Commissioner St. Lo at Plymouth has informed the Admiralty Commissioners that John James, Pitch Heater, and John Cornelius, a Caulker's Servant (both belonging to the Yard there) did lately get over a pair of gates into the Storehouse Court, and from there through a window into the Storehouse, and let down three Copper Kettles intending to carry them away, but were surprised and both made their escape. On examination of the Caulker's Servant, promising to indemnify him if he confessed, he pleaded guilty, saying that John James was his accomplice. James is now taken and both of them are now confined, one on board the SHREWSBURY and the other on board the HULK.
I am sending the enclosed extract of Commissioner St. Lo's letter, and they direct you to cause John James and John Cornelius to be removed from their Ships and put onshore.
James is to be prosecuted with the utmost severity, and Cornelius made use of giving evidence against him, who in consideration of the promise made to him, and the confession he has made, is to be favoured.
The Commissioners also agree to the payment of 40s to the person who seized James, to be made on Commissioner St. Lo's Account.