Folio 314: Blank cover sheet, for Cap B497 [Charles Bullen], dated 13 December 1807....

Folio 314: Blank cover sheet, for Cap B497 [Charles Bullen], dated 13 December 1807.

Folios 315-317: enclosure with folios 315-317. Letter, dated 13 December 1801, from Charles Bullen, HMS Wasp, St Georges Bay, Sierra Leon to the Admiralty. Describes in detail his passage from Spithead to Sierra Leone via Madeira at which he arrived on 1 November 1801 and then on to Goree where he took under his protection the Lucia Merchant ship of London and sailed convoy part way to the Cape de Verde Island, arriving at Goree on 12 November 1801. Advises that after leaving Goree, he spoke when off the Isles de Los, to a schooner from Sierra Leone who informed him that an attack had taken place on the Colony on 18 November 1801 by the Timmany People leaving 14 killed in Fort Thornton and the Governor and many others dangerously wounded. Reports that he made every exertion, given the light winds, to reach Sierra Leone, arriving there on 28 November 1801 and informs the Admiralty with regret that the intelligence received was too true. Reports that the Maroons having been called on from Granville Town to assist the Colony have been out in the woods destroying many of the enemy's towns and killed, wounded and taken many prisoners without any material loss from the Colony. States that the exertion of Governor [William] Dawes exceeds anything he has ever seen and although badly wounded through the shoulder, still holds a distinguished example of courage and perseverance, which is followed by everyone in the Colony. Advises, however that the enemy has a very considerable force near the Cape and the Governor and Council, being apprehensive of another and more formidable attack from the natives, have sent him the enclosed letter requesting that he remain there and to which he has agreed which he hopes will meet the Admiralty's approval. Advises that on 2 December 1801 the boats of HMS Wasp made an attack on an enemy town in a bay near the Cape, setting fire to it and destroying the whole town, killing and wounding many of the Timmany people. Reports that 5 of his men were wounded and all are doing well with only flesh wounds and having had all balls extracted and only one man is dangerously wounded. Recommends [for promotion] William E Parker, Acting Master, who commanded the attack . Mentions Mr [Jacka?], Purser, and Mr Chinchen, Master's Mate and the other Petty Officers and all men who served under his orders as being a credit to the happy Government they all serve under. States that as soon as order is restored to the settlement which with the interference of some powerful Chiefs, may be likely in the course of a week, he will proceed as per his Orders from Commodore Brown, to call at the different Forts and settlements along the coast, collecting wood and water at Princes Island, and from there to proceed to Barbados. Captain [James] Bowen, HMS Argo also mentioned as being reported at Madeira and Goree but who has not been seen or heard of since HMS Wasp arrived at Sierra Leone.

Folios 317-318: enclosure with folios 315-317. Copy of letter, dated 2 December 1801, from William Dawes, Governor, J Gray, 1st in Council, [Richard] Bright, 2nd in Council and T Ludlum, Counsellor, pro temp, at Fort Thornton to Charles Bullen, HMS Wasp, lying in the river at Sierra Leone. Suggest that the presence and aid of HMS Wasp will materially contribute to the preservation and security of the Colony, by co-operating with their forces against a formidable confederacy of the Timmany Chiefs, who though repulsed at the attack on Fort Thornton on the morning of 18 November 1801, still persist in their design of plunder and extermination. Advise that according to recent intelligence they [the Timmany] are collecting a large force to the East as well as maintaining and recruiting to their number at Cape Sierra Leone with a view to attacking as soon as [the colony] is deprived on His Majesty's sloop. State that their object is to reduce the enemy to such terms and conditions of peace as will give reasonable satisfaction for the past and entire security for the time to come. Advise that they are expecting an answer in the course of this or the following day to a proposition made to the King Firarna of the Timmany nation, through Smart and Morobundoo our allies, to enter into a treaty and that answer will in great measure determine their future operations.

Folio 318: enclosure with folios 315-317. Copy of letter, dated 3 December 1801, from Charles Bullen, HMS Wasp, St George's Bay, Sierra Leone to the Governor and Council of Sierra Leone. Responds to their letter of 2 December requesting the presence of HMS Wasp for the preservation and security of the Colony, saying he hesitates not one instant to accede to their wishes by remaining in the Bay and that every exertion will be made by the officers and men he commands for the general safety of the Colony and those who so nobly defended it on the morning of 18 November 1801.