Folios 636-637: John Fortescue, Cookhill. Reminding their Lordships of his service...

Folios 636-637: John Fortescue, Cookhill. Reminding their Lordships of his service as 'one of the late Lord Anson's people' in his voyage to the South Seas, and describing himself now as a superannuated captain at the advanced age of 83, confined to his couch for the past 7 years with a 'scorbutic humour'. He addresses them on 'an unfortunate affair' that has befallen his grandson, John Morgan, son of his deceased daughter. He had put the boy in the Navy under the patronage of Lord Bridport, HMS Royal George, some 3 years ago, and he has distinguished himself since then under several commanders. He was with Captain Ferris in the action of Algeciras, when everyone on the quarter deck was killed or wounded except him and the captain, and he was taken prisoner and lost everything even the shirt on his back. Subsequently he was put in Dorchester gaol by the mayor of Weymouth after an affray that took place at Portland under the command of Captain Wolfe, of HMS Aigle, while engaged on the impress service - seamen resisted being taken and there was shooting which resulted in some deaths. Morgan and Lieutenant Hastings having been sent ashore the next day to Weymouth with dispatches, the mob fell on them and threatened their lives, and the only recourse was for the mayor to commit them to Dorchester Castle to appease the mob. They are now eligible for bail, but it is set at £250 each, which Morgan's father, a poor clergyman, is unable to obtain. As they young man was merely acting in pursuit of his duty Fortescue had hoped his expenses might be met by the Service, but he understands this is not the case, and asks instead that their Lordships might stand his friend.