Folios 457-458: Edward Grey, Regulating Captain, Hull. Acknowledges the letter concerning...

Folios 457-458: Edward Grey, Regulating Captain, Hull. Acknowledges the letter concerning Lieutenant Lessly and the stores received when fitted. The latter appears to be quite ignorant of the quantity he was supplied. He also says there is no spare rope in case it is needed. The Captain states that the Sheerness has no Carpenter since employed on the imprest. There is no Carpenter available because they get more money on the merchant ships or shipwright's yards. Lieutenant's reply is enclosed. and the daily Report of ships in the harbour.

Folios 459-460: enclosure with folios 457-458. Letter dated 29th December 1803 by Lieutenant Andrew Lessly, HMS Sheerness to Edward Grey, Regulating Captain, Hull. He describes in detail the account at the fitting of HMS Sheerness at HM's Deptford. The rigging was in a poor state. He could not obtain an abstract from the Clerks at Deptford what stores were allowed and he repeatedly asked the Boatswains and Carpenters Departments. He left instructions on board with Mr. Jack Ramsay, the late master and with Mr. William Smithers Acting Clerk to take an inventory of hat was put on board, but no such list has been found, except for th sails, He was suddenly been ordered on 13 May 1803 by Commander of HMS Hound Keith Maxwell to sail to Hull and be placed under your command. There was mo opportunity at Deptford to indent for the Boatswains and Carpenters stores. The rigging is very worn and needs replacing. The stores were ordered on 22nd December. The cordage supplied is only what as been returned to Deptford. Little attention was given to the first outfit, since having to bring sails to the yards and proceeding down the river to HMS Victory with 129 men then fitting at Chatham. He was unable to procure at Carpenters Mate, he filled the vacancy with a seaman who could be discharged into the Fleet once a carpenter was appointed.