"Sailors in those days must have been either pressed or mad. I can't inmagine anyone of normal constitution WANTING to go to sea."

Life back then was hard no matter where you were. Life at sea was at least regular work and there was the opportunity to be proud of what you were. When ashore a proper Man O' War's man would be decked out in fine togs and have money in his pocket, a far cry from the thieves and beggars in the streets of the towns.

However, having said that, sailors in those days must have been either pressed or mad. I can't inmagine anyone of normal constitution WANTING to go to sea.

*Grin*