This was an absolutely fascinating article. It made me wonder how different, if at all, life on board one of these ships--such as the Anna of Bengal, mentioned in the text--would have been for the civilian men, women and children, including their servants. (I mention the Anna because one of the people I am following died on board the Anna; I do know that he was in poor health when he boarded the ship, however....) Thanks for bringing it to the attention of the list. Frances ,