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H.M.S. Ship Porpoise
Sydney Cove
25th December 1806
Sir,
I beg leave to acquaint you that on my returning on board this Ship last Evening, about ½ past ten o'Clock: W. Basden acquainted me that Lieut. Tetley and Mr. Lye had been making use of most provoking and unOfficerlike language in the Gun Room in a tone of Voice to be heard by the Shp's Company between Decks. One remark of Mr. Tetley's that the Porpoise was a perfect Hell afloat: and he did not care who heard him say so, also that there were some damned Rascals in her, one he could point out in a few minutes that was now taking down what was said (Mr. Basden was the only person writing in his Cabin with the Door open) and that would not mind Swearing a Man's life away, with many other expressions equally improper. Mr. Lye joining in the Conversation sayd he only wished to have his Revenge on two Scoundrels in this Ship which he would have, and that there was a Gang of Villains on board not fit to black Shoes, and that he knew them all, with other Expressions highly improper. Mr. Basden soon after went on Deck Mr. Lye following him and twice intentionally run against him which Mr. Basden took no Notice of but crossed the Deck for the purpose of avoiding a repetition of the Insult. Mr. Lye followed him and twice repeated it with an Intent to provoke him to quarrel, at this time I came on board and heard the above, and hearing Lieutt Tetley had drank too much, I ordered Mr. Lye who was an Officer of the Watch to have the Lights in the Gun Room put
[In margin]
Evidences named by Capn. Short & inserted by the Court.
Mr. Basden, Purser
Mr. Pineo, Surgeon
Mr. Calver, Gunner
Mr. Newson, Midshn.
Mr. Oldrey, Midshn.
Linger, Marine
Mr. Hobbes examined on Mr. Basden's assertion that he was present.