Eight interrogatories and depositions taken 17-20 September from passengers and crewmen...

Eight interrogatories and depositions taken 17-20 September from passengers and crewmen of the St Gaetano, Nostra Señora de Loretto and St Nicola Tolentino, seized on suspicion of being laden with French effects by HM Ships Grafton and Chatham.

Sir John Norris to Dartmouth on 21 September to inform him of his arrival at Port Mahon. Lord Forbes, commanding HMS Grafton, on his cruise towards the straits [of Gibraltar], has captured the St Gaetano with 750,000 pieces of eight and Notre Dame de Lorretto with 300,000. Lord Forbes is preparing examination[s] to be sent to Doctors' Commons in England. Norris has told the ships' commanders that when they acknowledge what part of this belongs to the enemy, and on behalf of the Republic of Genoa deposit the amount of Luke Giustiniani's debt, they may proceed on their voyage. By the last ship from Italy Norris received a letter from the doge of Genoa which was only a civil excuse. Much of the money was brought on board suddenly after the loss of the battle in Spain [Saragossa]. Dated on board Ranelagh at Port Mahon. PS. that he encloses a copy of his letter to the doge [below].

Sir John Norris to the doge of Genoa on 21 September: acknowledges his letters and informs him of the capture of the two Genoan ships coming from Cadiz with a million dollars. Since there is evidence that part of this belongs to the enemy, he is obliged to detain them until they declare how much, or the matter is determined in Doctor's Commons, to which the affidavits and papers have been sent. Dated on board Ranelagh at Port Mahon [3 copies].

No. 88