Meaning: The quote provided refers to an event in the life of William Bligh, a British naval officer known for his involvement in the infamous mutiny on the HMS Bounty. The quote indicates that on the 28th of a certain month, the ship's company received two months' pay in advance, and the following morning they worked out to St. Helen's, where they were obliged to anchor. This event is significant in understanding the circumstances and conditions in which Bligh and his crew operated during their time at sea.

William Bligh was born in 1754 and began his naval career in 1770. He is best known for being the commanding officer of the HMS Bounty, a British naval vessel on a mission to transport breadfruit plants from Tahiti to the West Indies. However, the journey took a dramatic turn when a mutiny broke out on the ship, led by acting Lieutenant Fletcher Christian. Bligh and a number of loyal crew members were set adrift in a small open boat, and against all odds, they managed to navigate to safety, eventually returning to England.

The quote appears to be a record of a specific event during Bligh's time on the HMS Bounty. The fact that the ship's company received two months' pay in advance suggests that there may have been some anticipation or uncertainty about the upcoming journey or the conditions they would face. It also indicates a level of trust and responsibility placed on the crew members, as receiving advance pay would have been a significant privilege and would have required careful management.

The mention of working out to St. Helen's and being obliged to anchor suggests that the ship was making a planned or necessary stop at St. Helen's, which may have been a port or anchorage along their route. This stop could have been for various reasons, such as restocking supplies, making repairs, or waiting for favorable weather conditions. The phrase "obliged to anchor" implies that the decision to stop at St. Helen's was not entirely voluntary, possibly due to external factors such as adverse weather or navigational challenges.

This quote provides a glimpse into the routine and logistics of naval life during the late 18th century. It sheds light on the financial transactions and operational aspects of a naval vessel, as well as the significance of various ports and anchorages along the way. It also hints at the challenges and uncertainties that were inherent in long sea voyages during that era.

The life of William Bligh and the events surrounding the mutiny on the Bounty have been the subject of numerous books, films, and historical accounts. The mutiny itself and the subsequent journey of Bligh and his loyal crew members in an open boat have captured the imagination of people for centuries. The quote provided offers a small but tangible insight into the day-to-day experiences of Bligh and his crew before the dramatic events that would later unfold.

In conclusion, the quote captures a seemingly routine yet significant moment in the life of William Bligh and his crew on the HMS Bounty. It provides a window into the financial and operational aspects of naval life during the late 18th century, as well as the challenges and uncertainties inherent in long sea voyages. Understanding the context of this quote helps to illuminate the broader narrative of Bligh's naval career and the dramatic events that would later define his legacy.