[Page 2]
were lent, among others, to the brig, by order of Admiral Graeme. From her it was that they absented themselves, and I reported it to the admiralty. I had been so particular as to send with the men a request to the commanding officer to permit none of them to go on shore, and Lt. Fowler pointed out to him such of them as might be most depended on to go in boats upon duty: Nothing more could have been done on our part to prevent desertion, and if blame rests anywhere it must be upon the officers of the Advice. The three men were volunteers for this voyage, but having gotten on shore with money in their pockets, did most probably stay so long, that they became afraid to return.
The carpenter in the Trent Frigate did certainly leave the Investigator in the Downs. We received him for a passage to Spithead by the order of Admiral Graeme, and in the list sent with him he was a called a deserter; but he did not come to us as a prisoner, or was any charge of any kind given with him. I refused him permission to go on shore in the Downs, but he had the audacity and address to run up as the boat was shoving off, and call to the mate who had charge of the boat, saying he had my permission to go on shore, and he was taken into the boat accordingly. I knew not of his being out of the ship, until the return of the boat without him, but I then immediately wrote to Admiral Lutwidge, inclosing the list and description of him, that he might be retaken before he left Deal. This letter was forwarded to the admiralty, and thus a circumstance was brought into notice, which had the report passed through the common routine only, might have remained un-noticed. The ship was moored in an English roadsted, which will account for a midshipman having charge of the deck
The distribution of mess money, Sir Joseph, is a point that I have anxiously wished to have your further advice upon; and it was the expectation of being very soon able to ask it personally, that has prevented me from writing upon this subject lately. I have made no division yet, or do I intend to do it without further advice. I have indeed let Mr. Bauer and Mr. Brown have £40 each, which must be within their portion; but they have advanced £80 each on the mess account. The remaining part of £600 is still in my hands.
By your letter, Sir Joseph, of May 11, I judge, that my proposal of the division, by letter of the preceding day, was not sufficiently clear; since according to your answer. the four gunroom officers will receive not quite half of what the four scientific gentlemen would; whereas my intention was to explain