Folios 134-135: Charles Hamilton, London. Encloses a letter that throws light on...

Folios 134-135: Charles Hamilton, London. Encloses a letter that throws light on a subject he was ignorant due to his absence. it seems that their letter telling him of the appointment of Lieutenant Nisbit Simpson arrived after the weekly state and condition had been delivered or Lieutenant Mackay would have taken notice of it.

Folios 136-137: enclosure with folios 134-135. Letter dated 8 May 1799 from D H Mackay, HMS Melpomene, Hamoaze, to Sir Charles Hamilton, Great Portland Street, London. He has received a letter addressed to him [Charles Hamilton] directing him to give reasons for returning the Lieutenant as"not known" when he had already been informed of their names and appointments, signed by E Nepean. He has just received it and cannot possibly it so is sending a copy as it may relate to a private letter sent to the Admiralty. On 5 [May 1799] a letter arrived mentioning that a Nisbit Simpson of HMS [..] was appointed in place of Mr Shortland. Our weekly account had been delivered before that arrived. He is a younger Officer than himself so that he will be 3rd. Mr Simpson says his Captain will not allow him to join until he has been superceded. Wishes him a speedy recovery.