Regulations & Instructions - 1808 - For the Purser.


 
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Regulations & Instructions - 1808

Relating to His majesty's service at sea.

Section IX - Chapter IV

For the Purser.

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Page 317
Article I
THE Purser being the Officer entrusted to receive the provisions and victualling stores, to keep and distribute the same to the Ship's company, upon particular and urgent occasions to purchase and provide, and finally to account for the same ; and having, with two proper and competent persons as his securities for the due discharge of his trust, entered into a bond to His Majesty in the penal sum established for the rate or class of the Ship or Vessel to which he may belong, as undermentioned, viz. General duty of the Purser

To give security for the discharge of his trust.

  �
1st Rates 1200
2nd ditto    1000
3rd ditto 800
4th ditto

600
5th ditto
6th ditto

400
And sloops, &c.

He is hereby strictly required and directed to observe and abide by the following Regulations, Stipulations, and Instructions ; and he is not to expect that any irregularity in or omission of any part thereof, or of the Forms referred to therein for keeping his accounts, will be overlooked.  
Page 318
Article II
He is to inform himself from the Captain, of the time for which the Ship is ordered to be victualled, and to take care that there be no failure on his part in timely getting the full quantity of provisions, water-casks, necessaries, &c. on board : and he is also to take care that all the provisions be sweet, good and wholesome, and that the casks appear to be sound, or otherwise to object against their being received into the Ship without a survey. To get the provisions on board in time.

To receive none but good Provisions.
Article III
For encouraging him to a zealous and faithful discharge of his duty, he shall, after passing his accounts in the Victualling Office, be paid, in addition to his own and servants' wages, for all such quantities of the species of provisions hereafter mentioned, as he may appear creditor for, by a bill, payable in the general course, or according to the existing practice of the victualling, at the following rates, viz. Allowance for the faithful discharge of his duty.

   �   s.   d.   
Bread Into which all such articles as may be supplied in lieu, will be reduced, according to their just proportions, on making up his accounts. 0 0 1� Per pound            
Beer 0 0 1� Per gallon
Beef 0 1 8 Per piece of 8 lb.
Pork 0 1 3 Per piece of 4 lb.
Pease 0 4 0 Per Bushel
Oatmeal 0 0 6 Per gallon
Sugar 0 0 4 Per pound
Butter 0 0 6 Per pound
Cheese 0 0 3 Per pound

Page 319-320
Article IV
He is not to sell, or make any undue use of the provisions or stores under his charge; and in order that the Crown may not suffer, in the event of his becoming in debt for any species, he will in all cases, wherein he shall have been furnished by the Agents for the Victualling, both abroad and at home, be obliged to pay the following prices for such provisions as he may prove in debt, viz. Nor to sell or make undue use of the provisions or stores.

Prices to be paid if in debt for any species of provisions :

  � s. d.  
Bread

Or in proportion for such articles as shall have been supplied to him in lieu, excepting wine spirits, cocoa, and tea, for which he will be required to pay the respective rates specified in the 5th Article of this chapter, and excepting also fresh beef which is always to be paid for at the highest price it shall have cost the Crown.

 0 0 4� Per pound             
Beer 0 0 6 Per gallon
Beef 0 4 8 Per piece of 8 lb.
Pork 0 3 6 Per piece of 4 lb.
Pease 0 9 0 Per Bushel
Oatmeal 0 1 3 Per gallon
Sugar 0 1 0 Per pound
Butter 0 1 0 Per pound
Cheese 0 0 6 Per pound
Vinegar 0 2 0 Per gallon

But if he shall have received provisions or stores from Contractors, Consuls, or other Correspondents either abroad or at home, or shall have purchased any himself that shall have cost more than the prices above-mentioned, he will in all such cases be obliged to pay the highest prices which the species he is in debt upon, shall have ever cost the Crown during the time of his account ; observing that agreeably to the notes against the prices in this and in the preceding article, all things supplied in lieu of the established species of victualling, as rice for bread, flour, suet &c. for beef, fresh beef for salt beef and pork, &c. will on making up his accounts, be cast into the respective articles for which the same shall have been substituted : and as it will not be possible to ascertain the precise supply upon which his debt has arisen, he will be charged the highest prices the established species, or any thing supplied in lieu, if higher, have cost ; for instance, if he prove in debt for beef, and has received fresh meat in lieu, at a price exceeding the cost of salt beef, flour, &c. his charge will be formed thereupon ; and in like manner for any other species, wine or spirits in lieu, of beer, and tea or cocoa in lieu of butter or cheese, in some cases only excepted, as particularly set forth in the next article. Or higher prices as circumstances may render fit.
Page 321
Article V
If he prove in debt for wine, spirits, tea, or cocoa, when not employed on Foreign service, he is to pay eight shillings per gallon for wine, twelve shillings a gallon for spirits, three shillings per pound for tea, and three shillings per pound fur cocoa; taking notice, that in such service these several species will never be deemed used for the service of the Ship's company unless certified in the manner directed and set forth in the 23" Article of the Chapter of Provisions. Prices to be paid if in debt for wine, spirits, tea or cocoa, upon Channel service.
Article VI
As he will be charged with, and must account for an victualling stores, viz. casks, tight or dry, iron-hoops, bags, and jars for which he gives receipts or vouchers, there will be allowed on his account for ordinary waste, as under:- All victualling stores to be accounted for.
Allowance for ordinary waste of casks, hoops, bags :
Casks   1  

For every man of the complement victualled for a month
Iron hoops   3
Bags   4
together with two bags in addition, for the like number of men and period, after the Ship shall have been absent from a victualling port in England more than twelve months. But all deficiencies, after making such allowances, are to be paid for, in Channel service, at the following Rates, viz.  
Prices to be paid for deficiencies :
    �     s.     d.    
Casks 2 0 0 Per Tun
Iron hoops 0 1 0 Each
Bags 0 1 6 Each
Jars 0 10 0 Each
and upon Foreign service, the highest prices that shall have been paid by the Crown during the period of his account.  
Page 322-4
Article VII
He is to provide the Ship sufficiently at all times with coals, wood, turnery ware, candles, lanthorns, and other necessaries. To enable him to do which, he will, in the event of the Ship�s complement exceeding 343 men, be allowed a halfpenny per man a-day for such complement during the time she shall be in commission ; but in case her complement shall consist of 343 men, or under, he will be allowed necessary money according to the following scheme, viz.  

