Folios 219-220: John Serrell, HMS Cumberland, Spithead. Regrets to report the loss...

Folios 219-220: John Serrell, HMS Cumberland, Spithead. Regrets to report the loss of HMS La Creole on 2 January [1804] . Gives her location. Her leaks had increased since 26 December [1803] until it became so bad that he had to order Captain Bissell, the French prisoners and the ship's company on board HMS Cumberland and to destroy her. Encloses the report of survey and other papers relative to the transaction. The lateness of the evening and the necessity of joining the convoy before dark prevented him from saving any of her stores though had timer permitted every effort would probably have been ineffective as she was sinking fast.

Folio 221: enclosure with folios 219-220. Copy of order dated 2 January 1804 from John Serrell, Captain of HMS Cumberland, to Austin Bissell, Captain of HMS La Creole, given on board HMS Cumberland at Sea. From the report of the survey held on board HMS La Creole it appears impossible for her to proceed to any port and retaining possession of her any longer would have serious consequences. He is therefore directed to remove his ship's company and prisoners immediately on board HMS Cumberland.

Folio 222: enclosure with folios 219-220. Copy of order dated 2 January 1804 from John Serrell, Captain of HMS Cumberland, to the Master and Carpenter of HMS Cumberland and the Carpenter and 1st Lieutenant of HMS La Creole, given on board HMS Cumberland, at Sea. Following a letter received from Austin Bissell, Captain of HMS La Creole directs them to go on board HMS La Creole to take a survey of her in order to ascertain whether it is possible to put the ship in a condition to proceed to England or any port and to report their proceedings to him.

Folios 223-224: enclosure with folios 219-220. Report dated 2 January 1804 from J Scriven, Master, HMS Cumberland, John Kains (sp?), Carpenter, HMS Cumberland, George Canning, 1st Lieutenant, HMS La Creole and William Jones [made his mark]. Following directions from John Serrell, Captain of HMS Cumberland, they have been on board HMS La Creole and taken a strict survey of her. Give a detailed report of the state of the ship. They are of the opinion that it is not possible for the ship to return to England or any port. They are willing to swear an oath to this effect if necessary.

Folio 225: enclosure with folios 219-220. Letter dated 2 January 1804 from Austin Bissell, HMS La Creole, at Sea, to John Serrell, Captain of HMS Cumberland. reduced actions taken to try to reduce the leaks which have increased since 26 December [1803]. The bd weather has caused more damage and the leaks are increasing. Requests a survey t ascertain whether they can keep the ship afloat until they arrive in England. It would be necessary for a vessel to remain with them in case anything serious happened as it will be impossible for her to keep company with the convoy.