In the year 1787, an armed ship, called the Bounty, was fitted out by the English government, to proceed to the South Sea islands for plants of the bread-fruit tree, which afforded to the inhabitants of those islands, and of Tahiti especially, the greater portion of their food. This step was taken in consequence of representations made to George the Third, king of England, by merchants and planters interested in the English West Indian possessions.
The command of the ship was given to Lieutenant William Bligh, who was then about thirty-three years of age; and had been sailing-master under Captain Cook,