Folios 473-475: James Galloway, HMS Despatch, Plymouth. Reports his arrival at Plymouth...

Folios 473-475: James Galloway, HMS Despatch, Plymouth. Reports his arrival at Plymouth with a dispatch for Lord Keith and acknowledges receipt of Admiralty letters, with enclosures, dated 29 October 1813 and 8 November 1813. Responds in detail to both letters concerning irregularities aboard HMS Princess whilst he was in command and also under her subsequent commander Captain Donald McLeod particularly with reference to deviation from the Naval Instructions, irregularities in the Ship's Books and the performance of Lancelot Cooper, Purser, and other officers. Encloses a copy of a letter he sent to the Navy Board in response to their letter of 18 March 1813. Hopes that he will be exonerated from any suggestion of intentional error during the time he commanded HMS Princess, and that although it was implied in the report of Captain Hall and Mr Beaver that he was remiss in not paying more strict attention to the books of HMS Princess it was due to the good opinion he had of the integrity and character of Lancelot Cooper, Purser. Also mentioned Mr Lane, Purser, Sir Joseph Yorke, Rear Admiral, and Sir John Gore, Captain.

Folios 475: enclosure with folios 473-474: Copy of letter, dated 6 June 1813, from James Galloway, HMS Dispatch, off [Baen de Arix] to the Navy Board. Responds to their letter of 18 March 1813, received on 25 May 1813, and states that during the time he commanded HMS Princess, he did not have a Clerk on whom he could entirely depend, and as he had a good opinion of both Mr Lane and Lancelot Cooper, Pursers of HMS Princess, he confided the making up of the books and accounts to them. Says that to the best of his knowledge and recollection everything appeared to be correct before he signed them. Notes original letter was sent on board HMS Briton on 1 July 1813.