Complement of the ship

Allowance per Man per Lunar Month of 28 days
  � s. d.
From 343 to 265 inclusive 0 1 5
From 264 to 156 inclusive 0 1 6
From 155 to 122 inclusive 0 1 7
From 121 to 97 inclusive 0 1 9
From 96 to 87 inclusive 0 2 0
From 86 to 77 inclusive 0 2 2
From 76 to 68 inclusive 0 2 4
From 67 and under 0 2 6

for the amount whereof bills will be delivered to him from time to time, by the Agent to the Commissioners of the Victualling at the port or place where the Ship may happen to be ; upon his producing a certificate according to the form (No. 4 or 5) under the hands of the Commander and Master, of the time to which the Ship is victualled, and of her being completed with the usual necessaries for that time. But should the Ship be victualled at any place where there is not an Agent Victualler, he, may draw bills upon the Commissioners of the Victualling for the amount of the sum that shall appear to be due to him, by a similar certificate to be thereunto annexed.  
The following annual allowance will also be made to him, upon passing his account, viz. Annual Allowance

  � s. d.
For a complement of 800 men and upwards 25 0 0
From that to 700 men 22 10 0
From that to 600 20 0 0
From that to 550 19 0 0
From that to 450 16 10 0
From that to 350 14 0 0
From that to 50 13 0 0
From that to 40 12 0 0
From that to 30 11 0 0
From that to 25 10 0 0
From that to 20 9 0 0
From that to 15 8 0 0
From that to all under 7 0 0

together with a further allowance of sixpence a man per lunar month for such number of supernumeraries as shall exceed the number of men short of the full complement. And in case the Ship shall bear a flag or broad pendant, or shall be employed in conducting a convoy, or be commanded by the senior Officer at Portsmouth or Plymouth, so as to occasion the carrying of top and poop lights, he will, in addition to the allowances for necessary money beforementioned, be allowed credit for the same upon the passing of his account at the rates specified in the scheme (No. 6,) on his producing the certificates there prescribed. Further allowances when carrying top and poop lights.
Page 325
Article VIII
He is to keep an exact Muster-book of the time of entry, appearance, and discharge of every person belonging to or borne on the books of the Ship, noting therein the cause of such discharge, whether it be death, desertion, or otherwise, and further noting any absence in the time, whether by sickness, with or without leave, or lent to other Ships ; which book, together with the Slop-book directed by the 11" Article, will enable him to vouch the tickets, pay or other lists, made out by the Captain for the wages or discharge of any man or men, whether part of the complement or supernumerary. He is also carefully to note down on the front of the said Muster-book, the times of beginning and ending sea victualling. To keep an exact Muster Book, to enable him to vouch tickets, pay or other discharge lists.
Page 326
Article IX
He is likewise to keep, and produce by passing his victualling Accounts, a book wherein the appearance on board, and discharge of every man, shall be noted, and. exactly correspond with the Ship's Muster-books ; as without it he will not be allowed the victualling of any man, whether part of the complement or supernumerary : taking notice that lists of all people borne as part of the complement need only be signed by himself ; but all lists of supernumeraries must be certified by the Captain ; and as he is to produce the Captain's Warrant for bearing and victualling them, so if the same be done in pursuance of orders the Captain has received, he is also to procure from him and produce attested copies of all such orders, and be very particular in placing against the name of each supernumerary, from whence he was received; and where discharged to, as in the form for keeping a list of supernumeraries (No. 7) ; and on the front of the book thus directed to be kept, as well as of the Muster-book, he is carefully, to note the time of beginning and ending sea victualling, as. also short allowance, with the nature and quality of the said allowance, and what money has been paid on that account. To keep a victualling book, and deliver the same into the Victualling Office for passing his accounts.

How to be certified.

To produce orders for victualling supernumeraries.
Page 327
Article X
He is to keep a book of all men sent sick out of the Ship, mentioning in proper columns their numbers on the Ship's books, names, and other circumstances, as directed in the form of a sick-book (No. 8) which is to be delivered into the Office of the Comptroller of the Navy. To keep a sick-book
Article XI
He is to keep a book, under the denomination of a Slop-book, wherein he is to make distinct and separate entries of the particulars and value of the slop clothes bedding, dead men's clothes and tobacco, issued or supplied to the Ship's company, as prescribed for the Commander in the Instructions relating to Slop Clothes, and conformably to the forms therein referred to ; and he is in ell respects to govern himself in receiving and issuing slop clothes, bedding. dead men's clothes, and tobacco, by the Instructions at large under the chapters of Slop Clothes and Tobacco ; observing, in addition thereto, that for passing his accounts he is to deliver into the proper offices, correct and perfect lists, agreeing in time and in amount of issues, with the Ship's Pay-books. In case of the loss of the Ship, he is to use his utmost endeavours to preserve his slop-book and muster-book, so that pay-books may be made out, and the defalcations set off set off therefrom, in the event of the Captain's slop and muster books being lost. To keep a Slop-book as set forth in the Slop instructions.

