“We have ordered bedding for six thousand prisoners to be sent to Norman Cross as soon as possible, and we expect it will arrive there before the end of this month. “As you are provided with a list of such articles and utensils as will be necessary for carrying on the service, we direct you to make enquiry at Peterborough respecting the terms on which those articles may be procured at that place; and you are to transmit to us a list of such of them as you may think are to be obtained at more reasonable rates, or of a better quality in London. We have appointed Mr. Dent, now one of the clerks at Porchester Castle, to be your first Clerk and Interpreter, with a salary of £80 per annum, and have directed him to proceed forthwith to Norman Cross. We have appointed Michael Brien as one of the Stewards in consequence of your recommendation. A supply of printed Forms will be sent to you from this Office, and you are to be allowed ten guineas per annum for the stationery.” This letter went on to authorise the agent to procure tin mess-cans, wooden bowls, platters, and spoons for 3,000 prisoners at Wisbeck [_sic_] and Lynn, and to inform him that 1,000 hammocks, 1,000 palliasses, 1,000 bolster-cases, also 5,000 sets of bedding, were on their way from London, and that the prisoners from Falmouth would bring their own hammocks with them. {40} At the end of the letter is a note as to stores as follows: Heath brooms 40 dozen Large twine 6 ,, Small twine 4 ,, Tow 50 lb. Black Paint 4 ,, Turpentine 1 gall. Boiled oil 1 ,, Scrapers 3 dozen Charcoal 50 bushel Straw 10 ton Brimstone 1 cwt. Dirt Baskets 2 dozen Cartridge paper 6 quire White brown thread 8 lb. Also 2 Chauldrons of coal for the dozen offices and Guard Room. These stores, it must be borne in mind, were only for the use of the occupants of that portion of the prison which was complete, about one fourth of the whole. Mr. Delafons does not appear to have taken up the duties assigned to him, for on the 26th March, only eight days after the date of the letter appointing him agent, he sent in his formal resignation. Mr. Dent, the storekeeper, in conjunction with Captain Woodriff, the transport officer, acted till the appointment of James Perrot on 7th April 1797, at a salary of £400 a year and £30 for house rent, until quarters could be built for him in the prison. This amount was double that of any other agent, but it must be remembered that Mr. Perrot was not a naval officer in receipt of full pay. There was a difficulty in finding lodgings in the vicinity, and the clerks were allowed 1_s._ a day extra till accommodation could be found for them also at the prison.