In-letters and orders received by the Navy Board

Enclosure: Extract of a letter from Captain Griffith Commander of the TRIDENT in which he denies having appropriated Beddoe's wages. He explains that in going on leave in December 1692 and when absent from his ship, Beddoe sold a large quantity of sugar, fish and other items, including Griffith's clothes. On his return to the ship Griffith found a considerable shortfall in the value of the goods [on board] with Beddoe unable to make restitution. Griffith then dismissed Beddoe and made out a ticket for his wages which he charged to himself. When the ship paid off Griffith presented the ticket to the Paymaster, explained the circumstances, and received Beddoe's pay. He denies using a false power of attorney and denies paying Beddoe any money.