Folios 271-272: James Caulfield, Regulating Captain, North Shields. Sending enclosures...

Folios 271-272: James Caulfield, Regulating Captain, North Shields. Sending enclosures regarding Robert Barkwell, a Mate and apprentice, who had been impressed on 14 February. At the Regulation it was attempted to be proved that Barkwell's apprenticeship had ended on 1 January 1814, that he had 'conveniently lost' his indentures on the 2nd, and had been appointed Mate on the 3rd. Notes that the Master in his Affidavit swears that Barkwell is 22 years old, yet produces a Protection showing him to be younger - which Caulfield believes to be fake as he is 'a stout young man and has the looks of being one or two and twenty'. Adds that the Master, Mr Ballantine, had the audacity to attempt to free his mate by 'an attempt at corrupting me'.

Folios 273-274: enclosure with folios 271-272. Discharge paper signed by Commander MacDonald that Barkwell, who had served as an ordinary seaman on HMS Alphea from 13 March 1813 to 27 May 1813, was discharged on that day as he was an apprentice. That he is 5ft 3 ins tall, of a swarthy complexion, and aged 16.

Folios 274-275: enclosure with folios 271-272. Printed protection certifictae, of 26 August 1812, saying Barkwell was born 1 January 1797 so would not be 18 until January 1815. Describes him in margin as having blue eyes, short curly brown hair and a brown complexion, not marked by smallpox. At foot is handwritten, 'Bound 21 February 1810 for 5 years.'

Folios 275A-276: enclosure with folios 271-272. Folios 275A-276 is James Ballantine's letter to Caulfield on behalf of Barkwell, Mate and 'an apprentice to the brig William', sending the discharge paper from the previous May for being underage and also 'a small present of £10', asking for his discharge. Folio 275B is Ballantine's Affidavit, saying he is Master of the William of Plymouth, and has hired Robert Barkwell, aged 22, as Chief Mate.