Folios 158-159: Farmery Predam Epworth, Totnes. Confirmed received Admiralty letter...

Folios 158-159: Farmery Predam Epworth, Totnes. Confirmed received Admiralty letter of 18 April enclosing copy of letter from Mr Valentine, Tide Surveyor at Salcombe, with regard to the boat he had left in his charge when he was discharged from the Sea Fencible Service. The boat with, three Frenchmen and one Swede, was captured by the Sea Fencibles at Hope Cove on 24 October. The Frenchmen stated that the sloop they were on had been captured by a privateer off Guernsey and the boat was given to them by the Master of the Privateer so they could make their way to the French coast but strong southerly winds meant they came on shore at Hope Cove. They did not know the name of privateer or master but the name"John Baker" was painted on the boat.

The Frenchmen and Swede were marched to Mill Prison, Plymouth and the boat brought to Salcombe. Sea Fencibles were rewarded One guinea for each prisoner and their expenses. Cost of escorting them to prison was paid by the Transport Board. Pilots and fishermen did not think reward sufficient to cover loss of time from their occupation. Pursuant to Admiralty order communicated by Captain Clements, Senior Officer of Teingmouth District, sent a description of the boat and circumstances of her capture to Messrs Eastlakes, solicitors, Plymouth on 7 November. Confirms Mr Valentine's report on state and size of boat correct.