Folios 235-236: John Ellis, HMS Spitfire. Encloses a copy of letters from Governor...

Folios 235-236: John Ellis, HMS Spitfire. Encloses a copy of letters from Governor Charles W Maxwell of Sierra Leone. Reports he proceeded to the Gallinas and arrived on 21 February 1814. He then sent the boats onshore under the command of Second Lieutenant with the enclosed orders [folio 239]. He returned with a launch, the whole of the stock in trade of Crawford and five free negroes, and the boat crew of the late Mr Roach. He sent these on to Sierra Leone under the care of the late Mr Roache's crew, except from some tobacco which he divided among the Offciers and crew. Outlines the events leading to this capture and states the Kitty was scuttled and drove on shore near Cape Palmas.

Folios 237-238: enclosure with folios 235-236. Charles W Maxwell, Government House, Sierra Leone to John Ellis, HMS Spitfire, 10 and 15 February 1814. Reports that a slave vessel is now at Gallinas and it is probably Crawford, an Englishman, who is pirating the Kitty with the aid of the Spaniards, who may help him escape. Offers the services of a pilot if needed. Adds that two Mates who belonged to the Kitty of Liverpool, reported the murder of their Captain, Mr Roach and that Crawford took sundry articles out of the Kitty and carried them off in his boat.

Folio 239: enclosure with folios 235-236. Orders dated 21 February 1814 by John Ellis, HMS Spitfire, to Lieutenant Hopkins, HMS Spitfire, to take a crew and boat out and instructs that no man should leave the boat unless seizing Crawford or to liberate slaves belonging to him, nor should they engage with the natives.