Folios 286-287: Joshua Sydney Horton, Regulating Officer, Liverpool. Encloses Lieutenant...

Folios 286-287: Joshua Sydney Horton, Regulating Officer, Liverpool. Encloses Lieutenant Clarke's statement on the incident referred to in the letter of 20 February. He has every reason to believe the statement is correct. Mr and Mrs Disley complained to Captain Horton in the first instance. He told them that if it appeared that the Gang had committed any violence in the house or damaged the premises he would make sure that it was made good. But if they were opposed carrying out their duty from the information they had received, they must understand the consequences. He advised that if they could substantiate a charge against any individual they should apply to the Mayor or the Magistrates. This they declined to do. Lieutenant Evans has taken several Seamen out of Disleys, which is considered a common receiving house. Captain Horton has every reason to believe that the information was accurate and that no further damage was done to the premises than the parties brought on themselves by not allowing Lieutenant Clarke to search the house when he asked. Also reports on J Wilcox and William Cuthbertson, referred to in the letter of 11 February. The former being unserviceable, he was allowed by mistake to go out during the examination of the latter. They have not been able to rearrest him. A letter was sent to the Minister and Churchwardens of B....ham [?Bentham] to enquire about him leaving the place and going to America but he has not received an answer.

Folios 288-289: enclosure with folios 286-287. Petition from Edward Disley, 7 James Street, Liverpool, 18 February 1809, addressed to The Admiralty. The petitioner keeps a public house to support himself, wife and 5 children. Lieutenant Clarke and his men entered the house on 14 February to press Seamen. They found only 3 girls, so plundered the house, stole some articles, damaged the ceiling and made damage to the value of £10. They abused the children and hurt the youngest girl badly. This is not the first time the Lieutenant has done considerable damage. The Magistrates have ordered Mr Disley to take action, but his friends have advised him to petition The Admiralty to right the situation. He reported this to Captain Horton, who said that he would compensate him, but now refuses.

Folios 290-291: enclosure with folios 286-287. Statement of facts from Lieutenant H J Clarke, Liverpool, dated 23 February 1809, relating to Edward Disley's complaint made in his petition to The Admiralty dated 18 February 1809. Statement of the events on the evening of 16 February. He had received information that William Hussey, a deserter from Admiral Cochrane's fleet, was in Edward Disley's house. He assembled his gang and went to the house. Describes the events when he searched the house. Denies any violence, but states that he and his men were hit. Nothing was taken from the house. No offer of compensation was made. He had never been in the house previously. It is known as a crimp house. Both Lieutenant Rees and Lieutenant Evans have found men there who had been hidden in the loft.