Folios 186-187: Thomas Larcom, HMS Lancaster, Spithead. Mr. Dixie, late Purser of...

Folios 186-187: Thomas Larcom, HMS Lancaster, Spithead. Mr. Dixie, late Purser of the Lancaster has been refused leave of absence to return to London for necessaries on 2nd May. Mr. Dixie was advised to go ashore instead to Portsmouth for 2 or 3 days, mindful that he had already been to London but done nothing. The Captain before going on shore himself advised Lieutenant Farland that Mr. Dixie would ask for leave to go on shore and if this was a matter of duty, then this was permitted. On the 5th Lieutenant Farland received a letter from Mr. Dixie dated from London saying his necessaries would arrive on 9th May but Mr. Dixie wanted a few more days to settle his private affairs. Mr. Dixie's letter has been shown to Sir Roger Curtis who advises informing the Admiralty. Because of the French fleet, it is likely that the Lancaster may be ordered to sea. The Captain finds Mr. Dixie very negligent in his duties. He encloses the order given to Mr. Dixie on 29 April and the certificate he signed on 10th May with Mr. Anthony for Mr. Dixie to obtain the necessaries. The paper signed on the 11th May for Mr. Dixie to obtain the money for wood, coals, candles and lanthorns. Mr. Dixie did not return to the Lancaster until he learnt that he had been superseded. This is the second occasion he Captain has written of Mr. Dixie's absence from duty.