To preserve the Slop and Muster books, if possible, in case of the loss of the Ship.
Page 328
Article XII
He is to keep a book wherein, as far as possible, every separate package of provisions, &c. with the marks, numbers and contents thereof, time when, from whence, and from whom received, is to be correctly entered, as per Form (No. 9) ; and each and all such entries, the species being kept distinct, are to be totalled or added up, so as exactly to agree with the vouchers given for the same, as well in time as quantity; and at the end thereof he is to enter the stores he is to be charged with, whether casks, hoops, bags or jars, allowing one line for each article, and noting the provisions they contain, or that the casks. are for water, as the case may be. And in like manner, the time of expenditure of each package is to be set off against it, noting particularly the cause or occasion, if not applied to the use or service of the Ship's crew ; which book he must deliver, signed by himself, into the Victualling Office, with the other books and papers necessary for passing his victualling account ; observing that the delivery thereof will in no ease, excepting a total loss of the books and papers, be dispensed with. To keep a number and content book, the delivery of which, into Office for passing his accounts not to be dispensed with.
Page 329
Article XIII
He is never to sign any accounts, books, lists, tickets, receipts or vouchers for provisions or victualling stores, before he has so thoroughly examined and considered them as to be satisfied of the truth and correctness of every particular contained therein ; and if at any time discovery shall be made, that he has signed, or knowingly suffered or procured others to sign, a collusive or false ticket, lists, voucher, or vouchers of any kind, be will be discharged from his employ as a Purser, be deemed unfit ever to be entertained as an Officer in His Majesty's service, will absolutely forfeit all the wages due to himself and servant to the time of his dismission, together with all such sum or sums of money, benefit, advantage, or emolument, as might otherwise arise and become due and payable to him for tobacco or slops issued to the Ship's company, or on the balance of his victualling account, and will also be subject to such pains and penalties as a court martial may inflict upon him. To be careful in signing papers.

Penalty if detected in signing or suffering others to sign false vouchers.
Article XIV
He is to see that every circumstance respecting his charge be duly entered in the Log-book, as directed in the Master's or any other part of the General Instructions, and, he is to be equally careful that the directions in Article 26th of the Chapter of Provisions, directing quarterly accounts to be transmitted, are fully and exactly complied with, so far as depends on him ; as no credit for water purchased, for provisions or stores returned, lent, cast by survey, lost by accident or action with the enemy, or for extra expense of cask, hoops, staves, &c. will be allowed on his account, unless the same are regularly entered and certified in the account for the quarter wherein such claims arise, and also in the General Quarterly Account directed, in the said article, to be delivered by him for passing his accounts: wherein must be noted, by what conveyances the several accounts constituting the whole, were transmitted to the Victualling Office. To see every circumstance respecting his charge entered in the Log-book ; and that the directions contained in the 26th Article of the Chapter of Provisions be duly complied with : Penalty of omission.
Page 330
Article XV
He is to take special care, that the receipts or expenditure of provisions or victualling stores, in one quarter, be not blended with those of another; but that in all cases vouchers be given or taken, and accounts be made up, for each quarter separately and distinctly ; and it is to be noticed, that the quarters are officially deemed to close on 31st March, 30th June, 30th September, and 31st December, in every year. Not to blend the receipt of expenditure of provisions or victualling stores in one quarter with those of another.
Page 331
Article XVI
In case he should be appointed to succeed another Purser, he is to procure from him, or, in the event of his absence or decease, from his Steward, a particular and satisfactory account of the time when, place where, and person from whom, the provisions on board were received, together, with the time of warranty; so that he may be enabled fully to comply with the latter part of Articles 19 and 20 of these Instructions: but if from unavoidable circumstances such account cannot be obtained, the persons directed to transfer the charge of provisions, &c. to him, are to certify the same, under their hands, at the foot of the report of the survey, with the reasons of prevention, in order that due and early notice may be had in the Victualling Office, and the accounts of his predecessor or himself be regulated thereby, as circumstances may render fit: and the report of surveyors in this, and in all cases of surveys on provisions or victualling stores, must be noticed in the Log-book, by inserting therein the quantity of each article, with any observations that may appear necessary. If appointed to succeed another Purser to procure an account of when, where and from whom the provisions were received, with the time of warranty ; but if such account cannot be obtained the Surveyors to certify the reason.
Page 332
Article XVII
If be shall receive one species. of provisions in lieu of another, as rice far bread, pease, or oatmeal ; calavances for pease, oil for butter, butter for butter and cheese, &c. and the same shall not be expressed in the vouchers given by him to the persons who furnish. the same, as well as. in his accounts, including his voluntary charge hereafter: directed in Article 47, he will be deemed guilty of signing false vouchers, and incur the penalties mentioned in the, 13" Article of these instructions. When one species of provisions is issued in lieu of another, the same to be expressed in all the vouchers and accounts.
Article XVIII
He is never to expect any. allowance for leakage of wine, oil, or spirits, but to see that the casks or jars be sound and full at their coming on board (or otherwise to object against their being received into the Ship without a survey) and to be answerable for the keeping of them afterwards; there being proper and convenient places set apart in the hold for securing the said liquors from any abuses, and which are not to be applied to any other purpose whatsoever. No allowance for leakage of wine, oil , or spirits.
Page 333
Article XIX
He is carefully and frequently to look into the stowage, good order, and preservation of the provisions, and to issue out first such part thereof as he shall perceive most liable to decay, or which shall have the marks of old provisions; informing the Master from time to time, that they may be kept at hand� as directed is that officer�s instruction. To see the provisions well stowed and the oldest first expended.
Article XX
If any of the provisions prove defective, or unfit for use, he is to acquaint the Captain, in writing, therewith, who shall immediately procure a warrant from the Commander in Chief, or give one himself (in case no other Ship, or Senior Officer, be in company) directed to three or more Commission or Warrant Officers to survey the same; who, after duly inspecting the provisions complained of and obtaining information from him of the time when, place where, and person from whom the same were received on board, either by himself or predecessor, and also of their warranty, provided they are under any, are to draw out a report of the condition of the said provisions upon the back of the warrant, according to the form (No. 10) at the end hereof; and he is to take notice that any informality, omission, or interlineation of the particulars directed to be set forth in the said report, will exclude him from having any part of the provisions so condemned, allowed upon his accounts ; observing further, that marks and numbers are distinct and separate things, and must be mentioned so accordingly. Defective provisions to be surveyed.
Page 334
Article XXI
All provisions under warranty are to be surveyed within seven day of, or as near as possible to, the expiration thereof, to the end that if they are found defective, the value may be charged on the persons by whom the same were supplied : and as he will be charged with the same in case of neglect, he is on all occasions to apply timely to his Captain or Commander for such survey ; but as it may not always be practicable for the Commander to apply to a senior Officer in due time, the survey may be taken by the Officers of the Ship under his warrant, although other Ships are in company, he stating therein why application could not be made to a senior Officer or the Officers of other Ships called to assist thereat. Provisions under Warranty to be surveyed seven days before the expiration thereof. In case of neglect to be charged to the Purser.
Page 335
Article XXII
If the Ship at the time of survey is at or near any victualling port, he is not to suffer any condemned provisions to be thrown overboard, but to return the same to the Agent or other instrument of the victualling. The same measure he is to pursue, if the Ship be at, sea and an Agent be in company; but if there be no Agent or be shall refuse to receive the condemned provisions, the reason whereof certified by him is to be produced under his hand by the Purser, and the Surveyors shall give their opinion that the same are not safe, nor fit to be kept on board nor can be made so by packing in tight casks until opportunity may offer to return them, the express reasons whereof they are likewise to certify and set forth at large in the report of survey, he is then to suffer the said provisions to be thrown overboard (butter, as in the next article, excepted) taking the certificate of the Captain and Surveyors of the species and quantity so thrown away ; and of their having been so disposed of by the Captain's order, all which are to be expressed in words at length at the foot of the said survey ; but he is to observe that no credit will be allowed on his account for any species or quantity of provisions thrown overboard, unless he makes affidavit that, to his positive knowledge, the provisions therein stated to have been throws overboard were actually so disposed of, in full weight, tale, or measure, without benefit or advantage to him, or any person or persons whatsoever, and that no part thereof was ever after recovered or made use of : which affidavit must be written upon the same paper with the report of survey or certificate from the surveyors. Condemned provisions to be returned into store.

