Copy of a letter written by Philip Gidley King to the Navy Board, 14 February 1799 (Series 39.037) - No. 0001

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Feb 14 1799

Sir.

          Had I not been long acquainted with your liberality & zeal for the success of his Majestys Service I should not have dared to hazard your disapprobation for adressing you on a subject which may appear to interfere with a business that does not altogether concern me, but, that I am urged by a sense of duty I deem owing to a Colony the prosperity of which is so imtimately connected with the capability of the Ships orderd for its service, I must therefore throw myself on your candour & known public spirit to excuse any unintended errors I may commit. As. Mr Scott has shown me a copy of his letter to the Board respecting the bad qualitys of the Porpoise I have taken some pains to enquire of the Masters of the Vessels that sail under his convoy from the Downs who all join in one opinion that the Porpoise would neither Sail or Steer going large & that when beating to windward after the Gale she was under a very low Sail & fell badily to Leeward, while every other Vessel was carrying a proper Sail for the weather & getting fast to Windward.  Respecting her bad sailing & steering I humbly conceive, & in which opinion neither Mr. Scott or myself are singular, it is owing to her extreme shortness, fullness & depth which with the weight & height of her barricaded quarter the Garden appear equally to contribute to her extreme tenderness - Under these circumstances I take the liberty of submitting to your superior judgment & consideration the eventual disappointment that will happen to the Ship & Colony in her present state - As far as respects her safely going to the Colony I have no doubt; but it may be expected that if she will not Steer coming down Channel in comparatively smooth water