Folios 99-100: Simon Mackenzie, HMS Sheerness, Martinica. Reports that complying...

Folios 99-100: Simon Mackenzie, HMS Sheerness, Martinica. Reports that complying with their orders of 10 April 1795 and 13 May 1795. He left the Coast of Africa on 16 August 1795 and arrived at Barbados on 16 October 1795 in company with HMS Fury and 4 sail of Merchantmen under his Convoy. Where he received Admiral Sir John Laforey's orders to put himself under his command. He reports that notwithstanding the badness of the season and the sickly state of all the Europeans at the different Forts on the Coast of Africa. He has buried only on man from HMS Sheerness and the Purser of HMS Fury, which he attributes to being supplied with Lemon Juice and Sugar. He reports that he thought it absolutely necessary (as mentioned in his letter dated 23 May 1795) to send his 2nd Lieutenant James Naysmith Marshall to take charge of the Newport American Ship, upon which he appointed his 3rd Lieutenant Edward Hughes Wilson to be 2nd and Mr Edward Alexander Bentham, Master's Mate who had passed his examination as an officer, to be his 3rd Lieutenant. On arrival in Tenerife, by a Survey of the Surgeon, it was found absolutely necessary to send Lieutenant Edward Hughes Wilson on shore to recover his health. In consequence of which he appointed Lieutenant Edward Alexander Bentham to be his 2nd and Mr William Blake, likewise a deserving young man, who had passed his examination as an Officer, to be his 3rd Lieutenant. At Cape Coast Castle Mr Robert William Allen 2nd Lieutenant of HMS Fury was judged by the Surgeon unfit for duty on account of his bad state of health; upon which with recommendation from Captain Evans of HMS Fury, he appointed Mr William Featherstone - Gunner of HMS Fury (who had passed his examination as an Officer some years back) to be 2nd Lieutenant of her, and Henry Rudd then Quarter master of HMS Sheerness to be Gunner in his room, and Mr John Eason to succeed her late Purser. Which appointments he hopes they will agree with.