Folio 360-361: Richard Booth Bowden, HMS Antelope, Portsmouth Harbour. He had been...

Folio 360-361: Richard Booth Bowden, HMS Antelope, Portsmouth Harbour. He had been ordered to appear before a Courts Martial to explain his conduct while conducting a North American Convoy. He has just been informed by Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton, however, that because none of the witnessess against him are actually prepared to give evidence that the Courts Martial has been postponed indefinitely.

Captain Butcher points out that this unsatisfactory situation means he has no opportunity to clear his name and that the officers of the Antelop, whom he intended to call as witnesses on his behalf, will be dispersed which will make it difficult to call them together again. In addition, nearly all the vessels that were in the convoy are now in England and can also adduce to his conduct. On that basis he appeals against the proposed delay.