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From: "Derek Ellwood" <>
Subject: [LIV] Lancashire-Cumbrian Connections
Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2000 21:50:42 +0100

Hello Folks

First contribution and request, hope something here for someone with
overlapping interests!

On 20 June 1849, the new barque COURANTO of Workington, Cumberland,
353 tons ,slipped from Workington Harbour in summer time conditions en
route for
Mauritius, maybe India and China, before her return to Cumberland,
U.K.. It was to be a steamy and eventful voyage for all who sailed
with the Couranto - and for those that did not return with her!

The master of the vessel was Thomas Vickers, 31 years old, a Liverpool
man. He previously served on the HENRY CURWEN, a 164 ton brigantine
built by Fell in 1842. No prizes for guessing where she was based! He
brought Couranto back to Liverpool, October 1850. His No. 2, the mate,
was John Whiteside Tolson, born Workington 23 years earlier, and he
had before served on the POTTINGER. He was discharged in Calcutta on
25 April 1850.


James Morton, 24, born Whitehaven, was
second mate - his last vessel
was the VALPARAISO, a 317 ton barque
built at Whitehaven in 1841 and
owned by Brocklebank . He was not to return with the ship as on 16
April 1850 he was unfortunately incarcerated in prison in Calcutta!
Poor chap!

William Proctor ( DE family) born Papcastle, Cockermouth 1803, was
carpenter and third highest paid member of the crew. He was paid off
in Liverpool on 29 October 1850. He previously served on the
GAUNTLETT, a 203 ton brig built Workington 1844 and owned by Peile.


Henry Brown, seaman was born Workington
about 1828. His prior ship was
CONFUCIUS. He also was paid off in
Liverpool on 29 October 1850.
Likewise Jonathan Kendall, 20, born
Workington, seaman, prior vesel
GLEANER, a 90 ton schooner built 1813 in Kincardine and owned and
skippered for some time by William Longmire - well known in Workington
circles!

Another seaman was George Davidson, 23, of Whitehaven, prior ship
Yaroud [?] Faroud [?], paid off also in Liverpool. His chum James
Beattie, 25, of Parton was paid off with him, as was William Conolly
[sic] 25, born Whitehaven prior ship RODEN, together with James
Gorley, 20 of Maryport, prior ship RITSON, a 237 ton brig of Maryport
built 1828 by the Ritson company,

Thomas Cooper, 29, born London, joined the ship as steward in Calcutta
on 24 April 1850 and left in Calcutta on 10 May 1850 when he also was
sent to prison.

Isaac Thompson, 32 born Ravenglass, cook, prior ship DERWENT, a 220
ton brig built Workington 1834, owner McMinn, popped his socks and
died at sea on 12 June 1850! If that wasn't bad enough, Thomas
Sullivan, 27 of Workington, steward, prior vessel RODEN , was left in
hospital in Mauritius on 15 June 1850.

Charles C Williamson, 30, born Deal, joined as mate in Calcutta on 25
April 1850 and saw the return voyage through to Liverpool, as did
William Lancaster, 22, born Allonby, the replacement second mate.
Other members of the crew were Thomes Maratt, 21 of Jersey, steward,
joined and discharged in Calcutta on 27 April/3 May 1850 and Thomas
East, 31 of London who also joined in Calcutta on 20 May and returned
with the vessel to Liverpool.

Couranto had three 14 year old apprentices, all Workingtonians and all
previously of the vessel DERWENT, they were:- Thomas Wilson, Adam
Anderson and Jonathan Thompson.

Like to hear from anyone regarding my mariner relatives Ellwood,
Williamson, Hannah, Proctor, McCall and Wylie. Also about the vessels
Bowes, Ann Falcon, Gleaner, Couranto and Geltwood of Workington
first cargo loaded at Liverpool for Melbourne in 1876) in
particular, together with the Confidence and Amphion of Harrington,
and the Aliquis of London.


Regards, Derek.

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• [LIV] Lancashire-Cumbrian Connections by "Derek Ellwood" <>