tly said he would do as he pleased.

_Q._ Did he often speak of the murder, or of his knowing it about to
take place?

_A._ I only remember, having heard him twice. I told him when we
arrived, I would inform the American Consul of it; to which he
replied, he should own all he knew about it.

_Q._ To what State does he belong to your knowledge?

_A._ To the State of Connecticut, he says.

(Signed) GILBERT SMITH.
Sworn to, before me at Valparaiso,
this eighteenth day of June, 1824.

(Signed) MICHAEL HOGAN,
U. S. Consul.

The examination of the others who came in the ship, was but a
repetition of the foregoing. All, however, concurred in believing,
that Joseph Thomas was privy to the intention to mutiny, and murder
the officers.

The ship was then furnished with necessary sails and rigging, and
placed in charge of a Captain King, who brought her to the Island of
Nantucket, arriving on Sunday 21st November, 1824. Another examination
was held before Josiah Hussey, Esq. and all testified, as before the
American Consul at Valparaiso.

Thomas, who was put in irons as soon as the land was discovered, was
arraigned before the above named justice, and after an elaborate
hearing, the prisoner was committed to jail, to take his trial at the
following term of the U. S. District Court, and the witnesses
recognised in the sum of three hundred dollars each.

Leaving Thomas, awaiting his trial, and the others in the enjoyment of
the society of their families and friends, we will return to the
Mulgrave Islands, the scene of no inconsiderable portion of our
distresses and adventures.

On the 17th Feb. when night came, the watch was set consisting of two
men, whose duty it was to guard against the thefts of the natives. At
about 10 P. M. all hands were awakened by the cry; "The ship has gone,
the ship has gone!" Every one hastened to the beach and verified the
truth of the report for themselves. Some who were ignorant of the
intention of Smith and others, to take the ship, were of opinion that
the strong breeze then blowing, had caused her to drag her anchor, and
that she would return in the morning.

The morning came, but nothing was to be seen upon the broad expanse
of ocean, save here and there a solitary seagull, perched upon the
crested billow. Payne in a paroxism of rage, vented the most dreadful
imprecations; swearing that could he get them once more in his power,
he would put them