Folios 158-159: Robert Mansel, HMS Beschermer, in the Wallet. As per an order from...

Folios 158-159: Robert Mansel, HMS Beschermer, in the Wallet. As per an order from Rear Admiral Rowley, 20 November, he is stating the case of Thomas Luxton Smale, alias John Smale, now serving aboard the ship. He says the man has been of no use at all to them and in fact is continually on the sick list as he is afflicted so badly with piles, due to an old venereal infection. He had no previous service at sea before his entry to the Enterprise the previous June.

Folios 160-161: enclosure with folios 158-159. Undated letter from Dr Garthshore saying the young man is suffering horribly in his present situation and hoping to extricate him, so that his uncle and wealthy relations can assist him to enter the military, which is what he really wants to do.

Folios 162-163: enclosure with folios 158-159. Letter dated 16 November 1803 by H. Smale, Fludyer Street, Blackheath, uncle of the young man. Wishes to stress the respectability of the family, being 'considerable merchants', but says his brother died leaving 6 young children with little guardianship, hence the unfortunate fate of the second son, Thomas, who wasted his patrimony and became dissipated and ruined. The young man then volunteered for the Service as an ordinary sailor, in a state of 'rage and despair'. Previous requests to have Smale discharged have been unsuccessful but he has been encouraged to try again having heard that a young man in exactly the same situation and ship had been released at the request of Mr Tierney, the Navy Treasurer. So that he may be of some use, asks that Smale be given a post as Captain's clerk or allowed to purchase a commission either in the Marines or the Regulars. Many other suggestions and assurances of Smale's qualities, good background and willingness to be of service are given.