Nelson & His World

Following the posting under 'Transportation' in which merchants were mentioned, I think it is worth having a listing for merchanting activities.
The merchants of course used ships to carry on their trade, whether to the West Indies, East Indies or wherever.

I have researched them a bit, since a few members of my family were merchants, and find the subject very interesting. Two books I have, which I thoroughly recommend are:

Citizens of the World by David Hancock. This gives an in-depth view of a dozen or so merchant families.

The Trade Winds, edited by C. Northcote Parkinson. Contains excellent essays by experts on various aspects of mercantile life, including shipping, insurance etc.

I am keen to find out more about the organisation of convoys, and the often difficult relationship between the Captain responsible for the convoy and the masters of the merchantmen.

Any recommendations for that specific topic?

Tony,
Do you have The Trade Winds? I recall that has some coverage of the subject but will check what.
Charles

Tony,

This may help a little:

http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Convoy

Kester

Many thanks for the pointers, Kester & Charles. No, I don't have 'Trade Winds'.

Mansfield had all sorts of problems with convoys - storms, fog, merchant ships sneaking off in the night - presumably to avoid having their crews pressed as well as to forestall rivals. He resorted to firing shotted guns at them to make them pay attention to signals. The enemy seemed to be the least of his problems.