"Upon my word, Simple, I do not see that you have much to fear. These charges are very frivolous."
"No, no—that I care little about; but it is my poor sister. I had written for leave of absence, and now she is left, God knows how long, in such distressing circumstances."
Thompson looked grave. "I had forgotten your father's death, Simple: it is indeed cruel. I would offer to go myself, but you will want my evidence at the court-martial. It can't be helped. Write to your sister, and keep up her spirits. Tell her why you cannot come, and that it will all end well."
I did so, and went early to bed, for I was really ill. The next morning, the official letter from the port-admiral came off, acquainting me that a court-martial had been ordered upon me, and that it would take place that day week. I immediately resigned the command to the second lieutenant, and commenced an examination into the charges preferred. They were very numerous, and dated back almost to the very day that he had joined the ship. There were twelve in all. I shall not trouble the reader with the whole of them, as many were very frivolous. The principal charges were—
1. For mutinous and disrespectful conduct to Captain Hawkins, on such a date, having, in a conversation with an inferior officer on the quarter-deck, stated that Captain Hawkins was a spy, and had spies in the ship.
2. For neglect of duty, in disobeying the orders of Captain Hawkins on the night of the —— of ——.
3. For having, on the —— of ——, sent away two boats from the ship, in direct opposition to the orders of Captain Hawkins.
4. For having again, on the morning of the —— of ——, held mutinous and disrespectful conversation relative to Captain Hawkins with the gunner of the ship, allowing the latter to accuse Captain Hawkins of cowardice, without reporting the same.
5. For insulting expressions on the quarter-deck to Captain Hawkins on his rejoining the brig on the morning of the —— of ——.
6. For not causing the orders of Captain Hawkins to be put in force on several occasions, &c. &c. &c.