Admiralty-Office 15th Septr 1777
Sir,
Navy Board having represented to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, That the 16th Article of the Act of Parliament passed in the 31st Year of His late Majesty's Reign, for the Encouragement of Seamen employed in the Royal Navy, which strictly enjoins the Commanders of His Majesty's Ships to send home compleat Muster-Books every Two Months, is not properly complied with; which occasions much Inconvenience to the Service, and may be of great Detriment to the Public, in case of the Loss of any Ship: I am commanded by their Lordships to signify their Direction to you, to pay due Observance to the said Article, as you must not expect to receive a Certificate from the Navy Board to entitle you to the Payment of your Wages, if such Books are neglected to be sent to them, or to be delivered to one of their Naval Officers, to be forwarded to them. I am, Sir [&c.]
Php Stephens
1. Keith Papers, KEI/2/2, NMM.
