Folios 176-177: Alexander Skene, HMS Lapwing, North Shields. Encloses a letter from...

Folios 176-177: Alexander Skene, HMS Lapwing, North Shields. Encloses a letter from Lieutenant John Laurence complaining of his having been obstructed in executing a press warrant by a man named Milburn. Can testify to the character of Lieutenant Laurence, believes Mr Milburn has boasted of having ruined the careers of several Naval officers by civil prosecutions. Reports that he and Colonel Lockhart were present when Mr Milburn and his party, appearing to be drunk, arrived with Lieutenant Laurence. As he understand that Mr Milburn intends to make his own case to the Admiralty, asks them to take the Lieutenant under their protection.

Folios 178-179: enclosed with folios 176-177. Letter from Lieutenant John Laurence, HMS Lapwing, North Shields to Captain Alexander Skene, 22 March 1803. Complains that he was obstructed in impressing men by a Mr Milburn of North Shields and several other men who tried to prevent him searching a particular public house for men. He had to threaten to shoot any man who obstructed him in his lawful duty, and eventually ordered Mr Macdonald to take Mr Milburn to the Guard House. The Surgeon Mr Walker can testify to Mr Milburn's conduct.