"To the respective Captains, &c."
A similar instance of indiscipline occurred on board the Excellent upon Christmas Day, which was subdued by the firmness of her Officers, aided by the undaunted allegiance of her party of Marines. Nothing from me can superadd to their honor. I annex the result which proceeded from Commodore Hood, and is such as carries a powerful evidence of their fidelity.
"Blenheim, Carlisle Bay, Barbadoes, 30th Dec. 1802.
"Memorandum—The Commander in Chief had flattered himself in the hope, that all those ill disposed acts of mutinous conduct were at an end in the Royal Navy, and that Seamen would endeavour to heighten their characters in the eyes of the rest of his Majesty's subjects; but he trusts the punishment he has been obliged to order to be carried into execution on those unfortunate men may be sufficient example to deter a few evil minded persons from disturbing the repose and good order amongst the Seamen in future.
"The Commander in Chief (as well as the members of the Court Martial) is highly sensible of the active exertions of the Officers of his Majesty's ship Excellent, in quelling the late mutiny on board her, and also the Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Private Marines belonging to the said ship, who, by their firmness in resisting the attempt to seduce them from their duty, and in opposing men in actual mutiny, have increased, if possible, the high character the corps has so justly acquired; and begs to assure the whole of them, they have his best thanks, and he shall not fail to represent their meritorious conduct to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
(Signed) "SAMUEL HOOD."
"To Captain Maxwell, Blenheim."