Folios 161-162: Stephen Thomas Digby, HMS Argo, Spithead. He refers to a previous...

Folios 161-162: Stephen Thomas Digby, HMS Argo, Spithead. He refers to a previous letter in which he mentions the appointment of Mr Mathew Blood to his ship. He was until recently an acting gunner on HMS Brave. Previous to his arrival Captain Digby had written that Mr Joseph Perran had joined the ship and as he appears energetic and deserving, he hopes the Admiralty will confirm his appointment not least because of the contents of the enclosure to the letter which is a statement by Mr Blood explaining that he is not longer fit for active service.

Folios 163-164: enclosure to folios 161-162. Letter from Mathew Blood to the Admiralty dated 12 August 1806. He acknowledges receipt of his letter of appointment to HMS Argo. He writes that he attended Commissioner Saxton's office on several occasions but no warrant was waiting for him. He attempted to see Captain Digby but in so doing met the gunner who has been superceded by Mr Perryman late of HMS Albycore [probably Albacore] He thanks the Admiralty for thinking of him and asks given his 29 years of service if he might be promoted from fifth mate.

Folio 165: enclosure to folios 161-162. Letter from William Blood, Portsea, dated 12 Aug 1806. He acknowledges receipt of his appointment to HMS Argo. He went to the Comissionsers office but they had no warrant. Given his age and infirmities which include poor eye sight he writes that he is unfit for active service and so he has sought a gunner fit enough to fill the position. He understands however that a gunner has been appointed to the Argo.