[270] At Portsmouth, when Lord Bridport gave orders to put to sea, every ship at St. Helens refused to obey. The marines fired and five seamen were killed. The crew of the 'London' turned the guns, and threatened to blow all aft into the sea. The officers surrendered; the marines laid down their arms, and Admiral Colpoys and Captain Griffiths were put in confinement.
[271] Leader of the mutiny.
[272] Report of the Secret Committee of Commons, England, 1799.
[273] As Tone suspected Duckett to be a spy, he doubtless cautioned Talleyrand against him. These misgivings spread from bureau to bureau.
[274] Tone's Diary of June 16, 1798, praises the talents and activity of Bruix; 'but what could he do? In the first place, he had no money,' &c.—ii. 501.
[275] Turner's instructions from the Home Office were, if he would not prosecute, to open a correspondence, at least, with leading rebels.
[276] Joseph Holt, a Wicklow Protestant, published his memoirs in two volumes, but does not mention Duckett.
[277] Castlereagh Papers, i. 263-4.
[278] Duckett was secretary to Leonard Bourdon, who voted for the death of Louis XVI., and by his energy overthrew Robespierre, July 27, 1794. He headed the Conspiracy of the Faubourgs in 1795, and doubtless applauded Duckett in his scheme.
[279] Castlereagh Papers, i. 263.