In what case may be thrown overboard
Page 336
Article XXIII
Condemned butter is never to be thrown overboard, but to be delivered into His Majesty's stores or to the Contractor from whom it was received, as the same may at all times be kept in tight casks, or jars, till it can be so returned : nor is it at any time to be delivered to the Boatswain, as has been formerly practised, unless the Captain and Master certify that he has no grease or tallow remaining in charge, nor can be supplied with any : in which case he may be furnished with a proper quantity by the Purser: who, on passing his accounts at the Victualling Office, shall produce the Captain's and Master's certificate, the Boatswain's receipt, and a certificate from the Navy Office of the Boatswain having been charged therewith, as vouchers for such expenditure. The Boatswain's receipt shall be taken immediately after each individual supply, wherein he shall express that he has charged himself with the butter, in his own voluntary account of stores received. Condemned butter not to be thrown overboard ; nor delivered to the Boatswain but in particular cases.
Page 337
Article XXIV
In case there shall at any time be a necessity for furnishing the Carpenter with coals for the use of the forge, and the Captain shall, by an order under his hand, direct the Purser to supply the same, he is to take duplicate receipts from the Carpenter particularizing the quantities and times when supplied, and the description of iron work made therewith ; one of which receipts, together with the Captain's order he is, within the space of one year at furthest from the time of such supply, to deliver or cause to be delivered into the proper department of the Navy Office, in order that a certificate may be granted to enable him to be allowed for the coals therein specified, on the passing of his account in the Victualling Office.

The coals necessary for the use of the airing stove on board His Majesty's Ships are also to be supplied by the Purser : for which he will be allowed at the rate o one chaldron of coals per annum for all Ships of one deck, two chaldrons for Ships of two decks, and three chaldrons for Ships of three decks, according to such price as the Commissioners of the Victualling shall think reasonable; upon his delivering into the Victualling Office, with the other papers requisite for passing his accounts, a certificate from the Commander stating the time for which coals were supplied for the said service.

 Coals for the use of forges to be supplied by the Purser.

Also coals for the use of airing stoves.
Page 338
Article XXV
If any cask of beer shall have leaked out considerably he is to apply to the Captain for a warrant directed to the Master and two other Officers (the Mates in this case to be esteemed Officers) for their surveying the same; who are to report under their hands, on the back of the said warrant, the quantity leaked out, in words at length, according to the form (No. 11) and to be very careful in assigning the cause of the leakage.

Either he or the Cooper is likewise to make oath to the truth of the causes assigned for the said leakage, and of the quantity so lost; that no beer was drawn, pumped or otherwise taken out of the said casks before the time of survey, and that proper vent was timely given.

