H.M.S.Cornwall was a 3rd rate ship which had a normal compliment of 600 men, but at the time Samuel joined the ship, numbers were swelled to over 1200 by supernumeries borne on what was euphemistically called Admiral's Orders, but in reality meant pressed into service.

Samuel was brough aboard on the tender Prosperous. Below is information which relates to the time that Samuel was on board, extracted from the ship's muster books which are kept at the Public Record Office at Kew.

CORNWALL. Compliment 600 men. Began wages & Sea Victualling the 17th March 1777. 18th March 1777 came from Chatham to Black .... , the 19th July 1777. Saild thence the 4th November following in Sea Victualling.

1777	Aug	9	Nore
		17	Samuel joined the ship
		23	Samuel transferred to H.M.S.Aurora
		24	At sea.