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CHRISTIAN, the head of the mutineers, is of a refpectable family in the north of England. This was the third voyage he had made with me; and, as I found it neceffary to keep my fhip's company at three watches, I had given him an order, the night previous to the mutiny, to take charge of the third, his abilities being thoroughly equal to the task.

Peter HAYWOOD,

Midshipman.

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

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YOUNG was well recommended, and had the look of an able ftout feaman: he, however, fell short of what his appearance promised.

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STEWART was a young man of creditable parents in the Orkneys; at which place, on the return of the Refolution from the SOUTH SEAS in 1780, we received fo many civilities, that, on that account only, I should gladly have taken him with me: but, independent of this recommendation, he was a feaman, and had always borne a good character.

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In all 25 hands, and the most able men of the fhip's company.

Notwithstanding the roughness with which I was treated, the remembrance of paft kindneffes produced fome figns of remorfe in CHRISTIAN. When they were forcing me out of the ship, I asked him," if this treat66 ment was a proper return for the many instances he “had received of my friendship?" He appeared disturb

ed

ed at my question, and faid, with much emotion, "It "is that, Captain BLIGH, which affects me, and makes 66 me in hell."

Having little or no wind, we rowed pretty fast toward Tofoa, which bore NE about 10 leagues from us.

While the ship was in fight she steered NNW, but I confidered this only as a feint; for when we were at a distance, Huzza for Otaheite," was frequently heard among the mutineers.

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As foon as I had time to reflect, I felt an inward fatisfaction, which prevented any very great depreffion of fpirits: conscious of my integrity, and anxious folicitude for the good of the service in which I had been engaged, I found my mind very much supported, and began to conceive hopes, notwithstanding so heavy a calamity, that I fhould one day be able to account to my king and country for the misfortune.

A few hours before, my fituation had been peculiarly flattering. I had a ship in the most perfect order, and well stored with every neceffary both for service and health by early attention to those particulars, I had, as much as lay in my power, provided against any accident, in cafe I could not get through Endeavour Straits, as well as against what might befal me in them; added to

VOL. II.

3 T

this,

this, the plants had been successfully preserved in the most flourishing state: so that, upon the whole, the voyage was two thirds completed, and the remaining part, to all appearance, in a very promifing way; every person on board being in perfect health, to establifh which was ever amongst the principal objects of my

attention.

It may be very naturally asked, what could be the reafon for fuch a revolt? In answer to which I can only conjecture, that the mutineers had flattered themfelves with the hopes of a more happy life among the Otabeiteans, than they could poffibly enjoy in England; and this, joined to fome female connections, moft probably occafioned the whole tranfaction.

The women of Otaheite are handfome, mild, and cheerful in their manners and converfation, poffeffed of great fenfibility, and have fufficient delicacy to make

them

*Modefty is one of the most diftinguishing and attractive characteristics of the female fex. Modefty has a double effect: it heightens the defire of the male, and deters him from rudeness, or improper behaviour. It both attracts and repels. There is no part of the female character which men revere fo much as modesty. It is the brightest and most valuable jewel with which a woman can be adorned. A fine woman without modefty, inflead of gaining the affections of men, becomes an object of contempt. It is, therefore, not only the interest of females to cultivate modesty, but to guard, with the most

anxious

them admired and beloved. The chiefs were fo much attached to our people, that they rather encouraged their ftay among them than otherwise.

Under thefe, and many other attendant circumstances equally defirable, it is now perhaps not fo much to be wondered at, though fcarcely poffible to have been forefeen, that a fet of failors, most of them void of connection, should be led away; especially when, in addition to such powerful inducements, they imagined it in their power to fix themselves in the midst of plenty, on one of the finest islands in the world, where they need not anxious attention, against the smallest encroachments. Every attack, however apparently infignificant, fhould be repelled with spirit and intrepidity. To men of fenfibility a single glance of the eye will tell them that their conduct is improper, and make them not only inftantly defift, but prevent any future attempt. It is equally the interest of men to cherish, and not to injure by indelicacy, a quality from which they derive fo much pleasure and advantage.

Hail, MODESTY! fair female honour, hail!
Beauty's chief ornament, without whose charms
beauty difgufts; or gives but vulgar joys.
CHEAPNESS offends; hence on the harlot's lip
no rapture hangs, however fair fhe feem,
however form'd for love and amorous play.

THOU giv'ft the fmile its grace; the heighten'd kifs
its balmy effence fweet! &c.

ARMSTRONG.

It is curious to obferve the power of this quality in the present instance over

rude minds,

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