The Court-martial on John Henty, the carpenter of the Cam-
perdown, which commenced on Tuesday week, was continued from day to day until Saturday, when it terminated. Very strong evidence as to the prisoner's character was produced. A written defence, elaborate and highflown, and signed "John Henty," was put in. It dwelt on the fact, that the charge on which he was first arrested had been abandoned by the prosecutor : it insisted on the insuffi- ciency of the evidence brought to prove the alleged neglect of duty : it ingeniously contended, as to the charge of making a false report, that the material which fed the fire, part of which was resin, was such as to create a great appearance of conflagration, though but little injury might have been done ; and thus it was sought to excuse a somewhat hasty and exaggerated report drawn from first appearances. The defence represented that a careful examination of the vessel was rendered difficult by the number of ships which had to be inspected by the same person and by the short time allowed for the purpose. The Court came to the following decision- " The Court is of opinion, that the first charge, namely, that of a breach of duty, is not proved : that the second charge, namely, that of disobedience of orders is not proved : and that the third charge, namely, that of having on the said 2d day of October made a false report to his superior officer, Captain Sir J. 11111, of the extent of a fire, which in the afternoon of that day had taken place on beard the said ship Camperdown, and of the circumstances attending at, is fully proved against the prisoner J01111 Ilenty; but, from the circum- stances of his extraordinary good character for skill, zeal, carefulness, huma- nity, and general good conduct as a carp• liter of her Majesty's Navy, the Court doth adjudge the said. John Ilenty, the prisoner, to be only severely repri- manded and admonished. And the said John llenty is hereby severely repri- manded and admonished accordingly." The prisoner then bowed and withdrew. He was greatly affected; and when he came on deck, he vat shaken hands with and congratu- lated by all his brother officers, and many of the townspeople who were on board.
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