Folios 461-462: Man Dobson, Bristol Regulating Officer. Sends report on Robert Perram...

Folios 461-462: Man Dobson, Bristol Regulating Officer. Sends report on Robert Perram said to be a deserter which is very correct. Observes of Lieutenant Colonel Gibbons’s letter that he didn’t receive the man or dismiss him. He examined him at the Rendezvous. He wasn’t a deserter and being unfit returned him to the Guard House. He sent Lieutenant Pitman to Lieutenant Colonel Gibbons to tell him the results and that he should be sent to the Workhouse. Says Lieutenant Roger of the Marines might have prevented all the trouble.

Folio 463: enclosed in folios 461-462. J. Barne, Admiralty Office, 20 May 1813 to Thomas Miles, Submission Clerk, Ston Easton, Somerset. Replies to letter 15 May. Robert Perran consigned to Shepton Mallet goal as a Royal Navy deserter will be sent to the nearest Naval Rendezvous, the usual reward and conduct money will be allowed.

Folio 464: enclosed in folios 461-462. Thomas Miles, Long Easton to Colonel Wood, East Middlesex Militia, Bristol, 22 May 1813. Says 13 May, Corporal Ashton George, East Middlesex Militia brought a deserter sent to Shepton Mallet bridewell. Yesterday he received Admiralty directions attached therefore requesting he’ll send men to Shepton Mallet for him.

Folios 465-465A: enclosed in folios 461-462. Lieutenant William Pitman, Impress Service, Bristol to Captain Dobson, 7 July 1813. Reports the East Middlesex Militia’s Corporal brought Robert Perham as a Navy deserter to the Rendezvous but on being examined in your presence, Lieutenant Campbell and Mr Yeatman, Surgeon says it appears he’s not a deserter. He was accidentally on a Newfoundland Station frigate at St Johns that he’d gone on board to search for his wife who he suspected was on board with one of the crew and the vessel under sailing orders, he couldn’t get back on shore, unavoidably having to proceed to sea. Even if he was in the Sea Service it’s quite evident he was totally unfit and sent back to the guard room. Told Colonel Gibbons the receipt the Midshipman gave him when he was brought to the Rendezvous wasn’t valid as he wasn’t authorized to give any receipt without it being signed by a Lieutenant. Captain Dobson explained this to Colonel Gibbons previously and was explained to the Regiment’s Clerk when he came to claim his expenses.