The Lonely Island: The Refuge of the Mutineers

by R. M. Ballantyne

  CHAPTER TWO.

  RECORDS THE DUTIES AND TROUBLES OF THE MUTINEERS.

  It is not our purpose to follow the fortunes of Captain Bligh. Themutineers in the _Bounty_ claim our undivided attention.

  As regards Bligh, it is sufficient to say that he performed one of themost remarkable boat-voyages on record. In an overloaded and open boat,on the shortest allowance of provision compatible with existence,through calm and tempest, heat and cold, exposed to the attacks ofcannibals and to the reproaches of worn-out and mutinous men, hetraversed 3618 miles of ocean in forty-one days, and brought himself andhis followers to land, with the exception of one man who was killed bythe natives. In this achievement he displayed those qualities ofindomitable resolution and unflagging courage which ultimately raisedhim to high rank in the navy. But we leave him now to trace thoseincidents which result from the display of his other qualities--ungovernable passion, overbearing impetuosity, and incomprehensiblemeanness.

  The first act of Fletcher Christian, after taking command of the ship,was to serve out a glass of grog all round. He then called a council ofwar, in which the mutineers discussed the question what they should do.

  "You see, lads," said Christian, "it is absolutely certain that weshan't be left among these islands in peace. Whether Bligh manages toget home or not, the British Government is sure to send out to see whathas become of us. My notion is that we should bear away to thesouth'ard, far out of the usual track of ships, find out someuninhabited and suitable island, and establish ourselves thereon?"

  "What! without wives, or sisters, or mothers, or grandmothers, to saynothin' o' mothers-in-law, to cook our victuals an' look after ourshirt-buttons?" said Isaac Martin, who, having been detained against hiswill, had become lugubriously, or recklessly, facetious, and wasstimulated to a sort of fierce hilarity by his glass of rum.

  "You're right, Martin," said Brown, the assistant botanist, "we couldn'tget along without wives, so I vote that we go back to Otaheite, getmarried, every man of us, an' ho! for the South Pole. The Britishcruisers would never find us there."

  There was a general laugh at this sally, but gravity returned almostinstantly to every face, for they were in no humour just then forjesting. It is probable that each man began to realise the dreadfulnature of his position as an outlaw whose life was forfeited to hiscountry, and who could never more hope to tread the shores of OldEngland, or look upon the faces of kindred or friends. In suchcircumstances men sometimes try to hide their true feelings under a veilof recklessness or forced mirth, but seldom succeed in the attempt.

  "No man in his senses would go back to Otaheite--at least not to staythere," said John Adams, gravely; "it's the first place they will sendto look for us."

  "What's the odds?" growled one of the seamen. "They won't look therefor us for a long time to come, unless Cap'n Bligh borrows a pair ofwings from an albatross, an' goes home as the crow flies."

  At this point John Mills, the gunner's mate, a man of about forty,cleared his throat and gave it as his opinion that they should not goback to Otaheite, but should leave the matter of their futuredestination in the hands of Mr Christian, who was well able to guidethem.

  This proposal was heartily backed by Edward Young, midshipman, a stoutyoung fellow of twenty-two, who was fond of Christian; but there wereone or two dissentient voices, among which were the little middy PeterHeywood, his brother-officer George Stewart, and James Morrison theboatswain's mate. These wished to return to Otaheite, but the counselof the majority prevailed, and Christian ultimately steered for theisland of Toubouai, which lay some five hundred miles to the south ofOtaheite. There he expected to be safe from pursuit, and there it wasresolved that the mutineers should take up their abode if the nativesproved friendly.

  That night, while the _Bounty_ was skimming gently over the starlit seabefore a light breeze, the three officers, Heywood, Stewart, and Young,leaned over the weather side of the quarter-deck, and held a whisperedconversation.

  "Why did you vote for going back to Otaheite, Heywood?" asked Young.

  "Because it is to Otaheite that they will send to look after us, and Ishould like to be there to give myself up, the instant a man-of-wararrives, and declare my innocence of the crime of mutiny."

  "You are right, Heywood," said Stewart; "I, too, would like to givemyself up the moment I get the chance. Captain Bligh knows that you andI had no hand in the mutiny, and if he reaches England will clear us ofso foul a stain. It's a pity that those who voted for Otaheite were notin the majority."

  "That's all very well for you, who were seen to go below to fetch yourclothes, and were detained against your will," said Young, "but it wasnot so with me. I was forcibly detained below. They would not allow meto go on deck at all until the launch had left, so that it would go hardwith me before a court-martial. But the die is now cast, and there's nohelp for it. Although I took no part in the mutiny, I won't riskfalling into the hands of justice, with such an unprincipled scoundrelas Bligh to witness against me. My future fortunes now lie withFletcher Christian. I cannot avoid my fate."

