My Lord,

My Lords Commissrs of the Admty having received a Petition from Benjn Evans, a Prisoner on board the Ocean, representing that He was master of the Brigantine Constant Friend taken by His Majs Ship Albion, arid praying as the said Vessel was a Merchant Ship not armed, or intended to be armed, that himself and Wm Conyers, a Boy who belonged to her, and is his near Relation, may be released; I am commanded by their Lordships to send you the said Petition herewith & to signify their directions to you to set the Petitioner on Shore, agreable to act of Parliament, if what he sets forth be true; and also to discharge the Boy, if he is not of a proper age to be entered on board some of His Majesty's Ships. I am &c.