John Wilson Croker. The Deptford Officers informed us that an anchor for a first...

John Wilson Croker. The Deptford Officers informed us that an anchor for a first rate, having recently been finished there, was suspected unsound and they recommended it to be tried in a peculiar manner. We found highly culpable negligence on the part of all concerned and have given orders for their immediate discharge. In the absence of a Master Smith, the general oversight fell to Mr Commins, Foreman of the Smiths, who had many other duties. He was present when one of the arms of the anchor was shut on, but when the second arm was in operation he was required elsewhere. Opine he should have represented the importance of the anchor work to the Superior Officers as his presence at the smithery was indispensable, and this he failed to do. We consider he should no longer remain in his situation, but due to his previous good service, recommend he is granted a small pension and not the usual superannuation. He has served 43 years, as Foreman.