WeRead Powered by ReaderPub
The history of our Navy from its origin to the present day, 1775-1897, vol. 1 (of 4) cover

The history of our Navy from its origin to the present day, 1775-1897, vol. 1 (of 4)

Chapter 17: APPENDIX TO VOLUME I
By John Randolph Spears
Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

History - AmericanHistory - Warfare

About This Book

A chronological narrative traces the American navy from its colonial beginnings through later nineteenth-century developments, recounting the incidents and decisions that produced a national sea service. The account describes early provocations and raids, the commissioning of first ships and officers, and notable commanders and cruises, including operations along the Atlantic coast, attacks in British waters, and actions on inland waters. It examines evolving organization, ranks, flags, and naval tactics, and interweaves portraits of heroism with discussion of administrative challenges. Lavishly illustrated with maps, diagrams, and portraits, the volume emphasizes patriotic motives and practical lessons for naval preparedness.

PAY OF NAVAL SEAMEN IN THE FIRST YEAR OF THE NAVY AS A NATIONAL ORGANIZATION.

Commander-in-chief, $125 a month. Officers of a ship of twenty guns and upward: captain, $60; lieutenant, $30; master, $30; surgeon, $25; chaplain, $20; midshipman, $12; gunner, $15; seaman, $8.

Officers of a ship of ten to twenty guns: captain, $48; lieutenant, $24; master, $24; surgeon, $21.66; midshipman, $12; gunner, $13; seaman, $8.

The pay of the following was the same in any class of cruisers: armorer, $15; sailmaker, $12; yeoman, $9; quartermaster, $9; quarter-gunner, $8; coxswain, $9; cook, $12.

Commanders were allowed $4 and $5 a week for rations, and lieutenants, captains of marines, surgeons, and chaplains, $4.

Prize money coming to the officers and seamen of the Continental navy was divided in shares: captains, 6; first lieutenant, 5; second lieutenant, 4; surgeon, 4; master, 3; steward, 2; mate, 1½; gunner, 1½; boatswain, 1½; gunner’s mate, 1½; sergeant, 1½; privates, 1.

Maclay notes that the first system of uniforms was adopted for the Continental navy on the 5th of September, 1776, when the Marine Committee decided that the uniform for the officers of the navy should be as follows: Captains, a coat of blue cloth with red lapels, slashed cuffs, a stand-up collar, flat yellow buttons, blue breeches, and a red waistcoat with yellow lace. The uniform for lieutenants consisted of a blue coat with red lapels, a round cuff faced, a stand-up collar, yellow buttons, blue breeches, and a plain red waistcoat. Masters were to have a blue coat with lapels, round cuffs, blue breeches, and a red waistcoat; while midshipmen had a blue coat with lapels, a round cuff faced with red, a stand-up collar, with red at the buttons and buttonholes, blue breeches, and a red waistcoat. The marines were to have a green coat faced with white, round cuffs, slashed sleeves and pockets, with buttons around the cuff, a silver epaulet on the right shoulder, skirts turned back, buttons to suit the facings, white waistcoat and breeches edged with green, black gaiters and garters. The men were to have green shirts “if they can be procured.”