 Leakage of beer to be surveyed.
Article XXVI
No Officers of the Ship are to be employed on surveys if any other ship be in company, except as directed in the preceding and in the 29" Article of these Instructions, an in that case a Commission Officer is always to be one of the surveyors : but if the Ship be alone in a port where there are Naval Officers, or a Naval Officer, the Captain is to apply to have one or more of them joined in the survey. No Officers of the Ship to be employed on survey, if others can be had without prejudice to the service.
Page 339
Article XXVII
He is to procure duplicates of all reports, certificate &c. relating to surveys, signed by the surveyors; and, reserving in his hands for passing his account the one with the original order, he is to transmit one of the others by the first opportunity, to the Commissioners of the Victualling, noting in his general quarterly account at the foot of that quarter in which the survey was taken, the time when and the conveyance by which, such duplicate was forwarded ; and observing that any neglect therein will exclude him from allowance on his accounts for Provisions or Stores cast by survey, in every case where such neglect shall appear. Duplicates of surveys to be sent to the Victualling Office.
Article XXVIII
In case any provisions shall be cast by survey after the time for which they were put on board to serve, he is not to expect any allowance for such surveys, unless a very satisfactory certificate from the Captain and Master of the Ship, containing the reasons why the said provisions were not sooner expended, shall be transmitted to the Commissioners of the victualling with the report of survey, and an affidavit from himself confirming the same, on passing his accounts. Provisions condemned after the time for which they were to serve not to be allowed without sufficient reason.
Page 340
Article XXIX
If on opening a cask of beef or pork it should be found short in tale of the contents marked on the head thereof; or if upon weighing a whole cask of beef or pork it should be found deficient in weight, be must apply to the Captain or Commander to issue his warrant to the master, and to one or more of the mates, to survey all the casks of flesh opened after that time, and to report, under their hands, on every cask, whether it exceeds, answers, or falls short of the contents marked on each, or of the full weight, according to the form (No. 12) ; which general survey the Master, and one or more of the mates, are, at the end of every three months, to complete by totalling the number of pieces over and short by tale, and number of pounds over and abort by weight, and by certifying the quantities in words at length (not in figures) in conformity with the form before mentioned. And upon the Purser producing the same with his accounts, and making oath to the truth thereof, and of none of the casks having been opened, or pieces taken out before the time of such survey, he will, in the event of the balance being against him, be allowed credit for the deficiency which may thereby appear: but any irregularity in the survey, such as omitting to insert every cask opened, and the marks and numbers upon them, or neglect in not duly inserting the same in the Log, will exclude him absolutely from any allowance.

If the flesh so found short either in tale or weight shall have been received from a Contractor, he is, if he remains on the same. station, to inform the Contractor thereof, and to deduct the amount of the deficiencies from the next vouchers he may sign, particularly expressing therein the quantities so deducted; but if he shall have left the station, be is fully to inform the Commissioners of the victualling of the particulars of such deficiencies, in order to their causing the Contractor to. be charged therewith.

 Casks of beef or pork short in tale or weight to be surveyed.

Vouchers to be produced to obtain credit for the deficiencies thereof either in weight or tale.
Page 341
Article XXX
If at any time whilst on Foreign service there should be a necessity for him to receive sea provisions from a Contractor. Consul, Correspondent or other Instrument of the Victualling Office, he is to present to his Captain or Commander, a certificate under his hand of the then exact remains of each species of provisions, or of there being none of any particular species on board, as the case may be : in consequence of, and immediately following which, the Captain or Commander is to make a demand under his hand upon such Contractor, Consul, &c. to supply the provisions wanted ; which demand, being forthwith entered in the Log-book, and a certificate of its being so entered, placed at the foot by the Master, are, with duplicates thereof, to be delivered to such Contractor, Consul, &c. and after the provisions so demanded are received on board, he is, on separate paper from the demand, &c. to give the person supplying receipts for the same, accompanied by a certificate from the Captain or Commander, a Lieutenant and the Master, of the provisions having been received on board in kind, in both of which are to be stated the number and denomination of the packages containing them as per form (No. 13) taking care, on all occasions, that proper reference be made in the vouchers given for provisions received, to the date of the demand upon which they are supplied ; and that the number of men; and time for which the provisions are intended to be and are completed to, be never omitted in the Captain's demand and Officer's certificate. How to demand and receive provisions from contractors, consuls, &c., when on foreign service.
Page 342
Article XXXI
On every occasion of receiving fresh meat from Contractors, Consuls, &c. the Captain or Commander is to make a demand for the same, setting forth therein the necessity for it, and mentioning expressly if to be repeated, or the supply continued twice a week (as allowed in the 19th Article of the Chapter of Provisions) during the Ship's stay in port; which demand, being entered in the Log-book, and certified by the master, is to be presented by him to such Contractor, Consul, &c. and he is afterwards to pass regular and proper receipts for the quantity of fresh meat supplied thereon, accompanied by a certificate from the Captain or Commander, a Lieutenant, and the Master, of the same having been received on board in kind, &c. as per form (No. 14) taking especial care at all times that no more fresh meat be received than the proper proportion, as nearly as may be, for the number of men actually mustered on board. How to demand and receive fresh meat from contractors, consuls, &c.
Page 343-4
Article XXXII
He is not to purchase any provisions in places where there is an Agent, Contractor, Consul, Correspondent, or other instrument of the Victualling Office for supplying the same, or when there is a likelihood of coming to such place, under pain of having the full cost charged against him in addition to the provisions: but in all cases of absolute necessity for provisions, where there is no agent contractor, consul, correspondent or other instrument of the victualling, he is to certify under his hand the remains of each species, or that there is none of any particular species of provisions on board : and having obtained his Captain's or Commander's warrant to procure the necessary quantities to complete the victualling generally, or any species particularly, as the case may require, together with the Master's certificate as to the proper entry in the Log-book, in manner set forth per form (No. 15), he is to execute the service so committed to his management with the utmost frugality; taking care that his purchases do not exceed the quantities in the order, and that the provisions he purchases are good, wholesome, and fit for His Majesty's service, and observing that condemnations of provisions purchased by him will not be allowed, unless satisfactorily accounted for. And for passing his accounts for the same, he is to produce the aforesaid certificate of remains, and an order from the Captain or Commander, with the Master's certificate of the latter being entered in the Log-book, a Certificate from the Captain or Commander, a Lieutenant, and the Master, of the provisions being received on board ; a bill of parcels expressing, in words at length, the quantity of each species and (if a substitute) for what particular article, and the price thereof, in the weights or measures, and currency of the place; receipts for payment of the amount; witnessed ,by two Commission or Warrant Officers; and a certificate from the Governor or Consul, if any, or else from two or three of the most eminent merchants of the place, testifying that the prices charged in the said bills were the current rates at the time when the said purchases were made ; and stating the then currency of exchange, and the proportion between the aforesaid weights and measures, and those used in England. If purchases are to be made by him in consequence of orders from a superior Officer to the Captain, he is to observe the rules before laid down, and the Captain's order to him is to be accompanied by a copy of that from his superior Officer. How to purchase provisions abroad if absolutely necessary.

