is to be made the subject of investigation before another tribunal; and the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having directed me, in forming the charges on the present occasion, to confine myself to those points which were in breach of the naval articles of war, I have no further evidence to trouble the Court with. Should, however, the prisoner put his defence upon that ground, and the Court think it right to enter into the inquiry, they will, I trust, hereafter permit me to call witnesses in answer to any charges which may be attempted tu be established against me, in justification of that measure. Until I hear what they are, it is impossible I can answer them; and to enter, by anticipation, into a general history of my government, would, I apprehend, be an unnecessary waste of the time of the Court.
“The Court was then cleared, and after being re-opened, the Judge Advocate pronounced their decision, ‘That they could not hear any matter respecting the dispossessing Captain Bligh of the government, either on the part of the prosecutor or prisoner.’
“Lieutenant Kent then requested that the Court would be pleased to allow him till next day to prepare his defence, which being complied with, the Court adjourned till nine o’clock next morning.
SECOND DAY.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY, 9, 1811.
“The Court having again met. Lieutenant Kent addressed the Court, and afterwards produced the following evidence and documentary proof to repel the charges:
defence.
“Mr. President, and Gentlemen of this Honourable Court, – Such have been my sufferings for two years past, from the unrelenting conduct of the prosecutor towards me, that this day of trial is become a source of inexpressible happiness.
“In general, to be arraigned as a prisoner on charges like the present, is an afflicting event to a British naval officer, yet such has been the treatment it has been my hard lot to experience, that my feelings as an accused prisoner are almost forgotten in the cheerful confidence I repose in this Honorable Court, to whom I shall humbly submit a narrative, which I trust, I am not too sanguine in believing will ensure me the favourable decision of this Court, vindicate a character unfoundedly aspersed, and restore me to the best enjoyment of a British officer, – the good opinion of my profession. If I am obliged, by the nature of my defence, to utter sentiments that in most cases would seem a departure from that high respect which is due to a superior officer, I feel persuaded that this Honorable Court will ascribe my observations to the necessity of the case,
