An Introduction to British Ships in Indian Waters: Their Owners, Crew and Passengers

Information on various aspects of Marine Transport in Indian Waters is very fragmentary and it is a tribute to Richard’s analytical powers and his assimilation of facts that a very worthwhile manual has been produced. The 2nd edition of this very popular book is more than half as big again as the 1st edition with more information about the East India Company’s ships after the end of the Company’s monopoly in 1831.

Part I: the East India Company’s Maritime Service. Part II: Country Ships. Part III: A note on Interlopers. Part IV: The Marine Service. Part V: Independently owned commercial (steam) Ships.

Other matters including: Coverage of the Company’s Extra Ships, Use of Lascar Seamen and the Company’s concern for their welfare. The Guide also throws a strange light on the way Country Ships could morph into ships of the Danish Company and back again. In addition, the British Library has renumbered some of their Records and the new edition reflects the Numbers now in use. All the new material is illustrated by examples from the different documents which gives an authentic feeling for the Men and the Ships.An Introduction to British Ships in Indian Waters: Their Owners, Crew and Passengers is an essential manual for anyone researching Marine Transport in Indian Waters.