Folios 255-256: William Kent, HMS Agincourt, Nore. Encloses list of 29 prisoners...

Folios 255-256: William Kent, HMS Agincourt, Nore. Encloses list of 29 prisoners (not with letter) now on board. They were taken at Flushing and wish to serve in the positions noted against their names. They all state they were forced into the French service against their will. Edward Martin, Irish, formerly belonged to the Adder Gun Brig, from which he was castaway near Ushant in 1806. For attempting to escape prison was forced into a French regiment and sent to Flushing. From their he escaped, with his arms, the second day after HM forces landed in Walcheren and gave himself up to Sir Eyre Coot. John Grunwood was a Private in the 6 Regiment in the retreat of the army through Spain in the early part of this year. He became sick on the road, was left behind, made a prisoner and forced into the French service and sent to Flushing. On the fourth day after the landing of the British forces escaped, with his arms, and gave himself up to Sir Eyre Coot. Was told he must go on board a ship until could be returned to his regiment. Rear Admiral Otway ordered all the men to be victualled at whole allowance as a result of their assisting the navigation of the ship at a time when the greater part of the crew were detached in gun boats etc. They were all impeccably behaved and it would have been impossible, in the reduced state, to have carried out the voyage to Yarmouth and back without their assistance.