th old Swinburne (who nearly wrung my arm
off, and gave my shoulder such pain, as to make me cry out), and with
the others who extended theirs. I desired the sale of my effects to be
stopped; fortunately for me, it had but just begun, and the articles
were all returned. Thompson had informed the captain that he knew my
father's address, and would take charge of my clothes, and send them
home, but the captain would not allow him.

In a few minutes, I received a letter from the captain, desiring me to
acquaint him in writing, for the information of the senior officer, in
what manner I had escaped. I went down below, when I found one very
melancholy face, that of the passed-midshipman of the _Acasta_, who had
received an acting order in my place. When I went to my desk, I found
two important articles missing; one, my private letter-book, and the
other, the journal which I kept of what passed, and from which this
narrative has been compiled. I inquired of my messmates, who stated
that the desk had not been looked into by any one but the captain, who,
of course, must have possessed himself of those important documents.

I wrote a letter containing a short narrative of what had happened, and,
at the same time, another on service to the captain, requesting that he
would deliver up my property, the private journal, and letter-book in
his possession. The captain, as soon as he received my letters, sent up
word for his boat to be manned. As soon as it was manned, I reported
it, and then begged to know whether he intended to comply with my
request. He answered that he should not, and then went on deck, and
quitted the brig to pull on board of the senior officer. I therefore
determined immediately to write to the captain of the _Acasta_,
acquainting him with the conduct of Captain Hawkins, and requesting his
interference. This I did immediately, and the boat that had brought me
on board not having left the brig, I sent the letter by it, requesting
them to put it into the hands of one of the officers. The letter was
received previous to Captain Hawkins' visit being over; and the captain
of the _Acasta_ put it into his hands, inquiring if the statement were
correct. Captain Hawkins replied, that it was true that he had detained
these papers, as there was so much mutiny and disaffection in them, and
that he should not return them to me.

"That I cannot permit," replied the captain of the _Acasta_, who was
aware of the ch