Folios 298-299: William Hugh Kittoe, Southampton. Acknowledges receipt of Admiralty...

Folios 298-299: William Hugh Kittoe, Southampton. Acknowledges receipt of Admiralty letter of 13 October enclosing letter from Thomas Godsel, together with Affidavit and requesting discharge of James Hancock who had been impressed at Southampton. States that James Hancock, apparently a seafaring man, was stopped in the street in Southampton by the Officer and Gang of the Impress Service on 19 Southampton. On examination gave various accounts of himself, first he was apprentice to a ropemaker in the Isle of Wight, denied that and said apprentice to ropemaker in Poole but not seen his Master for six months who had told him to go look for work. He had been seen around the streets of Southampton for several days, produced no paper, indenture or document whatever. Due to his seafaring appearance and prevarications directed he be sent to the fleet. He was at the Rendezvous for three days and no application was made during that time.

Folio 300-301: enclosure with folios 298-299. Letter from Thomas Godsell, Ropemaker, Cowes to the Admiralty dated 11 October 1809. States that James Hancock, a young man in his employ, left on the 19 September to accompany his father to Southampton. As he was about to return was impressed and taken on board HMS Royal William, where now remains. Encloses Affidavit to show he was never at sea in any ship before, but also followed occupation of a ropemaker. Requests his discharge.

Folios 302-303: enclosure with folios 298-299. Affidavit of William Curtis of Newport, Isle of Wight, County of Southampton, taylor, dated 1 October 1809. Makes oath and says he is the Uncle of James Hancock, Ropemaker, the son of Robert and Catharine Hancock, who was impressed on 19 September last at Southampton on his returning to his Master, Thomas Godsell, Ropemaker at West Cowes. He had left that day on the packet to accompany his Father, who had been to see him, across the water. States James Hancock had never been employed in any ship, vessel or boat of any description. Sworn before John Hart, Master of [?] in Chancery.