By &c
Whereas Vice Adml Sr James Douglas Commr in Chief of His Majts Ships & Vessels at Portsmouth hath transmitted to Us in his Letter of the 4th Inst One of the same date which he had received from Capt Robinson Commr of His Majts Ship Worcester requesting that a Court Martial may be assembled for the Trial of John Williams (3) 2 a Seaman belonging to the said Ship who deserted from her in October 1775 was lately taken in an American Privatier by His Majestys Ship the Terrible & is now in confinement on board the Worcester; And We thinking fit to comply with his request do herewith send you Capt Robinson's Letter abovementioned and require & direct you forthwith to assemble a Court Martial & try the said John Williams (3) for such his desertion accordingly. Given &c 5th May 1777.
Sandwich Palmerston H Palliser
To Capt Mark Milbank Commr of His Majs Ship Prs Royal & Senior Captain &c Portsmouth By &c PS
1. PRO, Admiralty 2/102, 485.
2. Williams was a seaman on board the Massachusetts privateer Rising States. The (3) indicates that he was the third John Williams in the crew of H.M.S. Worcester.
