by John Marshall

“ The seamen now began to perceive their desperate situation, and proceeded to take measures which indicated a design either to secure their present situation, or to seek safety by flight; some of the most violent among them suggested the idea of carrying the ships to the enemy; but the majority revolted at so treacherous a proceeding, though even adopted to save their lives ”

“ On the 12th, most of the ships followed their example, and signified a desire of returning to obedience; only seven having then the flag of defiance flying.
The next morning the Agamemnon, Standard, Nassau, Iris, and Vestal, deserted the rebels, and went up the Thames, or under the guns at Sheerness; the crews however of these vessels were far from being unanimous, as several men were killed or wounded in the struggles which took place on board them, between the partisans of the officers and those of the delegates. ”

“ The enemy availed themselves of the interval to pour down in great numbers on the beach, where they attacked our remaining troops, who made a most obstinate defence, until overpowered by numbers, when they dispersed and fled. ”

“ In the space between the ships of the line, the merchantmen and other vessels which had been detained, were moored. As all communication was stopped with the shore, the mutineers supplied themselves with water and provisions from these vessels; a party also landed on the Isle of Grain, and carried off a number of sheep and other provisions, giving in return bills drawn on the Admiralty.
The, delegates ordered the ships of war to be supplied with stores out of the Grampus, which had been laden with naval and ordnance stores for the fleet in the West Indies. ”

“ In the month of December following, Sir John Jervis having hoisted his flag on board the Victory, Captain Knight returned to England across the continent; and on his arrival was appointed to command the Montagu, of 74 guns, belonging to the North Sea fleet. Nothing material occurred until the spring of 1797; when it was discovered that the mutiny at Spithead [10] had spread its deleterious contagion through the ships employed under the orders of Admiral Duncan ”

“ Twenty-two brass cannon, and tvo mortars of the same metal, were put on board two of the enemy’s ships, and conveyed to England. Eighteen other vessels were either burnt, or sunk across the entrance of the harbour. Not more than 20 men were killed, and 30 wounded, on this service. On the 17th, the fleet sailed for England, and two days after came to an anchor in Portland Roads. ”

“ Captain Knight, however, continued to command the Victory as a private ship, and on the 25th May, sailed from St. Helen’s in company with a squadron commanded by Rear-Admiral Mann, and the trade for the Mediterranean. ”