Vouchers to be produced on passing his accounts.
Page 345
Article XXXIII
In all cases of absolute necessity for his purchasing fresh beef, he is to have his Captain's or Commander's warrant for so doing, wherein is to be stated particularly and at large the occasion of such necessity (the impossibility of procuring it from any instrument of the victualling being indispensably one reason) and whether to be repeated or continued as in the 31stArticle of this Chapter. The purport of such warrant is to be entered in the Log-book, and the Master is to certify on the warrant that it has been so entered ; which warrant so certified, together with a bill of parcels, &c. made out and vouched as in the preceding article, are to be produced by the Purser for passing his accounts; who is in other respects to guide himself by the Regulations contained in the next Article, and in the 26th Article of the Chapter of Provisions. How to purchase fresh meat if absolutely necessary.

Vouchers to be produced for passing accounts.
Article XXXIV
He is (besides entering the quantities in the quarterly account correspondently with the vouchers given for it) to keep an account of the receipt and expenditure of fresh, meat as per form (No. 16), which account, made up quarterly, and certified by the Captain, Master, and himself, is to be transmitted to the Commissioners for victualling. His Majesty's Navy, with the other quarterly accounts directed to be forwarded by the 26th Article of the Chapter of Provisions : but if it happens at the end of a quarter that any part remains unissued, he is to note the same as carried to, and accounted for in, the next quarter's accounts; in the first line of which it is to be entered as brought from the last quarter, and shewn how it was issued: and if he ever receives live oxen or sheep, and the same are slaughtered on board, he is to account for their produce, as well of hides, suet, and tallow, as of flesh, in the manner set forth in one of the Forms (No. 16). Accounts of fresh meats received, to be kept and rendered quarterly.

How to account for the produce of live oxen and sheep.
Page 346
Article XXXV
If it shall be necessary for him to draw Bills of Exchange ,upon the Commissioners of the Victualling, either for money taken up abroad to purchase provisions, or for the payment of provisions supplied by merchants, or for other services, the money is, if practicable, to be taken up by public advertisement: the Captain or Commander is to attest the bills, certifying that they are drawn upon account of the necessary, victualling of the Ship, -and by his order : and the Purser is to procure certificates from the Governor, Consul or Merchant as before directed in the 32�� Article of the Currency of the Exchange at that time, which he is to transmit home with the bills ; and at the same time, or as soon after as possible, to send to the Victualling Office a distinct account, skewing bow the said money has been laid out, together with a certificate from the Captain or Commander, a Lieutenant, and the Master, of the provisions charged therein to have been bought baying been received on board in kind. How to take up money abroad for the purchase of Provisions.
Page 347
Article XXXVI
When he returns home, he is to deliver into the Victualling Office an account current of all his disbursements for the service of the Ship, setting forth the quantity and price of every species of provisions or victualling stores bought, and the particular charge attending the same, reduced into- sterling money; at the foot of which account current, be is previously to make oath, that the several sums therein mentioned were actually paid as against each article expressed, without profit, benefit or advantage to himself, or any person on his account, either by exchange, negociation, sale of bills drawn, or otherwise; that the several and respective quantities of provisions mentioned therein, in Foreign weights or measures, amounted in English weights and measures to the quantities wherewith he has charged himself, and no more ; that they were all received on board in kind ; and that he has not procured provisions of any sort at the same time and place on his own account. And when money has been taken up by public advertisement, he is also to deliver the original tenders in writing, and a copy of the Publication attested by the Captain.
Page 348
Article XXXVII
He is to take notice that there will not be allowed on his accounts any charge for storehouse-room or commission; and as to Sloops or Boats, they are never to be hired, but upon indispensable necessity, when he is to have his Commander's order for so doing, stating the service to be performed, and why the Ship's Boats are not equal to it; and he is further to produce a certificate from the Captain or Commander, a Lieutenant, and the Master, specifying also the occasion of their being hired, the time employed, the service actually performed, and that it could not be performed in less time ; taking care likewise that the service so performed be duly entered in the Log-book, so as to correspond with the certificate. No charge for storehouse-rent or commission allowed, nor Sloops or Boats to be hired but on absolute necessity.

