"pressed to a Man of War"

[tom505]

Can any one advise me please.

At the baptism of his daughter in 1778, the entry states " held up by Tho. Johnson the father being press'd to a Man of War." Thomas Johnson being the uncle of the child. The baptism concerned took place in Berwickshire, the next birth to the couple was recorded as having been in Greenock some 5 years later, although recorded in the same Berwickshire parish.

I would be interested to discover the name of the ship concerned and if possible any history connected to it and her crew.

I assume that if any information exists it would be found at the National Archives. But as I only have the name of a pressed crewman and an approximate date wonder if it is likely that I would make much progress in my quest.

Thank you to anyone who can advise me further.

Tom

[wendy47]

Hi Tom

I don't know if you've seen the following websites. It may give you some idea of where to look. The first is The National Maritime Museum at Greenwich.

http://www.nmm.ac.uk/server/show/conWebDoc.630

Or there is The National Archives of Scotland

http://www.nas.gov.uk/guides/exchequer.asp


Good Luck
Wendy47

[km1971]

Hi Tom

You can also search here - http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/search.asp - entering ADM in the series box. I cannot see the name of the sailor? You can enter just his surname, but of course you will get more hits.

Ken

[tom505]

Thanks  Wendy 47 and km1917 for your replies and suggestions.

Tom