Sir John Barrow

The Eventful History of the Mutiny Sir John Barrow

John Barrow was an English statesman and writer. The Eventful History of the Mutiny and Piratical Seizure of H. M. S. Bounty: (1831) Its Cause and Consequences, was a report about the mutiny on the Bounty written by John Barrow. In 1789, the mutiny was led by Fletcher Christian against Captain, William Bligh. Bligh received the appointment because he was considered an exceptionally capable naval officer - an evaluation that would prove to be correct - and because of his experience and familiarity with navigation in the area and local customs. The crew spent 5 months in Tahiti collecting breadfruit plants. The men became accustomed to the lifestyle and many married. On the return trip the mutineers put Bligh and his loyal crew in a launch. In a remarkable feat of seamanship, navigation and leadership, Bligh navigated the overcrowded 23 foot open launch on a 47-day voyage to Timor in the Dutch East Indies. They were equipped only with a sextant and a pocket watch, with no charts or compass.