to
their duty, and the _Indefatigable_ was soon under sail. The _Phoebe_
was earned by her crew to Cawsand Bay, and in justice to them it should
be added, that although she anchored in the midst of several ships which
had lately mutinied, no further irregularity took place: and after
having been paid, she hastened to join the _Indefatigable_ off Brest.

The crew of the _Impetueux_ supposed, and probably with truth, that Sir
Edward was selected to command them in consequence of their known
disaffected state, his frigate having been almost the only ship on the
home station which had not actually mutinied. Under this impression, a
mistaken pride would not allow them to be controlled, and their secret
spirit of revolt became more determined. The feeling might have worn
itself out in a short time if the ship had remained at sea, for the men
soon learned to respect their new commander. But when, on the 25th of
April, the French fleet escaped from Brest, and sailed for the
Mediterranean, the British Admiral, Lord Bridport, supposing it to have
gone to Ireland, cruised for a few days off Cape Clear, and then
anchored with twenty-six sail of the line in Bantry Bay. Here the bad
spirits of the fleet had leisure for mischief, and facilities to
communicate with one another. A general mutiny was planned, and the
disgraceful distinction of setting the example was assigned to the
_Impetueux_.

On Thursday, the 30th of May, at noon, Sir Edward, being engaged to dine
with Sir Alan Gardner, had gone to dress in his cabin, leaving orders
with the officer of the watch to call all hands at the usual time, one
watch to clear hawse, and the other two to wash decks. When the order
was given, it was obeyed by all the marines, but by scarce any of the
sailors. Very shortly after, signal was made to unmoor, upon which a
noise of "No--no--no!" was heard from the main hatchway, and the seamen
came pressing forward in great numbers; those in the rear crying, "Go
on--go on!" The first lieutenant, Ross, and Lieutenant Stokes, the
officer of the watch, demanded what was the matter; and after some
murmuring, were told that there was a letter. The officers asked for it,
that it might be given to the captain, but the cry of "No--no--no!" was
immediately renewed. Lieutenant Ross then desired Lieutenant Stokes to
inform the captain, upon which the mutineers shouted, "One and all--one
and all!" Sir Edward instantly ran out in his dressing-gown, and found
b