Correspondence book, 1798 Apr 25-1799 Feb 21

This canvas-bound volume contains copies of letters writted and received by James Hawkins Whitshed while commanding HMS Formidable.

Letters sent:

• Copies of letters requesting personnel to fill open billets under his command, 1798 Apr
• Copy of a letter giving the status of ships under his command, 1798 Apr 30
• Copy of letter requesting that Donald Gotten be given the title of Masters Mate, or at least the title of Midshipmen, 1798 Apr 30
• Copies of letters containing triplicates of allotments for those who are entitled them, and naming the seaman and marines who should no longer receive allotments, 1798 May–Jun
• Copy of a letter stating the inquiry into a letter supposed to have been written by Lieutenant [Philip] Beaver, 1798 Jun 22
• Copy of letter to widen the channels of the ship, and to secure the barricading of the ship. No less than 230 hammocks are in a dangerous position on the vessel, 1798 Jun 7
• Copies of letters requesting a 20 ton iron ballast for his vessel. Referring to the experience of the last cruise, he feels is a necessary improvement, 1798 Aug
• Copy of letter removing Thomas Tool from his position of Corporal, 1798 Aug 21
• Copy of a letter notifying Admiral Bridport that HMS Ethalion had arrived in the Hamoaze and that HMS Triton had sailed the previous evening, 1798 Nov 24
• Copy of letter explaining why he was late requesting the necessary supplies for his vessel, 1798 Dec 2
• Copy of letter reporting of the demotion of James Wilkes, Corporal of Marines to the station of Private, 1798 Dec 10
• Numerous letters giving muster reports, status reports, and pay files for sailors under his command, 1798 Dec–1799 Feb

• Copies of letters responding to request for additional sailors, 1798 Apr
• Copies of letters responding to the calling for muster logs, sick lists, and pay changes, 1798 Apr–1799 Jan
• Copy of letter instructing the delay of widening the ships channel until a more favorable time, 1798 Jun 8
• Copy of letter approving the demotion of Thomas Tool to the rank of Private, 1798 Aug 24
• Copy of letter denying the request for an additional 20 tons of iron ballast for his vessel, 1798 Aug 25
• Copy of letters acknowledging the movement of vessels under his command, 1798 Nov
• Copy of letter granting necessary supplies, however asking that future requests be made further in advance, 1798 Nov 29