The full experience of life aboard a man o’ war in Aubrey’s Royal Navy is not something that can be easily summed up in a short article. It’s not something that can be easily summed […]
“Englishmen, and more especially seamen, love their bellies above anything else, and therefore it must always be remembered in the management of the victualling of the navy that to make any abatement in the quantity […]
His knowledge extends not to half a dozen dishes; but he’s so pretty a fellow at what he undertakes, that the Bare Sight of his cookery gives you a Belly-full. He cooks by the hour […]
Life in the Royal Navy had an advantage over life on land, specifically that of steady pay at quite decent rates, perhaps higher than most occupations on the shore (though not higher than work in […]
“Oh ha, ha, ha, Stephen! I can’t tell you how happy it makes me: I can take care of Tom – he’ll never be made post else: this is his only chance.” – Jack Aubrey to […]
“You refer to the swearing-in. No. That applies only to lieutenants – you go to the Admiralty and they read you a piece about allegiance and supremacy and utterly renouncing the Pope; you feel very […]
If there’s one thing Jack loves (aside from his dear Surprise), it’s gunnery! But alas, as Captain, Jack’s duties rarely allow him to take direction of the guns themselves during battle. The honor falls instead […]
Behold a delightful series of drawings made in 1820 by Captain Frederick Marryat (author of Mr. Midshipman Easy) about his life as a midshipman circa 1806 – 1812. They are definitely not “high art”, but […]
This pinch of wisdom was published in 1899. Unfortunately there is no indication about its origin except that it’s dated around 1770. It bears the impress of its truth.
This letter is written by a William Nelson, who appears to be an ordinary seaman. The letter written phonetically and without punctuations gives a rare glimpse of conditions aboard ship. It would appear William Nelson’s […]
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