Persuasions
#4, 1982
Pages 21-22
ANOTHER ASPECT OF NAVAL LIFE
Extracts from the Log Books of Captain Francis Austen at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. Published
by permission of Dr. Morriss, Head of Manuscripts.
|
By Fr Wm Austen Esq
Captain of HMS St. Albans
The surgeon of HMS under my Command having represented to me that there are several sick men on board the
said ship whose cases make it essentially necessary that they should be supplied with a larger proportion of wine than their
daily allowance, and requested I would order such an extra allowance of wine to be supplied as might be deemed
essentially necessary to promote their recovery.
You are hereby required and directed to supply the surgeon from time to time with
such a quantity of Wine for the use of the sick on board this ship as he may judge proper taking his receipt for the same
for which this shall be your order
To
Mr. Wm Davidson
Purser HMS St. Albans |
Given under my hand
on board HMS St. Albans
Spithead 1st Apr. 1809
(Signed) Fr. Wm Austen |
|
 |
|
By Fr Wm Austen Esq
Captain of HMS St. Albans
The Purser of HMS under my command having represented to me by
letter of this date that on opening a cask of Pork eleven pieces were found to be
rotten, stinking and unfit for men to eat, and requested I would order them to
be surveyed.
You are hereby
directed to take a strict and careful survey on the Pork complained of, and if
found as represented and in your opinion a nuisance in the ship you are to see
it thrown over board into the sea, reporting to me from under your hands your
proceedings therein together with your opinion why the said Pork became in such
a state.
To
Mr. I. Julian 1 Lt
Mr. R. Quilch Master
Mr. Tho. Milton Mr Mate
HMS St. Albans |
Given under my hand
on board HMS St. Albans at sea in
Latd. 12-20 S. Lon 30-12 W
this 13th day of May 1809
(Signed) Fr. Wm Austen |
|
Jane makes many references to the St. Albans in her letters. One, contemporaneous with this excerpt, is written
January 10, 1809: “The ‘St. Albans’ perhaps may soon be off to help bring home what may remain by this time of our
poor army, whose state seems dreadfully critical.” (Letter 63)
