Folios 404-405: Joshua Sydney Horton, Regulating Officer, Liverpool. Replying to...

Folios 404-405: Joshua Sydney Horton, Regulating Officer, Liverpool. Replying to the letter of 21 March with its enclosure of a copy of Captain Colquitt's letter at the time that Captain Horton discharged the following men: William Cumberland, Pole Carpore, Jone Baptiste, James Diego, William Dove, alias Durham. Regrets the difficulties he has experienced with a difference of opinion between himself and Captain Colquitt of HMS Princess. He believes his conduct has been approved of by The Board. It will be apparent that he has been acting not only for the good of the service, but also for the men. The following reasons applying to the men induced him to discharge them, and to send them on shore for their examination. William Cumberland was examined before a magistrate and was discharged due to lack of evidence. As he could bring a case against Lieutenant Evans and Captain Horton, as not being liable to be pressed, he could not be sent back to HMS Princess. The 3 Portugese men were ordered by The Board to be discharged if they proved to be bone fide subjects of Portugal. Their ship had been prevented from sailing and he considered it his duty to discharge them. The case of William Dove, alias Durham was similar, as far as his indentures were insufficient. The Master pleaded that his detention had already expired, and he discharged him. He has always sent a Receipt, and is at a loss how any irregularity can arise on board HMS Princess on these occasions. He hopes he will not be called upon to continue to make representations to the Board, but there are very few Standing Orders and Instructions and he can onmly refer to The Board each time there is a difference of opinion between him and Captain Colquitt, they being in separate commands. Further complaints about the situation.