A committee of the Privy Council was sitting when the tidings of the mutiny arrived in London.

William Harbord, who represented the borough of Launceston, was at the board.
His colleagues entreated him to go down instantly to the House of Commons, and to relate what had happened.

He went, rose in his place, and told his story.

The spirit of the assembly rose to the occasion.
Howe was the first to call for vigorous action.

"Address the King," he said, "to send his Dutch troops after these men.