1797. The Great Mutiny.
Sparked by the army getting a pay raise, the sailors of the British navy mutinied to complain about pay, tobacco allowance, poor living conditions and hard duty on blockade against Revolutionary France, and fanned by agitators in sympathy with the enemy. The North Sea Squadron, however, remained largely free of disorders because its commander, Adm. Sir Adam Duncan, paid careful attention to any hint of disorder. If he received word that there was some unrest in a ship, Duncan would pay a visit. Once aboard, he would make a little speech, pointedly reminding the men of their duty and of the inevitable punishment that would result from any acts of disloyalty. The force of his argument was coupled with the impact of his appearance. Duncan was by far the largest admiral in the fleet, 6’ 4”, well-built and very vigorous despite his 65 years. It was a combination that never failed to impress the men of the fleet.
Well, most of them, anyway.
Alas, the men of HMS Adamant, a 50-gun ship, were particularly restive. As a result, they had been honored by several visits from the admiral, though these had done little to alay the unrest for long. Then, on May 14, 1797, mutinous disorders occurred in Adamant.
Apprised of the incident, Duncan promptly had himself rowed over to the troublesome vessel. Boarding Adamant, he ordered the ship’s company mustered. The men, still bound by the shreds of discipline, complied, and Duncan addressed them from the quarterdeck,
My lads, I am not in the smallest degree apprehensive of any violent measures you may have in contemplation; and though I assure you I would much rather acquire your love than incur your fear, I will with my own hand put to death the first man who shall display the slightest signs of rebellious conduct.
Duncan paused, and then asked if there was anyone present who wished to dispute his authority, or that of the ship’s officers.
A voice rang out, “I do,” and a seaman stepped out of the assembled ranks to stand before the Admiral.
Hardly had the man stepped forward than Duncan reached down, grabbed him by the collar, and lifted him into the air. Holding him at arm’s length, Duncan walked over to the ship’s bulwark. As he dangled the man over the side, Duncan turned to the rest of the ship’s company and said, “Lads, look at this fellow, he who dares to deprive me of the command of the fleet.”
With that, the mutiny dissolved in laughter, and HMS Adamant was shortly deemed to be one of the most reliable ships in the fleet.
