Copy of Court Marshall held on board the DUKE at Chatham 18th October 1695. Enquiry being made into the reason of the MONTAGUE and CAPTAINS separating from the HOPE before she fell in with the Enemy, and the court having examined the witnesses and duly considered the matter, is in our opinion that the Commanders of the MONTAGUE and CAPTAIN were not in fault for losing company and therefore the Court has acquitted them. But that Edward Thompson late Chief Mate of the HOPE, and the thickness of the Weather, small gales, and a great sea were the cause of the said separation, ant the Court does find him Guilty for negligently performing the Duty imposed on him in not acquainting his Captain nor making a signal when the ship was taken astays, as he was ordered to do by his Captain on that and all other occasions, the Court therefore do order that the said Edward Thompson be carried with a Halter about his neck from Ship to Ship to all the Ships at Chatham and Gillingham and his Crime to be read with the beat of Drums by each Ship side. That all the pay due to him in his Majesties Service be forfeited to the Chest at Chatham, and rendered incapable for ever serving his Majesty in any capacity for the future as an Officer.