Folios 245-246: Henry Thomson, HMS Sophie, Chatham. Reporting that Thomas Johnson...

Folios 245-246: Henry Thomson, HMS Sophie, Chatham. Reporting that Thomas Johnson died suddenly on board a few days ago and he had, as required, applied to the District Coroner, John Prall, for an inquest. The Seamen who have been called as witnesses have been given permission to attend on the understanding that the Coroner gives security that they will not desert. Encloses the letter from the Coroner so their Lordships may decide whether the Coroner was justified in summoning part of the Ship's Company on shore when the Coroner had originally not thought it necessary to accompany his Jury onto the ship for the first inquest.

Folio 247: enclosure with folios 245-246. Letter dated 27 May 1815 by John Prall, Coroner, Rochester, to [name?], Commander, HMS Sophie. Requesting the Commander permits the Seamen to attend as witnesses at the Inquest on shore, which he says the Commander had previously refused resulting in additional delays and expenditure. The body must not be buried as there is uncertainty at present as to whether it will have to be opened or not.