Folios 383-384: Anslem John Griffiths, HMS Atalante, Plymouth Sound. Covering letter...

Folios 383-384: Anslem John Griffiths, HMS Atalante, Plymouth Sound.

Covering letter for enclosures relating to the 'persevering disobedience' of William Cooper, master of the brig Generous Friends, in the employ of the victualling office and placed under Griffiths' convoy by Sir Edward Pellew, according to directions from Admiral Cornwallis. He reports that he has not seen Cooper's contract with the government but that the brig is very badly equipped and his lieutenant reports her to be in an 'infamous state' as to sails. He encloses the instructions Captain Tobin of HM Sloop Dasher, sent to the brig, to show there is no difference to the order to 'make more sail' Cooper received on the first day, before he had received any from Griffiths.

Folios 385-386: Enclosure with folios 383-384: Anslem John Griffiths, HMS Atalante, [1801].

Extract from the log of HMS Atalante relative to the disobedience of the Brig Generous Friends. Dated 17 May 1801. Received orders from Pellew by the cutter Viper, to take charge of three empty victualling ships, the Margaret, Leicester, and Generous Friends, and convoy them to Plymouth. Initial signal made that morning to Cooper as his was the sternmost vessel, to make more sail. His top gallant sails remained furled despite reinforcement of orders by means of 4 guns. Later sent his Lieutenant to enforce the order at which point Cooper complied. Took Cooper's orders from Tobin and gave him new ones. May 17th, further signals to make sail ignored by the Generous Friends, until enforced by the Atalante's Lieutenant going on board. 20, 21 and 23 May, again orders to make sail ignored even when reinforced by guns, and only complied with when Lieutenant went aboard to take action instead of the master. Cooper had claimed the ship's main top mast was sprung, but it was perfectly sound. Admiralty note says to copy to Navy Board and ensure that if this vessel is used again she must have a different master, and to find out if any punishment may be given to the present master.

Folios 387-404: Captain Tobin's instructions to the Generous Friends, 13 May 1801.

Pamphlet [printed] of Signals and Instructions for Ships under Convoy, comprises 13 pages of printed instructions and explanations of different signals from the Commander, during a fog, with lanterns, etc Ends with penalties that might be incurred by merchant masters sailing under convoy.