Folios 425-426: Sir Ross Donnelly, HMS Pegasus, Spithead. Says he will discharge...

Folios 425-426: Sir Ross Donnelly, HMS Pegasus, Spithead. Says he will discharge the impressed men, John Buttery, John Aikin and James Moore belonging to the Young Eagle and Astra and John Coulson, the Calistra as ordered. Says he sailed in July without a marine and near thirty men below complement. He scarcely any officers appointed and his 2nd Lieutenant was collared and abused by the crew of the ship from where the first three were impressed and one of his men was wounded when he went to assist. The latter he knew was a carpenter and is now promoted to HMS Pegasus’s Captain of the Forecastle. Threatened with prosecution, he hopes their Lordships will free him from any expense. Says his having to discharge them will encourage the prosecution.

Folios 427-428: enclosed in folios 425-426. Captain Sir Ross Donnelly, HMS Pegasus, Leith, 30 July 1795. Gave his reasons for impressing James Moore and John Buttery in his letter 23 July which he hopes will be a means of keeping the three men. Sent Lieutenant Newton in the boats to the two homebound Greenland Whalers, owned by the same owners, because he needed men. Fancies they brought lances and harpoons onto one of the ships to repel and attacked and wounded one of his men severely. Those that weren’t under protection were enabled to leave in boats. Has taken the ringleader and two others saying if they are liberated it will be an encouragement to others.

Folios 429: enclosed in folios 427-428. Admiralty note, 3 October. Refer him to the article of the Impress Instructions which directs.