Mutiny

This episode presents a drama suggested by the only recorded mutiny in U.S. naval history. In 1842, the U.S.S. Bowers returns to the Brooklyn Navy Yard from a training cruise. One cadet, 17-year old Philip Cantrell, son of a leading senator, was killed during the voyage and a Naval Court of Inquiry summons the ship's captain, Commander Jason Vanning, to a hearing on charges of murder. Cantrell always broke the rules and talked about seizing the vessel. The crew informed the captain and he put Cantrell in irons. Cantrell told him that he had always felt inferior to his father. The crew became restless and Vanning prepared to hang Cantrell but only if he did not confess. Cantrell tried to incite the crew and then jumped overboard. Vanning is cleared.