[Admiralty Office] 13th. Jany. 1778
Sr.
The Cornmissrs. for Sick &. Hurt having acquainted my Lords Commissrs. of the Admiralty with the Esape [Escape] of two of the Rebel Prisoners late belonging to the Lexington Privatier from the Hospital at Deal;1 And their Lordships having directed, in Case they should be retaken, that they be sent on board some of the Ships in the Downes,2 I am commanded by their Lordships to signify their direction to you to receive the said Men, as also such other Prisoners from the Hospital as the Commissrs. for Sick &. Hurt may send on board. (they having directions to apply to you to take them when fit to be removed from the Hospital.) And you are to send them by the first Opportunity that may Offer to Portsmouth to be committed to Forton Prison I am &c.
P.S.
LB, UkLPR, Adm. 2/556, fol. 307. Addressed at foot: "Senior Officer—Downes."
1. Marginal notation: "To receive Prisoners from the Hospital at Deal and send them to Forton Prison."
2. See Philip Stephens to the Commissioners for Sick and Hurt Seamen, 13 Jan., immediately above.
