Folios 240-242: John Hamstead, HMS Squirrel, Woolwich. Nicholas Gould, Master Gunner,...

Folios 240-242: John Hamstead, HMS Squirrel, Woolwich. Nicholas Gould, Master Gunner, says he is too old and infirm to do his duty. The enclosed document shows he has served for 40 years, 19 as Master Gunner, and is 69 years old. Recommends him for superannuation.

Folio 242: Enclosure with folios 240-242: Statement dated 17Novemeber 1799 of service of Nicholas Gould, Gunner of HMS Squirrel. He entered as a Volunteer on HMS Sphynx [Sphinx] 2 May 1759 then on HMS Achilles, paid off 2 January 1763, Able Seaman. He volunteered on HMS Barfleur 28 January 1771 for 14 or 15 months as Able Seaman then Gunner's Mate till 22 April 1777. he was turned over to MHS Princess Royal as Gunner's Mate till 23 January 1780 then made Gunner pf HMS Aetna by Rear Admiral Sir Hyde Parker til January 1783 then Gunner on board HM armed transport Clinton, sold 15 July 1784. He was then Deputy Purser on board HMS Endymion till 26 May 1787 and then received a warrant for HMS Ferret till 27 March 1795 when he was warranted to HMS Squirrel. He is now 69 years old, much troubled with rheumatic pains and unable to dress or undress unaided.