Hi David,

The State Archives of NSW write:
"Deserters
If a mariner decided to jump ship or stay behind at a port, the master should have advised the local police, who would attempt to return the deserter to the ship. However, this seldom happened. As long as there were plenty of men to fill his place, the captain could save money as he didn't have to part with the accumulated pay of the deserter.

If the captain did want the deserter returned a notice would usually appear in the Government Gazette. Jim Melton's book Ships Deserters 1852-1900 lists approximately 10,000 notified desertions and other absences by seamen taken from notices in the Government Gazette and Police Gazettes (this book is available in the reading room)."

David Dwyer, did you post recently that you were going to the State Archives soon? If so, you might not mind adding this book look-up to your list?

Thanks,

Sue