Folios 173-174: Edward Grey, Regulating Officer, Hull. Acknowledges receipt of the...

Folios 173-174: Edward Grey, Regulating Officer, Hull. Acknowledges receipt of the letter of 19 June with the enclosed application from Richard Hudson requesting the discharge of Richard Wilson. On 12 May Mr Richard Hudson of Market Weighton brought to the Rendezvous Richard Wilson, a boy aged 16 years, and requested that he be received into service in the Navy. He wanted to send him to sea because of his extravagance, and because he could not settle to any business. The boy appeared to greatly dislike the idea. Captain Grey told Mr Hudson that he did not receive boys of that age against their will, unless sent by civil authorities. Mr Hudson said that he was the boy's safe guardian and could place him wherever he liked without interference. He told the boy that if he behaved well and reformed, he would organise his discharge by finding substitutes. Captain Grey explained that as a boy he could not be discharged under a substitute, and after 2-3 years, two would be required. The petitioner, Mr Thorpe, came to Hull about 10 days ago to request the discharge of the boy. Captain Grey informed him that he could not discharge the boy without orders. Mr Hudson also asked how much it would cost to obtain substitutes and Capatin Grey replied that several people had advertised in Hull for Landsmen at 16 guineas. Richard Wilson is the man who applied on 23 May for the discharge of William Thorpe, referred to in the letter of 27 May [see folios 127-128].

Folios 175-176: enclosure with folios 173-174: Richard Hudson, Market Weighton, to The Admiralty. Petition for the release of Richard Wilson, a minor, who was accepted by Captain Grey, Regulating Officer, and is now on HMS Sheerness, on 12 May. Richard Hudson is his guardian, and Richard Wilson has now promised to behave. Richard Hudson undertakes to find a substitute for him, or to pay the requisite sum for his release as substitutes are difficult to find.