Folios 301-302: John Clements. Is sending the examination of William Wilson and William...

Folios 301-302: John Clements. Is sending the examination of William Wilson and William Hopper, Master and Mate of of the Wedderburn, who enticed men to desert the Navy but who are now returned. They are on bail but he feels punishing them would help stop this malpractice, especially as the local seafarers feel the law cannot touch them.

Folios 303-312: enclosure with folios 301-302. Petition dated 13 April 1799 by William Scott, procurator fiscal to the Sheriff of Edinburgh.

James Drysdale, John Waters and David Knight from HMS Manly gunboat under Lieutenant William Malone were given money by William Wilson and William Hopper, Master and Mate of of the Wedderburn,to join the Wedderburn. Captain Wilson offered them £3.00 and took them to Mary Henderson's house. John Watters approached Wilson and asked to be employed on coasters saying he was at liberty from HMS Manly. John Learmouth, farmer and owner of the Wedderburn was informed and they sailed with a load of timber and bark down the coast. John Watters had joined the navy and received a bounty and states that men on gunboats were not allowed ashore unless ill. He had been on board the Wedderburn to recover from an illness. He heard Wilson offering money to the others. While on board they hid from the press while at Shields and Rye. David Knight's father from Musselburgh told Captain Clements where they were if Captain Clements promised not to punish them. All the parties involved plus James Clerk and Harry Davison also signed statements which make claims and counter accusations.