The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-11-29
NIPpING A MUTINY.

crew was a motley collection, made M
almost entirely of rivermen-fat boat
men, raftsmen, landing porters and long
shorenen Of all kinds--and too many OF
them were of disposition to take advan-
tape of kindneOs. They had no conception
of duty, save that which was forced upon
them, and they had evidently shipped
with the impression that they would have
but little work and little danger.
We were on the eve Of stirring events.
Word had come 10 Us that we were to
run the batteries of Vicksburg; and we
knew there was warm work in store for
us at Grand Gulf. One morning, upon
poing to the fireroom, found that two
of the stokers, who should have been on
duty, were absent; and, upon making III
ouiry, heard that they had reused to
do any more work. i called them TO me.
and asked what they meant. One OF
them-an ill-favored fellow, who had
shipped at New Orleans-answered me
that his time was out, and that wanted
his discharge. informed him that, ac-
cording to the rules of war, he must con-
tinue to do his duty until his discharge
was received. Ho laughed at me, and
said he would like to see me mako him
work after his time was out.
observed that quite number Of the
crew had followed my stokers to the
door Of the fire room; and, from the
chances which were exchanged, i was
satisfied that the detection was not con
fined to ray department.
/ sought the captain and told him
what had transpired.
al know it, know it, he said, nerv-
ously. NEARLY half the crew have re-
fused to do further duty, and demand to
be paid of and set on shore. They have
not yet spoken with Inc, but ! expect
them every moment"
While we were oOnversing, the officer
of the deck came into the cabin and in
formed the captain that a number OF the
crew had assembled in the gangway and
demanded to SEQ him. lie rose, buckled
on his sword and went out. In the star
board gangway were about forty OF the
men, headed by stout, burly, dark
visaged fellow named Basard. He was
n bully and blackleg AS the captain
approached this man stepped forward,
and said he had been chosen to speak for
his companions. He wanted it under
stood that there was 70 particular leader
in this business, but that the terms OF
enlistment of forty-two Of the men had
expired, and they desired to be paid OF
and set on shore.
The captain spoke to them at first very
moderately. He explained to them what
were the rules of war. He told them
that the mere expiration or given tlme
could not ahsolve an enlisted man from
his allegiance. Any open opposition to
constituted authority before they were
regularly discharged would be niutiny;
and if such mutiny could not be que1ed
the efficiency of the service would be
destroyed. Then he appealed TO theit
patriotism. Would they back out and
sneak away Just IS an opportunity was
offered to face the enemy
The men treated his appeal with scorn
and contempt, and swore that they
would do no more duty. Ana II wa;
plain to DO seen that they meant Wha'
they said. They were desperate char
acters, and fully believed that there was
not power enough on beard TO overcome
them. As have said, they constituted
nearly half the crew and we knew that
the other half could not be depended
Ylpon 10 resist them with arms.
Finally, the captain told them he would
70 and see tho commodore and explain
the matter to him; and the men went
forward, swearing that they would never
return to duty, let come what woulg.
, When the captains boat was ready nc
asked me to accompany him, as the mrs.
demonstration OF mutiny had been MADE
10 me. We found the commodore JUS
sitting down to dinner, and he invited u
to Join him; and xhile tho meal was IL
progress the captain told his story. For
ter listened very attertvely, and at II.
conclusion he said, with a smile: "Ai
right. captain, / guess there won't b
much trouble. ] will come on boart
during tho afternoon and see Ii / car
straighten things out for you.
After this tho commodore turned the
conversation upon other subjects, anC
when wo had eaten, and smoked GU
pipes, we returned to our vessel.
And Commodore Porter was not fal
behind us. At 2 o'clock he came OF
board, accompanied by lieutenant ano
twenty marines. His irst move was K
direct the crew to be mustered aft; an(
while this was being done the marine
were drawn up on the starboard aide o.
the quarterback in two ranks--the crew
musfering upon the opposite side. Whel
all was quiet the commodore advanced
from his position against the tail rail- ant
addressed our men. -.
"LOok ye, my men," 10 said In nj
abrupt, authoritative way, II am in
formed that some Of you refuse to IL
duty. You know very well that 20.
can't be discharged today. The thing 1
impossible, and The good OF the service
vii not permit that you shall refuse 4
obey your officers As the roll Is cailet
thoee who are not willing to 90 furthe
duty VIII, in answer to their names, g.
forward 70 tho forecastle. The other
win remain as they are"
The steward commenced to call tn
roll, with pause after each name. Two
at least, Of those who had appeared a
The gangway answered to their name
without moving. At length the name o
Louis Basard was called and he wen
forward, and when he started these othe
two, who had hem5lipgly hesitatsd, fcl