§
The following is a Copy of the Sentence passed upon Lieutenant Richards
At a Court Martial, held on board his Majesty's Ship Pompée, on Tuesday the 18th, Wednesday the 19th, and continued on hoard his Majesty Ship Captain on Thursday the 20th July, 1809;—
§ "Present, William Charles Fahie, esq. Captain of his Majesty's ship' Pompée, and second officer in command of his Majesty's ships and vessels in Carlisle Bay' Barbadoes, president: Captains, James, Athol Wood, Volant Vashon Ballard Christopher John Williams Nesham, and Charles Dilkes: Matthew Anderson, deputy Judge Advocate.
§ The Court, pursuant to an order from the hon. sir Alexander Cochrane, K. B. rear admiral of the Red, and Commander in Chief of his Majesty's ships and vessels at Barbadoes, the Leeward islands, &. &. dated the 15th day of July 1809, and directed to William Charles Fahie, esq. captain of his Majesty's ship Pompée, and second officer in the command of his Majesty's ships and vessels in Carlisle bay, Barbadoes, having been duly sworn, proceeded to the Trial of lieutenant William Richards, belonging to his Majesty's sloop Dart, agreeable to an order from the hon. sir Alexander Cochrane, K. B. rear admiral of the Red, and commander, chief of his Majesty's ships and vessels at Barbadoes, the Leeward islands, &. &. 1037 &. dated the 15th of July 1809; to investigate and enquire into the whole of the relative circumstances which occurred On the day of' the death of John Robinson, belonging to his Majesty's ship Pompée, then a supernumerary on board his Majesty's sloop Dart, and which happened on or about the 17th of November last, on board his Majesty's said sloop Dart, and to try him, the said lieut. William Richards, for his conduct on the occasion:
§ "The Court, having heard the evidence in support of the prosecution, as well as what the prisoner, lieutenant William Richards, had to offer in his defence, and the evidence adduced on his behalf; and very maturely and deliberately weighed and considered the same, is of opinion, that there was no malice on the part of the prisoner, lieutenant William Richards, towards the deceased John Robinson, or any intention to cause his death, and doth therefore acquit him lieutenant William Richards, of the death of the deceased John Robinson: But the court is of opinion, that the conduct of the said lieutenant William Richards was negligent in leaving the Dart at the time he was commanding officer, without a commissioned officer, and in not having placed proper and sufficient sentinels over the deceased John Robinson while in irons.
§ "And the Court is further of opinion, that the conduct of lieutenant William Richards, after his return to the Dart on the night of the 27th of November last, was oppressive and cruel, in making use of so large a gag, and in suffering the deceased John Robinson to remain such a continuance of, time gagged with his hands tied behind his back: And doth therefore adjudge him, lieutenant William Richards to be dismissed from his Majesty's service, and-rendered incapable of ever again serving as an officer in the navy of his Majesty, his heirs and successors.
§ "The Court has observed with regret and astonishment, that the body of the deceased John Robinson was not only committed to the deep, instead of having been sent on shore for the decision of an inquest and interment, but also that the body was sent from the ship without even a prayer book to read the funeral service.
§ "And the said, lieutenant William Richards is here by sentenced accordingly. (Signed by the Court) William Charles Fahie, president, J. A. Wood, V. V. Ballard, C J. W. Nesham Chas. Dilkes. 1038 Matthew Anderson, deputy Judge Advocate."