Folios 195-196: D Dobie, Guernsey. Pursuant to orders given him on 31 January he...

Folios 195-196: D Dobie, Guernsey. Pursuant to orders given him on 31 January he has paid off the officers under his command and dismantled the Rendez Vous. He says he very much regrets the inablility of he and his men to impress the number of men they had hoped for, despite their best efforts. The main problem seemed to be the inducements offered seamen by Privateers which was as much as £15 per man and the immense rewards to be gained by smuggling. Additionally, the Royal Court of the Island had prohibited impressing as a consequence of which hehad been arrested, tried and fined for pressing one man. As a consequence of all this, Guernsey has become a haven for deserters as they were sure of not just employment but also protection. He says Rear Admiral Sir James Farmer will testify to the situation he describes. All that said if the Admiralty decides ever again to revive the service he would be happy to command it similarly he is ready to serve in a similar capacity anywhere else in England or with the Sea Fencibles or any in active service capacity. For himself he would prefer the latter.