Catalogue description Oath sworn by John Billington, Gunner of the Lugger Violet in Portsmouth harbour, before...

Oath sworn by John Billington, Gunner of the Lugger Violet in Portsmouth harbour, before Commissioner Grey. On 26 November while on the Hull Sloop Sylph, with the Violet's Gunner and Pilot, I saw 2 dogs in an act of nature on the gangway of the Barbadoes, which was alongside the Sylph. I then saw Abel Ashurst, Boatswain of the Barbadoes, on the gangway of that ship, calling for water to throw on them. He also tried to separate them by violent means, but without effect. The Boatswain then left the Sylph, returning immediately with a loaded pistol and shot the dog..

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