"
To this observation Captain Hawkins replied, that he was so astonished
at the conversation, that he was quite breathless, having, till then,
had the highest opinion of me.
No more questions were asked, and they proceeded to the second charge.
This was a very trifling one--for lighting a stove, contrary to orders;
the evidence brought forward was the sergeant of marines. When his
evidence in favour of the charge had been given, I was asked by the
president if I had any questions to put to the witness. I put the
following:--
"Did you repeat to Captain Hawkins that I had ordered the stove to be
lighted?"--"I did."
"Are you not in the custom of reporting, direct to the captain, any
negligence, or disobedience of orders, you may witness in the ship?"--"I
am."
"Did you ever report anything of the sort to me, as first lieutenant, or
do you always report direct to the captain?"
"I always report direct to the captain."
"By the captain's orders?"--"Yes."
The following questions were then put by some of the members of the
court:--
"You have served in other ships before?"--"Yes."
"Did you ever, sailing with other captains, receive an order from them
to report direct to them, and not through the first lieutenant?" The
witness here prevaricated.
"Answer directly, yes or no."--"No."
The third charge was then brought forward--for sending away boats
contrary to express orders. This was substantiated by Captain Hawkins'
own evidence, the order having been verbal.
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