The whole rebel force at that anchorage on the 6th June, consisted of the Sandwich, of 90 guns; the Montagu, 74;
persuade the crews of the King’s ships lying in Long Reach to drop down to the Nore; they were fired at by the fort below Tilbury; and having landed at Gravesend, were taken into custody by the loyal inhabitants of that town; but on some pretence soon after recovered their liberty, when they prevailed on the crew of the Lancaster to join them in the mutiny. Matters had now risen to such an alarming height, that a deputation of the Lords of the Admiralty thought proper to go down to Sheerness. On the 29th, their lordships held a board at Commissioner Hartwell’s house; the delegates were sent for, and every conciliatory measure tried to induce the seamen to return to their duty; a declaration was read on board of all the mutinous ships; but this, and all the expostulations of their lordships, proved ineffectual; and finding, that instead of being inclined to submission, the mutineers grew more insolent and disobedient, the deputation returned to town, first signifying to the seamen that they were to expect no concessions whatever further than what had already been made by the legislature, the benefit of which they might yet enjoy on returning to their duty.
The seamen now began to perceive their desperate situation, and proceeded to take measures which indicated a design either to secure their present situation, or to seek safety by flight; some of the most violent among them suggested the idea of carrying the ships to the enemy; but the majority revolted at so treacherous a proceeding, though even adopted to save their lives; declaring, that a redress of grievances was their primary, and should be their ultimate object.
With a view of extorting compliance with their demands, they ordered the Standard, Brilliant, Inspector, and Swan, to moor across the Thames, in order to prevent a free passage up and down the river to the London trade. The ships of neutral nations, colliers, and a few small craft, were suffered to proceed, having first received a passport, signed by Richard Parker, as president of the delegates.
In order to concentrate their force, the line-of-battle ships were drawn up in a line, at about half a mile distant from each other, and moored with their broadsides a-breast. In the space between the ships of the line, the merchantmen and other vessels which had been detained, were moored. As all communication was stopped with the shore, the mutineers supplied themselves with water and provisions from these vessels; a party also landed on the Isle of Grain, and carried off a number of sheep and other provisions, giving in return bills drawn on the Admiralty.
The, delegates ordered the ships of war to be supplied with stores out of the Grampus, which had been laden with naval and ordnance stores for the fleet in the West Indies. Notwithstanding the enormity of their offence against the laws of discipline and the articles of war, the deportment of the seamen to their officers, with some exceptions, was respectful. [footnote: The Surgeon of the Montagu was tarred and feathered, then rowed
