Bountiful legacy

James Morrison from the Isle of Lewis in the Western Isles was the boatswain's mate on HMS Bounty (your report, 16 June).

He was court martialled and sentenced to death but was eventually reprieved. Morrison became a master gunner in the Royal Navy and the favourite seaman of Sir Thomas Troubridge who had him transferred to his flagship HMS Blenheim.

Morrison also wrote accounts of local customs in the Pacific islands and his papers are lodged in the State Library of New South Wales, Australia.

He was drowned off Madagascar in 1807.

Morrison did not serve at the Battle of Trafalgar but a fellow seaman from Stornoway, James Robertson, was the master's mate under Lord Nelson on board HMS Victory. His brother, Captain John Robertson, charted the South China Sea for the Admiralty.

DONALD J MacLEOD

Woodcroft Avenue

Bridge of Don, Aberdeenshire