Hi JM
Thanks again and I now know Humphrey died, although i am still very interested in his situation.
Lets hope the archivist can help because the index entries being
Birth V1838729 23A suggests 1838 birth
Death V1839891 23A
are very interesting and different from what the church records suggest
with the birth August 1839.
I still cant see why he wasnt born on board and registered as an amendment when they got to Sydney, christened and then died. But thats me just making the story up I suppose. It fits the number of master cates 2 or 3.
Thanks to you we now know that Charles and Annabel had a daughter in 1867 and thank goodness :Dthere weren't two Charles Collier Cates, its getting confusing enough

With regard what he did to Annabel. I dont know the answer to that but suggest he left her, lost touch with her and then assumed or hoped she had died when he made his bigamous marraige.
I am now on the hunt for Annabel Cates.
Will let you know how i get on.
Terry