In-letters and orders received by the Navy Board

I had orders from Sir John Ashby to go into Portsmouth to refit and clean my ship and the next day began to un-rig the ship and went to the Master Attendant for litters to put in my guns and ballast. I learnt that the builder had resolved not to put anybody to work on board the ship until she was at the jetty head. I went on board Sir John Ashby and I told him that notwithstanding his order for the immediate fitting of the cruising ships, nothing was done. I lay 14 days in the harbour without any notice taken of me. Signed by Captain Gillam, Commander of the ST ALBANS.