NOTE BY THE EDITOR
While researching the naval careers of the Miller family at the National Archives in May 2006 I found that a member of the family had been there before me. In ADM36/9521 which contains The Muster Lists of Repulse in the early 1780's I found the carbon copy of a letter signed by my great uncle Admiral Sir Herbert King-Hall, which he had left in the file by mistake in July 1920. It had remained there, probably undisturbed, for nearly 86 years. Herbert was a great grandson of Thomas.
The letter which was written on Admiralty headed paper and dated July 29 1920 read:
Dear Perrin,
Yesterday I found in the Ship's book of HMS Repulse the name I was searching for viz. Thomas Miller, Midshipman who apparently served in her from 1780 till she paid off in 1783.
I want to get you to tell me how to follow it up, both forward and backwards, as I think he must be the same Thos Miller, Mid, who was in Edgar in 1784 or so.
I'm off for the weekend. I will come in and hope to find you next Wed'y morning, when perhaps you will give me the benefit of your experience and advice.
Yours sincerely
Herbert King-Hall
By Editor.The discovery of this letter raised an interesting question. To whom did it belong? I decided in favour of the National Archives and left it where I had found it.
changed March 10, 2008