the honourable court, that he
  would have refused the request of the surgeon?  Most certainly not.
  The only error I committed, if it were an error, was not going through
  the form, of awaking Captain Hawkins, to ask the permission, which, as
  first lieutenant, I thought myself authorised to give.

  "The  against me, of having sent away two boats, contrary to his
  order, I have already disproved by witnesses.  The order of Captain
  Hawkins was, not to communicate with the shore.  My reasons for
  sending away the boats--"

  Here Captain Hawkins interposed, and stated to the president that my
  reasons were not necessary to be received.  The court was cleared,
  and, on our return, the court had decided that my reasons ought to be
  given, and I continued.

  "My reasons for sending away these boats, or rather it was one boat
  which was despatched to the two frigates, if I remember well, were,
  that the brig was in a  of mutiny.  The captain had tied up one
  of the men, and the ship's company refused to be flogged.  Captain
  Hawkins then went on shore to the admiral, to report the situation of
  his ship, and I conceived it my duty to make it known to the
  men-of-