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A RUMOUR OF SEDITION 53
until their grievances should be definitely redressed by
an act of Parliament.
It appears that their suspicion had been aroused and
that they were preparing for a renewal of the mutiny
even before the arrival of the newspapers. There is
good reason, as we have seen, for believing that some
persons, who succeeded in hiding their identity, had been
deliberately working on the credulity of the seamen in
order to bring about a renewal of the mutiny. It was
hardly likely therefore that when their fears were confirmed
by newspapers and handbills, the seamen would
accept Bridport's word in the absence of any parliamentary
measure for their relief.
The first news of their intention to mutiny is contained
in a remarkable letter which was received by Captain
Hood, of the Mars, and sent by him to Bridport. It was
written on 3 May by James White, a surgeon's mate of
the Mars. Although the statements made in the letter
may not all be true, it deserves to be quoted in full, for
it throws considerable light on the condition of the fleet
"On the 30th of April Samuel Nelson, seaman, watchmaker
by Trade, was repairing the purser's watch. He asked me if
I would be so kind as to admit him into my berth, it being a
gold watch. He had no convenient place to do it. I told him
he may do it. While he was repairing it he said to me,
'What a state the ship's company is in, Mr. White.' I said,
'What do you mean?' Nelson: 'Why, sir, I will assure
you the ship's company is very dissatisfied.' 'For why are
they dissatisfied ? '
' Nelson : Because the ship's company say
the Admiralty was trifling with them in regard to their
'
allowance of victuals.' Why,' I said, Nelson, ' I thought
'
everybody was satisfied.' Oh, dear sir,' he replied, not
'
by any means.' He then said, ' Sir, if you will not say
anything, I will tell you something which will surprise you.'
I told him let it be what it will I would not trouble my head
'
with it. Why then, sir,' said he, the ' ship's company has
agreed that if the Admiralty has not comply 'd with everything
they proposed before they go to sea, they are determined to
take the ship into Brest.' ' Why, Nelson, is there any man