On reaching the deck I fainted, and knew no more till I awoke after some time in my hammock.
Now, I ask anyone, even a martinet at heart, whether such treatment of a boy, not thirteen years of age, putting his life into the greatest danger, taking this first step towards breaking his spirit, and in all probability making him, as most likely had been done to the poor men I had seen flogged that morning, into a hardened mutinous savage, was not disgraceful?
Moreover, it was as close akin to murder as it could be, for I don't know how it was I didn't fall overboard, and then nothing could have saved my life.

However, as I didn't fall, I was not drowned, and the effect on me was curious enough.

For all I had seen and suffered on that the opening day of my sea-life made me think for the first time--and I have never ceased thinking (half a century has passed since then)--how to oppose tyranny in every shape.

Indeed, I have always done so to such an extent as to have been frequently called by my superiors 'a troublesome character,' 'a sea lawyer,' &c.
Perhaps in this way I have been able to effect something, however small, towards the entire change that has taken place in the treatment of those holding subordinate positions in the navy--and that something has had its use, for the tyrant's hand is by force stayed now, 'for once and for all.' With this little I am satisfied.
Now let us briefly look into the question, 'Why are men tyrants when they have it in _their power to be so_ ?' Unfortunately, as a rule, it appears to come natural to them! What caused the Indian Mutiny?
Let Indian officers and those employed in the Indian civil service answer that question.
However, I have only to do with naval officers.

My experience tells me that a man clothed with brief but supreme authority, such as the command of a man-of-war, in those days when for months and months he was away from all control of his superiors and out of reach of public censure, is more frequently apt to listen to the promptings of the devil, which more or less attack every man, especially when he is alone.
Away from the softening influence of society and the wholesome fear of restraint, for a time at least the voice of his better angel is silenced.