Folios 279-280: Sampson Edwards, Saint George, off Brest. He has been sent by the...

Folios 279-280: Sampson Edwards, Saint George, off Brest. He has been sent by the Earl of St Vincent a copy of the letter with directions for the Earl to let Captain Edwards know that The Admiralty disapproved of his conduct regarding Mr Bingham, the late Chaplain of HMS Saint George, in not having reported the incident and applied for a Court Martial for him. Captain Edwards is most concerned, after service of nearly 40 years, to have incurred disapproval, particularly in this case in which he had not the remotest idea that he had acted improperly. The reason for not applying for a Court Martial was the doubt of proving the case, for the evidence came from a drunken Irishman, almost an idiot, and the other a lying fellow. He thought this evidence would not stick against an artful clever man like Mr Bingham, who Captain Edwards was glad to be rid of. If he had been found not guilty he would have remained in the ship and been more trouble than previously. It was never his intention to favour Mr Bingham, whose conduct Captain Edwards made public through the Fleet, and it was from the Earl of St Vincent he got the information about him.

Folios 281-282: enclosure with folios 279-280. The Earl of St Vincent, Admiral and Commander in Chief of ships in the Channel Soundings, onboard HMS Ville de Paris, off Ushant, to Captain Sampson Edwards, 2 July 1800. Order to make a report in accordance with the letter of 29 June 1800, a copy of which is enclosed.

Folios 283-284: enclosure with folios 281-282. The Earl of St Vincent, HMS Ville de Paris, off Ushant, 29 June 1800, to Captain Edwards. Having reflected on what had been related by Captain Edwards regarding the late Chaplain of HMS St George, The Earl considers it his duty, in his position, to report the situation to the Archbishop of Canterbury. He therefore requires from Captain Edwards a detailed and signed report of the conversation overheard by the Cook of HMS St George, the steps taken in consequence of the conversation to prove the case, together with the Chaplain's name, place of birth, present address, and the College at which he was educated, so that the Archbishop can consider whether he should continue as a member of the Church.

Folios 285-286: enclosure with folios 279-280. Sampson Edwards, HMS Saint George, at sea, to The Earl of St Vincent, 2 July 1800. He is sorry to learn, from the Earl's letter of today's date, that there is dissatisfaction with the report he has made regarding the disgraceful conduct of the late Chaplain of HMS St George. He had no intention to report favourably on such a bad character. He trusts the statements now sent will be satisfactory. Mr Bingham had been Chaplain of HMS Saint George for some time when Captain Holloway was in command, and was in place when Captain Edwards took over, but Captain Edwards has no knowledge of his place of birth, residence, or his education, or whether he belonged to any University. His knowledge goes no further than the report of him being the son of a clergyman at, or near, Gosport. The testimonies are signed by the First Lieutenants Parrey, Kevein, and Rider, whom he directed to investigate the truth of the allegations against Mr Bingham. After they reported he sent for Mr Bingham, who confessed when faced with the witnesses. He hopes that he has now complied with the last order.

Folios 287-288: enclosure with folios 285-286. Sampson Edwards, HMS Saint George, 2 July 1800. Detailed report on the investigation into the allegation that Mr Bingham, late Chaplain of HMS Saint George, sold liquor to the ship's company. Lieutenant Parrey reported that the Master at Arms had informed him that the Cook had heard some people say they could purchase liquor from the Chaplain. Captain Edwards ordered Lieutenant Parrey to take Lieutenants Kevein and Rider to assist him in investigating. As a result of the investigation he sent for Mr Bingham, who at first denied the charge. When told he would be confronted by witnesses, he confessed that his servant had sold liquor for him, and begged for compassion, having a wife and large family. Further documentation is in the form of a statement signed by Lieutenants Parrey, Kevein and Rider stating that they questioned Robert Onion and Edward Hannon (seamen, the latter has since died), who had purchased liquor at 5 shillings a bottle from James Bridge, Mr Bingham's servant. It is estimated he had sold 6 to 8 gallons, and that he said it belonged to Mr Bingham and most of the money was given to him. This investigation took place in end September/ early October 1799.

Folios 289-290: enclosure with folios 279-280. The Earl of St Vincent, HMS Ville de Paris, off Ushant, to Captain Edwards, 2 July 1800. reports that he is very dissatisfied with the report made regarding the conduct of the Chaplain. He expects a detailed account of what the Cook heard, and all other circumstances. He trusts Captain Edwards investigated personally. The Captain is now amendable under a peremptory order to comply strictly with the letter. He is surprised that Captain Edwards has no knowledge of the Chaplain's place of birth or education. P.S. Demands to know whether the Chaplain was confronted with the witnesses, their names, and what defence he may have presented.

Folios 291-292: enclosure with folios 279-280. Sampson Edwards, HMS Saint George, at sea, to The Earl of St Vincent, 30 June 1800. Responding tot he letter of yesterday's date, sends a report into the circumstances leading to the discovery that the Chaplain, Mr Robert Bingham, sold liquor to the ship's company.

Folios 293-294: enclosure with folios 291-292: Sampson Edwards, report into the circumstances leading to the discovery that the ship's Chaplain sold liquor to the ship's company.