Folios 27-28: Peter Halkett, HMS Ganges, Spithead. He writes about Mr Higgs the ship's...

Folios 27-28: Peter Halkett, HMS Ganges, Spithead. He writes about Mr Higgs the ship's carpenter. Pursuant to the orders of Admiral Clark Cotton dated 10 December 1808, Mr Higgs supervised and directed all the carpenters of the Transports moored in The Tagus; he repaired all the flat boats. In addition, during the period Captain Halkett was in command, that is from 22 December 1808 to 14 January 1809, he superintended the the making of two main masts, a foremast, and yards and refitting of HMS Nautilus which had suffered severe storm damage. Furthermore, he directed the refitting and victualling of the Transports so they were ready to receive troops and also of two ships of the line. Additionally, Captain Halkett relied upon him during the project to prepare the Portuguese fleet for sea, as directed in the enclosed order. Admiral Berkely has also employed him in a variety of tasks until HMS Ganges put to sea on 7 June 1809. As a consequence of Mr Higgs's efforts Admiral Berkely directed Captain Halkett to make representations to the Admiralty that Mr Higgs be paid monies in addition to his usual allowance by way of a recognition of his efforts and the expenses he was forced to defray in order to carry out these duties.

Folio 28:enclosure with folios 27-28:.An order from Hon George Berkeley, Vice Admiral of the Red to Captain Halkett of HMS Ganges, dated 15 January 1809. The members of the Portuguese Regency have informed Rt Hon John Villiers, the English Ministe,r that they wanted the commander of the British Squadron to superintend the refitting of Portuguese vessels and make them fit to go to sea. Captain Halkett is order accordingly to take charge of this project.