Expert: Mark Smith - 10/15/2010

Question
I am researching the route, cargo etc. of a typical East India Ship travelling between England and Canton and back in the 1790s or perhaps a little before.  Ideally I would like a log or personal account that would provide an insight into life aboard.  Do you know where I may buy or otherwise access such a document?

I wish I had discovered your site earlier.  It is very useful. Many, many thanks

Answer
Hello Pip.
Wikipedia is a good place to start. If you type in East Indiaman it will give you a list of several of the more notable ships of the East India Company. Then if you click on those from the period you're interested in it will give a brief account of their sailing history. The Arniston for instance is a good example from the 1790s.
The actual ships logs and journals of passengers and crew are held at the National Library in London, I don't thnk they're available online.
Mark