Folio 616: John Thomas Duckworth, HMS Leviathan, Beerhaven, Bantry Bay. Encloses...

Folio 616: John Thomas Duckworth, HMS Leviathan, Beerhaven, Bantry Bay. Encloses a copy of a letter he received from Captain Robert Montague of HMS Cumberland while off Cape Clear detailing the defects of his ship, and a copy of his reply.

Folios 617-619: enclosed with folio 616. Letter dated 22 November 1797 from Captain Robert Montague, HMS Cumberland, at sea, to Captain John Duckworth, HMS Leviathan. Feels it his duty to forward the report he receive from his Carpenter about the state of his ship. When he took command six months ago she had just come out of dock and appeared to be in good repair. On his first cruise he sailed from Spithead to Plymouth to join Admiral Lord Bridport and then was at sea for about six weeks. The Carpenter, then Mr Dixon who has since gone to sick quarters, reported that the ship was complaining a good deal forward. When the fleet returned to Torbay, the vessel was surveyed and he was told she must go into port. The Carpenter was convinced that the knee of the Head should be removed, but when she was docked at Plymouth no serious defect was found. The Cumberland was then ordered to sea to join Captain Duckworth, and the new Carpenter, William Damarell, reported to him, that the ship was still complaining forward, and that he did not think she should remain at sea. Before he reported this, Admiral Bridport had handed the command to Lord Keith and the morning after this, three experienced carpenters, William Merret of HMS Prince, Edward Jacob of HMS Neptune and John Brad of HMS Queen Charlotte, were sent aboard and reported two leaks forward and but did not feel they were dangerous. This morning his Lieutenant told him the Carpenter wished to make a further report, which he insisted be put in writing. Encloses this report.

Folio 619: enclosed with folio 616. Copy of a report from Carpenter William Damarell, HMS Cumberland, at sea, endorsed by Captain Robert Montague and dated 22 November 1797. Reports that the two leaks previously reported are now much worse and the ship is working more and more. Does not believe it is safe for her to remain at sea.

Folio 620: enclosed with folio 616. Copy of a letter from Captain John Thomas Duckworth, HMS Leviathan, off Cape Clear, to Captain Robert Montague, HMS Cumberland, dated 22 November 1797. Acknowledges the report from the Cumberland's Carpenter of his ship's defects. This will require further examination, but as they are almost at their destination he will report this to Vice Admiral Robert Brice Kingsmill on arrival.