Folios 532-533: Joshua Sydney Horton, Recruiting Officer, Liverpool. Replying to...

Folios 532-533: Joshua Sydney Horton, Recruiting Officer, Liverpool. Replying to the letter of 28 April. Edward Wilson, born in Liverpool, was pressed by Lieutenant Evans on 19 March as an Able Seaman, on information that he had deserted from HMS Princess about 3 years ago. The Admiralty letter of 7 April enclosed a petition from him stating that he had been pressed, and was discharged from HMS Princess in 1805, having paid 20 guineas to Mr Borrows, a Midshipman then in the Impress Service. The letter instructed Captain Horton to enquire into the circumstances, and he had reported back in his letter of 15 April, with the enclosed evidence [not present] and the Affidavit of Mr Wild, the present applicant.

Folios 534-535: enclosure with folios 532-533. Letter dated 26 April 1809 from William Wilde, 15 Mary Ann Street, Liverpool, to The Admiralty. States the case of Edward Wilson, late employed by James Parr, Gunsmith, and now on board HMS Princess. He was pressed some 4 years ago and was discharged on paying £21. He was pressed again 5 weeks ago and remains detained by Captain Colquitt, who cannot release him without orders. The man has a family who depend upon him. Requests his discharge and an investigation into the circumstances of his first release. The letter is written with the approval of Captain Colquitt and Captain Horton, who have indicated that there should be an investigation into the circumstances. Mr Wilde made an Affidavit which he understands was forwarded to The Admiralty. Requests Edward Wilson's discharge on bail.