Williams—He said, I know better things, I believe you are going to murder me; you may as well throw me overboard, and murder me here right, as carry me on board ship and murder me. No, says the captain, I am not going to do any such thing, but I would have you make your peace with God. As I steered the boat, I heard all that passed. We brought sir John on board between 7 and 8 o'clock, he could hardly go up into the ship, he being so benumbed with cold; he did go up of his own accord, with the men's assistance.
Vernon—How was he treated on board the man-of-war?
Williams—Sir, I don't know how they treated him after he went on board the ship. I was excused from watching that night so I went to my hammock; but after I was got out of my first sleep, I heard some people talking and walking about backwards and forwards: I was surprised; at last I peeped out of my hammock, and asked the centinel what was o'clock. He said, between two and three. And then I saw captain Goodere going down the ladder from the deck towards the purser's cabin, but for what intention I know not. I believe he came from his own cabin.
The Recorder—Whereabout is the purser's cabin?
Williams—The purser's cabin is in a place called the Cockpit, the lower steps of the ladder is just by the door of the purser's cabin.
The Recorder—And it was that ladder you saw the captain go down, was it?
Williams—Yes, Sir, it was.
Vernon—Mr. Williams, you have not told us all the particulars of sir John's treatment between the seizing and carrying him to the barge.
Williams—One of the men had hold of one arm, and another the other, and a third person was behind shoving him along.
Vernon—Where was captain Goodere then?