o_199m9vaui14ib1cnu10di10pocoj4h.pdf

THE BOARD IN SHEERNESS 379
that hour. There is evidently a division and much agitation
amongst them. The smaller ships are all well disposed and the
Director is wavering. They said that they should secede this
morning if the Sandwich and Inflexible did not come in, but
there is no relying upon their promise, as they are completely
under the influence of terror. The Niger's ship's company in
the harbour is the only one that has shewn itself above it, and
pledged themselves in defiance of threats to stand by their
officers.
Sir Charles Grey is a fine spirited fellow and eager that the
temporizing system should be at an end. But things must not
be precipitated whilst there is a chance of effecting the purpose
by negociation. General Fox also dined with us. ... I believe
there has not been any fresh act of violence, and I cherish the
hope that we shall effect something in the course of the day.
With best compliments to our good friends in the Board Room,
and to Mrs. Nepean,
I
am, dear Nepean,
As ever, yours,
WILLIAM MARSDEN.
Spencer to Nepean.
Sheerness,
29th May.
Dear Nepean,
I am sorry I cannot yet give you such a . report as I could
wish of the state of things here; indeed it is such at present
that I have but very slender hopes of its taking a good turn.
We lost no time in distributing the King's declaration, with
the proper instructions to the several officers to explain very
clearly the determination with which we came here, and the
object of our coming. The immediate effect of it was pretty
good, as about seven ships of those at the Nore hoisted Admiral
Buckner's colours, but being frigates and small ships they could
not continue to keep them up for fear of the large ships,
particularly the Sandwich and Inflexible, the latter of these two
being the most violent and desperate, with her guns loaded up
to the muzzle, ready and apparently very desirous of making
use of them. The Clyde and San Fiorenzo were to have slipped
and gone to Harwich in the night, but by some mistake about
the captains meeting to concert the plan, and the want of pilots,
those here being intimidated and refusing to act, this did not
take place. And it is perhaps fortunate that it did not, as
to-day the Director's people have communicated with them a