  Young spoke sadly, yet with some bitterness of tone, like one who hasmade up his mind to face and endure the worst.

  On reaching the remote island of Toubouai the mutineers were muchimpressed with its beauty. It seemed exceedingly fertile, was wooded tothe water's edge, and surrounded by a coral reef, with one openingthrough which a ship might enter. Altogether it seemed a most suitablerefuge, but here they met with an insurmountable difficulty. On drawingnear to the shore they saw hundreds of natives, who, armed with clubsand spears, lined the beach, blew their shell-horns, and resolutelyopposed the landing of the strangers.

  As all efforts to conciliate them were fruitless, resort was had tocannon and musketry. Of course the terrible thunder of the white man'sartillery had its usual effect on the savages. They fled inland, andthe mutineers gained a footing on the island.

  But the natives continued their opposition so vigorously, that thisrefuge proved to be the reverse of a place of rest.

  Christian therefore changed his plan, and, re-embarking in the _Bounty_,set sail for Otaheite.

  On the way thither the mutineers disagreed among themselves. Some ofthose who had been forcibly detained even began to plot the retaking ofthe ship, but their intentions were discovered and prevented.

  On the 6th of June they reached their former anchorage in Otaheite,where the natives received them with much joy and some surprise, but astory was trumped up to account for this sudden re-appearance of themutineers.

  Christian, however, had not yet given up his intention of settling onthe island of Toubouai. He foresaw the doom that awaited him if heshould remain at Otaheite, and resolved to return to the former islandwith a quantity of livestock. He began to barter with the friendlyOtaheitans, and soon had as many hogs, goats, fowls, cats, and dogs ashe required, besides a bull and a cow which had been left there byCaptain Cook. With these and several natives he sailed again forToubouai. Arriving there in nine days, he found that a change had comeover the spirit of the natives. They were decidedly and unaccountablyamiable. They not only permitted the white men to land, but assistedthem in warping the ship into a place of shelter, as well as in landingprovisions and stores.

  Fletcher Christian, whatever his faults may have been, seems to have hadpeaceful tendencies. He had not only secured the friendship of theOtaheitans by his just and considerate treatment of them while engagedin barter, but he now managed to conciliate some of the chiefs ofToubouai. As a precaution, however, he set about building an entrenchedfortress, in the labours connected with which he took his full share ofwork with the men. While the building was in progress the natives,despite the friendly chiefs, threw off the mask of good-will, which haddoubtless been put on for the purpose of getting the white men intotheir power. Strong in overwhelming numbers, they made frequent attackson the mutineers, which these latter, being strong in arms, successfullyrepelled. It soon became evident that w
arfare, not peace, was to be thelot of the residents on Toubouai, and, finally, it was agreed that the_Bounty_ should be got ready for sea, and the whole party should returnto Otaheite.

  The resolution was soon carried into effect, and the mutineers ere longfound themselves once again drawing near to the island.

  As they approached it under full sail, for the wind was light, the menstood looking at it, commenting on its beauty and the amiableness of itspeople, but Fletcher Christian stood apart by himself, with his back tothe shore, gazing in the opposite direction.

  Edward Young went up to him.

  "If this breeze holds, sir, we shall soon be at anchor in our oldquarters."

  The midshipman spoke in the respectful tone of one addressing hissuperior officer. Indeed, although Christian had, by his rash anddesperate act of mutiny, forfeited his position, and lowered himself toa level with the worst of his associates, he never lost their respect.It is recorded that they styled him _Mister_ Christian to the end.

  "At anchor!" said Christian, in a tone of deepest despondency. "Ah,Edward Young, there is no anchorage for us now in this world! We mayanchor in Matavai Bay to-night, but it will only be to up anchor and offagain in a few days."

  "Come, come, sir," said Young, heartily, "don't give way to despondency.You know we were driven to act as we did, and it can't be helped now."

  "_We_ were driven! My poor fellow," returned Christian, laying a handon the midshipman's shoulder, "_you_ had no part in this miserablebusiness. It is I who have drawn you all into it, but--well, well, asyou say, it can't be helped now. We must make the best of it,--God helpus!"

  He spoke in a low, soft tone of profound sadness, and continued hiswistful gaze over the stern of the _Bounty_. Presently he lookedquickly round, and, taking Young's arm, began to pace the deck while hespoke to him.

  "As you say, Edward, we shall anchor once more in Matavai Bay, but I amfirmly resolved not to remain there."

  "I'm sorry to hear it, sir," said Young, "for most of the men are asfirmly resolved to stay, and you know several of them are resolute, notto say desperate, characters."

