e enterprize to have an adequate force
on board as on shore in its execution, and, therefore, that those who
remained on board could not be deprived of their share in the plunder,
without manifest injustice. These contests were carried on with great
heat on both sides; and though the plunder in question was a mere
trifle, in comparison with the treasure taken, in which there was no
doubt that those on board had an equal right, yet, as the obstinacy
of sailors is not always regulated by the importance of the matter in
dispute, the commodore thought it necessary to put a speedy stop to
this commotion. Accordingly, on the morning of the 17th, he ordered
all hands to assemble on the quarter-deck, when, addressing his
discourse to those who had been detached on shore, he highly commended
their gallant conduct, and thanked them for their services on that
occasion. He then represented to them the reasons that had been urged
by those who continued on board, for an equal distribution of the
plunder, telling them that he thought these reasons were conclusive,
and that the expectations of their comrades were justly founded; and
he insisted, therefore, that not only the men, but all the officers
also, who had been employed in the capture of Payta, should
immediately produce the whole of their plunder upon the quarter-deck,
and that it should be impartially divided among the whole crew,
proportionally to the rank and commission of each. To prevent those
who had been in possession of this plunder from murmuring at this
decision, and the consequent diminution of their shares, he added,
as an encouragement to those who might be afterwards employed on
like services, that he gave up his entire share, to be distributed
exclusively among those who had been detached to attack the place.
Thus this troublesome affair, which might perhaps have had mischievous
consequences if permitted to go on, was soon appeased by the prudence
of the commodore, to the general satisfaction of all. Some few,
indeed, whose selfish dispositions were uninfluenced by the justice of
this procedure, and who were incapable of discerning the equity of the
decision, were dissatisfied, as it tended to deprive them of what they
had once possessed.

This important affair employed the best part of the day after leaving
Payta; and at night, having seen nothing of the Gloucester, the
commodore made the squadron bring to, that we might not pass her in
the dark. Next morning w