Folios 93-94: Charles Claridge, Wynns Hotel, Falmouth. Writes giving the reasons...

Folios 93-94: Charles Claridge, Wynns Hotel, Falmouth. Writes giving the reasons for his return to England on the American ship Highland Mary from Norfolk Virginia. Departing 1st February arriving Falmouth this afternoon. Thanks their Lordships for his recent promotion saying Vice Admiral Berkeley desired he should return to England because he wanted to keep Captain Love. He was advised by Captain Douglas to go home to England too having written to your Lordships. It’s a painful thing to be thrown out of his ship, Captain Love being provided for. Says he’s not a follower of Vice Admiral Berkeley. Wants to return to service. Gave Captain Stuart, HMS Duncan the dispatches he had with him from the British Consul at Norfolk, 47:42N and Long. 14:27 whom he encountered there being an easterly wind.

Folios 95-96: enclosed in folios 93-94. Letter dated 19 March 1807 by Captain Charles Claridge, late Commander HMS Duncan, Wynns Hotel, Falmouth,. Encloses letter confirming his return to England and his reasons for doing so and an order from Admiral Berkeley.

Folio 97: enclosed in folios 95-96. Returned on the American ship Mary from Norfolk, Virginia instead of joining HMS Driver where he was appointed Commander. Captain Shortland, HMS Squirrel where he was first Lieutenant HMS Squirrel put under him under arrest for a short time after a difference had taken place on a point of service last September. Says he and Captain Shortland both came to an understanding and settled things agreeably to both, they having been great friends before. Captain Shortland being sorry for the unhappiness. He learnt about his promotion when they arrived at Bermuda from Chesapeake, 22 December 1806. Captain Shortland went to see Vice Admiral Berkley who told him he did not consent to his appointment, he was to return to England as he wanted the vacancy filled by Captain Love who was acting in HMS Cleopatra. He and Captain Shortland went on shore to see the Admiralty Secretary (they couldn’t see the Vice Admiral) who told him he wasn’t to give him his appointment and that he should write a letter requesting leave to return to England. After he wrote his note he was given an order 24 December 1806 granting him leave. Sailed the start of January, costing him forty five pounds and much anxiety. Requests an appointment in active service.

Folios 98-99: enclosed in folios 93-94. HMS Tourterelle, Bermuda, 24 December 1806. Order to Captain Claridge. HMS Mermaid'’s Captain is ordered to take Captain Claridge to Chesapeake for England on the Admiral’s consideration of his peculiar appointment to command HMS Driver.

Folio 100: enclosed in folios 93-94. Note about peculiar promotion to HMS Driver and requesting leave to return to England.

Folio 101: enclosed in folios 93-94. Admiralty memorandum dated 24 March directing Captain Claridge to proceed by the first opportunity to join his ship.