The collection consists of detailed diaries, 1793 to 1803 (some of them in shorthand), and correspondence and naval papers connected with Grant’s work as a purser, 1781 to 1803. These include passes, indentures for a clerk, certificates, financial papers, lists of stores and lists of ships. There are also some financial and legal papers relating to family property in Pembroke.

Administrative / biographical background
Grant, son of an Aberdeen merchant, entered naval service as a clerk in 1778. In 1794 he was appointed as purser on the frigate HMS LUTINE (taken 1793), and in 1795 to HMS DIDO (1784). Two years later he was appointed to HMS GOLIATH (1781) and in 1789 was present at the Battle of the Nile. In 1799 he applied for an exchange to home service for health reasons and returned with the GOLIATH at the end of the year. He remained in England until 1801 when he rejoined his ship and went to the West Indies. His health became so bad that he was invalided back to England. The GOLIATH returned to the Jamaica station to reinforce the squadron under the command of Rear-Admiral Sir J.T. Duckworth in January 1803. The death at sea of Mr. Grant, purser of the GOLIATH, in February 1803, was reported in home newspapers just before war was declared against France. See also ADM 6/343/71 and PROB 11/1407 held at The National Archives.