Folios 307-308: William Hugh Kittoe, Southampton. Acknowledges receipt of Admiralty...

Folios 307-308: William Hugh Kittoe, Southampton. Acknowledges receipt of Admiralty letter of 9 May enclosing three letters with regard to Andrew Lechman, a seaman impressed by the Lieutenant under his command. Andrew Lechman was impressed by information on night of 2 May as a Mate formerly belonging to the Dry Harbour merchant vessel but, by his own confession, discharged about a week before. In addition William Kilgour the Master, had declared he had no other person belonging to the Dry Harbour, but himself and two apprentices. The Impress have been several times in search of Andrew Lechman as a result of above information and each time he made his escape hiding on board the Dry Harbour laying in a Dry Dock under repairs which is reason ordered him to be brought to the Rendezvous after dark. In addition the Master of the Dry Harbour has told him he wishes to put his brother in as Mate.

Folios 309-310: enclosure with folios 307-308. Letter from Higgin Whiteley & Co., No. 18 London Street, London to Admiralty dated 8 May 1809. Inform Admiralty that they recently purchased part of the ship Dry Harbour which is in Southampton River and George Dutchman, Master and ordered her to be docked at Hythe for repairs prior to voyage to Madeira and Jamaica. Concerned might not be ready in time to join the convoy applied for permission to arm her with eight carriage guns and twenty men and boys. That morning had received letter from Mr Kilgour, who is part owner, which is annexed together with a copy of his petition to Admiral Sir Roger Curtis stating that Andrew Lechman, Chief Mate of the Dry Harbour, had been taken out of the ship at 10 o'clock at night at which time the ship was in dock and he in bed, by the Impress Service, notwithstanding he had a Mate's protection, and sent him on board the Receiving ship at Portsmouth. The cargo of the Dry Harbour has been sent on two vessels, the London packet and the Ranger. The London packet arrived at Southampton last Friday and the Ranger may soon be expected. Trust an Order will be issued for the discharge of Andrew Lechman.

Folio 311-312: enclosure with folios 307-308. Letter from, William Kilgour to Messrs Higgin Whiteley & Co date 7 May 1809. States they will see from enclosed that the Mate of the Dry Harbour has been impressed together with the circumstances. He had met with Admiral Sir Roger Curtis who had said that had officers been under his command he would have taken the case into his consideration but he could not interfere with the duty of Officers on the Impress service at our Ports and that he should apply to the Admiralty. Said he should not be drafted onto any ship until he had time to make application for his discharge. He has been to Gosport and Portsmouth and has got long boat water casks, guns, bread and some spares that were wanted, all very reasonable. Mr Habes [?] letter has been [?] by London. He is to supply wood hoops at £3 10. The London Packet got here last night and will make best bargain can with the Master tomorrow and go to the Custom House, Southampton and enter the ship once Mr Rose and the other passenger who will not come down until the latter end of the week. Mr Fraser proposes coming up to town on Wednesday.

Folio 313-314: enclosure with folios 307-308. Letter from William Kilgour, owner of ship Dry Harbour, Portsmouth to Admiral Sir Roger Curtis dated 6 May 1809. States that Andrew Lechman, Chief Mate of the ship Dry Harbour - George Dutchman Master - was taken from on board the ship at 10 o'clock on the night of 2 May by people employed in the Impress Service at Southampton. He was in bed at the time they came on board. The Ship lays at Hythe, Southampton repairing damage. She is under charter on a voyage to Madeira and Jamaica and her cargo is afloat in two vessels called the London Packet and Ranger. They have an Admiralty Licence for the Dry Harbour to sail without convoy to arm with eight carriage guns and twenty men. Andrew Lechman had a regular Mate's Protection which was taken from him by the Officer at Southampton. He is now on the Receiving ship at this port. It is of utmost consequence to the owners of the Dry Harbour and security of the cargo to have the Mate released having no means of procuring another with whom they can place their confidence. In circumstances requests the Mate's discharge.