Caroline Alexander‘s gripping history surrounding the Mutiny on the Bounty tells a strangely modern story. In 1789, Bligh and those loyal to him were cast off from the Bounty in the Pacific in a small boat by Fletcher Christian and his fellow mutineers. Bligh made his way back to civilization with his electrifying tale. The Royal Navy sent a ship to the south Pacific to search for the Bounty, but returned with only 10 mutineers who had left the ship and made their homes in Tahiti.
The resulting court martial in 1792 is a compelling court room drama, with all the devices one expects of such a tale:
- Hazy memories
- Character assassination
- Favor for those of higher social standing
- Media bias
The 10 mutineers were all found guilty, and sentenced to be hanged. Two were pardoned by King George III. . One of the two went on to a successful naval career.
In 1808 one remaining mutineer was found, along with families of other mutineers, on Pitcairn Island. He was not charged.
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