Folios 251-252: Wilson Rathborne, North Shields. In response to Mr Barrow's query...

Folios 251-252: Wilson Rathborne, North Shields. In response to Mr Barrow's query of 1 March, reporting on the case of Matthew Blacklock, sent to the Nore on 24 February. Says Blacklock was impressed by Lieutenant France, Newcastle, on 22 February, and detained as he was known to have been at sea 5 years ago, before being bound apprentice (he thinks) for a second time about two years ago. He had in between returned to his old employment as a pitman. Blacklock is about 22, a stout healthy young man.

Folios 253-254: enclosure with folios 251-252. Letter dated 28 February 1812 by Joseph Hunter, Harton near South Shields, cover letter for Blacklock's indenture and an affidavit, and asking for his discharge.

Folios 255-256: enclosure with folios 253-254. Certificate of indenture for Blacklock, aged 19, dated 16 April 1810, apprenticed to Joseph Hunter from 14 March 1810 for 3 years.

Folios 257-258: enclosure with folios 253-254. Sworn statement dated 28 February 1812 from Michael Davison, Master of the ship Seven Brothers, of South Shields, and Martha Purdue, wife of John Purdue, mariner, swearing that Blacklock had been bound apprentice to Joseph Hunter on 14 March 1810 for 3 years and that he had accordingly applied to the Admiralty for a protection from impress - but yet he had been impressed notwithstanding, to the great loss of Mr Hunter. Davison believes Blacklock had never previously served at sea and Purdue swears to the same.