Hi - I cannot help directly in regard to this query however, about two years ago whilst cataloguing some boxes of documents for Sunderland Antiquarian Society relating to the River Wear Commissioners, I came across the following: "Unanimous Association", dated at South Shields, 2nd January 1792 - a list of 73 ships giving the owners names ships names, masters name and the burthen in keels. Considering that this document relates to South Shields and also the closeness of th date there may possibly be a connection. If you think that it is of interest then you may be able to obtain a photocopy of the document if you make contact with the society via their website at www.sunderland-antiquarians.org. Alan Vickers.