A Voyage to Botany Bay by George Barrington

This danger was succeeded by one that had nearly proved much more fatal; the captain, with great humanity, had released many of the convicts who had been in a weakly state, from their irons; and as I have before observed, they were allowed alternately, ten at a time, to walk the deck. Two of them, Americans, who had some knowledge of navigation, prevailed upon the majority of their comrades to attempt seizing the ship, impressing them with the idea that it would be easily effected, and that they would carry her to America, where every man would not only attain his liberty, but receive a tract of land from Congress, besides a share of the money arising from the sale of the ship and cargo.

These arguments had the desired effect, and it was determined determined the first opportunity that a part of those on the deck should, while the officers were at dinner, force the arm-chest, which was kept on the quarter-deck, at the same time make a signal to two of them, who should be keeping the centinels in discourse, to attack them, get possession of their arms, and pass the word for those below to rush upon deck.