Vancouver Sun August 16, 2008 "Young sailor's diary reveals maritime life in 1790" by Richard Savill - Bristol, England A record of life below decks in the Royal Navy between 1790 and 1833, penned by a sailor who served in the era of Lord Nelson, has been unearthed. The diary of George Hodge, a lowly sailor, contains colour paintings and the words to sea shanties that he heard sung. The self-educated seaman, who spells words as they sound, begins the journal: George Hodege, his Book Consisting of Difrint ports & ships that I hace sailed in since the year 1790, Aged 13 years" He recorded details of the ladies of easy virtue with whom he associated, and painted pictures of ships and flags as well as a self-portrait. Hodge lists one or two skirmishes, but many entries cover the mundane activities of life on board vessels. He began his career as a cabin boy in coaling cessels between Northunberland and London. In 1794, he travelled to a Russian Baltic port and on the way back was captured by the French, but was then sent home in a cartel sloop. He was captured again in 1797, but was returned home and spent months on the run from press gangs. But in 1798, he was caught and joined the 64-gun ship Lancaster. For the next nine years, he served along the west African coast and in Celyon and the East Indies. In 1808, he joined the 74-gun Marlborought and spent the years until 1812. In 1815, he returned to Britain and served at Greenwich, ending his career in the merchant navy. An addition made after his death shows he had children. The 500-page journal includes list of ships and their guns, lists of crew, and a list of 192 flag formations. These includeL "1. An enemy is in sight 2. Prepare for battle 3. Sail by divisions.. 5. Engage in enemy (If red penant shown, engage more closely)... 10. Enemy retreating at full speed" Hodge writes that he was born "In the Parish of Tinmouth in the County of Northumberland", and that his career began under "Capt Edger" who commanded the "brig Margerey" The journel belonged to the maritime collection of an American, J.Welles Henderson, who died last year. He bought it at a book shop in London in the 1980's. It is now up for auction and expected to fetch about $60,000 Cdn. Daily Telegraph UK ********************** Original Story appeared in Daily Telegraph, London, UK Diary of 19th Century British Navy life 'below decks' for sale A rare record of life "below decks" in the British Navy between 1790 and 1833 penned by a sailor who served under Lord Nelson has been unearthed. By Richard Savill Last Updated: 10:37PM BST 14 Aug 2008 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2557857/Diary-of-19th-Century-British -Navy-life-below-decks-for-sale.html ******************************