John Clevland. William Ward, owner of the Ward, one of the transports late under...

John Clevland. William Ward, owner of the Ward, one of the transports late under the command of Commodore Howe, reports that the ship and her stores were all lost in the late expedition to the coast of France and asks to be paid for her. By the Charter Party for the hire of the ship the owners are not entitled to be paid for the loss of her unless she had been taken or destroyed by the enemy. The owner states that after the ship had struck upon the rock, the Master could have saved her by running ashore and Colonel Cary, who was on board, has certified that the incident was not his fault and the Master was trying to get her ashore when Commodore Howe ordered her to anchor by the Essex Transport. where all the Troops and baggage were removed. Mr Randall, Agent to the Transports certifies he was ordered by the Commodore to get all the people out of her and quit her without staying to save anything as it would detain the Fleet. The Commodore has certified it was necessary to take the Fleet through the channel between the islands of Sark and Jersey as quickly as possible so no assistance could be given to the ship except the preservation of the Troops and her crew. Opine the owners should be paid for the loss of the ship and furniture on valuation made by our Officers.