ABBOTT'S TESTIMONY. 415 which the oflScers were unlawfully pursuing. This view is refuted by the facts and by the writings and sayings of the principal actors in the drama. A striking commentary on the facts is furnished by a letter (13th Feb. 1808) from Major Abbott (to the late Governor King). The writer was the officer whom Bligh had wished to summon to his side.
- I certainly gave my hearty concurrence to the measure of arresting
the Governor, but as there are several things done which I disapproved, I am unwilling to take more blame upon myself than I am deserving of. . . . I should tell you that I was appointed to act as Judge-Advocate in the room of Mr. Atkins, but I declined the oflBce. It was then given to Grimes. It was strongly urged, but I persisted in my refusal. . . . I think it likely several of us may be sent for, and particularly Johnston, who, had he followed the advice I gave him previous to his taking the step, that in that case - arresting the Governor — to send for Colonel Paterson"* immediately afterwards, and to go hence with the Governor to account for his conduct, it would show that he had not done so to obtain the command. ... I likewise objected to Vlacarthur's trial since Governor Bligh's arrest, because the Governor could nor would not appear against him now, and Atkins, the former Judge -Advocate, declined to prosecute. . . .
- Had the Governor not been put under arrest there would have been
a mutiny ; there is no iloubt of it. Never a body of men have behaved themselves more orderly and quiet than the Corps. . . . They were highly incensed at the conduct of the Sydney constables whom Mr. Gore put in, the worst of characters . . . these constables were really encouraged by Gore to insult the soldiers, and I am sorry to say the Governor connived at it. " The soldiery were, therefore, provoked by Bligh before he summoned their officers to answer for " certain crimes," which Crossley declared, and Atkms submitted, amounted to ** usurpation of His Majesty's government," and tended
- to rebellion or other outrageous treason.'*
It is clear that nothing savouring of rebellion entered into the minds of Johnston or of those who acted with him. They deposed Bligh for arbitrary proceedings prompted by an ex-convict of low character. They did so, just as officers of a ship might seize a mad captain who, taking the helm, steers straight to a rocky coast. Technically they mutiny, but in spirit they consult the highest interests and preserve the ship. Johnston saved New South Wales from disaster, '* Abbott, however, was the first to sign the address imploring Johnston to make a stipulation, with any senior officer displacing him, that Joltn- ston's acts should be held good.
