I had a written order from Captain Bligh, to put myself under his command.
“Q. After I was some months in arrest, did I enclose you a letter to be forwarded to Captain Bligh, requesting his permission to walk on shore for a few hours, for the benefit of my health? – A. Yes.
“Q. Do you know what answer he made to that application? – A. Captain Bligh said that he did not know that Mr. Kent was under any other arrest, than confinement to the ship.
“Q. What distance did the Porpoise lie from the shore? – A. About a quarter of a mile.
“Q. Could Captain Bligh have come on board at any time from Government-house, and assume the command of the ship? – A. In my opinion, he could.
“Q. Did Captain Bligh, on your arrival in the colony, in 1808, instruct you to wait upon Colonel Foveaux, as commanding officer? – A. He recommended my calling on him.
Examined by the Court.
“Q. Was the arrest of Lieutenant Kent more close than that of officers generally under an arrest? – A. No.
“Q. Had he permission to take a walk on shore? – A. No, he was refused that on the first application.
“Q. What were your reasons for thinking that Commodore Bligh could have come on board the Porpoise, and taken the command? – A. If Commodore Bligh had any intentions to have come on board, he might have evaded the sentinels in the evening, by escaping their observation.
“Q. Was he guarded by sentries at the time? – A. There were two who walked in front of the house, I do not know of any others; they have always been placed.
“Q. Did you ever know the orders given to the sentries? – A. No.
“Q. Was it a guard of honor or restraint? – A. Restraint.
“Mr. John Sloan, Purser of the Porpoise, room, and examined by the Prisoner.
“Q. Do you recollect, after my arrival from Port Dalrymple the first time, my going to Government-house, a day or two after communication had been granted between myself and Captain Bligh? – A. Yes.
“Q. Were you present at that interview? – A. Yes.
“Q. Do you remember what Captain Bligh said on that occasion? – A. After the entries were made, I recollect, whilst I was inserting his name at Government-house, a conversation took place between Captain Kent and Governor Bligh, the nature of which I do not know; but I heard Captain Bligh tell Captain Kent to do what he thought most conducive to the interest of His Majesty’s service.
“Q. Have you received any certificate from Captain Bligh? – A. No.
[The Court then adjourned till Thursday.]
