28 April 1797

B1. John Condren to Jonathan Greenwood, Sandwich (90), Nore, London, 28 April 1797

SOURCE: TNA: PC 1/38/122, fols 26–7 (original letter, folded and sealed with a red wax applied seal; damaged when opened).

ADDRESS: To Jonathan Greenwood Sailor, On Board H. M. S. Sandwich, At the

Nore.

NOTES: Condren commiserates with his correspondent about conditions on board Sandwich (90) and suggests how Greenwood might be drafted to another ship; he also agrees to act as his agent. Apparently referring to the mutiny in the Royal Navy on ships at Spithead, he discourages Greenwood from giving him news, mentioning more accurate reports in his enclosure, a newspaper with republican sympathies.

London April the 28th 97

Loving Ship Mate

I received your last letter of the 23 Inst and am better pleased to hear of your good helth then to hear that you still remain on Board that Bloody hooker. For I am sure ‘tis tiresome: for any man to remaine in her for one week. But you must make a little Interist or write a few lines to the Capts Cleark and he will put your frends and your name down for the next draft for he is a Very good man. Dear frend I received the Bearer of Your last with as much good nature as I Cou’d (only avoiding folley) and gave what Your letter required) (Viz) the Hankerchief and some News papers: and as you have the present news of the town in them I forbair a repetition and Especialy as you spake of letters been open’d. but as soon as you write me word of such restrictions (been taken off) if there be any Ill then Communicate to you the news of / the Town more at large and I sincerely hope you wont think your time precious as I assur’d you in my last that I am and ever will be happy to be your Agent.