I demanded the reason of
such violence, but received no other answer than abuse for not holding my
tongue. The master, the gunner, the surgeon, Mr. Elphinstone, master's
mate, and Nelson, were kept confined below, and the fore-hatchway was
guarded by sentinels. The boatswain and carpenter, and also the clerk,
Mr. Samuel, were allowed to come upon deck. The boatswain was ordered to
hoist the launch out, with a threat if he did not do it instantly to take
care of himself.
When the boat was out, Mr. Hayward and Mr. Hallett, two of the
midshipmen, and Mr. Samuel, were ordered into it. I demanded what their
intention was in giving this order, and endeavored to persuade the people
near me not to persist in such acts of violence; but it was to no effect.
Christian changed the cutlass which he had in his hand for a bayonet that
was brought to him, and holding me with a strong grip by the cord that
tied my hands, he with many oaths threatened to kill me immediately if I
would not be quiet; the villains round me had their pieces cocked and
bayonets fixed. Particular people were called on to go into the boat,
and were hurried over the side, whence I concluded that with these people
I was to be set adrift.
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