  "I am quite aware of that, but I shall make a proposal to them, which Ithink they will accept. I will first of all propose to leave Otaheitefor some safer place of refuge, and when they object to that, I willpropose to divide the whole of the ship's stores and property among usall, landing that portion which belongs to those who elect to remain onthe island, and sailing away with the rest, and with those who choose tofollow my fortunes, to seek a more distant and a safer home."

  "That may perhaps suit them," said Young.

  "Suit _them_," rejoined Christian, with a quick glance; "then _you_don't count yourself one of them?"

  "No," returned the midshipman with a frank look, "I will follow you now,sir, to the end. How far I am guilty is a question that does notconcern me at present. If the British Government gets hold of me, myfate is sealed. I am in the same boat with yourself, Mr Christian, andI mean to stick by it."

  There was a strange spasm on Christian's countenance, as if ofconflicting emotions, while he grasped the youth's hand and squeezed it.

  "Thank you, Edward, thank you. Go now and see the anchor cleared to letgo."

  He descended quickly to the cabin, while the unfortunate midshipman wentforward to give the order.

  When the proposal just referred to was made the following day, afterlanding at Otaheite, it was at once agreed to. Peter Heywood, Stewart,Morrison, and others who had taken no active part in the mutiny, wereglad to have the prospect of being enabled, sooner or later, to make avoluntary surrender of themselves, while the thoughtless and recklessamong the men were well pleased to have done with uncertain wanderings,and to be allowed to settle among their amiable native friends.

  Preparations for instant departure were made by Christian and those whochose to follow his lead. The contents of the _Bounty_ were landed andfairly divided; then the vessel was got ready for her final voyage.Those who resolved to sail in her were as follows:--

  Fletcher Christian, formerly acting lieutenant--age 24. Edward Young, midshipman--age 22. John Adams, seaman--age 22. William McCoy, seaman--age 25. Matthew Quintal, seaman--age 21. John Williams, seaman--age 25. Isaac Martin, seaman--age 30. John Mills, gunner's mate--age 40. William Brown, botanist's assistant--age 27.

  All these had married native women of Otaheite, who agreed to forsakehome and kindred and follow the fortunes of their white husbands. Therewere also six native men who consented to accompany them. Their nameswere Talaloo, Ohoo, Timoa, Nehow, Tetaheite, and Menalee. Three ofthese had wives, and one of the wives had a baby girl by a formerhusband. The European sailors named the infant Sally. She was a roundlight-brown embodiment of gleeful impudence, and had barely reached thestaggering age of infancy when taken on board the _Bounty_ to begin herstrange career.

  Thus the party consisted of twenty-eight souls--namely, nine mutineers,six native men, twelve native women, and the light-brown baby.

  It was a pleasant bright morning in September 1790 when FletcherChristian and his followers bade farewell to Otaheite. For some timethe breeze was light, and the _Bounty_ hovered round the Island as ifloath to leave it. In the dusk of evening a boat put off from her,pulled to the shore, and Christian landed, alone, near the house of achief who had become the special friend of Peter Heywood and Stewart.With the two midshipmen he spent some time in earnest conversation.

  "I could not leave you," he said in conclusion, "without relieving mymind of all that I have just said about the mutiny, because you are sureto be sent for and taken to England as soon as the intelligence of thissad affair reaches. I advise you to go off at once to the first shipthat may appear, and give yourselves up to the commander."

  "Such is our intention," said Heywood.

  "Right," rejoined Christian; "you are both innocent. No harm can cometo you, for you took no part in the mutiny. For me, my fate is fixed.I go to search for some remote and uninhabited island, where I hope tospend the remainder of my days without seeing the face of any Europeansexcept those who accompany me. It is a dreary thought, lads, to losecountry and kindred and friends for _ever_ by the act of one dark hour.Now, remember, Heywood, what I have told you to tell my friends. Godknows I do not plead guiltless; I am alone responsible for the mutiny,and I exonerate all, even my adherents, from so much as suggesting it tome; nevertheless, there are some who love me in England, to whom I wouldbeg of you to relate the circumstances that I have told you. These mayextenuate though they cannot justify the crime I have committed. Iassure you, most solemnly, that almost up to the last I had no intentionof doing more than making my own escape from the ship which theinjustice and brutality of Bligh had made a place of torment to me.When you called me, Stewart, to relieve the watch, my brain seemed onfire, and it was when I found the two officers both asleep, who shouldhave been on duty, that I suddenly made up my mind to take the ship.Now," concluded Christian, grasping the hands of the youths, "I must sayfarewell. I have done you grievous wrong. God forgive me, and blessyou. Good-bye, Peter; good-bye, Stewart, good-bye."

  He turned abruptly, stepped into his boat, and was rowed out to sea.

