Folios 170-171: Thomas Roberts, Commander of Sea Fencibles from Waterford to Bonmahon...

Folios 170-171: Thomas Roberts, Commander of Sea Fencibles from Waterford to Bonmahon [Bunmahon], Passage of Waterford, [Ireland]. On the night of 26 October [1809] some Sea Fencibles under his command met with the French sloop La St Anne de Liburne off the coast of Waterford and brought her into Rhineshark harbour near the Bay of Tramose. She had 67 hogsheads of wine on board and had been deserted by her crew in a waterlogged state. Her cargo was taken out and the vessel soon went to pieces. Believing that he had a claim to the vessel and cargo as Commander of the men who brought her in he claimed her from the Collector of Waterford as a prize and put the matter before the Commissioners of H M Revenue and was informed that nothing would be done for a year and a day after which the cargo would be sold, the duties paid, and the surplus handed to the people legally entitled. Vice Admiral Bowen could give him no advice but he now understands from Sir Simon Newport who has been appointed agent that the cargo is considered as belonging to the Admiralty so he asks for directions. Lieutenant James Moriarty has claimed a considerable sum but was not present at the capture nor did he help in any way which he mentions in fairness to the people who brought her in.