What Mutiny am I Commemorating Today?
April 28, 2013
April 28 is the anniversary of the Bounty mutiny. Bligh’s biography written here, indicates he possessed high level of seamanship and was a loyal officer. These characteristics earned him respect. His irascibility and unbending nature also brought him trouble.
He fought under Nelson and earned his praise. In 1801, he was also elected a Fellow of the Royal Society for his contributions to navigation and botany.
After his naval career, he served as Governor of New South Wales and had a tumultuous career in Australia, as well, due to his hot temper and insistence on carrying out the law. He was eventually promoted to Vice Admiral and his claims in New South Wales were granted to his estate, providing well for his heirs.
A complex and interesting man. Here are some quotes from Bligh’s logs:
The object of all the former voyages to the South Seas undertaken by the command of his present majesty, has been the advancement of science and the increase of knowledge.In our passage from the Cape of Good Hope the winds were mostly from the westward with very boisterous weather: but one great advantage that this season of the year has over the summer months is in being free from fogs.
And I refer you to a post from 2012 on this subject.
A reconstruction of the ship Bounty was tragically lost in Hurricane Sandy in 2012. This video shows the heroic efforts of the Coast Guard in rescuing the Bounty’s crew. Fourteen crewmen were rescued; two, including the captain, were lost.
This is a re-blogging of my 2013 post commemorating the mutiny involving my distant cousin.
As always big thumbs up for the Coast Guards of which my dad was one!
You your dad must have had some great stories. I second your sentiment!
I believe he also tied in with James Cook.
Thanks for the lead! I will have to read further.