Protest lodged by Wiliam Potter, Master of the barque 'Standard' of Whitby, dated 1st January 1830.
two-page hand-written draft document, with many corrections and redactions, detailing the events leading up to the loss of anchor and cable of the 387-ton barque 'Standard' in the Humber in December 1829.
The 'Standard' had sailed from Quebec bound for Hull with a cargo of timber and deals
The voyage had been uneventful until the vessel's arrival in the Humber where she anchored in the Roads. A pilot came on board, but the anchor could not be raised in the prevailing sea conditions, nor in a further attempt the next day.
Fearing for the safety of ship and cargo, the decision was taken to slip the anchor and chain, and the vessel proceeded into Hull docks, where she scoured the ground a good deal, but without any apparent damage.
a 'Protest' was a written declaration, usually made by the master of ship, and attested by a Justice of the Peace, Consul, Notary Public, etc, stating the circumstances under which injury has happened to a ship or its cargo.
Although a legal document, these protests vividly illustrate the events leading to the loss or damage sustained by the vessels
