Genealogy Chat

I have finally been given the information I wanted by my brother -the keeper of a mysterious old ship's journal that has been in my family since the Dead Sea was first showing symptoms. The journal was recovered by my father in 1960 and he had the words A journal kept by Sir Thomas Munro on board His Majesty's ships Speedwell and Surprize 1758 - 1762' engraved on the cover. This is what my brother says,' I don't know where the Sir Thomas comes from as the name on the first page of the 'Surprize ' portion of the journal is Hugh Munro. There is also another name written in a different hand - John Thomas Munro, Broughton House, Hastings and a note at the bottom of the page in the same hand- died 1808 buried St Botolph, Aldgate. Whether that is Hugh or John Thomas is not certain. I have read the journal from cover to cover and can not tell Hugh's rank from it. He was not the Capatain though - that was a chap called Joseph Fraine who is listed on the internet somewhere as the Capatain of the Surprize. Hugh could have been a Midshipman or a lieutenant but I have never found an official record of him. There were also all sorts of Clerical officers and Navigational officers on ships in those days. He was obviously educated but definitely not a captain at this stage anyway. There is no mention of a visit to America but they do go to the Med and Antigua in the Carribean. Any thoughts on this? I know that Hugh Munro was married to ELizabeth and had John Thomas in 1783 and christened him at ST Botolph's.

Well you could try googling the ship's name and/or check the St Botolph's parish registers for more clues. nell

I'm going up to the Guildhall Library as soon as I can to look for Hugh's marriage - I already have JT's birth. I have some information that I googled about the ships but it only lists the captain and the size etc of the ships- doesn't solve the mystery of who Hugh was and why he was on board. I've also googled Broughton HOuse Hastings without much luck - but I will keep trying!

There are masses of records for both ships at the National Archives. You could spend a happy day or four trawling through them. Young men were required to keep journals to demonstrate their ability to become lieutenants.

Glad to hear of your find, but it does seem as though they were determined to confuse their descendants! Kate.

Is this the journal that may make us all mates of an aristo?

Thanks for the tips about the reason for journals and the Nat archives. I will go back there but I'm not sure how much they would tell me about who Hugh was? (I feel like an owl - who was Hugh...)

Hi Jennifer I haven't used admiralty records as early as this, but the crewlists should list everyone on board ship, enabling you to identify any Munros. Certainly before 1800, the records also show age, birthplace, rank, where they came from and where they were going. So you could follow an officer through the service. I can't remember if the Navy List starts as early, or if pension records survive for the period, but these would supplement the information. You could compare the Captain's log with your journal, find out how much your man was paid, read the correspondence relating to the vessels.

I'm sure you have googled to death, but did you see this carved replica of the Surprize? Lovely! http://www.invincible1758(.)co.uk/phils_models.htm (Remove brackets) pic at the bottom of the page! Merry

Maybe you should be watching the Russell Crowe film, 'Master and Commander' which apparently gives an accurate portrayal of life on board at the time...... see review: http://www.dcmilitary(.)com/navy/seaservices/8_46/entertainment/26338-1.html (Remove brackets) Merry

Thanks for the information and tips - sounds like I may find something there after all- let's hope so!