Folios 456-457: George Pigot, HMS Blossom, St Johns, Newfoundland. Following the...

Folios 456-457: George Pigot, HMS Blossom, St Johns, Newfoundland. Following the affair mentioned in the enclosed letter from Lieutenant Undrell which lead to the death of the unfortunate man he has made enquiries. It seems to have been soley the result of accident without any intention on the part of Marine Twigger who is a steady man of inoffensive manner and general good character. Describes the circumstances in which the pistol was fired. The wounded man was very drunk. It seems he was alarmed by the appearance of the press gang though as a Canadian he had nothing to fear. He ran away from them and the Marine thought he was one of their deserters and followed him intending to bring him to his Officer when the pistol went off. The desperate characters of some of the men who had deserted made it necessary to give the Marines fire arms. He does not think any kind of blame can be attached to the Officer or any of the people employed on the duty. The Marine was never offically demanded for and as his ship could not be detained he brought the man away with him and presents this statement and the letter from Lieutenant Undrell.

Folios 458-459: enclosure with folios 456-457. Letter dated 13 September 1807 from J Undrell, HMS Blossom, Quebec, [..]. Reports an unfortunate accident which happened last night while employed impressing. Several of their deserters were supposed to be lurking about on shore. The Marines carried pistols but were told not to fire without orders from himself. After sending some men on board from the Lower Town he went to a noted house of resort. He placed the Serjeant and Marine Trigger at the door to prevent anyone escaping and searched the house. While claiming some men in a room where people were dancing he was told a man had been wounded by one of the Marines at the door. He found a Canadian bleeding, inebriated, and wounded. He sent for medical assistance and made enquiries. He was told by Trigger that the man was running down the street and when he ran after him the pistol went off in his hand without his indending it to. From knowledge of his character he concludes this was the case.