of provisions, and promising pardon, but taking no notice of any increase in the Greenwich pensions, or any additional allowance of vegetables when in port. On the same, or the following day, the seamen returned a reply, expressing, in very grateful terms, their thanks for what had been granted them, but persisting to declare that, until the flour in port should be removed, the vegetables and pensions augmented, the grievances of private ships redressed, an act of parliament passed, and the king's pardon to the whole fleet granted, the men would not lift an anchor ; unless, indeed, as had been always excepted, the enemy's fleet should put to sea.

On the 21st, in the hope to remove these remaining impediments in the way of a reconciliation, Vice-admirals Sir Alan Gardner and Colpoys, and Rear-admiral Pole, went on board the Queen-Charlotte, and had a conference with the delegates. The latter, however, assured the admirals that no arrangement would be considered as final, until sanctioned by the king and parliament, and guaranteed by a proclamation of pardon. This bold avowal so incensed Admiral Gardner, that he seized one of the delegates by the collar, and swore he would have them all hanged, together with every fifth man in the fleet.

On the return of the offended delegates to their respective ships, those of the Royal-George resolved to summon a meeting on board of their ship, and immediately hoisted the preconcerted signal of the red or bloody flag; a signal which, owing to its usual sanguinary import, alarmed all the well-disposed in the fleet. Instantly, on the display of that signal, the officers of the Royal George, ashamed to see it flying with Lord Bridport's flag, hauled down the latter. The seamen of the fleet now proceeded to load all their guns ; ordered watches to be kept, the same as at sea, and put their ships in a complete state of defence. They also prevented their officers from going on shore ; but, beyond that, neither offered any violence, nor put any constraint upon them.

On the 22d, having become somewhat pacified, the seamen caused two letters to be written ; one to the lords of the admiralty, in which they stated the cause of their conduct on the two preceding days ; the other to Lord Bridport, in which they styled him their father and friend, and disclaimed offering him any intentional offence. This induced Lord Bridport on the following day, the 23d, to go on board the Royal-George, the crew of which immediately rehoisted his flag. The admiral, then, at the close of an energetic address, informed the men that he had brought with him a redress of all their grievances, and the king's pardon for the offenders. After a short deliberation, these offers were accepted, and every man returned with cheerfulness to his duty.

All disputes were now considered as settled, and the fleet dropped down to St.-Helen's, except the London, Minotaur, and Marlborough. The crews of the two latter refused to go to sea

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