CONT:  Thomas Twidle DRYSDALE :

A letter headed Hull, April 28th 1827.

We hereby certify that Robert DRYSDALE served as Mate & also as Master in our employ on board the ship Ariel both in the Transport & Merchant Service and left us from ill health on his return from a voyage to the West Indies in 1816 in consequence of severe illness from the fever during the voyage of which he died shortly after - leaving a widow and family - we believe his son to be a real object of charity.  John Smith & Co

Thomas appears to have been sponsered by William WATKINS of 63 St. Thomas Street, Portsmouth, Hants. who was  Pilot & Charles George GERMAN of The Plymouth Arms Mill[?] Lane, Tooley Street. in the County of Surry [sic] a Victualler.  They are responsible for him until his Apprenticeship is completed.  

A certificate states that :  This is to certify , that it appears from the Register Book of Marriages belonging to the Parish Church of Portsmouth, in the County of Southampton, and Diocese of Winchester, that Robert Drysdale, Mariner and Elizabeth Ruth Twidle were Married in the said Parish on the twenty fourth Day of May in the Year 1815 by J.G. Bussell [?] Minister.  Dated this twenty fifth Day of April in the Year 1817.  Samuel ?????? Minister.

Another document is headed Portsmouth April the 28 1827 and signed by Thomas’ mother.  It reads.

I Elizabeth Ruth DRYSDALE do make Oath that my son Thomas Twidle DRYSDALE was born on Wensday [sic]the 6 Day of March 1816 in Penny Street, Portsmouth.  Sworn at Portsmouth this 20th April 1827. 

There is a copy of Thomas’ baptism which shows him being baptised 3 April 1816.  Parents were Robt & Eliz. Ruth DRYSDALE.  Abode Portsmouth.  Father a Mariner.  Thomas was baptised by the same minisiter who had married his parents.

Document headed Portsmouth 27th April 1827.

This is to certify that Mr.Robt. Drysdale was Mate and Master of the ship Ariel of Hull for several years and to my knowledge he acted with the greatest propriety and much to the satisfaction of the owners of the said ship Messrs. Hammond and Smith of Hull. Signed J.N. Robinson.  Ship  Agent and Agents to Messrs. Hammond & Smith.

Document headed Portsmouth 24th April 1827

Gentlemen, We the undersigned beg to recommend Thos. Drysdale aged eleven years, son of the late Mr. Robt. Drysdale Master Mariner deceased as a fit and proper object for the Upper School at Greenwich his father having died in distressed circumstances when he was an infant in arms leaving his mother with a daughter two years old to be supported by her industry which she has done with much credit to herself up to this period.

This is to certify that the Duty of Sixpence per Man, per Month, due to the Royal Hospital at Greenwich for the ship Ariel [cannot decipher could be A Horton] late R. Drysdale Master, 340 tons. 20 Men, is paid to the 7th October 1816 and for which a regular receipt was given.Dated at the Office of the Receiver of the Sixpenny Duty (for the Royal Hospital at Greenwich), at Tower Hill, London, this 27th April 1827.  Signature illegible.

Angela:  Are you a descendant of TTD?  Would love to hear why you are researching that line.  

Anyone else out there researching him?  Would love to hear from you too!

Diana

Hi, 

Two references to Captain Tweedle who may be your guy:

Oct 1809 Captain Tweedle arrived in Oporto from London on Ship Twilight

1812 Ship Perseverence Captain Tweedle arrived Gravesend from China

Best regards

https://www.maritimearchives.co.uk/lloyds-list.html

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015005721876&seq=1...