Letter received by Banks from the Navy Office, 9 February1799 (Series 19.23) - No. 0005

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unstowed great part of the Hold and placed the weight as low as possible.

It being light winds on my second passage to the Downs I could not form much judgement of the effects of the Iron Ballast and restowage of the Hold, but she appeared rather stiffer altho still very tender, and in this place I beg to observe the Pilot refused taking charge of the Ship unless means were taken to make the ship stiffer, and that she had more men to work her as he found it impossible to weigh the Anchor.

In my letter of yesterday's date I had the honor of informing you that by Admiral Peyton's orders I took a charge of a Convoy of eighty four Merchant Ships and sailed from the Downs the 30th Ulto.   the wind E.N.E. the ships draught of water at that time was 15 ft 11 ins forward, 16 ft 6 min aft.

After getting round the Foreland I
observed