Court Martial
On his return from his second circumnavigation Dampier was court-martialled for cruelty. On the outward voyage Dampier had his lieutenant, George Fisher, removed from the ship and jailed in Brazil. Fisher returned to England and complained about his treatment to the Admiralty. Dampier wrote an angry vindication of his conduct, but he was found guilty, docked his pay for the voyage, and dismissed from the Royal Navy.
According to records held at the National Archives the Royal Navy Court Martial held on 8 June 1702, involved the following three charges:
- William Dampier, Captain, HMS Roebuck.
- Crime: Death of John Norwood, boatswain.
- Verdict: Acquitted.
- William Dampier, Captain, HMS Roebuck.
- Crime: Hard and cruel usage of the lieutenant.
- Verdict: Guilty.
- Sentence: Forfeit all pay due and deemed unfit to command any of HM's ships.
- George Fisher, Lieutenant, HMS Roebuck
- Crime: Dispute between the captain and the lieutenant.
- Verdict: Acquitted.
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