When mustered, he examined the men to make sure they were well clothed, clean, and sober. The junior lieutenant kept a list of the officers and men in his watch, all of whom were under his care and command. The junior lieutenants (second, third, fourth, etc.) each had command of a watch. The lieutenant received $40 per month and three rations per day. All told, the first lieutenant was a very busy man he rarely left the ship and was never away overnight. In battle, most commands were passed from the captain to the first lieutenant. During special or delicate evolutions, such as getting underway or anchoring, he had command of the ship. All others on the ship reported to the first lieutenant, who in turn made regular reports to the captain. The first lieutenant created the watch and quarter bills and oversaw the ship’s maintenance.
The smooth running of the ship depended on his organizational skills. It was the first lieutenant’s duty to see that the captain’s orders were carried out satisfactorily. He did not stand watch like the rest of the crew, but was, like the captain, always available. In the captain’s absence, the first lieutenant was in command of the ship. The first lieutenant was the captain’s second in command to whom great power and responsibility were delegated. The senior lieutenant was called the first lieutenant (equivalent to the executive officer today). 1812, American State Papers: Naval Affairs: 1: 255-263.Ī 44-gun frigate, such as USS Constitution, carried between four and six lieutenants. and Names, rank, pay, and rations, of the officers of the navy and marine corps, 3 Feb. Naval Regulations Issued by the President of the United States of America.
Captains were also the highest paid officers, earning $100 per month and the right to eight rations per day. All decisions regarding navigation, sail handling, and fighting ultimately descended from him. In battle his station was on the quarterdeck, where he could direct the action. Once at sea, the captain was expected to have the ship ready for an engagement at all times and to oversee the training of the crew. According to the official naval regulations issued to officers, the captain’s first duty was to prepare his ship for sea, which included making inventories of all stores and equipment, creating account books, recruiting a crew, and overseeing all the various tasks performed prior to a cruise. The captain had ultimate responsibility for the ship and crew. Captain was the highest rank in the navy during the War of 1812, and typically commanded ships of 20 guns or more.
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