This
detection coming to the ears of the doctor, who was sensible that
(now we were in sight of Jamaica) we should have an opportunity of
clearing ourselves before a court-martial, and, at the same time,
of making his malice and ignorance conspicuous, he interceded for
us with the captain so effectually, that in a few hours we were set
at liberty, and ordered to return to our duty. This was a happy
event for me, my whole body being blistered by the sun, and my
limbs benumbed by want of motion: but I could scarce persuade the
Welshman to accept of this indulgence, he persisted in his obstinacy
to remain in irons, until he should be discharged by a court-martial,
which, he believed. would also do him justice on his enemies. At
length I represented to him the precarious issue of a trial, the
power and interest of his adversaries, and flattered his revenge
with the hope of wreaking his resentment with his own hands upon
Mackshane after our return to England. This last argument had more
weight with him than all the rest, and prevailed upon him to repair
with me to the cockpit, which I no sooner entered, than the idea of
my departed friend presented itself to my remembrance, and filled
my eyes with tears.
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