Folios 273-274: Sampson Edwards, HMS Saint George, at sea. In March 1797 he sent...

Folios 273-274: Sampson Edwards, HMS Saint George, at sea. In March 1797 he sent a letter enclosing two demands for him to appear before the Lords of Appeal regarding two American vessels captured in January 1793 by HMS Terpsichore under his command, and requesting relevant protection. The response in a letter dated 7 March 1797 informed him that the demands had been sent to Mr Gostling, Proctor for the affairs of the Admiralty, for him to inquire into the circumstances and to report back to The Admiralty. He apologises for having again to request protection, as his agent has informed him that the Lords of Appeal have reversed the sentence of condemnation of the Lyon, one of the vessels concerned. The vessel was captured going into Martinique and was so close to the island that he hardly had room to pass between her and the land to cut her off. He does not consider that he exceeded his orders by sending her into Martinique for adjudication, and hoped that he will be considered entitled for protection.