Folio 45: MacKenzie to Townshend. Postscript of last letter mentioned. Seven seamen...

Folio 45: MacKenzie to Townshend. Postscript of last letter mentioned. Seven seamen demanded back my Mr. Minor, commander of a Merchant galley here. Understand the defection was voluntary and not having orders have been cautious in not reclaiming them. Several of the Factory have told me that previous worse instances had not produced any redress. Regarding Mr. Collins, have used all possible diligence in talking with those at the Factory who all seem equally puzzled. He himself begins to be afraid of the actual corporal consequences. His vessels are permitted to depart but he must await the Czar's pleasure for which Mr. Naryskin was going to intercede. The departure is difficult to understand, as another English pink was not allowed to sail after a long stay here as she may fall into the hands of the Swedes. Collins ships hold more hemp as cargo than any five other ships and it would seem more rational to detain them lest they fall prize to Swedes. The departure of Collins when permitted, is conditional on his overland journey not going to Revel or Danzig to joing his ships there. Still no news of the Admiral and the Galleys. Dated 25 Oct 1714.