Folios 235-236: John Gourly Inverness, He encloses the Minutes of Meetings held at...

Folios 235-236: John Gourly Inverness, He encloses the Minutes of Meetings held at Thurso in Caithness and at Golspy (probably Golspie) in Sunderland and at Tain in Ross. The attendees are Lieutenantry and others involved in the fishing off the East Coast and from whom he is hoping to raise 21 men and 10 boys to serve in the Navy as required by the Admiralty in their letter of 29 February.

Folios 237-238: Minutes of the special meeting of the Lieutenancy of the County held at Golspy on 5 May 1812. A list of the attendees is given. The Clerk produced a list of 53 men who are all engaged in fishing and told the meeting that all had been summoned to attend to appear before the Committee and Captain Gourley. Many of the men pleaded for exemption on the grounds of advanced age, poverty, their service in the militia and so only about 15 of the men were fit for service and of those only 3 were actually properly available. It was agreed therefore that these three be delivered for service in the Navy within one month and be sent either to Captain Gourley or any other Naval Officer at Cromarty.

Folios 239-240: Enclosures to folios 235-236: The Minutes of a meeting of the Lieutenancy of Tain (probably) held on 23 May 1812. The list of those present and those who gave their apologies. They report that there ar 90 fishermen in the district who appeared before Captain Gourley. He found 60 fit for service in the Navy and it was explained that of that number they required 12 to join the naval service for which lots would be drawn and then those chosem would have to present themselves in one month. Orders were given for how this would be organised.

Folios 241-242: Enclosures to folios 235-236: Minutes of a meeting held at Thurso on 18 May 1812 of the Lieutenancy of the Western District of the County of Caithness. A list is given of attendees. Captain Gourley explained the need to levy men to serve in the navy from the district. Taking into account various examptions from service it looks as if there are no more than 20 men eligible for service. In addition many man had been taken to serve in the army and so it was agreed that they would try and find 6 men for the navy. Orders were given as to how this levy might be put into effect. Captain Gourley also mentioned he was looking for boys to serve in the navy. The meeting agreed to do what they could to assist him.