Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), Wednesday 26 November 1828, page 3


COURT MARTIAL EXTRAORDINARY.

(From the Dublin Evening Mail).

In our last, we gave an account, from the John Bull of the mutiny on board the wreck of His Majesty's ship Cabinet, Captain Frederick Robin-son. We have been fortunate enough to obtain a copy of the sentence of the Court Martial held upon Captain Robinson and his officers for their conduction this occasion, and we subjoin it for the

information of our Readers.

" At a Court Martial held on board H. M. ship Windsor Castle, to inquire into the causes and cir-cumstances attending the loss of H. M. ship Cabinet, and to try Captain Frederick Robinson, the other officers, and crew, for their conduct on this occa-

sion:—

PRESENT—

Admiral Sir George King, K. B. K. T. K. S. P.

G. C. B. &c. &c. Commander in Chief of H. M. ships and vessels.

Vice Admiral Sir William Henry, K. G. and G. C. B.

second Officer in Command of H. M. ships. Capt. John Peers of the .....Constitution. Capt. Sir John Burgess, Knt, Bulwark.

Capt. Church .............Slavador del Mundo. Capt. Wellesley ............Waterloo. Capt. Money .................London.

Capt. Farmer.................Cornwallis. Capt. Fisher.................Ocean.

Capt. Merchant............Commerce. Capt. John Bull ..............Brunswick.

The Court having heard the evidence for the prosecution, and what the prisoners had to offer in their defence, and having maturely weighed and considered the same, are of opinion—

1st. That Captain Frederick Robinson has shown himself destitute of all ability and firmness, and utterly incapable of commanding so disorderly a crew as his Majesty's late ship unfortunately was manned with. That during the fine weather cruize

he had taken for the last five months, he had not made any preparation for the storms which he had every reason to expect he would have to encounter at this season of the year; and that his firs proposal to quit his ship, and his subsequent abandonment of her (after he had been sent back the Commander-in-Chief) during a stiff breeze, and when the crew were mutinously inclined, exhibits a want of energy and zeal for the service, unworthy of the character of a British officer, and deserving of the highest

censure.

2d. That the conduct of the Ward-room is also

deserving of censure, for the want of harmony which prevailed amongst them, and the inefficient support which they gave to their captain. Comman-der Marquess, the second captain, had employed his time in preparing a hue and cry to be raised in the ship when anything was lost overboard; and Lieutenant Earl had improperly quarrelled with his brother officers about some grease which had dropped from a turkey on Christmas day. The master had interferred with the pilot's duty; whilst the surgeon had altered the established practice of the profession for some new theories which had proved fatal to the crew. The purser, from having overdrawn his necessary money, could get no more bills cashed; and the person who acted as chaplain (but who had been granted a warrant), distributed tracts, which tended to increase the difference on

board.

3d. That the conduct of the Pilot, the Gunner, and other warrant Officers is highly commendable, for the firmness and resolution which they evinced in the hour of danger, for their coolness and judg-ment after H. M. ship had grounded, and for the faithful report they had made to the Commander-in-

Chief of her state and condition.

The Court are further of opinion that the previous conduct of Captain Robinson and some of this Offi-

cers during the whole of the cruize, preceding this unfortunate event, had shewn want of judgment and skill, derogatory to the character of Great Bri-tain, and injurious to her interests. The Court particularly allude to their conduct in permitting foreign vessels of all descriptions to proceed on their voyages, and even to enter the Thames, while they detained British vessels under their convoy by a number of unnecessary regulations; and to a squad-ron having been detached to destroy a fleet of small vessels belonging to a neutral power, which, being contrary to the law of nations, may yet involve the country in war. The Captain's conduct with respect to vessels laden with corn, appears to have been indecisive and prejudicial to the interests of the

country.

The Court, therefore, taking all the circumstances of the unit into consideration, do hereby adjudge the said Captain Frederick Robinson to be dismissed his Majesty's service, and declared incapable of ever serving his Majesty, his heirs, and successors, in any naval or civil situation whatever. The Court further adjudge the whole of the ward-room officers to be cashiered, and the Master to be confined in the Marshalsea for six calendar months; and the Court fully and honourably acquit the Pilot, Gun-

ner, and other Officers and ship's company of all blame for their conduct on this occasion.

JUDGES OF MUSIC.---A Scotch bagpiper travelling into Ireland opened his wallet by a wood side, and sat down to dinner; he had no sooner said grace than three wolves came about him. To one he threw bread, to another meat, till his provision was all gone; at length he took up his bagpipes, and began to play; at which the wolves ran away. "The Deel saw me, said Sawney, "An I had kenn'd ye loved so music so weel, ye should have hed it before dinner."