Folios 237-241: Edward William Campbell Rich Owen, HMS St Lawrence. Reports that...

Folios 237-241: Edward William Campbell Rich Owen, HMS St Lawrence. Reports that HMS Sauk and HMS Huron arrived at Chippawa soon after he had sent his letters 53 and 54. He proceeded in HMS Huron to Lake Erie. He sent a copy of his order to Captain Bouchier after visiting the Grand River and Turkey Point via Captain Payne (Number 56, copy enclosed). These describe the factors in choosing the site for the Naval Establishment for the winter at Grand River. He will make a separate report when joined by Captain William Owen and the Master of HMS St Lawrence. The former is now upon Lake Huron, the latter not yet returned from the inspection referred to in letter number 53. He was prevented from passing beyond Lake St Clair by bad weather, and was then joined by Captain Owen, who had been detained by an attack of Ague. He was preparing to proceed when the desertion described in letter number 50 stopped him. Lieutenant Vidal's arrest, and the associated correspondence caused more delays. He gave Captain Owen a temporary appointment as Captain of HMS Huron and has directed him to return via Lake Simcoe and York. Encloses a copy of his instructions. When he returned he found Captain Bouchier at Grand River. He piloted HMS Confiance acroos the Bar. He found the bed of gypsum and its pigment. Captain Owen will send specimens. He has been occupied with the defence of Lieutenant Vidal, whose trial was due to take place on 18 September, but he has no further information. When he arrived on 30 September he found the new wharf advanced enough to heave down HMS Prince Regent, but this was unsuccessful on 4 and 6 October.

Folios 241-243: enclosure with folios 237-241. Copy instructions dated 6 September 1815 from Edward William Campbell Rich Owen, HMS Huron, Detroit River, to William Owen. Appoints him as temporary Captain of HMS Huron. Lieutenant Jackson should be ordered to discharge Captain Owen and resume command of HMS Huron, and to accompany him to Grand River to join Captain Bouchier. Encloses a duplicate of a letter sent ahead to Nottawa[y]saga.

Folios 243-244: enclosure with folios 237-241. Letter date 3 September 1815 from Edward William Campbell Rich Owen, HMS Huron, Lake St Clair, to Captain W Owen. Requests he returns as soon as possible to Kingston to make a report so Captain [Edward] Owen can be prepared to return to England by one of the convoys around the end of October. The best way to return may be overland, in which case Lieutenant Worsley should be directed to remain at Nottawa[y]saga. After landing the instruments at Fort Erie, Lieutenant Worsley should join Captain Bouchier either at Grand River, or Turkey Bay.

Folios 245-246: enclosure with folios 237-241. Copy letter dated 10 September 1815 from Edward William Campbell Rich Owen, HMS Confiance, Sandwich, to Lieutenant Colonel James, 37th Regiment, Commanding Officer at Sandwich. Asks him to forward the accompanying letter for Major General Sir F P Robinson. It contains a packet for the Minister at Washington, with the detaails of a transaction relating to Lieutenant Vidal. He has directed the Lieutenant to apply for support, and asks for bail to be arranged, and Counsel to be appointed. Requests the expenses for the defence are sent to the Naval Storekeeper at Kingtson.

Folios 247-249: enclosure with folios 237-241. Letter dated 29 July 1815 from Gordon Drummond, Headquarters, Quebec, to Edward Owen. He has approved transport for 800 tons of naval stores, which arrived on HMS Abundance, and were applied for by Commissioner Sir Robert Hall. The Commissary General has responded outlining the difficulties in making this happen. Sir Gordon communicated the Commissary General's views to Sir Robert before the latter left the country, but HMS Calliope sailed the folowing day, before a reply had been received from Sir Robert. He has directed the Commissary General to keep the stores at Montreal until he receives further information. Outlines the difficulties and the costs. Requests Captain Owen's opinion.

Folio 249: enclosure with folios 237-241. Copy letter dated 15 August 1815 from Major Thomas Howard, 70th Regiment, Quebec, to Captain Payne. He is commanded by Sir Gordon Drummond to acknowledge receipt of the letter of 8 August. Sir Gordon has given instructions to the Commissary General to provide transport to Kingston for the naval stores contained in the list accompanying the letter of 8 August.

Folios 251-252: enclosure with folios 237-241. Copy letter dated 4 October 1815 from Edward William Campbell Rich Owen, HMS St Lawrence, Kingston, to Lieutenant General Sir Gordon Drummond. On his return he received the letters dated 29 July and 24 August, as well as one from Major Howard of 15 August, on the subject of the transport of naval stores to Kingston. While he is anxious to receive some of the stores as soon as possible, so that the ships being built and those currently laid up can be ready for service, and the seamen usefully employed, it is not so urgent that increased expense or great inconvenience should be undergone. He would like them forwarded as early as can be done conveniently. He is concerned that the Deputy Naval Storekeeper at Montreal believes that this is not a temporary halt, and that the Deputy Commissary General has instructions not to provide transport for naval stores under any circumstances. Offers his help.