Once upon a time, as I strolled about the munificent city streets of Cambridge, I happened upon a little book in a book store, tucked away between the myriad volumes which graced its shelves. I don't often buy books that are not directly related to my specialism (classical studies), but this one caught my eye, and it truly is a little gem of a work. William Bligh and Edward Christian - The Bounty Mutiny (Penguin Classics).
Although much of the book is from the perspective of the Royal Navy (Bligh's diary, mainly), the appendices reveal other sides to this seemingly open and shut case, especially the reply to the trial which took place on the 12th of August, 1792, a court martial for the mutinous rebellion aboard The Bounty. Anyway, formerly named the Bethia, renamed the Bounty, she left Spithead in a gale on her ill-omened voyage on the 23rd of December, 1787. (It is a misconception that it was Captain Bligh, for he was not promoted until his return, but during the voyage, though in charge of her, William Blight held the rank of Lieutenant in HMRN). Anyhow, this is an absolutely riveting read, every bit as good as any film dramatisation of it, nay, better.
Starting out as a student of the law, the case and minutes of the trial are actually really quite excellent. It was a landmark human rights case in the history of Great British law. Naturally, Bligh got the verdict he sought, and it was only because of Fletcher Christian's brother, a well connected chap and a fairly good attorney by all accounts, that any kind of posthumous rebuttal was given. On the one hand we have the admiralty, the strict maintaining of discipline aboard a ship, very much the Establishment and all that entails. On the other hand we have one very precious thing: humanity. It is cases like these that provide the reason why the law is tempered with mercy. One cannot be utterly heartless and expect to keep the loyalty of one's crew for very long at all.
Fletcher Christian's rebuttal is really quite excellent reading, and the diary and trial even more so. There is even another important source at the back of this book, the testimony of Jenny Martin ((Madison, 2001, pp.228-234 [The Bounty Mutiny]), among others (such as a certain John Adams). The language used in this book is absolutely spiffing (I wish people spoke this way nowadays). For example, here are some excepts from the Proceedings of the Court Martial.
"...On the 14th [of June, 1789] in the afternoon [I] saw the island... and west part of Timor... where... the governor resided. On the next morning before day I anchored under the fort, and about eleven, I saw the governor, who received me with great humanity and kindness. Necessary directions were instantly given for our support, and perhaps more miserable beings were never seen. Thus happily ended, through the assistance of Divine Providence, without accident, a voyage of the most extraordinary nature that ever happened in the world, let it be taken either in its extent, duration, or so much want of the necessaries of life." Willaim Bligh (in Madison, 2001, p.74). Bligh had earlier quoted the (alleged) language used during the mutiny, such as "Hold your tongue, Sir, or you are dead this instant." (p.72). How polite is that for a mutiny? Fletcher Christian then (according to Bligh's testimony) addressed William Bligh saying, "Sir, your officers and men are now in the [life] boat, you must go with them." Again, impeccable manners these gentlemen have, unlike cursing pirates or uncivilised savages.
That is only one side of the story. Edward Christian writes (p.135) that 'Bligh used to call his officers "scoundrels, damned rascals, hounds, hell-hounds, beasts, and infamous wretches."' Indeed, according to many men of excellent chracter and honest disposition, their testimonia, according to Edward Christian, states that "he [Bligh] would kill one half of the people [i.e. crew], make the officers jump overboard, and would make them eat grass like cows". Edward Christian goes on to allege that, "whatever fault was found, Mr. [Fletcher] Christian was sure to bear the brunt of the Captain's anger." (p.135) but that, "He was no milksop." (p.137) after having been reduced to tears from abuse, starvation, punishment and the threat of still harsher punishment by Bligh (pp.136-137). Due to one missing coconut, Bligh accused Christian and others of having stolen his coconut supply, saying, "You are allowed a pound and a half of yams today, but tomorrow I shall reduce you to three quarters of a pound [a day ration per man]." (p.136) All the while Bligh was well provisioned, as indeed did the ship was too.
These are just a few examples of what a wonderful little book this is.
Max.
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