Hi, I have rejoined this list hoping that I might be able to extend my knowledge about my GGG Grandfather, Captain George HEPBURN. I have received great help in the past but have a little more information now. Captain George died on board the Brig 'Highlander' in 1840 (on checking date of the newspaper it may well be 1839!) on the passage from Demerara to Greenock, Scotland. (where he lived). He had formerly been commander of the barques 'Cecilia' and 'Felicity' and, according to his death notice, "highly respected as a shipmaster in the Demerara trade". His marriage, in Edinburgh, in 1813 states he was a Master in the Royal Navy. Would it be usual to have the title 'Master' by the age of 23yrs?? If someone dies at sea I presume because death registration was not compulsory (c 1840) that it would have not been recorded at the home port? I certainly can find no record of it in ScotlandsPeople site. Looking forward to any assistance available with regard to his tenure in the Royal Navy.... :-) Many thanks, in anticipation. Pam