HISTORY OF MARINE ARCHITECTURE.

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9. Government.

Few offences, comparatively to other fleets, are therein committed, and fewerescape punishment. The offender, if the fault be small, is tried by a courtmartial , consisting of the officers of the ship, if great, by a council of warre,wherein only commanders and the judge-advocate. If any sleep in their watchesit is pain of death. After eight o’clock, none save the captain , lieutenant , andmaster , may presume to burn a candle. No smoaking of tobacco , (save for theJiriviledged aforesaid) at any time but in one particular place of the ship, andthat over a tub of water. Preaching they have lately had twice a week :praying twice a day: but my intelligencer could never hear that the Lord'sSupper for some years was administered aboard of any ship, an omission whichI hope hereafter will be amended.

But never did this navy appear more triumphant , than when in May last itbrought over our gracious Soveraign , being almost becalmed , such the fear ofthe winds to offend with over-roughness the prognostick of his Majesty's peace-able reign.

Q q

VoL. II.

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