On the Third Charge.
“Q. Is the signature to that letter Mr. Kent’s hand-writing? – A. To the best of my recollection it is. – Letter read; admitted correct, as also the following:
“Sir,– I have the honor to enclose you a copy of my letter to Mr James Symons, together with his answer, wherein he refers me to the ship’s books for his discharge; he is discharged from the Lady Nelson’s books into those of His Majesty’s ship Porpoise; but it was by his own order; and on the Porpoise’s books he is discharged, superseded.
“I therefore beg you will be pleased to give me such instructions, as you may judge proper on the occasion, that Lieutenant Ellison may get proper receipts for the stores, that he may join His Majesty’s ship Porpoise. I have the honor to remain. Sir, your most obedient Servant,
“To Commodore Bligh, &c.”[1]
“Sir,– I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this day’s date, and beg leave to refer you to the books of His Majesty’s ship Porpoise, where you will see that I am discharged from His Majesty’s armed tender Lady Nelson, and likewise His Majesty’s ship Porpoise.
“I have further to acquaint you that I have engaged to take His Honour Lieutenant-Governor Foveaux’s despatches to England, and shall be happy to carry any you may have to send to the Admiralty. I have the honor to be, &c.
“W. Kent, Esq. Commander of H.M.S. Porpoise.”
“Sir,– In answer to your letter of this day’s date, I am commanded by his Excellency Commodore Bligh, to refer you to his of the 31st ult. in addition to which I am ordered to inform you, that he has given no order for the discharge of any officer, seaman, or marine, since the 27th of May, 1807; and his Excellency directs me to observe, that the management of the ship’s books, and interior management of the ship, you are accountable for to the Right Honorable the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. I am. Sir, &c.
“W. Kent, Esq. &c.”
“Q. Was any order given by me to discharge Lieutenant Symons? – A. No.
“Q. How long did Lieutenant Symons remain at Sydney, before he sailed for England? – A. I think it was in the middle of September, in a- ↑ Acting Commander Kent’s letter to Mr. Symons merely directed him to join the Lady Nelson, by Captain Bligh’s orders.
