,
at Noon, and Sunset, with 1/24 of a pound of Bread at Breakfast, and
the same at Dinner. I found the
Latitude of this place 12°:39' So 144°:44' E the main appeared
with a Variety of high and low land interspersed with wood, and the
more interior parts mountainous. 31st-At 4 in the
afternoon after having performed Divine Service I sailed. Saw Twenty
Natives Armed with Spears, come down on the shore opposite to us. They were Black
and waved to us to come to them. I steered along
shore to the NNW and NWBN, in the direction of the Coast. Saw several
Islands, and at 8 in the morning passed through a cluster and saw more
Natives armed in the same manner, and made the same Signs, I however
did not land. The Appearance of
the Country all changed being very low and mostly Sand Hills. Landed on an
Island and gathered Shell fish, Oysters, and Clams,-also Water in the
hollow of a rock which enabled us to fill up our Sea Store. From the heights
of this Island, I saw a Small Key to the NWBN. As my present situation
was therefore too near the main, having discovered at this place the
Natives to have Cannoes. I again prepared to sail so as to reach the
Key before Night. At Noon dined on Stewed Oysters and Clams. Found the
Latitude of this Isld. 11°:58' So. 144:29 Et 1st. June-With a
continuance of fine Wr. this Evening I landed and spent the Night at
the Key abovementioned, could get no supplies of any Kind. some of my
people were taken ill with Vomitings and dizziness besides a most
dreadful Tenesemus afflicted many of them who had not been at Stool for
Three Weeks and some more. At Noon I found
the Latitude of this Key Ir:47 So. Longd 144:24 Et 2nd. June-This
Afternoon it came on Strong Gales and my people being still ill I
prefered giving them a good Nights rest. to going to Sea. At Dawn of
day I sailed, People much better, passed several Islands, The Coast
Sandy and Barren. At Noon Latd. 11°:18' So 144°:20' Et I saw
what I considered to be Cape York bearing WY2N3 Leagues 3d-At Night I
again stopt on an Island whose Latitude is 10°:52 So. 141:05 Et. by
corrected Longitude from Cape York whose true Situation is 141°:15'
Et. my Account therefore Yesterday was 3°:05' Wrong 4th-At Dawn of
day I again sailed and followed the direction of the Coast to the NW.
saw many Islands and Breakers-At Noon I was in 10°:31' So. and
140:40 Et. I now found I had doubled the North part of New Holland. At 5 OClock this
Evening I left New Holland and Steered accordingly for Timor. the
Latitude of which I was not very certain of, however I determined to
make it in the Latitude of about 9°:30' So. On the 12th. June at 3
in the morning I saw the Island of Timor bearing WNW. At Day Light
finding I was on the SE end of it, I went to the Southd. of the Island,
laying too at Night lest I might pass any Settlement, for I was not
certain where the Governor resided. On the 14th in
the Afternoon after having passed through a very heavy, breaking Sea.
and Shoal Water, I discovered an Opening into which I entered And
Anchored at 3 oClock, which I since find to be a Bay on Timor opposite
to Pula Samou in the South Entrance, the Island Ratty being in sight to
the SWBS. Saw some Malays
on the Shore sent two Men after them, and they brought several Men to
me, One of them agreed to be my Pilot and I agreed to give Ten half
Ducatoons to conduct me to the Governor. This being
settled we rowed along shore conducted by him, and on the Morning at
Dawn of day. I Anchored off Coupang, and waited for leave to come on
shore, At Sun rise I was desired by a Soldier to come on shore, and I
was conducted to a Gentlemans House. (Captn. Spykerman) who upon my
Application Orderd Breakfast and Victuals for all hands, The Governor
from severe indispostion not being able to see me just at that time.
The Surgeon a Mr. Max gave us every kind Assistance in dressing our
sores, and all who saw us were ready to contribute to the comfort of
such poor distress'd creatures, One half of whom could not have
Survived a Week longer, and some perhaps not a few days. The Governor with
much goodness became anxious about us and although his illness was very
Severe, I had it in my power to see him by 11 Oclock and was received
in a most affectionate and peculiar manner of Kindness which will ever
endear him to my memory. Orders were
instantly given for our accomodation and Supplies, and I had full power
to see my people taken care of. Thus happily
ended through the blessing of divine providence, without Accident a
Voyage of the most extraordinary Nature that ever happend in the World,
let it be taken either in its extent, duration, or so much wantof the
Necessaries of life. I remained at
Coupang untill the. 20th. August 1789 during which time I had the
misfortune to lose. Mr David Nelson (Botanist) whose good conduct in
the Course of the whole Voyage, and manly fortitude in our late
disastrous Circumstances deserves this tribute to his memory. He died
of a Fever on the 20th of July. I have not given so full an account to
the Admiralty you will please therefore to attend to it in that
particular. |