Folios 234-235: Wilson Rathborne, Regulating Officer, North Shields. Acknowledges...

Folios 234-235: Wilson Rathborne, Regulating Officer, North Shields. Acknowledges the letter of 16 October, enclosing a copy of the letter [not present] from Mr Robert Wood regarding abuses in raising men and offering to obtain men for the service. As Mr Wood had been ill for some time, Captain Rathborne met him at Mr Wood's house in Sunderland on 15 October. Mr Wood conformed that Robert Fenmouth, who was pressed and sent yesterday to The Nore, had been in the habit of giving one of the Midshipman 5 shillings, or sometimes more, per voyage. This statement is correct and the Midshipman has already been sent to The Nore for a similar offence. Lieutenant Liddle has also discharged another man on strong suspicion of improper behaviour, and has often told Captain Rathborne that he suspected his gang of wrong behaviour, and has been attempting to obtain proof. Mr Wood has also provided a list of 20 butchers in Sunderland who he accuses of keeping back a piece of beef for the press gang whenever they cut up beef for the ships. This cannot be proved as they all deny it. Captain Rathborne and Lieutenant Liddle think it probable, although possibly not to the extent claimed. Mr Wood rightly states that the butchers will not admit this as the Ship Owners would not use any who did. Mr Wood's plan for procuring more men is by getting a Press Warrant, and compelling each man to swear whether he has been bound previously. Mr Wood is an Attorney at Sunderland or Bishopwearmouth. No Ship Owner will use him as he has given information to The Admiralty on a previous occasion. He is determined to have his revenge by getting their men pressed. Captain Rathborne believes he will be very useful and has informed him about the allowance for Information Money, but has warned against giving information that cannot be be substantiated before the Court of the King's Bench if necessary.