SHIPPING

SHIPS, OFFICERS, ETC.

In all expeditions that consisted of more than two vessels, one was appointed to lead, with the denomination of Admiral; and another was appointed to keep a look-out astern, with the denomination of Vice-admiral. By day, the Admiral carried a proper signal, and by night shewed a distinguishing light. These vessels were of medium size, between three and four hundred tons, strongly built, to carry a heavy armament, and were required to sail well. They carried soldiers as well as mariners.

The officer in command of the entire fleet, was named the General, and he sailed in the Admiral. The second in command, was denominated the Lieutenant-general, and he sailed in the Vice-admiral. Both these officers were invested, by patent from the Sovereign, with power to exercise martial law; and several of these documents, granted by Elizabeth and James I, to the early commanders employed by the Worshipful Fellowship of the Merchants of London trading into the East Indies, are to be found among the East India Mss.

On board each ship there was also: a Captain, who “ruled in matters of controversy, and in sea-fights”; a Master, who, under sureties, was held responsible for the goods brought into the ship; a Purser, who was held accountable, also under sureties, for the goods on board, and who superintended their delivery from the ship; a Romager, who regulated the stowage: a Counter-master, or master's mate, who kept the keys of the hatches; and a Pilot, “to direct only in gouerning and leading” the ship from port to port.