Folios 256-257: Isaac Wolley, HMS Nonsuch, Hull. Reports that he came to Hull that...

Folios 256-257: Isaac Wolley, HMS Nonsuch, Hull. Reports that he came to Hull that morning to ascertain the state of readiness of the Bruizer, gun vessel, as the commander Lieutenant Charles Johnston had not replied to his order of 23 September 1799, to prepare for sea with all dispatch. He went aboard her and had to wait about quarter of an hour for the lieutenant. When Johnston did appear his responses were 'so incoherent' that Wolley says he could not understand him. He asked for the weekly state and condition of the vessel, and after waiting for 3 hours was given it, which he encloses. Says Johnston's behaviour was such as to make him appear either 'drunk or deranged in his intellects'. Reports of Johnston from the Regulating Captain at Hull, the Collector of Customs and others, make him fear that the man is not fit to be in charge of any of HM vessels. He is detaining the ship in the Humber to await their Lordships' directive. Folios 258 and 259: enclosure with folios 256-257. State of ship's condition and accompanying letter from Lt Johnston saying he is ready to give an account of her at the first opportunity. She is described as fit to return to her station on the first tide, stores complete, with a complement of 50.