Folio 248: Peter Turner Bover, HMS Blenheim, Spithead. As requested, he is sending...

Folio 248: Peter Turner Bover, HMS Blenheim, Spithead. As requested, he is sending a list of the warrant officers serving in the Blenheim at the moment. He also sends a letter from 'a very meritorious, but worn-out servant of His Majesty', George Anderson, master-at-arms, and says that though this officer asks for a similar position to the one he currently holds, Bover does not consider the man's health good enough to permit it. Says that in conversation Anderson had expressed the hope that he might be made gunner of a hulk, or ship in ordinary, and if his own testimonial is wanted he gives it with pleasure, to the fullest extent. Adds that he is sure Admiral Dickson, with whom Anderson served for a long period, would also speak to the man's good conduct.

Folio 249: enclosure with folio 248. Letter from George Anderson to Bover, saying in the event that Bover does not continue as captain of the Blenheim, he requests a similar commission to the one he currently holds, in a guard ship, and that without some such post he will be entirely destitute.

Folio 250: enclosure with folio 248. Anderson's 42-year service record, beginning 2 April 1763. The ships and captains listed: Ludlow Castle, Bateman; Superb, Faulknor; Ajax, Allen; Venus, Belford; Royal Oak, Prince George, and Victory, all Faulknor; Ardent, Harwood; Triumph, and Barfleur, Knight; Royal William, Gayton; Duke, Calder; Glory, and Barfleur, Elphinstone; Monarch, O'Bryan, Sutton, and Dickson, then Mosse, Birchall, and Bligh; and finally the Blenheim. 39 years were as master-at-arms, and three as ship's corporal in HMSS Princess Royal and Ocean.