VAN DIEMEN’S LAND.

New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 5, 16 August 1842, Page 4

VAN DIEMEN’S LAND.

mutiny on board a convict ship

Wc regret to record what has hitherto been unknown on hoard the prison ships hound for these colonies—an attempt at mutiny on hoard the Somersetshire. —When near the Cape, twelve prisoners having engaged over some of the soldiers of the guard, conspired to seize the vessel, throw the subaltern in command overhoard, torture the commanding officer, run the ship on shore, and scuttle her, while they destroyed that part of the crew and guard who would not favor the undertaking. The conspiracy was soon discovered, as all such must be almost immediately, by one of the men of the 99th regiment, whom they attempted to inveigle into the plot, and the consequence was, that prompt measures were taken to prevent the explosion. The ship was put about for the Cape, a court-martial held, and one of the soldiers shot, two more transported, the principal ringleaders among the prisoners were confined and ironed, and the vessel proceeded on her way to this port, which she reached in safety. On board the Isabella a like mutinous spirit had developed itself, but owing to causes which universally prevail in such a society, it never shewed itself in any overt measure, and the common precautions always taken in a ship of this kind were themselves sufficient to stifle it in its birth. In the intended mutiny on board the Somersetshire, the 51st maintained their well-earned character, not one being implicated in the disgraceful alfair. —Hobart Toivn Advertiser.