“Q. Did Captain Bligh enter into any agreement with those that had put him into confinement, not to interfere with the ships of war under his command? – A. No further than by the letter dated the 19th of March, 1808, (already read).
“Q. After the commodore received the communication of the intended sailing of the Porpoise, could you have communicated any contrary orders to the prisoner, had he been disposed to have given them? – A. Yes.
Questioned by the Prosecutor.
“Q. What were the conditions required by Colonel Johnstone, when I transmitted Lieutenant Kent’s commission? are they contained in this paper?
“I am directed by his Honor the Lieut.-Governor, to wait upon you. Sir, and acquaint you, that, after considering your letter of this day’s date (inclosing an order to Lieut. William Kent, to take upon himself the command of H.M.S. Porpoise), that his Honor will cause that order to be forwarded to Lieutenant Kent, provided you think it proper to subscribe the following conditions: – First, That you will not hereafter attempt to plead your having been permitted to give Lieut. Kent an order to assume the command of H.M.S. Porpoise, as a precedent, which can justify you in giving any future orders respecting H.M.S., until His Majesty’s pleasure shall be known. Secondly, That you will write to Lieutenant Kent a letter (to be transmitted to him by his Honor the Lieutenant-Governor), wherein you shall pledge your word of honor as an officer, that you will not, after your embarkation on board His Majesty’s ship Porpoise, assume any command, or consider yourself in the said ship otherwise than as a passenger, subject to the restraint of the military arrest in which you have been placed by his Honor the Lieutenant-Governor.
“A. These are the conditions.
“Q. Is that the hand-writing of Mr. Bayley? [letter shewn.] – A. It is.
“Q. To the best of your knowledge, were you present at every conversation between the prisoner and me, whilst I was a prisoner? – A. I was.
“Q. Did I not, after his first return from Port Dalrymple, order Lieutenant Kent to obey no orders except those he received from me? – A. Yes.
“Q. In what manner, between the 26th of October, when I received Colonel Foveaux’s letter, could I have communicated to Lieutenant Kent any orders from me? – A. I could have done it, personally.
“Q. Was all communication at that time stopped? – A. I mean to say that Governor Bligh was prevented by threats thrown out. I could have done it in any way. I was under no restriction.
Examined by the Court.
