he schoolmaster had made but little progress, in the Navy
especially, and not much on shore, it was difficult to obtain good and
steady warrant officers, and I was especially troubled with a drunken
boatswain, gunner, and carpenter. Drunk or sober, they were constantly
insubordinate, setting a bad example to the crew, and quarrelling with
each other. I determined, however, to master them, and compel them to
do their duty, or get them dismissed from the service. As I was the
only officer in the ship directly over them, my task was not an easy
one.

Having run the ship over to water at Rockfort, I found, on my return to
Port Royal, that the admiral shifted his flag from the Bristol to the
Chameleon. He had just been promoted from Rear of the Blue to Rear of
the Red.

My troubles and annoyances with my subordinates continued to increase.
Scarcely a day passed but what they were guilty of some neglect of duty,
which more than once placed the ship in a dangerous position. I was
continually afraid that the gunner, by some carelessness in the
magazine, would blow her and all on board up into the air. I have no
doubt that most of the catastrophes of that nature, which have from time
to time occurred, have been caused by the conduct of which he was
guilty. Fortunately for me, I was thoroughly supported in my duty by
Captain Douglas of the Chameleon, who was in every respect the officer
and the gentleman, and I am much indebted to him for many kind and
favourable remarks he made respecting me to the admiral. When a man is
endeavouring to do his duty, it is pleasant to be spoken of as an
active, zealous, intelligent officer, as I know he did of me. The
misconduct of the gunner grew more and more unbearable, and at length I
was compelled to bring him, as also the boatswain and carpenter, to a
court-martial. The result was that the former was broke, and rendered
incapable of again serving his Majesty; while the other two, who did not
deserve a less punishment, were severely reprimanded. They would have
been broke likewise but for the difficulty which then existed of finding
intelligent and educated men to fill the posts they occupied.

The Camel, Captain Bligh, having come into harbour with one of her
lieutenants sick, I was appointed to her as acting-lieutenant, her
captain having done me the favour of applying for me to the admiral. We
left the harbour on the 10th of June, and anchored next day in
Bluefield's Bay, w