Voucher required when Sloops or Boats are hired.
Article XXXVIII
If the Ship shall happen to be at a place where water cannot be had without payment, and where there shall not be an Agent, or other instrument of the victualling, he is, upon warrant of his Captain or Commander, which is to be entered in the Log-book, and certified by the Master, as in the former articles referring to purchases, to purchase what may be necessary ; taking receipts witnessed by two Commission or Warrant Officers, and a certificate from the Captain or Commander, a Lieutenant, and the Master, of the quantity received on board ; taking especial care that the quantity so purchased be entered on the quarterly and general accounts, as directed in Article 26th of the Chapter of Provisions, and also in the Log-book, as directed in the Master's Instructions. Water may be purchased if not otherwise to be obtained.
Page 349
Article XXXIX
He is not to suffer any extra expenditure of casks without an order in writing from his Captain or Commander; and he is to take notice that casks used for washing-tubs, steep-tubs, or by the cook, are included in the ordinary allowance for waste, and are not to be deemed an extra expense. Neither are the casks made use of in the tops or quarters, that are not cut, to be looked upon as expended, nor the iron hoops on those cut to stand between the guns. And if the casks prove defective where there is no opportunity of returning them into store, and receiving better, he shall employ his cooper to repair and new trim, or convert and reduce them if necessary from one denomination to another, without any charge to His Majesty for workmanship; and shall keep an account of the consumption of casks, staves and iron hoops in consequence thereof, and of the extra expense for other services ; which account, with his affidavit to the truth thereof and the Captain's and Master's certificates of the badness of the casks, and necessity for trimming, repairing, or converting them, of the quantity so trimmed, repaired or converted, and of any extra expense, according to the form (No. 17,) he is to produce at the Victualling Office on the passing of his accounts ; taking care that each expenditure be duly noted to the quarterly account and Log-book. To be careful of the casks in regard to the extra expenditure.

To repair and new trim them on board if necessary.
Page 350
Article LX
If any loss shall happen in the provisions or victualling stores by action with the enemy, or other unavoidable accident, he is to see that the same be inserted and particularly described in the Log-book, and also entered in the quarterly account of provisions returned, &c. and he is to procure a certificate from the Captain or Commander, a Lieutenant, and the Master, stating the particulars of what were so lost, and the occasion thereof, that it did not happen through the neglect or default of any person whatever, and that no part of what was so lost could possibly have been saved ; which certificate, confirmed by his own oath, he is to produce on the passing of his accounts. How to be allowed for stores or provisions lost.
Article LXI
When, by his Captain's order, he has victualled other Ships� men, not borne on his Ship's books, he is to demand repayment of the same in kind from the Purser of the Ship to which they belong ; and in case of refusal, he is to put the men on the Supernumerary List, and to send by the first opportunity, to the Commissioners of the Navy, a perfect list of the men's names, and time of victualling, certified by his Captain, in order to the men being chequed for victuals on the books of the Ships to which they belong. How to be paid or allowed the victualling of other ships� men.
Page 351
Article LXII
If at any time it shall be found necessary to lend provisions or victualling stores to any other of His Majesty's Ships, he is previously thereto to have an order from the Captain or Commander for the same, duly dated, particularly expressing the station of the Ship (as to latitude and longitude if at sea,) at the time, and the necessity for the loan, which, if in consequence of orders the Captain or Commander has received, must be accompanied with an attested copy of such orders : and he is to procure from the Purser, receiving the provisions or stores, receipts corresponding as to time and situation of the Ship, with the Captains order, and mentioning the quantity of each sort in words at length. Of these receipts he is to transmit one to the Commissioners of the Victualling, by the first possible opportunity, and to produce another, together with the Captain or Commander's order for the loan, at the time of passing his accounts ; taking care that the transaction be duly noted at the time in the Log-book, and entered in the quarterly account, and remembering that failure herein will prevent his having credit for the articles said to be lent, although the Purser receiving them will assuredly be charged therewith. And as provisions under warranty, if condemned within the time, are charged to the Contractor by whom supplied, he is, if he lends any so circumstanced, to inform the Purser receiving them when the warranty commenced, and when and from whom the Provisions were received, and, in proof of his having so done, he is to cause him to insert the same in his receipt. Provisions or victualling stores not to be lent without an order in writing &c.
Page 352
Article LXIII
Whenever the Captain or Commander shall be desirous of passing his accounts, or the Captain or Purser shall be removed from the Ship, the Purser is to give the Captain a certificate in the form prescribed in (No. 18) unless circumstances shall have occurred to render it improper, in which ease the Purser is to represent the same by letter to the Commissioners of the Victualling. To give the Captain a certificate to enable him to pass his accounts, unless circumstances may have rendered it improper.
Article LXIV
When the Ship whereof he is Purser shall return into Port, to be laid up, vessels or lighters will, upon due application being made to the Victualling Office, be immediately sent to bring away the remainder of the Provisions and Victualling Stores. He is therefore to send with the said Provisions or Stores his Steward or some other careful Person, to see the safe delivery of them to the Agent or other Officer appointed to receive them ; and at the same time he is to send to the said Agent or Officer, a particular account, under his hand, of the provisions returned, specifying the times when, persons from whom, and places from whence they were received, and if under warranty, when the same will expire ; observing that unless such an account be sent with the provisions, no receipt or credit will be given him for them. When the ship is laid up &c. the Victualling Office to send Vessels to bring away the Provisions &c.

The Purser to send with the provisions an account of when, whence, and from whom received, and when the warranty expires.

Penalty of omission.
Page 353
Article LXV
No receipt shall be given to him for provisions or victualling stores returned into store, until he shall have made affidavit that they were received out of His Majesty's stores or Ships, or from Contractors, Consuls or other correspondents of the Victualling, or purchased by himself in pursuance of regular orders : in which affidavit shall be expressed the time when and place where the provisions were received, and that there has been no neglect on his part of timely issuing the same.

As to provisions furnished under warranty by Contractors or otherwise, he shall not receive any allowance for then? if they are cast by survey after the time of warranty, unless they shall have been previously surveyed and found good as directed in the 21st Article.

