Folios 222-223: Commander Malcolm Cowan, 58 Gloucester Place, Portman Square, [London]....

Folios 222-223: Commander Malcolm Cowan, 58 Gloucester Place, Portman Square, [London]. Encloses his observations of the dangers to which Navy ships are exposed by the present method of making sails, and asks that the Admiralty consider these alongside the reports on the new sails made to his pattern [with horizontal seams] which he has submitted over the past four years.

Folio 224: enclosure with folios 222-223. Commander Malcom Cowan. Cover for his observations of the dangers and expense of the present method of making sails for the Navy.

Folios 225-227: enclosure with folios 222-223. Commander Malcolm Cowan. A series of observations, dated 17 August 1809, on the weaknesses to which the present method of making sails with vertical seams exposes Navy vessels, including their tendency to split, particularly when reefed in a strong gale. Sails made with horizontal seams last up to seven months longer in service than those in the conventional pattern, are stronger, and can be set closer to the wind. Lists a series of 26 accidents which have befallen Navy ships from splitting or tearing of conventional sails and points out that these can easily lead to the loss of a ship, particularly if she is caught on a lee shore or has to round up suddenly to windward to avoid a danger. Thinks his sails would also allow ships to carry sail through a squall of wind.