Folios 254-255: Wilson Rathborne, Regulating Officer, North Shields. Responds to...

Folios 254-255: Wilson Rathborne, Regulating Officer, North Shields. Responds to the letter of 17 October and sends a report on the case of Edward Roach, sent to The Nore on 16 October. He returns the enclosure and the Affidavit of Roach as Mate. Edward Roach was pressed by Lieutenant Flinn, North Shields, on 20 September and detained for the service as being an Apprentice illegally appointed Mate to protect him from pressing. It appears from the enclosed Indenture that he has about 10 months left to serve. In addition, the Owner sailed in the vessel in addition tot he Master, thus illegally protecting Roach. Edward Roach is 21 years old, a stout healthy young man, well suited for service.

Folios 256-257: enclosure with folios 254-255. Letter dated 16 October 1811 from Robert Splifford, London, to The Admiralty. Encloses the Protection and Indenture relating to Edward Roach, his Apprentice, who was pressed at North Shields by Lieutenant Flinn from Mr Splifford's vessel the Mary and Isabella. Having business in London, Mr Splifford returned to Shields in his ship. The Master had given Edward Roach an Affidavit as Mate, and there was no other Mate on board, but he was pressed despite being a legal apprentice for 3 years and not having been to sea previously. Requests his discharge. He has made the necessary Affidavit and can bring further proof if necessary.

Folios 258-259: enclosure with folios 254-255.Protection dated 26 August 1809, issued to Edward Roach, Apprentice to Robert Splifford.

Folio 260: enclosure with folios 254-255. Affidavit dated 16 July 1811, stating that Robert Dixon of South Shields, Master of the Mary and Isabella of South Shields, has appointed Edward Roach as Chief Mate of the vessel.