Old times : $b A picture of social life at the end of the eighteenth centuryAshton, John
History
Old times : $b A picture of social life at the end of the eighteenth century
Ashton, John
Great Britain -- Social life and customs
"The mutiny which existed several days on board the 'Culloden' of
74 guns, and which, it is said, originated in the wish of the
crew to have the ship docked, previous to her sailing for the
West Indies, was, on Wednesday, settled by an order from the
Admiralty in the following manner:--'That several Captains were
to go on board and inform the crew, unless they immediately
returned to their duty, the "Royal George" of 110 guns, and
"Queen," of 98 guns, would directly be laid alongside them.' They
were allowed half an hour to consider the matter. The officers,
and others, who chose to leave the ship, were at liberty so to
do. The ship's company several times wanted to make terms, which
could not possibly be complied with: in about twenty minutes they
all agreed to return to their duty; 12 of the ringleaders were
instantly seized, and put in irons, and will no doubt be tried by
a Court Martial for the same. During the time the ship was in
this mutinous state, the crew flogged several marines because
they would not join them, and would have punished the whole, had
they gone below."--(_Times, Dec. 13, 1794._)
* * * * *
"The cause of the mutiny, on board the 'Culloden,' was briefly
this. In coming into Spithead, the 'Sampson,' and 'Culloden,'
both run a-ground. The former was a good deal damaged: the latter
lost only her rudder, which could easily be repaired at Spithead,
but the 'Sampson' was obliged to be carried into dock. Some of
the seamen of the 'Culloden,' in a mutinous manner, expressed
their doubts of the safety of the ship: and, upon being
remonstrated with, insisted upon going into harbour."--(_Times,
Dec. 16, 1794._)
Which were right, the Sailors, or the Admiralty?
Here is a curious case, which shows the want of men to man the fleet,
and how unscrupulously even magistrates lent themselves against all
justice, and equity, in helping to kidnap men for the use of the Navy
Services:--
"PUBLIC OFFICE, BOW STREET.--A master bricklayer, of the name of
Whitehead, brought his apprentice before the sitting magistrate,
on a charge of having stolen a scaffolding board, value under
_ninepence_: he had his choice, either to enlist as a soldier, or
to be sent on board the fleet: to both of which he objected. The
Magistrate then ordered a letter to be written to the Regulating
Captain, Tower Hill, to have him sent on board the
Navy."--(_Times, Jan. 5, 1795._)
On this, one of the spectators addressed Mr. Bond, and told him he was
acting improperly.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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