Q. How did Joseph Thomas conduct himself during the passage from the Isle to this port?
A. In common, when help was called, he was the first man disobedient, and frequently said he would do as he pleased.
Q. Did he often speak of the murder, or of his knowing it about to take place?
A. I only remember, having heard him twice. I told him when we arrived, I would inform the American Consul of it; to which he replied, he should own all he knew about it.
Q. To what State does he belong to your knowledge?
A. To the State of Connecticut, he says.
(Signed) GILBERT SMITH.
Sworn to, before me at Valparaiso,
this eighteenth day of June, 1824.
(Signed) MICHAEL HOGAN,
U. S. Consul.
The examination of the others who came in the ship, was but a repetition of the foregoing. All, however, concurred in believing, that Joseph Thomas was privy to the intention to mutiny, and murder the officers.
The ship was then furnished with necessary sails and rigging, and placed in charge of a Captain King, who brought her to the Island of Nantucket, arriving on Sunday 21st November, 1824. Another examination was held before Josiah Hussey, Esq. and all testified, as before the American Consul at Valparaiso.