I thought members of the list might be interested in some of the findings of our Letters of Marque and Reprisals (LoMaR) Transcription project. This work is nearing completion and the 3000 records of ships with LoMaR against Spain will soon be available online for researchers. To apply for a LoMaR commenced with the British Admiralty. Armed with the Admiralty pro-forma the applicant (usually the owner, captain or their agent) then attended the High Court of Admiralty (HCA). At the HCA a surety / bond was required, and the declaration of the officers of the ship to the Court. What we have noticed is that the data was frequently not a factual application. Often, in the rush to lodge the paperwork the owners agent provided some poetic licence in naming the key personnel of the ship. The captains were the genuine item, but the same was not the case for the named Mate, Gunner, Boatswain, Carpenter, Cook and Surgeon. The following examples from 1801 may serve: 1. the whaler Thetis of London, of 226 tons under the command of Henry Mackie. In this case the agent at the High Court of Admiralty nominated the following crew: Thomas Tipple (Mate) - perhaps the agent viewed mates as hard drinkers George Report (Gunner) Thomas Bowline (Boatswain) Richard Chip (Carpenter) William Cabbage (Cook) George Lancet (Surgeon) 2. the ship "Withywood" : James Ball (gunner), Tom Piper (Boatswain), Christopher Chip (carpenter) John Lamb (cook) Richard Limb (surgeon) As always, we welcome those who might be interested to volunteer through transcribing or even just quality checking. Chris Maxworthy LoMaR Transcription Project