[Footnote 269:  This expression is not explained, but seems to have been, according to the model of the Buccaneers, all prizes to be divided among the captors.—­E.]

Some persons present, who had a regard for me, represented, “That they had never seen or known me treat any one unjustly or severely; and that however strict I might be, they had no one else to depend upon, and that they ought all to consider how many difficulties I had already brought them through.  That, although they were not now in the hands of our enemies, no one could tell how soon others might come upon them:  and, if they ever looked to get back to England, there was no other way but by going round the world, for which there was no one capable of undertaking the charge except Captain Shelvocke.  They ought also to consider his commission, and the respect due to him on that account; besides the protection that would afford them, should they happen to fall into the hands of the Spaniards.”

This remonstrance had some effect on the common men, but they were diverted from the thoughts of returning to obedience by no less a person than my first lieutenant, Mr Brooks, who had made Morphew his confidant even on board ship:  for having served before the mast before he was made my lieutenant, he had contracted a liking for forecastle conversation.  They were also supported and encouraged by Mr Randal, my second lieutenant, who was brother-in-law to Brooks, and by others.  The first remarkable outrage committed by this gang of levellers was to Mr La Porte, my third lieutenant, whom Morphew knocked down on the beach, while Brooks stood by and witnessed this brutality.  This affair came soon after to be fully explained; for the men framed a new set of articles, putting themselves upon the Jamaica discipline, and declaring, as I had been their captain, I might be so still; and that they were willing to allow me six shares, as a mark of their regard, though I ought only to have four, according to the Jamaica articles.  Most of the officers were reduced, according to the same plan:  for instance, Mr La Porte, Mr Dodu, and Mr Hendrie were declared midshipmen; and as the superior officers consented to this scheme, it could not be prevented from being carried into execution.  Mr Coldsea the master was the only person who preserved a kind of neutrality, neither promoting nor opposing their designs.  In this distressed emergency, I thought it lawful, and even necessary, to submit to their demands, and therefore signed their articles, in conjunction with the rest of my officers.

I now thought to have got them to work on our bark; but, instead of listening to me, they demanded what little money I had saved belonging to the owners, with which I was obliged to comply, being 750 dollars in virgin silver, a silver dish weighing 75 ounces, and 250 dollars in coin.  Even after this I was treated worse than ever, having only the refuse of the fish allowed me, after they had chosen the best,