Letter from James Whitworth to his wife, 7 November 1812.

James Whitworth to his wife, HMS PORTIA at sea, 7th November 1812. Their cruise is now over, and they are returning to Yarmouth Roads. They have had terrible weather but, although still a prisoner, he has been allowed out of irons. To be returned to them when they are at anchor. Asks for news of his daughters, who he supposes to be grown women now. Is still short of money, but his messmates are doing all they can for him, in return for his schooling. The captain's steward (a black man) is very good to him, and one of his scholars. The captain will not speak to him, but has told the fellow prisoners that they are obliged to Whitworth's friends for avoiding a court martial. PORTIA is the most unlucky ship on the Yarmouth station. Again they have no prizes. 6 men ran on Thursday, Whitworth was in the cutter chasing them, driven ashore at Grimsby with no money, victuals or shelter, he had to sleep on the floor of a public house, but ended up in the prison.