Folios 106-107: Sandford Tatham, North Shields. Reply to letter dated 22 June 1799...

ADM 1/2599/39

1799 June 27

Folios 106-107: Sandford Tatham, North Shields. Reply to letter dated 22 June 1799 in the case of James Brooks whose discharge has been applied for by Mr Major of the Brig Marys? of Newcastle, was impressed here. In reply to the direct falsehood which Mr Major applies personally to me, he has to observe that his constant tisdane [disdain] has, and still continue to be, at this place, notwithstanding his health suffered very much during the winter from the severity of the East wind and he has been told that the cooperation of Newcastle thought it disrespectful to them that he placed his Head Quarters here, contrary to the usage of his predecessor who had invariable lived in Newcastle. [Ends with] As it appears to me necessary for his own justification to bring this matter before the Court of Kings Bench - He humbly requires their Lordships will be prepared to return to him Mr Major's letter to enable him to prosecute him for libel - his letter being evidently written with the intention of seriously injuring him in their Lordships Opinion [Note:- 4 sides of Foolscap].

Folio 108: Enclosure with folios 106-107: Sandford Tatham, North Shields. Mr David Grant , late Mate of the Marys of Newcastle in the Coal and Coasting Trade, gave information to Lieutenant Shelly , that there was a person on board the said vessel named James Brookes who had been at sea previous to his being indentured and that he was liable to be impressed. Mr Grant says that Brookes came on board the Marys at London about two years since and made the voyage from London to Shields in that vessel, and seemed at that time to be acquainted with the duties and business of a Seaman. After the voyage to Shields he was bound apprentice to Mr Major then Master of the Marys; he came on board in the evening dressed like a country lad and the next morning he appeared in a Jacket and Trousers. He had come from either Deal or Dover and had brought his long coat. It was generally thought by the crew that he was a deserter from the Navy due to his knowledge of the service and appeared to be a Man of War Man. Mr Grant likewise says Brookes could steer and go aloft at the time of his coming on board. [Note:- 1 side of Foolscap].

Cap T40

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