e out first at Spithead, on the 15th April, 1797, on board Lord
Bridport's flag-ship, the _Royal George_; the crews of the other ships
of the fleet following the example thus set them. The men, there can be
no doubt, had very considerable grievances of which to complain; nor can
it be well explained how, in those days, they could by legal means have
had them redressed. One thing only is certain, mutiny was not the
proper way of proceeding. We were at Spithead, and not an officer in
the fleet knew what was about to occur, when, on the 14th, two of our
men desired to speak with the captain, and then gave him the astounding
intelligence that the ships' companies of the whole fleet had bound
themselves to make certain important demands, and which, if not granted,
that they would refuse to put to sea. The two men--they were
quartermasters--moreover, stated that they had themselves been chosen
delegates to represent the ship's company of the _San Fiorenzo_, by the
rest of the fleet, but that they could assure him that all the men would
prove true and loyal, and would obey their officers as far as was
consistent with prudence.

Sir Harry thanked them, assuring them, in return, that he would trust
them thoroughly. He, however, scarcely believed at that time the extent
to which the mischief had gone. The next day evidence was given of the
wide spread of the disaffection. Affairs day after day grew worse and
worse; and although some of the superior officers acted with great
judgment and moderation, others very nearly drove matters to the
greatest extremity.

Meantime, the delegates of the _San Fiorenzo_ attended the meetings of
the mutineers, and, though at the imminent risk of their lives,
regularly brought Sir Harry information of all that occurred. He
transmitted it to the Admiralty, and it was chiefly through his
representations and advice that conciliatory measures were adopted by
the Government. Nearly all the just demands of the seamen having been
granted, they returned to their duty, and it was supposed that the
mutiny was at an end. Just before this, the Princess Royal had married
the Duke of Wirtemberg, and the _San Fiorenzo_ had been appointed to
carry Her Royal Highness over to Cuxhaven. We could not, however, move
without permission from the delegates. This was granted. Our
upper-deck guns were stowed below, and the larger portion of the
upper-deck fitted with cabins. In this condition, when arriving a