Folios 277-278: James Caulfield, Regulating Captain, North Shields. Reporting on...

Folios 277-278: James Caulfield, Regulating Captain, North Shields. Reporting on the case of David Edwards, now on board the transit, and returning enclosures. Edwards was impressed by Lieutenant Dove at Newcastle on 28 January and appeared to have no legal protection. Says the enclosed affidavit is from John Fluckart, who is not legally registered as the owner of the ship Elizabeth, and who admitted the same, not having known it was an imprediment to appointing a mate to the ship. Describes Edwards as aged 22, at sea for 6 years, an active young man.

Folios 279-280: enclosure with folios 277-278. Letter dated 20 February 1814 by John Blues, of 8 Cullum St, Fenchurch St, London, enclosing John Fluckart's memorial.

Folio 281: enclosure with folios 279-280. Affidavit from John Fluckart, master of the Elizabeth of Montrose, to swear Edwards is Chief Mate and describing him as 5ft 51/4 ins tall brown complexion and brown short hair, aged about 22.

Folios 282-283: enclosure with folios 279-280. Statement from Fluckart, that on 19 January last he had purchased the brig Elizabeth and when she was cleared at the customs house of Montrose the Customs 'did not deem it necessary' that his name be entered as Master of the vessel, and he himself did not realise it was necessary for the protection of his Mate. Describes how the press gang came aboard on 28 January and took Edwards despite his remonstances and explanations. Adds that Edwards is the sole support of an aged mother and numerous small brothers and sisters. Encloses a statement from John Sparshott, Midshipman.

Folio 284: enclosure with folios 282-283. Sparshott's statement that John Fluckart is Master of the brig Elizabeth and that David Edwards is the Chief Mate. Note below says this is 'merely a report' from the midshipman to Lieutenant Dove.