Folios 136-137: Robert Mends, Regulating Captain, Liverpool. Recalling his letter...

Folios 136-137: Robert Mends, Regulating Captain, Liverpool. Recalling his letter concerning William Bannetyne. Master of the Perseverance, a coastal sloop and his impressment. In that letter the Captain stated that the Agent claimed that part of the cargo was on board. Lieutenant Baly was directed to examine the sloop and only found a bundle of mats and a few pieces of wood dunnage. On returning to the Regulating House, Bannetyne gave Baly 3 guineas and offered more, apparently for charity. Baly immediately informed the Captain and passed on the money, When the Captain questioned Bannnetyne, the latter said the money was for charity. The Captain reprimanded Bannetyne and returned the money and ordered him to be sent to Plymouth, where he was later discharged after finding substitutes. Responding to the query of the affidavit of William Blair, the Captain stated that the affidavit stating that Lieutenant Baly asked for remuneration is a foul perjury. The Captain believes Lieutenant Baly is a man of honour, a gentleman and incapable of improper conduct and should be exonerated.. The Captain states that Blair was possibly motivated in order to clear himself with the Owners. Mr Ogilvie the Agent know nothing of this transaction and blamed the Master.