Folios 349-350: Samuel John Pechell, 6 Stratford Place. Responding to the Admiralty...

Folios 349-350: Samuel John Pechell, 6 Stratford Place.

Responding to the Admiralty letter of 5 August 1815, requesting a list of the gentlemen who have passed their examinations for lieutenant, with their ages and length of service. Advises that he previously made such a statement to Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton, while Commander in Chief at Portsmouth, last June or July, and from that list two men were promoted. He says that it is now impossible for him to give such an accurate statement, and the only information he now has is the last complete book, which does not give length of service. However he is confident of giving their characters accurately. Names John Harrison, Richard Gilpin, John Bulger, and Edward Seymour, all of whom have been promoted. Benjamin Chester, he says is an old and experienced officer who passed his examination some years ago and is very zealous and attentive to his duty and deserves promotion. Thomas Hill is an excellent young officer, who he believes already promoted. Alexander Webb passed two or three years ago, is zealous and active and has frequently been in charge of a prize, always satisfactorily, and he came to the flagship strongly recommended by Captain George Burdett of HMS Maidstone. Robert Henderson came recommended by Captain George Scott of HMS Asia, very attentive and steady and passed over two years ago. Samuel Grant, a most promising young officer, passed about two years ago, and was very severely wounded in the Guerriere - because of his good conduct in that ship Admiral Sir John Warren gave him an acting appointment to the San Domingo, which Pechell says he is sorry has not been confirmed. Henderson also had charge of a watch in the Pique with Captain Maitland who he feels sure will testify to his good character, and adds he knows of no young man who promises to be 'a greater ornament to his profession', so hopes he will be promoted. Ends by saying that he regrets he cannot furnish more details of the young men's servitude, but never received the circular letter of 29 April 1815 directing such reports.