On Thursday, the 30th of May, at noon, Sir Edward, being engaged to dine with Sir Alan Gardner, had gone to dress in his cabin, leaving orders with the officer of the watch to call all hands at the usual time, one watch to clear hawse, and the other two to wash decks.  When the order was given, it was obeyed by all the marines, but by scarce any of the sailors.  Very shortly after, signal was made to unmoor, upon which a noise of “No—­no—­no!” was heard from the main hatchway, and the seamen came pressing forward in great numbers; those in the rear crying, “Go on—­go on!” The first lieutenant, Ross, and Lieutenant Stokes, the officer of the watch, demanded what was the matter; and after some murmuring, were told that there was a letter.  The officers asked for it, that it might be given to the captain, but the cry of “No—­no—­no!” was immediately renewed.  Lieutenant Ross then desired Lieutenant Stokes to inform the captain, upon which the mutineers shouted, “One and all—­one and all!” Sir Edward instantly ran out in his dressing-gown, and found between two and three hundred on the quarter-deck.  On his appearance, the clamour was increased, mingled with cries of “A boat—­a boat!” He asked what was the matter, and was told they had a letter to send to Lord Bridport, complaining of tyranny, and hard usage.  He demanded the letter, declaring that he would immediately carry it himself, or send an officer with it, to the Admiral; but all cried out, “No, no,—­a boat of our own!” He persisted in his endeavours to pacify them as long as a hope remained of bringing them to reason, intreating them not to forfeit their character by such shameful conduct.  But when some of the ringleaders declared with oaths that they would have a boat, and would take one, he quietly said, “You will, will you?”—­gave a brief order to Captain Boys, of the marines, and sprang to the cabin for his sword.  The marines, who had previously withstood every attempt of the conspirators to seduce them from their duty, now displayed that unwavering loyalty, and prompt obedience, for which, in the most trying circumstances, this valuable force has always been distinguished.  Sir Edward returned instantly, determined to put to death one or more of the ringleaders on the spot, but the evident irresolution of the mutineers spared him the necessity.  He immediately ordered the quarter-deck to be cleared, the marines to be posted on the after-part of the fore-castle, and the fore-part of the quarter-deck and poop, and the sentries to be doubled.  The carpenter in the mean time ran to Sir Edwards cabin, and brought swords for the officers, who, at the first alarm, had hastened to place themselves by their captain’s side.  The mutineers, after a moment’s hesitation, ran off the quarter-deck, and threw themselves down the hatchways, exclaiming to put out all lights, and remove the ladders.  The officers followed them closely, and soon secured the ringleaders.  Sir Edward himself seized one of the most violent, and threatening him with instant death if he resisted, dragged him up from below to the quarter-deck.  The letter, an unsigned one, was now given up, and the ship’s company returned quietly to their duty.