JMcK wrote:...
in brackets at the side it says SMUGGLERS TIME. So.. my question is what exactly does this mean?
Did he run at Harwich and was a smuggler for 3 years then caught and as punishment put back to work on a Naval ship? ...
The idea of service on a Navy ship being punishment for being a smuggler makes no sense to me. At least, not instinctively (posh word for guessing). Especially since he's rated as an Able Seaman (one rank above Ordinary Seaman, which is the lowest) and gets promoted to Second Mate.
Reference: ADM 359/45/254
Description: Draft Letter questioning the practice of sentencing smugglers to five years Service in the Navy. Enclosure.
Date: 1825 Nov 24
Held by: National Maritime Museum: The Caird Library and Archive, not available at The National Archives
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