Ian, Your probably correct. I have been told that a local newspaper article dated 1876 in Swansea stated he was found drunk by a local constable. Around that time many a Fireman were taken on without any previous sea experience if he absconded from the regisment he probably got away with it on his previous ship being registered in London. But not joining a locally registered ship from his home town, or was he was due for call up and his wife told them he had gone to sea. These stories makes indexing mariners a little less boring. Regards Bryan www.swanseamariners.org.uk