Folios 228-229: Thomas Graves, HMS Venus. reply to letter dated 23 February 1799...

Folios 228-229: Thomas Graves, HMS Venus. reply to letter dated 23 February 1799 with its enclosures and in reply he acquaint that the San Pedro (alias) el Galyo was condemned as a prize to HMS Venus by Vice Admiralty Court at St. Johns, Newfoundland with her cargo as specified in her manifest and Custom House Clearance from Havana. The 1500 Dollars were therein mentioned and consigned to the same Owner as the sugar which formed part of her cargo. The 1500 Dollars was not found in the said vessel upon clearing her; And on the arrival of HMS Venus at St. Johns the Agents Appointed informed me of the deficiency in her cargo, the Crew of the San Pedro was then searched by the Officers of HMS Venus in my cabin, but not undressed as represented, only where the Dollars were secreted, which rendered it necessary. The Master and Crew were told the reason, and shown the manifest. The Master said he had distributed the 1500 Dollars to the Crew. Juan Baptista one of the crew of the Sam Pedro was sent to St. Johns Newfoundland to appear in Court for the Condemnation of the vessel and made oath, he said he had forfeited his wages in consequence of the Capture.