Frances I asked a friend who runs a shipping website and this is what he replied: Have to admit I have never heard of Farrington's. He could try the library of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), or Greenwich (NMM), of course. Personally, I would opt to consult Lloyd's Register if only the master's name is required, otherwise Farrington's sounds as though it gives additional information. There is a website of EIC ships with basic info at: http://www.eicships.info/ships/shipsearch.asp which shows there was no Forst. Following Frances's logic, the most probable ship therefore is: Fort William 798 tons, EIC service 1785-1802 On the same eicships site, I see they are developing a databases of EIC seafarers and ship voyages. Might be a good place for Frances to make enquiries. Hope this helps. Best wishes Penny