Merchant Navy Apprentices BT150

[QuayGar]

I have found an ancestor on the Merchant Navy Apprentices Index BT150.  In the column headed "Vessel in which apprentice is to serve" some numbers follow the vessel's name. In this case "Thames 109"  Can anyone please enlighten me as to what the numbers refer to.  I had originally thought that they might be Port Numbers but this seems not to be the case. Thanks.

[HMac]

That will be vessel THAMES burden 109 tons.

Regards
Hugh

[seaweed]

Hugh is more than likely correct that the figure 109 is the tonnage of the vessel but without looking at the document in question, it is impossible to ascertain without doubt.
There were at least a dozen vessels named THAMES around in 1850. The only one I can find with a tonnage of 109 tons, is a sailing vessel registered in St. Ives official number 13487. Built in 1843.
Could you give us any more information such as the location of your apprentice, where he was domiciled etc. so we may be able to narrow down the search as to which vessel named THAMES he served on.

[QuayGar]

Thanks Hugh & Seaweed for your responses. My ancestor was James Trebilcock (of Newquay, although not stated as such in the index). He was 16 in 1845, when he was bound to J Dark of St Agnes.  Under the column headed "Remarks", Truro appears.  All this suggests that the St Ives vessel is the correct one.  I guess the next step would be to try to find him in BT151.

[seaweed]

Yes. Do look at BT151 but be aware that four/fifths of these records have been destroyed. I don't know if the  existing records are available from Ancestry.

You should also look at Crew Agreements for the port of St Ives in the pieces BT98/172 BT98/2290, BT98/1742, BT98/2020, BT98/1407 and BT98/1073. Some of these documents are cataloged under Saint Ives and others under St Ives. NMM Greenwich has some records from 1845.
The mention of Truro throws that port in the mix.
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/results/r?_st=adv&_ep=truro&_cr1=bt98&_dss=range&_sd=1845&_ed=1850&_ro=any
A trip to Kew seems likely.

[QuayGar]

I wonder if the reference to Truro refers to the port where the indentures were signed?  Anyway, thanks for all your help.