The ship was stored and victualled for eighteen
months.
Thus prepared, the _Bounty_ set sail on the 23d of December, and what
ensued will be best told in the language of Captain Bligh.
_Monday, 27th April 1789._--The wind being northerly in the evening, we
steered to the westward, to pass to the south of Tofoa. I gave
directions for this course to be continued during the night. The master
had the first watch, the gunner the middle watch, and Mr. Christian the
morning watch.
_Tuesday, 25th._--Just before sunrising, while I was yet asleep, Mr.
Christian, with the master-at-arms, gunner's mate, and Thomas Burkitt,
seaman, came into my cabin, and seizing me, tied my hands with a cord
behind my back, threatening me with instant death if I spoke or made the
least noise. I, however, called as loud as I could, in hopes of
assistance; but they had already secured the officers who were not of
their party, by placing sentinels at their doors. There were three men
at my cabin door, besides the four within; Christian had only a cutlass
in his hand, the others had muskets and bayonets. I was pulled out of
bed, and forced on deck in my shirt, suffering great pain from the
tightness with which they had tied my hands.
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