Folios 239-240: James Cornwallis, HMS Sheerness, at sea. Writes as the Calypso of...

Folios 239-240: James Cornwallis, HMS Sheerness, at sea. Writes as the Calypso of the Sierra Leone Company departs for England. He parted with the West Indies convoy and delivered his convoy to their respective destinations, except the Mary Hall schooner bound for the Cape Coast. Has anchored at Sierra Leone to take on water and repair his main mast which has sprung in two places. The Sierra Leone Governor asks would take the Calypso into his convoy as he was concerned that privateers from Gorée would intercept her should they be informed of her sailing. Encloses copy of his letter sent by HMS Zephyr. Shall proceed to the coast of Angola as ordered.

Folios 241-242: enclosed in folios 239-240. Captain James Cornwallis, HMS Sheerness, at sea by the Salvage Islands. Copy of letter dated 13 January 1797 sent by HMS Zephyr via Barbados. Sailed from Cork 9th December with HMS Zephier and 39 merchantman convoy listed and enclosed [missing]. Vice Admiral Kingsmill orders HMS Unicorn as far south as Lisbon, then to return to Cork. Departed 15th without signaling to chase a strange ship. 17th -3rd contrary winds, very heavy gales. 27 December, the Good Hope, William Thomas, Master from Bristol bound for Jamaica fired a gun signaling her distress. Unable to assist because of heavy seas; she bore away to the NE. 14th December some of the convoy far ahead were signaled to shorten sail and gather round but they paid no attention. The Juno brig, John Mahoney, Master to Madera said he wanted to leave the convoy and left without permission. Shall report him to Lloyds Coffee House.19th December, The Friends, William Estell, Master, Richard Miles, Owner for Africa also left the convoy and will be reported to Lloyds Underwriters. 8th January, Permitted HMS Zephyr to chase a strange ship and encloses Captain Lawrie’s letter about her capture. Distributed all but 19 of the prisoners amongst the merchantmen, feeling it wise to have them onboard HMS Zephyr. Captain Lawrie, HMS Zephyr ordered to Barbados with the West Indies convoy, 29 ships. Continues to Africa. Gave HMS Zephyr his water. Will stop for water at Sierra Leone before heading to Angola. Letter from Captain Robert Lawrie, HMS Zephyr, at sea, 9 January 1797. Reports capture of La Refléchie, French privateer, twelve guns, pierced for fourteen, 67 men commanded by Piere Soustra, Lieutenant de France, 33 days from Bayonne. She only took the John and James, James Johnstone, Master of Petersburg, Virginia from London to Madera and Bengal. Sails well, victualled and watered for two months.

Folios 243-244: enclosed with folios 239-240. Printed form of 19 May 1796, State and Condition of His Majesty’s ship; completed Captain Cornwallis, HMS Sheerness, 13 January 1797. Details crew, 240 mustered, prisoners 19, Plymouth division of Marines and provisions. Lieutenant George Wright, 1st, Marines left behind at Plymouth.