Folios 132-133: George McKinley, HMS Lively, River Tagus. Encloses the report of...

Folios 132-133: George McKinley, HMS Lively, River Tagus. Encloses the report of Lieutenant Robert Palk's examination, following receipt of a letter from the Surgeon. He encloses a copy of both. Following the report, Captain McKinley sent Lieutenant Palk to HMS Raven to be sent to the nearest hospital when she arrives in a port. Captain McKinley has observed that he has episodic severe inflammation of his eyes, yet he always perseveres in carrying out his duties to the best of his ability.

Folios 134-135: enclosure with folios 132-133. Statement dated 10 March 1807, signed by Captain James Grant, HMS Raven, and ? Meredith, Surgeon. Further to orders from George McKinley, HMS Lively and Senior Officer at Lisbon, Captain Grant and Mr Meredith came on board HMS Lively, and examined Lieutenant Robert Palk with the assistance of four surgeons. They find his sight is impaired due to periodic inflammation of the eyes over the past 7 years, so that he is frequently unable to carry out his duty. It is unlikely this can be cured, as it is a consequence of measles. It is always worse in warm weather. His health is otherwise good but he is not fit to work as First Lieutenant and should be invalided back to England.

Folios 136-137: enclosure with folios 132-133. Letter dated 9 March 1807 from Richard Dobson, ? Surgeon, HMS Lively, River Tagus. Lieutenant Robert Palk has for some time suffered periodic eye inflammation which impairs his sight so that he is unable to distinguish signals or carry out his duties on a working ship. This is unlikely to be curable and generally worsens in warm weather, but his health is otherwise good. Recommends he is examined and that he is sent to a more northerly post if necessary.