Folios 18-19: William Fothergill, HMS Argo, Plymouth Sound. Writes to protest that...

Folios 18-19: William Fothergill, HMS Argo, Plymouth Sound. Writes to protest that an impress has been placed against him as a result of the provisioning of his ship with rum and sugar in Jamaica. He insists he did nothing that was contrary to common practice or injurious to the service. He had been ordered by Sir Alexander Cockian[.]? to make ready for an expedition against New Orleans and Louisiana so he had to victual the ship but insists he did it all correctly. He therefore considers the decision of the Victualling Board severe and oppressive. Encloses a copy of their letter.

Folios 20-21: enclosure with folios 18-19. Copy of letter from Victualling Office, 23 December 1814. States that in accordance with orders from their Lordships they have paid the bills he incurred but an impress is being placed against him and Messers Thompson and Grant, his junior officers. As senior officer his pay is stopped.

Folios 22-23: enclosure with folios 18-19. William Pearce. No address. 17 January 1815. Explains the regulation that holds the drawer answerable for the purchase of victuals. Goes on to state that it in the power of their Lordships to remove the Impress and the circumstances in which this can be done.