Jamaica ss ー

Joseph Fitch of the Parish of Kingston Mercht being duly sworn maketh Oath and saith that being informed that Robert Sands late Master and commander of the Sloop called the Cornelia and Nathan Bull late Master and Commander of the Sloop called the Dove ² were both forcibly detaind prisoners on Board his Majesties Ship the Antelope now in the Harbour of Portroyall and under the Command of Clarke Gayton Esqr and being applied to for the Purpose he this deponent on behalf of the said Robert Sands a'nd Na than Bull did between the Hours of Eleven and Twelve of the Clock of thirteenth Instant go to the said Admiral Clarke Gayton Esqr at the Admirals penn ³ in the Parish of Kingston and did then Demand from him whether the said Robert Sands and Nathan Bull were so detained on Board his Majesty's said Ship by him or by his directions or Command and by what Authority? and the said Admiral Clarke Gayton Esquire did then declare to him this deponent that the said Robert Sands and Na than Bull were then prisoners in his Custody and so detained by him on Board the said Ship Called the Antelope and that he did so detain them in his Custody by virtue of his Orders or Instructions or to that Effect: and this Deponent further saith that he did then for and on Behalf aforesaid demand from the said Admiral Clarke Gayton Esquire a true Copy of the warrant or order of Commitment and Detainer by virtue of which he (as he said) detained the said Robert Sands and Nathan Bull prisoners in his Custody as aforesaid, and this Deponent further saith that the said Admiral Clarke Gayton thereunto answered and positively refused and denied to this Deponent such true Cappy of such Warrant order and further this deponent saith not.

Sworn before me this 16th
Day of January 1776 } Edw^d Webley

Jany: 16th 1776