  The young midshipmen, with moistened eyes, stood silently watching theboat until it reached the ship. Then they saw the _Bounty_ steeringaway to the northward. Before daylight was quite gone she haddisappeared on the distant horizon.

  Thus did Fletcher Christian and his comrades pass from the sight and kenof man, and they were not heard of after that for more than twentyyears!

  But you and I, reader, have a special privilege to follow up thesemutineers. Before doing so, however, let us note briefly what became oftheir comrades left on Otaheite.

  These, to the number of sixteen, soon distributed themselves among thehouses of their various friends, and proceeded to make themselves quiteat home. Some of them, however, were not disposed to take up apermanent abode there. Among these was the boatswain's mate, JamesMorrison,
a man of superior mental power and energy, who kept aninteresting and graphic journal of events. [See note.] He, with thearmourer, cooper, carpenter's mate, and others, set to work to constructa small vessel, in which they meant to sail to Batavia, whence theyhoped to procure a passage to England. The natives opposed this atfirst, but on being told that the vessel was only meant for pleasuretrips round the island, they ceased their opposition, and watched withgreat wonder at the process of ship-building, which was carried onindustriously from day to day.

  During the progress of the work there was witnessed an interestingceremony, which, according to custom, was annually performed by thechief of the district and a vast concourse of natives. It shows howdeeply the celebrated Captain Cook had gained the reverence and love ofthe people of Otaheite. A picture of the circumnavigator, which hadbeen presented to the islanders by the captain of a merchant vessel, wasbrought out with great ceremony and held up before the people, who,including their queen, Eddea, paid homage to it. A ceremonial dance wasalso performed in its honour, and a long oration was pronounced by aleading chief, after which the portrait was returned to the care of anold man, who was its appointed custodian.

  Long and earnestly did the white men labour at their little ship, andwith equal, if not superior, earnestness did the natives flock from allparts of the island to see the wonderful work advance, bringing suppliesof provisions to the whites as a sort of payment for admission to theshow. The vessel was completed and launched after months of toil, butits sails of matting were found to be so untrustworthy that the plan ofproceeding in it to Batavia had to be given up.

  Meanwhile, two of the worst of the mutineers, named Thompson andChurchill, came to a tragical end. The former insulted a member of thefamily with whom he resided, and was knocked down. He left them in highdudgeon, and went to that part of the island where the vessel abovereferred to was being built. One day a canoe from a distant districttouched there, and the owner landed with his wife and family, carryinghis youngest child in his arms. Thompson angrily ordered him to goaway, but the man did not obey the order, whereupon Thompson seized hismusket and shot father and child with the same bullet. For this murderhe was shunned with abhorrence by his comrades, and obliged to go off toanother part of the island, accompanied by Churchill. These two took uptheir abode with a chief who was a _tayo_, or sworn friend, of thelatter. This chief died shortly afterwards, leaving no children behindhim; and Churchill, being his _tayo_, succeeded to his possessions anddignity, according to the custom of the country. He did not, however,enjoy his new position long, for Thompson, from jealousy or some othercause, shot him. The natives were so incensed at this that they arose_en masse_ and stoned Thompson to death.

  While these events were occurring, a messenger of retribution wasspeeding over the sea to Otaheite. On the morning of 23rd March 1791,exactly sixteen months after the landing of the mutineers, H.M.S._Pandora_, Captain Edwards, sailed into Matavai Bay. Before she hadanchored, Coleman the armourer swam off to her, and Peter Heywood andStewart immediately followed and surrendered themselves. These, and allthe mutineers, were immediately put in irons, and thrown into aspecially prepared prison on the quarter-deck, named the "Pandora'sBox," in which they were conveyed to England.

  We have not space to recount the stirring incidents of this remarkableand disastrous voyage, and the subsequent trial of the mutineers. Letit suffice to say, that the _Pandora_, after spending three months in afruitless search for the _Bounty_, was wrecked on the homeward voyage,and a large number of the crew and some of the prisoners were drowned,among whom was poor Stewart the midshipman. The remainder of the crewwere saved in the ship's boats, after performing a voyage which, as toits length and the sufferings endured, rivals that previously made byBligh. Thereafter, on reaching England, the mutineers were tried bycourt-martial; some were honourably acquitted, others were condemned todeath but afterwards pardoned, and ultimately only three were executed.

  Among those who were condemned, but afterwards pardoned as beingunquestionably innocent, was Peter Heywood, whose admirable defence andcorrespondence with his family, especially that between himself and hischarming sister Nessy, form a most interesting feature in the records ofthe trial; but all this must be passed over in silence, while we resumethe thread of our story.

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  Note. Part of this journal is quoted in an excellent account of the_Mutineers of the Bounty_, by Lady Belcher.