HMS Shorewise

As of 1791, the Shorewise was under the command of Captain Barstowe. As a 17-year-old lieutenant, it was William Laurence's first posting.

Barstowe was a coarse man who had risen through the ranks and was amply conscious of his own lack of social graces. He took out his frustrations on those who made him feel his own lack of upbringing, such as Laurence, whom he punished mercilessly.

Not much is known about the Shorewise herself, but she was most likely a sailing frigate rather than a ship of the line.