‘P.  HEYWOOD.’

Mr. Morrison’s Defence

Sets out by stating that he was waked at daylight by Mr. Cole the boatswain, who told him that the ship was taken by Christian; that he assisted in clearing out the boat at Mr. Cole’s desire, and says, ’While I was thus employed Mr. Fryer came to me and asked if I had any hand in the mutiny; I told him No.  He then desired me to see who I could find to assist me, and try to rescue the ship; I told him I feared it was then too late, but would do my endeavour; when John Millward, who stood by me, and heard what Mr. Fryer said, swore he would stand by me if an opportunity offered.  Mr. Fryer was about to speak again, but was prevented by Matthew Quintal, who, with a pistol in one hand, collared him with the other, saying, “Come, Mr. Fryer, you must go down into your cabin”; and hauled him away.  Churchill then came, and shaking his cutlass at me, demanded what Mr. Fryer said.  I told him that he only asked me if they were going to have the long-boat, upon which Alexander Smith (Adams), who stood on the opposite side of the boat, said, “It’s a d—­d lie, Charley, for I saw him and Millward shake hands when the master spoke to them.”  Churchill then said to me, “I would have you mind how you come on, for I have an eye upon you.”  Smith at the same time called out, “Stand to your arms, for they intend to make a rush.”  This, as it was intended, put the mutineers on their guard, and I found it necessary to be very cautious how I acted; and I heard Captain Bligh say to Smith, “I did not expect you would be against me, Smith”; but I could not hear what answer he made.’

He says that, while clearing the boat, he heard Christian order Churchill to see that no arms were put into her; to keep Norman, M’Intosh, and Coleman in the ship, and get the officers into the boat as fast as possible; that Mr. Fryer begged permission to stay, but to no purpose.  On seeing Mr. Fryer and most of the officers going into the boat, without the least appearance of an effort to rescue the ship, I began to reflect on my own situation; and seeing the situation of the boat, and considering that she was at least a thousand leagues from any friendly settlement, and judging, from what I had seen of the Friendly Islanders but a few days before, that nothing could be expected from them but to be plundered or killed, and seeing no choice but of one evil, I chose, as I thought the least, to stay in the ship, especially as I considered it as obeying Captain Bligh’s orders, and depending on his promise to do justice to those who remained.  I informed Mr. Cole of my intention, who made me the like promise, taking me by the hand and saying, “God bless you, my boy; I will do you justice if ever I reach England.”

’I also informed Mr. Hayward of my intention; and on his dropping a hint to me that he intended to knock Churchill down, I told him I would second him, pointing to some of the Friendly Island clubs which were sticking in the booms, and saying, “There were tools enough”:  but (he adds) ’I was suddenly damped to find that he went into the boat without making the attempt he had proposed.’