y to confine myself to that part which
is connected with the present history. Peters, as delegate from his
ship, met the others, who were daily assembled, by Parker's directions,
on board of the _Queen Charlotte_, and took a leading and decided part
in the arrangements of the disaffected fleet.

But Parker, the ringleader, although a man of talent, was not equal to
the task he had undertaken. He lost sight of several important features
necessary to insure success in all civil commotions: such as rapidity
and decision of action, constant employment being found, and continual
excitement being kept up amongst his followers, to afford no time for
reflection. Those who serve under an established government know
exactly their present weight in the scale of worldly rank, and the
extent of their future expectations; they have accustomed themselves to
bound their ambition accordingly: and feeling conscious that passive
obedience is the surest road to advancement, are led quietly, here or
there, to be slaughtered at the will and caprice of their superiors.
But the leader of the disaffected against an established government has
a difficult task. He has nothing to offer to his followers but
promises. There is nothing on hand--all is expectation. If allowed
time for reflection, they soon perceive that they are acting an humble
part in a dangerous game; and that even though it be attended with
success, in all probability they will receive no share of the
advantages, although certain of incurring a large proportion of the
risk. The leader of a connected force of the above description rises to
a dangerous height when borne up by the excitement of the time; but let
it once be permitted to subside, and, like the aeronaut in his balloon,
from which the gas escapes while it is soaring in the clouds, he is
precipitated from his lofty station, and gravitates to his own
destruction.

He must be a wonderful man who can collect all the resources of a
popular commotion, and bring it to a successful issue. The reason is
obvious--everything depends upon the leader alone. His followers are
but as the stones composing the arch of the bridge by which the gulf is
to be crossed between them and their nominal superiors; he is the
keystone, upon which the whole depends--if completely fitted, rendering
the arch durable and capable of bearing any pressure; but if too small
in dimensions, or imperfect in conformation, rendering the whole labour
f