1846 Merchant Seaman's Record

[Manila Jack]

I've just got some merchant seaman's records for my great great grandfather, Benjamin Winn from Findmypast. The entry in the book/register gives reported voyages "out" and "home" for the years 1846, 1847 and 1848. However, the entries appear to be in some sort of numerical code. For example for 1846 is"281.447" for out and home and underneath that, also in 1846, it looks like "62.31.1" in the out column and "62.31.12" in the home column. Does anyone have any idea how I can crack this code?

[dickiesam]

Hi,
Haven't seen the record but number sequences like that are usually the individual ID numbers of the ships. However, the ID system didn't start until about 1855. See here for information and to decode them: http://www.crewlist.org.uk/data/vesselsnum.php

If they aren't coming out as ID numbers, why not scan a portion of the record with a good helping of numbers and post the image here for many eyes to see.

[Manila Jack]

Thanks DS,

The number sequence doesn't match those required in the link you posted. How do I attach a copy of the record?

[dickiesam]

Thanks DS,

The number sequence doesn't match those required in the link you posted. How do I attach a copy of the record?

It is not possible to upload images direct to the forum. It is done via Photobucket, a free image hosting website.
1) If you are not already a member paste http://photobucket.com/ into your browser and join the site.

2) Make sure the image scan is the best quality image you can manage and is a reasonable size. If necessary you should crop the image to show only the part that is being queried, such as a name. If you don't have an image cropping utility you can use the one on the Photobucket site.

3) Follow the on-screen instruction to upload your picture to the site. Save the picture to your 'album'. When you run the mouse over the picture a small drop-down menu will appear. Left-click on the IMG Code in that menu. A yellow box flashes up, with Copied written in it.

4) Now go to the 'Post a reply' box on the forum topic where you want show your photo. Write your message then page down one or two lines. Place the cursor at the left of the message window, right-click the mouse and select Paste. This will paste the code that you copied from Photobucket into your message. The picture will not immediately appear. It only comes up when you click Preview to see your image before you submit your message or click Submit to send the message and image to the forum topic.

[Manila Jack]

This is an image of the register page. I haven't yet been able to find out what the numbers mean.
I would be grateful for any assistance.

[dickiesam]

Hi,
I can't decipher those numbers but because they predate the ID numbers for ships I did a bit of googling and found this on a FamilySearch site..
https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki ... Records%29

Quote from this site:
"Multiple fields for entering multiple voyages, which include a code for the ship’s name, and destination of the voyage".

This may mean that the destination of a vessel was given in a code form and the place of departure may be also indicated in a code. There would be no problem deciphering someone's cramped writing of the port and country into that small space, just a number. Now hunting for a code book!

EDIT TO ADD:
Just found a code book that might help. It's in PDF from this site:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... CF8be0YdBQ

[MaryA]

Well done DS, another result that might prove useful in the future. I know it should be easily found on the National Archives site but please post a link on the websites board for Abbreviations in merchant seamen's records.

[dickiesam]

Well done DS, another result that might prove useful in the future. I know it should be easily found on the National Archives site but please post a link on the websites board for Abbreviations in merchant seamen's records.

Done! Thanks for the nudge....