Folios 284-285: John Wood, HMS Hound, Gravesend Reach. Reply to letter dated 28 July...

Folios 284-285: John Wood, HMS Hound, Gravesend Reach. Reply to letter dated 28 July 1796. States that Joseph Hill was impressed on 16 July 1796 at Deptford from the Ganges an English ship in wich he had sailed 6 years. He had nothing to shew his being an American or did he ever say he was one, but talked of entering [the Navy] and did not say this till some days later after he had corresponded with the Master, who did not want him to enter. He quotes a similar situation at the Tower."A man by the name of Thomas Douglas was impressed, who got the Master of the vessel and two people to swear and provide a Certificate of his being a Native of the United States of America, was on the point of being released, when Captain Larmour? (late First Lieutenant of HMS Shelis) coming in accidentally recognising him as a deserter from the above ship and born at Faversham in Kent, which he acknowledged and is now on board HMS Sandwich." I have also impressed two men out of a Coaster, John Dawson and Thomas Hall, who have Certificates from the Custom House at Hull, one of which I have enclosed [Not Inc.] as I understand the Bonds are not yet given out, and these Certificates are not sufficient Protection until they are. I have to request can I detain them.