Hi Listers I have added a further 6,600 names to my database "Persons Lost & Found". These have been extracted from National Archives registers of ship deserters at Port Adelaide (1852-1876). The database can be searched at http://www.ach.familyhistorysa.info/deserters.html Mostly I worked from microfiche of the original as the book is quite fragile. All but one "A" page is missing. A number of "B" pages have been damaged by years of handling and parts of these surnames can no longer be read. Very little information is given in the registers; just name of deserter, name of ship & its master, and a date. Prior to mid-1864 the dates are only month & year. The handwriting is not good and the spelling can be best described as "creative". I have recorded the names of deserters, their ships and the date. Less than 100 have age and or origin - I have included this info. Some of the ship names do not appear in Parson's "Migrant Ships for SA 1836-1866". However I found these, often small interstate or intrastate vessels, recorded in the newspaper shipping arrivals or departures. Not all deserters remained in the colony. It is quite likely that, after a few months ashore, many, particularly those who spoke little or poor English, decided to sign on to another ship. Also, not all deserters were sought by authorities - some captains were probably glad to be rid of idle trouble-makers. As a few of the deserters were gaoled, I checked the Adelaide Gaol registers at State Records. The writing is even worse and doesn't give much more info. Unfortunately gaol records prior to 1857 have not survived. Bye Maureen M Leadbeater Adelaide Co-operative History http://www.ach.familyhistorysa.info/