Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1898-04-15

shout OF rejoicing was INDUCED in. II
there was liquor aboard, the men did
not hunt for il. Now that the mutiny
had come to pass they talked freely In
my presence, and one and all seemed
much cast down that they had been
much talk as to what should be done,
but 1t amounted to nothing until after
breakfast next morning, Then every
body aboard the bark except the woman
and her daughter gathered aft for talk
Two or three of the passengers were
outspoken in their sympathy for the
men, and all others were at least neu-
trial. At the instance of the seaman who
had charge of the craft paper was
drawn up setting forth all the facts in
the case, and this was signed by both
passengers and sailors.
No one aboard knew anything about
navigation, and il was at first proposed
that we remain where we were and fly
signal of distress. In the course Of
two or three days we were sure to be
sighted and relieved. This plan was
agreeable to all for few hours, but
after awhile the mutineers began to
grow nervous and afraid. No matter
what cause they had for mutiny, they
had taken three lives, and no matter
what testimony the passengers might
give British court would surely infiiot
severe punishment. There was really
no ring leader. One was as guilty AZ the
nj hnp nd oil Job he
punishment As this came to be- talked
over the men decided not to wait to be
taken prisoners and carried home for
trial If they would escape, even tenn
porarily they must get rid Of their pas
sengers. How this should be done was
not settled without further talk The
passengers did not wish to go knocking
about the ocean in craft without Off
GERS or navigator, and when 1t was sug-
gested that they take to the longboat
and make for the Azores, 800 miles
away, there was not much opposition.
Two OF the single men knew something
about handling u boat, and the craft
they were TO take was big enough to
hold twice their number. Nearly the
whole day had passed before this dos
cision was reached. and then 1t was
agreed that no move should be made be-
fore the next morning. No fault could
be found with the behavior of the men.
They did no work, as "a matter Of course,
but were quiet and kept to their end of
the ship Had we been overhauled on
that first day no resistance would have
been made, but AZ tho hours slipped
away the men became more anxious to
avoid being taken.
During the night the longboat was
got over and fitted out. She was provid-
ed with sailors, water. food, lanterns,
bedding and whatever could be thought
Of for the comfort and safety Of her oc-
cupants The weather was pleasant tho
season pacific. and there was every
chance that the boat would land at the
Azores all right, She left us about .
O'Clock next morning, all the passengers
going willingly and seemingly to DO III
good spirits, and all the men shock
hands with each and every one Of the
Grew. When she was mile away, sail
was made on the bark, and we headed
for the African coast 1t had been yet.
tied among the men to run into the
Moorish coast and wreck the bark and
take their chances. was ordered to get
ready and go with the boat, but protest
ed so vigorously that was finally per
mitted to remain, but the man with the
broken arm, who was still great suf-
ferer and useless as sailor, was sent
Off with the passengers.
For five days and nights after losing
sight Of the boat we worked our way to
the east, but being short handed and
without officers the bark was kept un-
der easy sail and her pace was slow. No
crew could have been more orderly or
agreed better. There WAS not even dis
pute, nor did any one suggest that the
cabins be looted of their stores and val.
uables. The only idea advanced was to
reach the coast and get clear OF any pur-
suit On the morning Of the sixth day,
when the coast was almost in sight,
British man .ofwar which was coming
up from Cape Town sighted us and be-
gan signaling. No one aboard could
make out what she meant or answer
her, and a. result her suspicious were
aroused and she made pursuit. We
packed on sail aud stood for the coast
until her shot began to come aboard.
and then there was nothing 20 do hut
surrender Ten minutes after the
stranger was alongside orr story was
known, and within half an hour all our
crew except me were in irons As to
the longboat, she was picked up next
d.v after sba INIT or a,d hor nao,,I.
carried back to England. We were tax.