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2 5 8 THE NAVAL MUTINIES OF 1797
against it when the Lords of the Admiralty went away
without coming to terms. Still more supported the
mutiny as long as it prospered, but lost heart when their
position became desperate. They discovered that to
persist in
the revolt was to run the risk of death or exile,
and that there was an amnesty awaiting those who should
submit. Naturally they preferred to make their peace,
and they even fought for their surrender.
The Nore mutiny failed in every respect ; and the chief
reasons for its failure were want of food and lack of
unanimity. But the second cause was bound up with
several others. The acts of Parliament, the royal
proclamations, the unbending determination of the
Admiralty, the hostility of the public—these all worked
upon the minds of the seamen, and contributed to the
defeat of the mutiny. 1
1. Cunningham (p. 74), gives as the reasons for the failure of the
mutiny : the vicious conduct of the delegates ; the unwillingness of the
crews to put to sea without knowing their destination ; and the lack
of provisions.