Copy of a letter received by Banks from William Bligh, titled 'An Account of the Rebellion', 30 June 1808 (Series 40.091) - No. 0056

[Page 56]

he should be acquitted of the crime with which he had been charged.  Major Johnston therefore, by his Precept convened a Criminal Court on the 2nd of February; the Members of which were, Charles Grimes their Judge Advocate, Captain Anthony Fenn Kemp, Lieutenant Wm. Moore, Lieutt Thos Laycock, Lieutt Wm Minchin, Lieutt Wm Lawson, and Lieut Cadwalleter [Cadwallader] Draffen, to try John McArthur Esqre on the Indictment preferred against him by Judge Advocate Atkins.

          92nd - The Loyal persons who would have attended at this Trial were subpoened as Witnesses merely to keep them out of Court for few of them were examined; and any other Persons of whom they had any suspicion were literally turned out of Court. But it was easy to foresee what would be the event of the Trial when the Persons who sat as Judges had contributed their joint efforts in perpetrating the crime to which the charges laid against him were only an incitement.  As they by their actions approved of overthrowing His Majesty's Government, his offences would of course appear them meritorious.  Through the whole it appeared they were trying the Governor, and that McArthur, instead of

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