 No receipt to be given the Purser for provisions &c., returned into store until he shall have made affidavit respecting the same.

No allowance granted for warranted provisions if condemned after the expiration of warranty.
Page 354
Article LXVI
For preventing disputes in the return of shaken casks, it is to be observed that twenty-two staves, not less than fifty-five inches in length, will be received as a leager; twenty staves, not less than forty-eight inches in length, as a butt ; twenty staves, not less than thirty-eight inches in length, as a puncheon ; nineteen staves, not less than thirty-four inches in length, as a hogshead; seventeen staves not less than thirty inches in length, as a barrel; seventeen staves, not less than twenty inches in length, as a half hogshead ; and two pieces of heading shall be received as a barrel stave.  
Article LXVII
All books and papers necessary for passing his victualling accounts are to be delivered into the proper Offices by schedule under his hand, or that of his Attorney or Agent, at one and the same time, or notice be then given of such as are wanting, with reasons why they are so. Without such precautions, and the reasons proving satisfactory and sufficient, no vouchers tending to procure allowances of provisions, stores or Money, will be received or admitted, after the general delivery which is to be within the space of four months after he shall be superseded, or the Ship be paid off. And in case he shall have received any provisions or stores from Contractors, he is to produce certificates from them or their agents, of his having signed vouchers for the same. But if he shall be superseded, or the Ship be paid off on a foreign station, he is to cause his accounts to be made up in the same space of time, and to send them home by the first safe opportunity; acquainting the Commissioners of the victualling when and by what conveyance they were so forwarded. Papers for passing his accounts to be delivered into office by schedule, and within four months after he shall be superseded, or the Ship be paid off.
Page 355
Article LXVIII
With his other accounts he is to deliver one, termed a Voluntary Charge, agreeably to the form (N0. 19.) being an account of all the provisions, casks, iron-hoops, bisket bags, oil jars, necessary Money, &c. received into his charge, or for which he has given receipts or other vouchers, during the time of or respecting the account then to be passed. Such voluntary charge to be authenticated at the foot thereof, by his affidavit, deposing that the particular quantities of each species of provisions or stores therein mentioned, were actually delivered on board the Ship in kind ; that he did not receive any money or other consideration in lieu thereof, except for his own proportion of the savings of provisions, nor has ever been supplied with, or has at any time given receipts or other vouchers for, other or more provisions or stores than what are there stated and set forth ; and that he has never sold, embezzled, or in any way improperly or fraudulently applied, disposed, or made use of any part of the said provisions or stores. Voluntary Charge to be delivered with the other papers for passing his accounts.
Page 356
Article XLIX
Besides the affidavits and other proofs directed and required in different parts of these instructions, he is to vouch and substantiate all claims on any part of his accounts, by such further affidavits, or other methods, as circumstances may render necessary, the case admit, or the Victualling board require. To vouch his accounts to the satisfaction of the Victualling Board.
Article L
If he has any cause of complaint against any of the Officers of the Ship, in relation to the disposition of the provisions or stores belonging to or under his charge, he is to represent the same to the Navy Board, before the payment of the Ship, in order that justice may be done before the said Officers receive their pay. To represent any complaint against the Officers before the payment of the Ship.
Article LI
In case of his being appointed, promoted or removed to any Ship, either abroad or at home, he is immediately to write to the victualling Board, proposing two responsible persons who will become securities and enter into Bond in the usual form, and in the penal sums according to the rate of the Ship as directed in the 1st Article, for the due discharge of his trust ; observing that in the event of any failure in the execution of such Bond, whatever Balance, Bill may be due to him for such or any former Ship, will be withheld ; nor will he be allowed. to draw for, or be supplied with necessary money, until such bond shall have been duly entered into. In case of his being appointed, &c., abroad to write to the Victualling Board proposing his securities for the faithful discharge of his trust.
Page 357
Article LII
He is to be careful to present his accounts and papers to his Captain so timely, as that he shall have an opportunity of examining them minutely, and not put it off to a moment when it may become impracticable. Accounts to be presented to the Captain for examination.
Article LIII
When a Ship shall have been employed on a Foreign station more than six months, and the Purser shall have an Account of twelve Months net closed, the Captain or Commander shall, upon application being made to him by the Purser for that purpose, and whenever the Service will

admit of the Provisions being got up, apply to the Commander in Chief or Senior Naval Officer to grant an order for three of the Masters of the Squadron, whenever so many Ships can be collected, and for one of the Lieutenants of the Ship, to take a strict and careful Survey or Account of the number and contents of every Cask of Provisions which shall remain in the Ship. - of the weight or measure of the ullages of any casks which may have been opened � of the actual weight in pounds of the bread, and of the cumber and description of the casks, iron hoops, and bisket bags, which shall actually remain on board at the time of such survey; and to cause an account of the whole to be drawn out and signed by the surveyors in the manner described in the form (No. 20.) But in the event of there being no other Ship on the Station, the Captain or Commander is in such case to grant an order to one of the Lieutenants, the Master, and one of the Master's Mates, to proceed upon and take the survey in the manner above pointed out. The Purser and his Steward are to be present at, and to assist in, the taking of such survey; and are to make oath at the foot thereof, that the survey was actually taken in their presence by the Officers who have signed the same, and that it contains a just, correct, and true statement of the Provisions and victualling stores which really and bona fide remained on-board, upon the day on which the said survey was taken.

The Captain or Commander is also to grant a certificate to the Purser, agreeably to the form (No. 21.)

 Forms to be observed abroad, in taking survey of remains of provisions, &c. to enable him to close his accounts.
Page 358
Article LIV
Finally, Pursers of Ships in commission are not allowed to be paid as Admiral's Secretaries. Not to be paid as Admiral's Secretaries.

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