Folios 238-239: Joseph Pearce, HMS Vulture, Little Nore. States the case of William...

Folios 238-239: Joseph Pearce, HMS Vulture, Little Nore. States the case of William Leard, who was impressed from the Fame of Hull on her return from a voyage to St Petersburgh on 10 [September 1807] by an Officer from HMS Vulture, as he had no Protection. He has since produced indentures of having served 7 years with Nathan Wood, a Sailmaker at Hull. He volunteered and has received the Bounty and passed an examination as a Sailmaker with the Officers at the yard. Encloses his certificate and requests him to be appointed Sailmaker of his sloop.

Folios 240-241: enclosure with folios 238-239. Letter dated 21 September 1807 from Thomas Ferguson, 3 George Yard, Lombard Street. Sends the affidavits of B Holland of Sculcoates and R Leard of Kingston stating the circumstances under which William Leard was impresed on 11 [September `1807] and is now on board HMS Vulture. Asks for his discharge.

Folio 242: enclosure with folios 240-241. Affidavit dated 14 August 1807 sworn by Benjamin Holland and Richard Leard before John Bateman, JP, at Kingston upon Hull. Benjamin Holland of Sculcoates, ship owner, and Richard Leard of Kingston upon Hull, yeoman, swear that William Leard, son of Richard Leard, was bound apprentice on 5 May [1807] to Benjamin Holland to serve at sea for 3 years. He had not been to sea before . Benjamin Holland said he proceeded in the Fame of Hull, of which he is the chief owner, for St Petersburg. He neglected to send the indenture of apprenticeship with the Master, Charles Rudston, and although he sent it later it was not received because of hostilities between Great Britain and Denmark.