Folios 162-163: Wilson Rathborne, North Shields. Responding to Mr Barrow's query...

Folios 162-163: Wilson Rathborne, North Shields. Responding to Mr Barrow's query of 7 February, re John Hunter, sent to the Nore on 24 January, and enclosing his affidavit. Hunter was impressed by Lieutenant Liddle, Sunderland, on 11 January, and detained for the service as being an apprentice, appointed Mate for the purpose of protecting him from impress. According to the indenture, which does not appear to have been cancelled, he should serve until 15 March 1813. He is 22, active and healthy.

Folios 164-165: enclosure with folios 162-163. Letter dated 4 February 1812 by John Humble, Felling, Gateshead, saying that Hunter had been bound apprentice to him in March 1809 for 4 years, but for various causes his Greenland ships were sold and he had to provide masters for his several apprentices. Hunter was turned over to Mr Campbell, of Newcastle, with a recommendation that he was fit to be a Mate, and he was engaged as such by Captain Goodchild in the Richard. Mr Campbell and Humble both released him from his servitude on account of his mother's poor health, and she was to be given assistance by the referment of her son. Asks that Hunter may be discharged.

Folios 166-167: enclosure with folios 162-163. Oath dated 3 February 1812 by John Humble of Felling, and Robert Goodchild of Sunderland, Master of the brig Richard, of the port of Newcastle, 145 tons, swear that John Hunter of Walesend, son of Elizabeth Hunter, widow, was bound apprentice 15 March 1809 for 4 years. Also that he had previously been a pitman, and never at sea. Robert Goodchild had engaged John Hunter the previous January, with the consent of his Master, to serve as chief Mate of the ship Richard and he was performing this duty when he was impressed on 11 January and sent to join one of HM's tenders.

Folio 168: enclosure with folios 162-163. John Hunter's official indenture [very poor condition], binding him to John Humble on 15 March 1809 and protecting him from impress for the period of 3 years.