Folios 263-264: Terence O'Neill, Poole. Acknowledges the receipt of Admiralty letter...

Folios 263-264: Terence O'Neill, Poole. Acknowledges the receipt of Admiralty letter of yesterday's date with the proclamations, and adds that as yet the lieutenants appointed have not arrived. Lieutenant Thomas Spearing Osmer has offered his services and as he is familiar with the locale O'Neill asks permission to appoint him. Describes how his efforts to organise an immediate impress force have been hindered by a lack of cooperation from local magistrates, who had to sign off on the actions required. Nevertheless they did manage to procure 22 seamen, and he has endeavoured to create a better understanding with the magistrates, though the impress service is 'inimical to their interests' since they are all merchants. Indeed they have asked him to sign an agreement they claim is customary at this port - enclosed - but which he has declined to do. Asks if a tender is to attend the port, and notes there is a Revenue Cutter. Adds a PS saying that he wonders if their Lordships' reference to 'lieutenants' was a mistake, as they name only one, Lt Osmond Button. He himself currently has a 'violent cold' and has therefore asked Lt Osmer to take charge of the gang this night, and has every hope he will be successful.

Folio 265: enclosed with folios 263-264. Internal Admiralty note [no identification] asking if any 'agreement of this nature' was made, with a reply that there were no letters on this subject from the regulating captain throughout the late war.

Folios 266-267: enclosed with folios 263-264. The agreement referred to above, between the 'Mayor and gentlemen of the town of Poole and the captain of the officers on the impress service'. Three handwritten pages of exemptions and stipulations regarding who may be impressed in Poole, covering employed men, family circumstances, protections, the arrangements for accessing victuals, curfews and their limitations etc.