Folios 342-343: William Charleton, Regulating Captain, North Shields. Explains why...

Folios 342-343: William Charleton, Regulating Captain, North Shields. Explains why Thomas Williamson, Midshipman of the Impress gang at Sunderland, entered the house to impress men without Lieutenant Thomas Consitt being present with a warrant. States that he is satisfied that Williamson's actions arose from his zeal for the service and that the payment of such a sum of money will ruin Thomas Williamson. Advises that a detailed account was sent to the Admiralty on 9 August 1804 but Charles Bicknell, Admiral Solicitor, was not able to defend it; however, believes that referring to that statement will prove that Thomas Williamson was actually obeying the orders of his superior officer. Encloses a petition and bills from Thomas Williamson [bills not enclosed].

Folio 344: enclosure with folios 342-343. Note of possible course of actions and directions, undated, from the Admiralty.

Folios 345-346: enclosure with folios 342-343. Petition dated 5 October 1805, from Thomas Williamson, Midshipman, Impress Service, Sunderland to the Admiralty. States the circumstances surrounding his entering the house of Alexander Adams at Monkwearmouth, on 18 July 1804, at which some seamen liable to impress had gathered and without Lieutenant Thomas Consitt being present, detained Alexander Forbes, an Able Seaman as well as, in conjunction, with the local Constable, taking Mrs Adams, without a warrant, to a temporary prison at Monkwearmouth called the Cage. Explains that Alexander Adams and his wife commenced legal action against him for false imprisonment which was tried at Durham Assizes in August 1804, at which a verdict was given against him with costs of £30 damages, Court costs for the plaintiff of £42 12s 1d and his own legal costs of £31 5s 10d. Explains that he has a wife to support and cannot pay such a large amount which he has become liable for through his zeal for the Service and not from any wilful misconduct or oppression. Asks for relief as his case may demand.