1787

Dec. 23: Lieutenant Bligh, in command of the Bounty, sets sail for Tahiti (Otaheite) to collect bread fruit to be grown on Jamaican plantations for the slaves.

1788

1789

Mutiny on the Bounty. Fletcher Christian and half the crew mutiny against Bligh's erratic temper. They take control of the Bounty,setting Lt. Bligh and 18 loyal followers in the 23 foot launch with 5 days provision. 48 days later, Bligh and his crew reach Timor after 3,618 miles of sailing across open water.

1790

March 13: Bligh arrives back in England to triumph and amazement. By November, the Pandora is sent to capture the mutineers.

1791

March 23: The Pandora arrives in Tahiti to apprehend the Bounty mutineers. Some are dead, but the remainder are imprisoned in the hold. August 29, the Pandora runs aground on a reef; 4 of the prisoners drown. The remaining 10 reach England for trial. 4 are released as innocent, 3 are pardoned, 3 hang. Fletcher is never found.

Captain George Vancouver, explores the Pacific in the Discovery and the Chatham.