MMBC Schoolnet: Life on Board in Cook's Day

L IFE ON B OARD

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CONDITIONS ABOARD NAVAL SHIPS rightslash

Naval officers began their careers as midshipmen, usually at age 13 or 14, and then progressed to lieutenant. Most midshipmen came from influential or well-placed families. Occasionally, a young seaman would be promoted to midshipman for an outstanding act of seamanship or bravery. Those who had not made this rank worked under extremely difficult conditions. Since few men volunteered to become ordinary seamen after hearing stories of brutality, bad food and low pay, men were selected from prisons and literally kidnapped off the street by press-gangs to form crews. At the management level, few Naval Board members cared about or understood conditions or requirements at sea.

A typical recruiting poster in Cook's day

A press gang recruiting new sailors

O'er the bows: Refers to an officer who has worked his way up as a sailor

Uniform of a midshipman ca. 1800

In through the cabin window: Refers to an officer who has bought his commission

Aside from potential death by drowning (few, including Cook, were able to swim) or being injured in some way in battle, these men faced conditions that were by today's standards deplorable. Men could die from simple illnesses because medicine was limited and often ineffective. Below decks, where the atmosphere was damp and foul from sweat and bilge water, they shared their living quarters with rats, insects, casks, guns, shot and other gear. Each sailor was allowed one seachest which served as locker, seat, desk, and table and was allotted approximately 14'' of space in which to swing his hammock. If he was over 5'6'' tall he could not stand upright below decks.

One-legged sea-cook by Rowlandson

The only perks were the provisions of tobacco and alcohol. Up to two pounds of tobacco was allotted per month per man and each man was allowed one litre of beer a day. When the beer ran out, the men were allowed half a pint of rum or brandy (which was sometimes mixed with beer and called 'flip').

Tobacco and clay pipe

HEALTH

The greatest threat to the health of a sailor in Cook's day was a severe lack of vitamin C. Characterized by bleeding gums and loss of weight, this affliction later known as scurvy was brought on by poor diet.

Since it obviously befitted Cook to have a healthy and happy crew, he instituted a regimented diet that included:

fresh vegetables when available
fresh meat when available
salt pork
sauerkraut

Cook also kept his ships as clean as possible, believing dirt transmitted disease.
Ship's surgeons had only a medicine chest filled with various tonics. The operating table was likely someone's seachest.

Medicine chest

DISCIPLINE rightslash

Although he was a very humane captain for his time, Cook used the traditional Cat O' Nine Tails as punishment (hence the term letting the cat out of bag) for theft and attempted desertion (a common occurrence for this time) and once had a man flogged for failing to eat part of his food ration. Cook also kept armed marines on board his ships to enforce discipline if needed.

Cat-o'-nine tails mmbc collection

Learning from the experiences of earlier captains such Cook, George Vancouver maintained strict rules and orders on board ship to keep his men from getting into unfortunate circumstances. His men received clear guidance for situations involving contact with First Nations peoples:

PROCLAMATION
The principal, and indeed sole design, of the Discovery and Chatham calling at the islands in the Pacific Ocean, being to acquire such refreshments as those islands may be found to afford; and as these refreshments are to be purchased with articles which Europeans esteem of little value; ---if each individual be permitted to make such bargains as he may think proper, not only the value of these articles will soon be reduced in the estimation of the Indians, but, until a proper and good understanding be established between the natives of the different islands, and ourselves, it may subject us to such disturbances as may be attended with the most fatal consequences...
It is, first, strictly enjoined, that no officer, seaman, or other person, in such commerce with the Indians, do give such articles of value, for any article of curiosity, as may tend hereafter to depreciate the value of iron, beads,...
Secondly, That every fair means be used to cultivate a friendship with the different Indians, and on all occasions to treat them with every degree of kindness and humanity.
Thirdly, As proper persons will be appointed by the respective commanders to trade with the natives, for the necessary provisions and refreshments; it is strictly enjoined that no officer, seaman, or other person, excepting him or them so appointed, do on any pretense, presume to trade, or offer to trade, for any article whatever, until permission shall have been granted for so doing.
Fourthly, Every person employed on shore, on any duty whatever, is strictly to attend to the same; and if it should appear that by neglect, any of the arms, working tools, boats furniture, or other matters committed to the charge of one or more persons, be lost, or suffered to be stolen, the full value of the same will be charged against his, or their wages, and he will likewise suffer other punishment, as the nature of the offense may deserve...
Lastly, The same penalty will be inflicted on every person, who shall be found to embezzle, or be concerned in embezzling, or offering to trade with, any part of the ship's or boat's stores, furniture,... be these of what nature soever.
Given on board his Majesty's sloop Discovery, at sea, the 25th of December, 1791.
(Signed)
George Vancouver

From "A Voyage of Discovery to the North Pacific Ocean" by George Vancouver, 1810, pp. 221-223.