the ship's company.

Having little or no wind we rowed pretty fast towards Tofoa, which bore
north-east about 10 leagues from us. While the ship was in sight she
steered to the west-north-west, but I considered this only as a feint;
for when we were sent away "Huzza for Otaheite" was frequently heard
among the mutineers.

Christian the chief of the mutineers is of a respectable family in the
north of England. This was the third voyage he had made with me and, as I
found it necessary to keep my ship's company at three watches, I had
given him an order to take charge of the third, his abilities being
thoroughly equal to the task; and by this means the master and gunner
were not at watch and watch.

Haywood is also of a respectable family in the north of England and a
young man of abilities as well as Christian. These two had been objects
of my particular regard and attention, and I had taken great pains to
instruct them, having entertained hopes that as professional men they
would have become a credit to their country.

Young was well recommended and had the look of an able stout seaman: he
however fell short of what his appearance promised.

Stewart was a young man of creditable parents in the Orkneys, at which
place on the return of the Resolution from the South Seas in 1780 we
received so many civilities that on that account only I should gladly
have taken him with me but, independent of this recommendation, he was a
seaman and had always borne a good character.

Notwithstanding the roughness with which I was treated the remembrance of
past kindnesses produced some signs of remorse in Christian. When they
were forcing me out of the ship I asked him if this treatment was a
proper return for the many instances he had received of my friendship? he
appeared disturbed at my question and answered with much emotion: "That,
captain Bligh, that is the thing; I am in hell, I am in hell."

As soon as I had time to reflect I felt an inward satisfaction which
prevented any depression of my spirits: conscious of my integrity and
anxious solicitude for the good of the service in which I had been
engaged I found my mind wonderfully supported, and I began to conceive
hopes, notwithstanding so heavy a calamity, that I should one day be able
to account to my King and country for the misfortune. A few hours before
my situation had been peculiarly flattering. I had a ship in the most
perfect order and well stored with every necessa