[269] Clarke, when giving Tone his commission in the French army, asks him (_Journals_, i. 151) if he knew one Duckett: 'I answered I did not, nor did I desire to know him.' Clarke replied that Duckett was 'clever.' Clarke, afterwards Duke de Feltre, stooped to ignoble tactics from which Tone recoiled. Clarke was a strong advocate for _chouannerie_ (see Tone, ii. 96-9), and probably encouraged Duckett in his scheme for destroying the English dockyards and exciting mutiny in the fleet. [270] At Portsmouth, when Lord Bridport gave orders to put to sea, every ship at St. Helens refused to obey. The marines fired and five seamen were killed. The crew of the 'London' turned the guns, and threatened to blow all aft into the sea. The officers surrendered; the marines laid down their arms, and Admiral Colpoys and Captain Griffiths were put in confinement. [271] Leader of the mutiny. [272] _Report of the Secret Committee of Commons, England_, 1799. [273] As Tone suspected Duckett to be a spy, he doubtless cautioned Talleyrand against him. These misgivings spread from bureau to bureau. [274] Tone's _Diary_ of June 16, 1798, praises the talents and activity of Bruix; 'but what could he do? In the first place, he had no money,' &c.--ii. 501. [275] Turner's instructions from the Home Office were, if he would not prosecute, to open a correspondence, at least, with leading rebels. [276] Joseph Holt, a Wicklow Protestant, published his memoirs in two volumes, but does not mention Duckett. [277] _Castlereagh Papers_, i. 263-4. [278] Duckett was secretary to Leonard Bourdon, who voted for the death of Louis XVI., and by his energy overthrew Robespierre, July 27, 1794. He headed the Conspiracy of the Faubourgs in 1795, and doubtless applauded Duckett in his scheme. [279] _Castlereagh Papers_, i. 263. [280] _Vide_ Dr. Macnevin's memorial relative to a landing in Ireland.--_Ibid._ i. 305. [281] Tone's _Journals_, i. 208. (Washington, 1827.)