Folios 250-251: Wilson Rathborne, Regulating Officer, North Shields. Responds to...

Folios 250-251: Wilson Rathborne, Regulating Officer, North Shields. Responds to the letter of 16 October and reports on the case of James Simpson, sent to The Nore on the Lyra tender on 16 October. He returns the enclosure and Simpson's affidavit as Mate. James Simpson, Able Seaman, was pressed by Lieutenant Lapslie, South Shields, on 27 September and detained for the Service as being an Apprentice illegally appointed Mate to protect him from pressing. he acknowledges that he had been bound twice, that he has served 3 years under the first Indenture and nearly 2 years under the second. James Simpson is 20 years old, has been nearly 5 years at sea, and is a stout healthy young man well suited for service.

Folio 252: enclosure with folios 250-251. Petition dated 10 October 1811 by David Simson, Shipowner, Arbroath, to The Admiralty. States that James Simpson was appointed Mate of the Elizabeth and Margaret of Arbroath, belonging to David Simpson. James Simpson was appointed Mate by affidavit made by David Simpson. Notwithstanding, he was pressed while in charge of goods on board in harbour at Shields. As there is no other person on board other than the Master, he is unable to go to sea. Requests the discharge of James Simpson.

Folio 253: enclosure with folios 250-251. Statement dated 10 October 1811 made by David Simson and sworn before John Anderson, Chief Magistrate and Justice of the Peace, Borough of Arbroath, Forfar. David Simpson, shipowner of Arbroath, Owner of the vessel Elizabeth and Margaret, hired James Simpson, age 20 years, to be Mate of the ship. He is the only Mate and has the care of all cargo on board.