In the Nicolas edition, volume 5 I found this letter from Nelson.
To the respective captains and commanders of his majesty’s ships and vessels on the Mediterranean station.
Victory, Madalena Islands, 7th November 1803
Memorandum
Lord nelson is very sorry to find that notwithstanding his forgiveness of the men who deserted in Spain, it has failed to have its proper effect, and that there are still men who so far forget their duty to their King and Country, as to dessert the Service, at a time when every men in England is in arms to defend it against the French. Therefore Lord nelson desires that it may be perfectly understood, that if any man be so infamous as to desert from the Service in future, he will not only be brought to a Court-Martial, but that if the sentence should be Death, it will be most assuredly carried into execution.
What were the consequences to men who deserted, besides not being paid for not doing their work? If they were never arrested for deserting, could they ever return to England, to start a new life there?
If they decided to work as a sailor on a Spanish or French ship for whatever reason, and they were taken with that ship by the English, where they considered being Prisoners of War, or were they hanged for treason?
Could some one please explain to me what the difference is between a ship and a vessel?
Sylvia
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